Hello, Raleigh animal lovers! Are you looking for a weekend getaway that involves indulging in the joys of petting baby goats, or maybe taking a hayride through a scenic farmland? Look no further.
Right here in Raleigh, we are fortunate to have an abundance of family-friendly petting zoos and animal farms, giving us the opportunity to interact with animals and engage in a plethora of farm activities that are sure to make a fun day out.
So, pack a picnic, put on your muck boots, and be ready to fall in love with some of the most endearing creatures in the Triangle. Ready? Let's go!
1. Three Bears Acres
Located at 711 Beaver Dam Road, Three Bears Acres is a sprawling 50-acre recreational farm. This beautiful spot is not just a place to encounter adorable animals; instead, it is an experience packed with thrilling outdoor pursuits.
Their popular Animal Acres section houses different types of friendly species that love treats and petting. And after a session of animal pampering, kids and adults alike can engage in activities like tree deck painting, toboggan slides, jumping pillow, and mud kitchen.
2. Winterpast Farm
Greeted by an idyllic rural backdrop at the Winterpast Farm, you'll find yourself reaching for your storage of carrots, lettuce and apple bits for the free-roaming animals that reside there. This charming farm has an impressive array of animals—from peafowls to alpacas, from bunnies to ducks, and even a few sheep and goats!
Located at 12936 Ghoston Rd, Wake Forest, Winterpast Farm has been operating their farm educational tours for many years. They also have a flexible visiting policy. You can schedule your visit, bring a picnic, and spend the day exploring their various offerings.
3. OakCity Kitty Catfé
Who said petting zoos can only have farm animals? Cat lovers—raise your paws! OakCity Kitty Catfé is a unique “petting zoo” boasting a cozy cat lounge where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and cuddle with kittens and cats. Located downtown in Gateway Plaza, OakCity collaborates with local shelters to house adoptable kitties, nurturing the beautiful bond between humans and cats.
4. Phillips Farm of Cary
Situated at 6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, Phillips Farm is an embodiment of rustic charm and tradition. Their petting zoo, filled with chickens, goats, llamas, and rabbits, is a delight for both kids and adults.
Phillips Farm doesn't stop at the petting zoo; it offers numerous farm activities like a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking in the fall. There’s also strawberry picking in the spring—perfect for making that dreaming of homemade strawberry jam a reality!
5. Old Mill Farm Durham
Tucked away in Durham, Old Mill Farm offers an opportunity to tap into the joys of simpler times. They host events that give visitors the chance to see the stages of a farm’s operation, like their shearing, planting, or harvesting events. And of course, the petting zoo with alpacas, donkeys, and chickens is the highlight for many visitors.
Old Mill Farm is a hub of old-world charm with its nostalgic hayrides, fireside chats, and classic farm games. A picturesque setting for falling in love with Raleigh's rural side.
6. Naylor Family Farm
Located at 6016 US 401, Fayetteville, Naylor Family Farm is slightly out of the way, but the joy-filled trip it offers makes every mile worth it! The petting zoo includes gentle animals ready to greet visitors. Cows, sheep, pigs, and even a camel named Alice call Naylor home.
Their massive ten-acre corn maze is said to be the largest in the Triangle. Pumpkin slingshot, pedal carts, and duck races are other attractions that bring fun-filled laughter ringing across this family farm.
Raleigh treasures its farms and the experiences they offer. The bustling city boasts these hidden gems, providing close encounters with animals and numerous on-farm activities. Each farm has its unique charm and playing ground, offering a diverse experience for you and your loved ones.
So venture out, go beyond Raleigh's renowned greenways, and find yourself on a sweet-smelling hayride with a herd of wooly sheep or amidst a clucking symphony of hens!
These petting zoos and animal farms offer not only a simple escape but real, heartfelt connections—with animals, with nature, and most importantly, with each other. They are windows into Raleigh's heart, which beats not only in its urban locales but also in these homely, welcoming farms.
Get ready, Raleigh. Let's rekindle the simple joys. Embrace the nuzzling goats, the baaing sheep, and the cuddly kittens. Let’s pack, set off, and dive into a world brimming with feathers, fur, and a whole lot of fun!
