With Spring officially underway, it’s time to kick the fun family outdoor activities into high gear. One activity that promises to deliver is a visit to a local farm or petting zoo. In the Lower Mainland, we have several paw-some farms to choose from, each offering its own unique experiences. See below for a list of fun family farms and petting zoos in Vancouver to visit this spring. And in case the weather doesn’t fully cooperate (this is Vancouver, after all), there’s also a few options for indoor farm animal fun … you’ll be hoppy you did.
Fun Farms & Petting Zoos in Vancouver
Cinemazoo Petting Zoo
Why drive to a farm when you can bring the animals to you? Well, at least professionals are involved. Cinemazoo is a mobile petting zoo that combines educational and interactive fun with farm animals for kids. Some of the barn animal “stars” you’ll meet are Zilla (rabbit), Butter Scotch (goat), Bree (horse), and much more. As the mobile zoo is completely covered, Cinemazoo makes for a great birthday party option, rain or shine.
Eagle Acres Dairy & Pumpkin Patch
Eagle Acres Dairy & Pumpkin Patch is a real working dairy farm located in Fort Langley. During the springtime, the farm offers a Spring Safarmi Stroll where visitors can see over 200 animals, including cows, chickens, pigs, goats, and more. There’s also a covered hayride through the corn fields. The farm is not open every day so check the website in advance.
Maplewood Farm
Maplewood Farm is a family favourite for all ages. Located along the Seymour River in North Vancouver, it’s home to a more than 200 animals and birds. From pigs and cattle to goats and rabbits – and so much more – you can’t help but break into an off-key version of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. While bird feeding is currently paused, visitors are welcome to feed
the bunnies (check website for food suggestions). Around 3:30 p.m., you can catch the farmers round up the animals as they make their return to the barn.
Meadows Family Farm
Meadows Family Farm is a family owned and operated farm and petting zoo in Maple Ridge. In addition to meeting farm animals (goats, sheep, bunnies, emus, an alpaca, and more!), kids will love the tractor train ride, playground, zipline, and jumping pillow. The farm also sells free range eggs and quality seasonal produce. FYI – the farm is subject to close during heavy rain or snow so check the website in advance.
Southlands Heritage Farm
You may already know that Southlands offers riding lessons, but did you know there’s also a farm open to the public? Visits to the farm are available from 3:30 p.m. until dusk, Monday to Friday, and during daylight hours on weekends and holidays. Among the animals you’ll meet on a self-guided tour are goats, chickens, ducks – and of course, horses. Pony rides are also available on weekends from 12-2 p.m. and are recommended for ages 2 to 7 – be sure to register in advance. As farm visits are free, donations are welcome to support with farm operating costs.
The Bunny Café
The Bunny Café in Vancouver is the first of its kind in North America. The café partners with Rabbitats Rescue to find forever homes for abandoned rabbits. Admission includes veggies that you can feed to the bunnies, and the café also offers plant-based sweets and savory snacks. The staff – or Bunny Whisperers – are very helpful and ensure the bunnies are well taken care of. So, hop to it and be sure to book reservations in advance.
Tagged under: petting zoos,fun farms,petting zoos in vancouver,fun farms in vancouver
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
