Best Petting Zoo
If you're the type who wants to boop every snoot you see, then a day at a petting zoo may give you all the furry hugs you need. Whether you long to pet a llama, stroke a scaly snake or feel the fur of a kangaroo, we've got you covered with our list of top petting zoos across the nation. From farms with barnyard favorites to sanctuaries for exotic creatures that love being with people, you're sure to find your next not-so-wild animal adventure below.
These 10 petting zoos were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo |
New Braunfels, TX
Once a roadside attraction, Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is now an accredited conservation center with a dozen different animal encounters. You can feed the cutest capybaras in Texas, hold a fennec fox and of course, feel the scales of corn snakes and Burmese pythons. Photos are welcome, so snap all the pics you want as you cuddle a dwarf crocodile or hold hands with a lemur.
2. San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm |
San Diego, CA
San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm is a dream come true for the hundreds of rescued animals that have trotted, flown and crawled through its doors. The sanctuary's most-loved area is the mini-animal pasture, where you'll see (and probably squeal over) miniature horses and tiny Juliana pigs along with pygmy goats, mini cows and Nigerian dwarf goats. Then stop by and say hello to the talkative parrots in the aviary.
3. The Petting Farm at Domino's Farms |
Ann Arbor, MI
With so many pastures, barns and coops to explore, the Petting Farm will keep you busy till the cows come home. Along with seeing familiar farm faces like sheep, goats and pigs, you can roam with a herd of alpacas and llamas or admire the plumage of the peacocks that strut by. The popular Kids on the Farm story time lets little ones get to know one of the animals.
4. Bluebird Gap Farm | Hampton, VA
You can live the country life without leaving the city at Bluebird Gap Farm, where admission is free. Kids of all ages (and adults too) will love meeting and feeding the farm's horses, pigs and goats along with watching the peacocks and chickens that freely roam. Make a day of it by bringing a picnic and chilling by the duck pond or exploring the Azalea Trail nature path.
5. Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary |
Nokesville, VA
Unleash your inner horse girl at Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary, where you get to interact with rescued llamas, goats and the farm's many equine stars, including Mr. Sprinkles the pony and Luna the mule. Book your guided tour and bring along a bunch of carrots or a bag of apples (food donations are always welcome), and then have fun wandering around the barnyard of this nonprofit refuge.
6. Family Farm at Woodland Park Zoo |
Seattle, WA
Inside Woodland Park Zoo you'll find the Family Farm, a little slice of barnyard life among the zoo's more exotic residents. Your children will clap with delight as they get up close to mini cows, fluffy sheep and sweet-tempered kunekune pigs. It's a fun, hands-on way to learn about the role of farms in the heart of Seattle.
7. Petting Zoo Ocala | Ocala, FL
Go for the camels, stay for the cows at Petting Zoo Ocala, which has a large, eclectic mix of rescued exotic animals and farm favorites. Racoons, emus, bearded dragons, squirrel monkeys, kangaroos—you're sure to make a new animal friend before you leave. Camel rides are the zoo's most popular attraction; make an advance reservation to guarantee your dromedary jaunt. Want a wild birthday for your child? The zoo hosts parties!
8. Timbavati Wildlife Park |
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Timbavati Wildlife Park isn't just famous for its Safari Train Ride through the grasslands of Africa. It's also renowned for its Parakeet Encounter, filled with hundreds of colorful birds happy to eat seeds from your hand. If sloths are more your speed, you can reserve a spot to feed one. And don't forget the fully interactive Kangaroo Walkabout or the sweet red pandas, which just might sit in your lap!
9. Critter Barn | Zeeland, MI
Critter lovers unite! Critter Barn welcomes anyone who's ready to dole out affection to its farm animals, from fuzzy alpacas to curly-haired goats. The main thrust of the farm is education, teaching pint-sized farmers and veterinarians how to care for ducklings, calves and other barnyard favorites. Can't make it to the farm? The farm can come to you with its traveling petting zoo designed for private events.
10. Grand Canyon Deer Farm |
Williams, AZ
Bet you never thought you'd have a porcupine in your lap—but you can at Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Known for its walk-through exhibit of deer that love to make new human friends, the farm has lots of other creatures queuing up for snacks and pets too, from African porcupines and wallabies to mini horses and pigs. Get even closer to the animals by signing up for the Zoo Keeper program.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Amy Piper
Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. She is a native Michigander who travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 45 states and 41 countries around the world. From getting chased by bomb-sniffing dogs in the middle of the night in Bogotá to being boarding on her plane from Buenos Aires to Paraguay due to the wrong visa, Amy always has an exciting adventure to tell her readers and community of travel enthusiasts. Learn more at followthepiper.com.
Joelle Machia
Joelle Machia is a travel writer, photographer and co-owner of the Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. With a mission to inspire wanderlust, Joelle encourages readers to explore the world through authentic, independent travel. The blog offers a mix of storytelling, destination insights, off-the-beaten-path finds, photography and practical travel tips. Joelle aims to help readers turn their travel dreams into a beautiful reality. She is a proud member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.