Do you have a kid who just loves animals? The kind of child that adores trips to the Toronto Zoo (which is an amazing place) but wishes that they could be a little more interactive when it comes to our four-legged friends? Then this roundup is for them! Below we list 11 fun farms and petting zoos in Toronto where your family can get up close with an assortment of furry, feathery, and even scaley creatures. While some of these spots allow you to feed and even touch their animals, all of them take top-notch care of their menagerie. We’ve also included a few spots for those families who prefer interacting only with domestic animals and for those looking for a day out that’s a little more well-rounded.
If you’d prefer that the animals come to you, perhaps for a birthday party or another special occasion, check out Hands on Exotics. This company will bring a variety of creatures right to your home! There’s also Pawsitively Pets which, in addition to at-home activities, also offers camps, drop-in experiences, and other events at one of its two Toronto locations.
Fun Farms & Petting Zoos in Toronto
Brooks Farm
122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert
This place is considered one of the GTA’s top fun farms in part because it features over 10 acres of family entertainment! Its many attractions include a giant sandbox, a playground complete with slides, a gem mining station and, in the summer, a splash pad. There are also plenty of farm animals to meet including pot belly pigs, rabbits, and miniature cows. Once your family has had its fill of fun, fill your bellies at Brooks Farm’s café or grab something to-go at the marketplace. Brooks Farm also regularly hosts special events and admission varies according to the time of year but expect to pay at least $10 per person. Kids under two get in free.
Chinguacousy Park
9050 Bramalea Rd., Brampton
The sprawling Chinguacousy Park has a little something for everyone, including kids who want to meet and even feed animals like sheep, goats, and donkeys. Have a kid who adores horses? Then they’ll love the option to go for a pony ride. Other activities include a splash pad, paddle boats, a trackless train, and various food options. Access to the park is free but some of the activities, such as the train, the animal feed, and the pony rides, have a small fee.
Chudleigh’s
9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills
While this farm might be best known for its apple picking and tasty locally produced food items, Chudleigh’s also features plenty of other activities to keep your kids busy. They can play on the giant play structures, walk the nature trails, or visit with the farm’s many animals. These four-legged friends include a few creatures, such as deer, peacocks, and alpacas, that not every fun farm has. Chudleigh’s also regularly features live entertainment including family-friendly performances. In 2023, Chudleigh’s will re-open on June 1 and its 2023 admission fees will be announced closer to that date.
Downey’s Farm
13682 Heart Lake Rd., Caledon
Sheep, alpaca, a donkey and more call this farm home and are eager to meet your family! After you’ve given the barnyard critters some pets and snacks, check out this fun farm’s many other attractions. There’s mini golf, play structures, a zipline and so much more. And adults, there’s also a farm store that’s stocked with local goods, including locally produced wine. Seasonal events are commonly held at Downey’s, in addition to its regular operating days, which in 2023 runs from May 19 to September 22. Ticketing details for the 2023 season will be announced soon.
Far Enough Farm
Centre Island
Despite the name, this farm isn’t that far away (and it’s also not exactly a conventional working farm) and it’s one of the sweetest petting zoos in Toronto. Located on Centre Island, this “farm” features over 40 domestic animals and exotic birds, including some that you can pet. A few examples include pot-belly pigs, rabbits, horses, and alpacas. And if you bring some change, you can even buy some food that can be fed to select animals. The farm is technically free to visit but note that you will have to pass Centreville Amusement Park to get there. You’ll also have to get to the island, which can be done via the ferry and starts at $4.10 for a roundtrip.
High Park Zoo
1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto
During the warmer weather months, the High Park Zoo offers scheduled “llama pen activities” that include the opportunity to pet and feed real live llamas. After your kids become familiar with these South American creatures, your family can wander through the rest of this small zoo. And while there’s technically no “official” opportunities to pet the other animals, if you’re lucky, the capybaras might wander over the fence for some scratches. Accessing the High Park Zoo is free, but donations are encouraged as the zoo has big plans for revitalization.
Little Ray’s
869 Barton St. E., Hamilton
Yes, this spot is located out in Hamilton but trust us, it’s worth the drive because it features the opportunity to hand feed a sloth and pose for pictures with these cool animals. Little Ray’s Hamilton location also features dozens of other creatures including snakes, lizards, fancy birds, and more, some of whom make appearances in interactive shows. The sloth encounter, which needs to be pre-booked, costs $195 for three guests, with the option to add up to three more people for $50 per person. But general admission to this facility starts at $14.50, and kids two and under are free.
Pingle’s Farm Market
1805 Taunton Rd., Hampton
Looking for a fun farm east of the city? Then pop Pingle’s to the top of your list. This place has a fantastic playground, activities like trike racing and plenty of farm animals to pat. There’s also an on-site market that sells everything from local produce to yogurt parfaits. Depending on the time of year, your family can pick everything from corn to apples to wildflowers. Pingle’s regularly hosts seasonal events that include additional activities and tasty treats. Pricing for these special events varies but if your family wants to visit the farm on a summer weekend, expect to pay $10 per person, with kids under two being free.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
Okay, we’re stretching a bit with this one, but Ripley’s does offer you the opportunity to touch live rays, which we encourage you to do because they feel so soft! But first, before you can touch those velvet bellies, your family gets to explore the entire aquarium, including the shark tunnel, the jellyfish zone, and the giant tropical fish tank. And let’s not forget the indoor play area that even has a play submarine! Tickets start at $12.50 and while you can buy them at the door, it’s recommended to buy them online in advance.
Riverdale Farm
201 Winchester St., Toronto
Did you know that one of the city’s oldest (and arguably prettiest) neighbourhoods is also home to a small but animal-filled farm? At Riverdale Farm, your family can meet chicken, sheep, goats, pigs, cows and even horses! Some of these animals are available for scratches, depending on the time of year. In addition to the animals, the property is also home to a few lovely paths and historic buildings. The farm also frequently hosts special events including historical demonstrations and kid-friendly crafting lessons. Access to this special space is free.
Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue
Address confirmed once experience is booked
At Durham region’s only wildlife and rehabilitation centre, you can arrange for your family to participate in a hands-on experience that will have all of you interacting with some of the centre’s permanent residents (its “animal ambassadors”) as well as learning all about them. For example, meet Pedro the blind opossum and discover why these odd-looking creatures are so cool. Or upgrade to the Wildlife Caretaker for a Day program, which has up to four people (including one adult) learning the ins and outs of animal care over three hours. All experiences must be booked in advance. Pricing varies depending on the experience, but all fees go towards supporting this needed organization.
Tagged under: petting zoos,fun farms,petting zoos in toronto,toronto petting zoos
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
