Is there a better way to spend the day than petting and feeding animals at one of the farm petting zoos in NJ? A few farms and zoos give you the unique opportunity to come face-to-face with horses, goats, chickens, and other barnyard furry friends. Kids will love getting to feed the animals, and if they are lucky, they might even see a baby animal too. 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, visit an alpaca farm in NJ to see the fuzzy and soft creatures up close. (featured photo taken at Allaire Community Farm)
Petting zoos in NJ
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
Mountainside Stables
Families can get up close and personal with the animals at the Mountainside Stables. With goats, horses, and llamas, kids have so much fun spending time with beautiful creatures. For your little horse lovers, take a pony ride with this traveling zoo.
49 Sunset Inn Rd, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Brookhollow’s Barnyard – April Easter egg hunt dates are available, and the grand reopening is May 1
You can bring the family for a fun-filled day of animals at Brookhollow’s Barnyard. 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 cow train. Brookhollow’s Barnyard is a favorite petting zoo in NJ, and here’s why.
301 Rockaway Valley Road, Boonton Township, NJ 07005
Abma’s Farm
Kids and adults can feed and pet sheep, rabbits, baby chicks, and more. During the summer, families can also enjoy pony rides and farm tours. Take part in the seasonal festivities in the fall by taking a hayride or picking pumpkins.
700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Johnson’s Corner Farm
You’ll see lots of goats, chickens, cows, sheep, and miniature donkeys on this farm. Get a season pass that gives access to the animals and the Discovery playground. Don’t miss the pick-your-own opportunities throughout the year and the Farm Market.
133 Church Street, Medford, NJ 08055
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 education about community-supported agriculture.
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
The Barnyard Sanctuary
The sanctuary has saved the lives of over 3,000 animals, and it all started with a mission to help pet owners who had to re-home their pets. You can visit, adopt, and become a barnyard guardian to an animal in need (you need an appointment to stop by).
Columbia, NJ
10 Lil’ Acre Rescued Farm
Your kids will love to see goats, pigs, ducks, and bunnies at this rescue farm. There are also several events throughout the year, including flower sales and a bubble party.
116 Texas Road Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Allaire Community Farm
This non-profit farm is for everyone to spend time with animals, with an emphasis on programming for the special needs population, teens with mental health issues, and local families battling cancer. Equine and animal therapy is also available, and you can even sponsor an animal.
1923 Bailey’s Corner Road, Wall, NJ 07719
Doyle’s Farm
Cows, sheep, goats, bunnies, pigs, donkeys, and more are available for public tours, private tours, or field trips. There are also hayrides, goat milking, egg collecting, hand feeding, sheep shearing, and bottle feeding baby animals.
110 Summer Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Lots of Love Farm
This animal sanctuary is one of the bigger petting zoos in NJ. The farm has over 175 animals, giving kids an educational experience and animal interaction.
1928 Corkery Lane, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Rizzo’s Wildlife World
Rizzo’s is a travel-out program, exhibiting their bugs, lizards, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and many other creatures for schools, camps, festivals, and parties. Kids who love reptiles will get a thrill seeing snakes and their creepy-crawly cousins up close.
1 Gold Mine Road, Flanders, NJ 07836
Petting zoos within a zoo
Animal Encounters at the Cape May County Zoo
You can have a face-to-face encounter with various animals at the Cape May County Zoo for a fee. Engage in a Giraffe Encounter and offer them “browse” to eat while learning all about this mighty animal from an educator. Or sign up for a 30-minute Camel Encounter and get up close and personal with a Bactrian and Dromedary camel. And if your kids love snakes and lizards, go behind the scenes with a zoo educator and explore the reptile building 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 to pet. See horses, goats, sheep, and more. There is even a pony ride station nearby to enjoy.
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Which petting zoos in NJ are your favorites? Let us know!
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