Nothing says cute and cuddly more than coming face-to-face with horses, goats, chickens, and other barnyard furry friends at one of the farms and petting zoos in NJ. Kids will love feeding the animals, and you’ll love the prime photo ops (and you might even see a baby animal if you’re lucky). From goats and roosters to horses to pigs, scroll down to find one of these petting zoos in NJ near you. And for more petting fun, head to an alpaca farm to see the fuzzy and soft creatures up close. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM, taken at Allaire Community Farm)
Petting Zoos In NJ
North Jersey
Abma’s Farm
Stop by to feed and pet sheep, cows, pigs, and more. You won’t want to miss their one-of-a-kind “Golden Goat Bridge,” duck pond, and “Bunnyville.”
Locations in Hillsborough and Wyckoff
Alstede Farms
You can pet the donkeys, horses, sheep, and goats all year round. Kids can buy carrots and animal feed to feed the animals. And depending on the season, there are farm events, pick-your-own fields, and live entertainment.
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Bring the family to Brookhollow’s Barnyard for a fun-filled day with the animals. From small animals like ducks and bunnies to large farm animals such as goats, the kids can feed the animals, ride on a real tractor, or enjoy the Thomas the Tank train.
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton Township, NJ 07005
Doyle’s Farm
Cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and more are available for public, private, or field tours (starting April 1, 2026). Their country store is on 202 in Neshanic Station, NJ.
110 Summer Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Central Jersey
10 Lil’ Acre Rescued Farm
Your kids will love to see goats, pigs, ducks, and ponies at this rescue farm. There are also several events throughout the year, including a Valentine’s Day celebration and an Easter event.
116 Texas Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Allaire Community Farm
Spend time feeding the goats, sheep, pigs, and cows that call this farm home. And if your kids can’t bear to say goodbye, consider sponsoring an animal to help feed and care for them.
1923 Bailey’s Corner Road, Wall, NJ 07719
Atlantic Farm Market
Stop by and feed or pet goats, cows, alpacas, sheep, peacocks, pigs, and turkeys, too. All proceeds from the petting zoo help offset the cost of providing food, shelter, and care for the animals at Atlantic Farms.
1506 Atlantic Ave., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Carm’s Farm
Visit this family-owned and operated farmstead and petting zoo in Central Jersey. Kids will love to visit with the guinea hens, horses, alpacas, bunnies, goats, and Charlie the Camel. Don’t forget to get some carrot slices to feed them during your visit.
296 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Charlotte Farms Sanctuary
Spend time with over 200 animals that have been rescued from neglect and abuse at this Central Jersey farm, including goats, pigs, cows, alpacas, and more.
182 Mill Creek Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
Daffodil Valley Homestead
Make it a playdate or a private tour to learn farm basics while interacting with the animals. They also offer children’s classes by appointment.
535 Beach Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Dr. Suss Stables
This year-round horse farm has a Sunday petting zoo (which will reopen in March 2026) with ducks, roosters, bunnies, chickens, goats, horses, and ponies. Ask about their private sensory sessions, too.
240 Grawtown Road, Jackson, NJ 08527
Francisco Family Farm
Check out the farm babies at this Central Jersey farm, which include Nigerian Dwarf Goats, “Peanut” the pony, geese, and bunnies. This farm hosts special event days open to the public, such as birthday parties and field trips.
85 Wilson Ave., Matawan, NJ 07747
Red Valley Ranch
Want to cuddle cute farm animals? Then this is a must-visit. The new cuddle cove (opening January 2026) is a hands-on experience where you can cuddle with their smallest barnyard friends. While visiting, you can make a feed cup for the animals to use.
14 Provinceline Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
The Farm Experience
Meet adorable piglets, playful goats, and charming chicks—you can feed them, take photos, and enjoy cuddling with these friendly creatures.
Maxim Southard and Victory Road, Howell, NJ 07731
South Jersey
Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary
Goats and roosters roam free at this farm with rescue animals. Parents can purchase a bucket of food for the pigs and horses, and kids can spend some time feeding them.
6908 Railroad Blvd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Johnson’s Corner Farm
You’ll see lots of goats, chickens, cows, sheep, and miniature donkeys on this farm, where you feed the animals and have fun in their interactive Discovery Barnyard. Don’t miss the pick-your-own opportunities throughout the year and the Farm Market.
133 Church Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Lots of Love Farm
This animal sanctuary is one of the biggest petting zoos in NJ. The farm has over 175 animals, offering kids an educational experience and opportunities for animal interaction.
1928 Corkery Lane, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Muddy Paws Farm Rescue
This farm rescues farm animals, and all admission donations cover the cost of food, care, and shelter.
17 Retreat Road, Southhampton, NJ 08088
Petting zoos within a zoo
Animal Encounters at the Cape May County Zoo
While the Cape May County Zoo doesn’t have a petting zoo area, you can pay for an experience with an animal. Book a Giraffe Encounter, Capybara Encounter, or a 30-minute Camel Encounter and get up close and personal with a Bactrian and Dromedary camel. If your kids love snakes and lizards, go behind the scenes with a zoo educator and feed some tasty treats to some of the older reptiles in the zoo.
707 North Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08210
Essex Farm at the Turtle Back Zoo
If you are looking for more petting zoos in NJ, a visit to the Turtle Back Zoo is a must. Nestled in the zoo is the Essex House, a collection of hand-raised farm animals perfect for petting. See horses, goats, pigs, and more. There is even a pony ride station for little ones.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Popcorn Park Refuge & Zoo
At Popcorn Park, all its animals have been rescued from desperate circumstances or death by the American Humane Society. When you visit, you can learn about these abandoned animals, get up close to them, and even adopt them.
1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731
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