The Voice of Local Utah

Utah Stories

Invite a Reptile to Your Next Party

Creepy, Crawly Creature Parties, no clowns needed

by

David E. Jensen

|

“Mom, can I have spiders and snakes at my birthday party?”

Given the popularity of three local entertainment businesses, this question gets asked–and answered–a lot. From cockroaches to corn snakes, tarantulas to tortoises, parents can provide their children the party of a lifetime by hiring these professional animal educators.

DSCF0518
Photo by David Jensen

Creature Encounters

Up-close, hands-on, tactile fun is what you get with a Creature Encounters show. Children are encouraged to touch a cavalcade of creatures including Madagascan hissing cockroaches, African emperor scorpions, red-kneed tarantulas, and an array of snakes, lizards and tortoises. 

Cary Drage is the man behind these encounters, although it is very much a family enterprise. Cary has grown Creature Encounters from a weekend business into a full-time career by doing what he loves – teaching kids about animals and how to be a good “pet parent.”

You can take your child’s picture with a tarantula on her head. Or, follow Cary’s lead and put a live scorpion in your mouth! What better way to prove that these creatures aren’t as scary as everyone thinks? creatureencountersinc.com, or call 801-860-4155.

Kim’s Cold-Blooded Creatures

Kim Lange is the woman behind Kim’s Cold-Blooded Creatures. Based in Park City, Kim manages an impressive menagerie of critters including tarantulas, scorpions, cockroaches and reptiles. Specializing in birthday parties, youth groups and library shows, Kim and her cold-blooded entourage will come to any event almost anywhere in northern Utah.

DSCF0537
Photo by David Jensen

Most children are fascinated by snakes, lizards, tortoises and insects and Kim presents them  in way that is fun and educational. Scared of snakes? You won’t be  after Kim introduces you to some of the friendliest snakes in the world! You’ll learn more about animals in an hour from Kim and her creatures than you ever thought possible. kimscoldbloodedcreatures.com, or call 435-649-9283

Scales & Tails

Enthusiasm is the hallmark of a Scales and Tails reptile show. Shane and Rindy Richins and their staff of reptile experts  are masters of showmanship, enthralling audiences of all ages with antics and jokes. While kids are having fun, they’re also learning about animals. Not just any animals, but the kind most people shy away from.

Scales and Tails is a staple at community events, where they are known for their incredible portable displays and beautiful exotic animals. Step right up and meet the resident gators – Darth Gator and Gatorade. You can even feed them.

Photo courtesy of Scales and Tails
Photo Courtesy of Scales and Tails

You can have a home party with snakes, tortoises and a really big lizard named Hydro, or you can visit their showroom. Not into reptiles? Birds are part of the repertoire too! scalesandtailsutah.com, or call 801-577-7182.

 

, , , , ,

David E. Jensen

Dave started writing in high school where he gained a love of language, communication and photography. As a published freelance writer and photographer for the past 35 years, his work has appeared in several local and regional publications on a variety of subjects. As the owner of Wasatch Snake Removal, Dave writes extensively about snakes in an attempt to educate the public about the vital role snakes play in healthy ecosystems, and the important relationship between snakes and humans. In 2014, he sent a manuscript to Utah Stories (The Joy of Snakes: The Truth About Snakes in Utah), which they published. Shortly thereafter, he joined the editorial staff and eventually became a copy editor and a regular contributing writer. He appreciates the diversity of the stories and the talented people who write them, and he credits Utah Stories with sharpening his skills as an editor.

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Join Utah Stories Newsletter

  • Utah Stories

    Utah Winter Events Calendar: Ice Skating, Festivals, and Things to Do in January–February 2026

    From ice skating at Millcreek Common, Gallivan Center, and the Utah Olympic Oval to winter festivals, outdoor adventures, and cultural events across the state, this January–February calendar highlights a wide range of activities happening throughout Utah, from Bluff Balloon Festival and SkiJoring Utah to concerts, races, and seasonal celebrations.


  • Utah Stories

    How I Lost 120 Pounds and Changed My Relationship With Food

    Throughout most of my life, I used food to cope with chaos, depression, and pain I did not yet understand. By my early twenties, I weighed over 320 pounds and felt trapped in a body that limited every part of my life. This is the story of how learning about food, mental health, and habit-building helped me lose 120 pounds and rebuild stability.


  • Utah Stories

    Highway 6 and the Midland Trail: Utah’s Transcontinental Highway History

    From Price Canyon to Delta’s desert stretch, Utah played a central role in building the Midland Trail, one of America’s earliest transcontinental highways and the foundation of today’s Highway 6.


  • Podcast

    When Main Street Burned: The Aftermath of the Salt Lake City Fire That Hit Downtown Bars

    Fire doesn’t respect zoning, property lines, or even the most popular block on Main Street. On the evening of Monday, August 11, 2025, a blaze that began around 8:40 p.m. on Main Street. It moved quickly through a row of aging, interconnected buildings that had become the heart and soul of Salt Lake City’s fledgling bar district. By the time firefighters brought it under control, multiple businesses were damaged, dozens of workers were displaced, and one of the city’s most active stretches went dark.

    The fire started at London Bell and spread into neighboring structures, severely damaging Whiskey Street. White Horse never caught fire, but smoke, water, and a partial roof collapse caused extensive interior damage, forcing a full rebuild. Other nearby businesses were affected as well, including some that had helped turn this part of Main Street into one of its most active and economically stable stretches.