Bay Area Petting Zoos + Farms
Do you consider your child an animal lover?!
Who knew we had sooo many options to be up close with farm animals in the bay area. I didn’t even realize until I started gathering information for this. The nice thing about visiting a farm is that it usually is coupled with a gorgeous view or in a scenic nature spot. Especially when you live in the bay area WOOT WOOT. Whenever you visit a farm, it’s a good idea to wear close-toed shoes (can get muddy), bring hand sanitizer, wear sunscreen, and pack a picnic. Here is a list of some of our recommended places to go to feed or pet animals.
Tilden little farm
The farm is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm with free admission. We recommend bringing celery and lettuce if you want to feed the animals. There are the only vegetables allowed! If you haven’t done this, you must! It is so beautiful up in the Berkeley hills. Visit their website for more info here. In the same regional park, you can head to a steam train, merry-go-round, and relax on Lake Anza with your kids.
Touch the Bay at the Aquarium of the Bay
The touch pools are open daily located at the iconic Pier 39. Visitors can touch bat rays, skaters, leopard sharks, and tide pool animals. At the bay lab, you can pet a turtle, king snake, and a skink. Usually it is open from 11 am to 5 pm. Due to staffing issues, sometimes it is not open. (Check before you go to make sure it’s open if this is something you really want to do). Here is the site for more info.
Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont
Thursday through Sunday at 3 pm you can participate in the feedings. You will see pigs, chickens, rabbits, goats, cows, and sheep. Checkout their toddler time for ages 1-4 where littles can read a farm story, do farm chores, and meet the animals! View more on their page.
photo by @ardenwoodevents
Deer Hollow Farm in Cupertino
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm (be aware that Wednesdays hours are different from 8 am to 1 pm). From the parking lot, it is a bit of a walk to the farm. However, it is paved and stroller friendly in a beautiful area of the Rancho San Antonio Preserve! Consider visiting on a day when the Hands-on nature center is open. There is a fun touch-table that the kids will enjoy. View their website for these days. Check out their page here for more info.
Slide Ranch in Muir Beach
The next toddler day is May 25! The Family Campouts look so fun. There are two upcoming nights in May (5/11-5/12) and (5/18-5/19). These events allow you an up-close experience on the farm with the animals. If you are going with a group of 6 or more, you can apply for a personalized experience. Otherwise, the ranch is open and free to the public for hiking, picnicking, and a self-guided visit everyday! You can find more info here.
photo by @tttttommyyyyy
Randall Museum
On Saturdays at 2 pm you can talk with an animal keeper and meet some animals up close. This is part of their new Wild in California live animal exhibit. Here you can find more info.
Emma Prusch Farm Regional Park
This farm is 43.5 acres in East San Jose, California. This park has FREE admission + parking for all. You can purchase pellets to feed the animals! This family farm is home to cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, roosters, ducks, and peacocks. There are play structures and a large grassy field so bring a picnic lunch! View more details on the farm here.
photo by @mylapa_photos
Harley Goat Farms in Pescadero
The goat farm is open Friday-Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. You can schedule a farm tour for $35. They do sell out so buy your tickets in advance. If you have small children, consider skipping the tour. It isn’t recommended with younger ones because there is standing around and it can last up to 90 minutes. The goat farm is still worth a visit because there is a small viewing area with enough room to run around, see the goats, and stay safe. There are 152 goat kids right now! View their site to book your tour.
photo by @sarahromontoya
Hidden Villa in Los Altos
Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM to dusk. There is a parking fee of $10 for daily entrance to the farm. They have so many fun & different programs for individuals & families so you should view their site! The Cow Wow event coming up on May 4 looks incredible and you actually get to milk a cow. This is for adults and children ages 6 and up. The cost is $30. You can schedule a farm tour for groups smaller than 12. The cost is $15/person for participants over age 2. They have a cheesemaking event, a farm & wilderness exploration. They also have summer camps at Hidden Villa and more! You can find more info here.
Family Farm + Petting Zoo at San Francisco and Oakland Zoos
This is definitely a nice touch to have at the zoos where you mostly can’t interact with the animals. We always try to stop here when we go to the Zoo.The Oakland Zoo offers special behind the scenes experiences with giraffes and elephants. The next event is elephant day on May 25! Click here to learn more.
We are so lucky to live close to several farms and/or ranches. I hope you take advantage of one of these experiences! Please tag us @bayarea.moms when you go. Let us know if you have any tips or helpful information as well!
XO, Morgan