When I was little I met a very large snake who was so dopey! Volunteers from our school (we were 5-8 years old) stood up and had the snake handed to us in a line, it was probably a common boa because their name stuck with me through the years. We learnt that snakes weren't slimey at all and were lovely things that were really heavy and strong.
This snake was really not bothered at all by anyone and calmly explored it's owner's body while he spoke to us about the snake and then happily entertained 10 or more kids. I wouldn't recommend doing that, but this guy clearly knew his snake didn't have a taste for 6 year olds.