33 BEST Michigan Petting Zoos, Farms, Animal Sanctuaries (MAP)

33 TOP Petting Zoos in Michigan – See Cows, Goat, Horses

Michigan Petting zoos are a great way to learn about nature and agriculture in a hands-on way and a family-friendly outing for any occasion. Cuddle up with cute little goats, pigs, or even calves or alpacas and learn about how animals help a farm function.

Aside from being adorable, barnyard animals serve an important purpose in the agricultural world; livestock provides us with an abundance of food, including milk, eggs, and meat.

Whether you take a road trip or day trip to get up close and personal with the animals, you don’t have to go far to find an amazing animal encounter to create some lifelong memories.

You and your little ones can feed the goats and take horseback rides at many of these animal farms. many have corn mazes in the autumn and may even offer a wagon ride or indoor play opportunities, too. You can even pick farms that host field trips and children’s parties!

Petting zoos, animal safaris and animal sanctuaries of all kinds are located all over Michigan, here are some of our favorite places to interact with animals.

If you’re looking for “petting zoos near me,” use the handy interactive map below.

Click here to use in Interactive Map of Michigan Petting Zoos

Petting Zoos in Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit

Domino’s Farms Petting Zoo
3001 Earhart Rd. Ann Arbor, MI

Since 1984, Domino’s Farms Petting Zoo has dedicated its 20 acres of land to the education and appreciation of the agricultural industry. Visitors are welcome to interact with and pet a variety of farm animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, and more. Pony rides are also available for children and hayrides are fun for the whole family.

Kensington Metropark Farm Center
4570 Huron River Pkwy. Milford, MI

At the Kensington Metropark Farm Center, connect with animals and get a glimpse at what rural living is like. Walk the grounds and meet classic farm animals like chickens, goats, sheep, cows, and draft horses. Beyond the animals, walk the grounds to discover and explore other treasures, including a 150-year-old restored barn, a one-of-a-kind green building (made of natural materials only), mazes, and more.

Bower’s Farm School
1219 E Square Lake Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI

Owned by Bloomfield Hills Schools since 1967, Bower’s farm school houses animals like sheep, horses, cattle, and goats across 93 acres of land.

Additionally, a portion of the land is dedicated to vegetable, horticultural, and community gardens that help feed and enrich the local community. The students and community of Bloomfield Hills are connected to their food source through this farm and a visit here brings learning to life.

Children’s Pony Farm
4651 Elizabeth Dr. Trenton, MI

Located in downtown Trenton’s Elizabeth Park, the Children’s Pony Farm has been a family-run operation for decades and is hugely popular with birthday parties. Packages include ponies available for children to ride, a petting zoo, or both. Photo shoots with the ponies are also favored, including themes like unicorn, princess, and cowboy or cowgirl.

Maybury Farm
501658 8 Mile Rd. Northville, MI

Maybury Farm is a working 85-acre educational farm in Northville. Over 100 animals call the Maybury Farm home and visitors are welcome to meet them. Enriching and educational activities like classes, workshops, festivals, and tours are popular, especially among school field trips.

Additionally, amenities including a children’s play area, corn maze, picnic area, and a gift shop are available for guests to use.

More Southeast Michigan Petting Zoos

Upland Hills Farm
481 Lake George Rd, Oxford, MI 48370

This historic farm was originally built in the 1920s, and was operated by the Etting family until it was purchased by Upland Hills School in the 1970s. Today, the farm is open to the public and serves as an educational center where visitors can learn about farming, animal husbandry and more.

It is home to a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens. Visitors can tour the farm and learn about the care and feeding of these animals, as well as the different products that they produce.

Three Cedars Farm
7897 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168

Located in northern Wayne County, Three Cedars Farm is a family-friendly attraction and popular cider mill. The farm features a variety of farm animals that visitors can interact with and feed, including cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks. There is a fun store where you can purchase baked goods, cider, maple syrup and more.

Chamberlin Pony Rides & Mobile Petting Zoo

Serving the Detroit area, Chamberlin Pony Rides and Mobile Petting Zoo offers pony rides and a mobile petting zoo for events and parties. They provide a range of animals, including ponies, llamas, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and more, for children and adults to interact with and learn about.

The company operates in various locations, and their services are often used for birthday parties, school events, corporate events, and fairs.

Duke Petting Farm and Pony Rides
44 Samaria Rd, Temperance, MI 48182

Open May through Labor Day, the farm is home to a variety of animals, including cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, and chickens.

You’ll find a range of activities for visitors, including a petting zoo where guests can feed and pet the animals, a hayride around the farm, and a corn maze during the fall season. Visitors can also see demonstrations of milking cows and learn about how the farm produces and harvests crops. If you’re party planning for a child’s birthday, you’ll want to check this out!

Heritage Park Petting Farm
12803 Pardee Rd, Taylor, MI 48180

The petting zoo at Heritage Park Petting Farm features a variety of farm animals, including cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

Best Petting Zoos in West Michigan

John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI

Red’s Hobby Farm at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is home to all your favorite petting zoo animals, including goats, pigs, and more. A mini highland cow named Pumpkin is the fan favorite and it’s easy to see why.

Next time you’re at John Ball Zoo, be sure to spend some time at the hobby farm for a more interactive experience with some adorable and docile creatures. Camel rides are also available here and are wildly popular.

Critter Barn
2950 80th Ave. Zeeland, MI

Zeeland’s Critter Barn is home to hundreds of farm animals, including sheep, goats, calves, rabbits, poultry, and more. This west Michigan petting zoo has been around since 1984 and has persisted through the years as a hallmark of the community. The team at Critter Barn is passionate about educating visitors about agriculture and farm life and it shows in their interactions with guests and animals.

Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
4180 M-20 New Era, MI

The Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo of New Era is a west Michigan must-do and must-see. This fifth-generation family farm is still a working farm, producing fruits for the community and providing unique experiences for guests. Visitors are welcome to enjoy their petting zoo, home to both domestic farm animals like bunnies, donkeys, chickens, and goats, as well as exotic and unique creatures, like capybara, lemurs, kangaroos, and sloths.

Beyond the zoo, however, the Lewis Adventure Farm provides unique and fun seasonal activities for the whole family to enjoy during the summer and fall.

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park – Zoo & Petting Farm
8313 Pratt Lake Ave. Alto, MI

The collection of exotic animals at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park in SE Alto is unlike any you’ve ever seen. With hoofed mammals from around the globe, including North America, Asia, and Africa, there’s no collection of ungulates in Michigan quite as diverse as this one. Stop at the petting zoo for a close encounter with goats, alpacas, and more.

Hidden Acres
50582 Pleasant St. Dowagiac, MI

Hidden Acres in Dowagiac is a working farm with a unique model. Here, unwanted animals or animals with special needs are housed and cared for. Farm animals like goats and cows call Hidden Acres home. Plenty of cats and kittens are kept safe here and adopted out as well. Get involved with the animals with scheduled activities like goat yoga, or just stop by to meet them at your leisure.

Nelis Dutch Village
12350 James St, Holland MI 49424

A popular destination for families with young children, this Holland zoo features a variety of farm animals for a handson experience. Visitors can interact with and feed, including goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and chickens. The petting zoo is part of the larger Nelis’ Dutch Village, which is designed to resemble a traditional Dutch village.

This is a great spot (and not too far from Lake Michigan!) if you want to learn more about farm animals and Dutch culture.

Deer Tracks Junction
7850 14 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

You’ll find a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including a petting zoo, a train ride, a maze, and other attractions.

The petting zoo at Deer Tracks Junction features a wide range of animals, including goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, and more. Visitors can feed and pet the animals, and learn about their care and behavior, too.

Dairy Discovery
12877 84th St SE, Alto, MI 49302

This educational and interactive farm is dedicated to teaching visitors about the importance of agriculture, and dairy farming in particular. Take a guided tour of the farm and learn about the various aspects of dairy farming, such as milking, feeding, and caring for cows.

Visitors can also interact with other animals on the farm, such as goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. The farm offers a petting zoo area where visitors can feed and pet the animals.

More Must-Visit West Michigan Petting Zoos

Fellinlove Farm
6364 144th Ave, Holland, MI 49423

Of all the farms near west Michigan, this is one of my favorites. You’ll find more than 65 animals, including horses, llama, donkeys, pigs, African cattle, dogs and kitties. This farm was designed to encourage visitors to discover the joy of interacting closely with animals, and it works!

Mooville Creamerys
5875 S, M-66, Nashville, MI 4907

This is a fun and free petting farm where you can see over 40 different farm animals and feed them for just a dollar. Your kids will enjoy playing on the playground or in the giant sandbox. There is easy access for strollers or wheelchairs, thanks to a sidewalk in the petting farm.

Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014

The Binder Park Zoo Petting Farm is a popular attraction located in Battle Creek, Michigan, and is part of the larger Binder Park Zoo.

The petting farm is designed to give visitors a hands-on experience with a variety of farm animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, cows, and llamas. Be sure to check their event calendar for event details at the zoo. Be sure to pick up a park map, so you can head to this favorite part of the zoo first!

Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery & Visitor Center
34270 Co Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071

While not exactly a petting zoo, the interpretive center at this southwest Michigan park offers on of the most memorable animal experiences in the area. With 23 live Lake Sturgeon in the show pond (some over five feet in length), you will be amazed when you see these prehistoric giants swimming around. You can also feed and view fish in the giant show pond, and hike the many nature trails in the area.

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
1698 M-66, Athens, MI 49011

This non-profit wildlife sanctuary in southwest Michigan is one of the largest reptilene of the largest reptile sanctuaries in the United States. The sanctuary was founded in 1984 by Hank and Eda Critchlow, who started with a small collection of rescued lligators and crocodiles.

Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to become a safe haven for over 300 alligators and crocodiles, and a great way to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

BEST Petting Zoos in Central Michigan

Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
7775 Weiss St. Frankenmuth, MI

Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm is a historic farm in Frankenmuth. Here, the petting farm is popular, but the magic of the holiday season really shines as winter rolls around. Santa’s Reindeer Farm is one of the most unique farm experiences in Michigan.

During this event, visitors are able to meet Santa himself and his reindeer in training; be sure to bring a letter for him if you haven’t already sent it.

Chippewa Nature Center – Homestead Farm
Homestead Trail Midland, MI

At the Chippewa Nature Center of Midland, the Homestead Farm brings the past to the present with interactive activities that emulate what life was like for the homesteaders of the 1800s. Visit with farm animals and livestock, including pigs, sheep, cows, and chickens, then explore the historic buildings, participate in 19th century farm duties, and wander the gardens.

Original Goat Yoga
161 E Frost Rd., Williamston, MI

With a focus on mental health, the Original Goat Yoga destination of Williamston brings you peace of mind and plenty of goats. Participate in one of their many goat yoga events or even a goat happy hour. Relax and play with goats and find your happy place here.

Anderson & Girls Orchards
2985 N Sheridan Rd. Stanton, MI

Since 1978 the Anderson family has owned and operated this farm in Stanton. Today they welcome guests from all over who come to see the petting zoo, farmers market, and more. The petting zoo at Anderson & Girls Orchard is free and features over 140 animals. Stop at the cafe for lunch and even treat yourself with ice cream after.

Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch
4277 N Eastman Rd. Midland, MI

Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch is the fall destination of central Michigan. Come for exciting events like the Fall Farm Flea market, stay for the cute animals that stay at Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch. Interact with goats, rabbits, sheep, alpaca, llamas, and more. Pony rides are also available each Saturday and Sunday during October.

Petting Zoos in Northern Michigan

G & D Alpaca Farm
4796 Maple Rd. Manistee, MI

The G & D Alpaca Farm located in Manistee provides comfortable pastures for alpacas and guests are welcome to visit with these fluffy creatures. Alpacas are similar to llamas, but grow hair that is finer and longer, making for softer wool for products.

At the G & D Alpaca Farm, the Alpacas are bred for their wool which creates high quality products available at the boutique on site.

Gaylord City Elk Park Viewing Area
Golden Elk Ct. Gaylord, MI

Among Michigan’s wildlife, elk are an underrated gem. These graceful giants stand at about five feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh five times as much as a whitetail deer. The best place to see an elk is at the Gaylord City Elk Park Viewing Area.

Here, you can see an elk in its natural habitat, without fences. Even though they inhabit this area year-round, elk are most active during mating season from September to October. While this isn’t a petting zoo, it’s something you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on when traveling in northern Michigan.

Cotton Creek Farms
11885 Jewell Rd. Thompsonville, MI

At Cotton Creek Farms, just south of Traverse City, Huacaya Alpacas are bred for their soft wool. Visitors are welcome to meet the alpacas and purchase alpaca wool products at the on-site shop. Guided alpaca tours educate guests about the alpaca farming process, including breeding, boarding, grooming, and harvesting.

Petting Zoo in in Upper Peninsula

Deer Ranch
1540 U.S. Rte 2 St. Ignace, MI

The Deer Ranch in St. Ignace is the oldest live whitetail exhibit in North America and truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Here you can interact with one of Michigan’s state symbols, the whitetail deer. The Deer Ranch houses whitetail, white whitetail, and even albino deer. Walk along the nature trail to see them up close in their natural habitat and even feed them.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch
13814 Co Rd 407, Newberry, MI 49868

More Places to See Animals in Michigan

• Ultimate Guide to the Detroit Zoo and the Best Things to Do
• Visit Michigan’s Best Aquariums (and Zoo’s Too)
• Explore the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids
• Guide to the Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit MI

Best Michigan Travel Ideas

About the Author-
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.