Looking for something fun to do with the kids outside now that it finally feels like summer? Check out our roundup of the best places to see baby animals in and around the GTA. But don’t blame us if the kids start asking for a baby goat!
Brooks Farms
Mount Albert, ON
Open daily 9-5
Admission $12 per person. Kids 23 months and under are free. Half-price admission weekdays 3-5 pm.
photo: brooksfarms.com
Brooks Farms boasts 10 acres of outdoor farm fun. The Barnyard Playland features live farm animals as well as zip lines, a splash pad, swings, a playhouse and more. Plan a visit to the Farm Market Café to enjoy fresh cut fries, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and more; then take home some delicious baked goods like pies, tarts and the farm’s signature maple muffins. Need more? Come in mid-June and July for the pick-your-own season!
Far Enough Farm
Centre Island, Toronto
Open every day 10-5
Admission is free
This unique little petting farm is located a stone’s throw from downtown Toronto on the popular Centre Island. At the farm, kids can get up close and personal with more than 40 species of farmyard animals and exotic birds, then meet the farmers who make it all happen. New animals arrive every spring and summer but be sure to call before you go to avoid weather-related closures of this and other island attractions.
Haute Goat
Newtonville, ON
Open Wed-Sun 10-4
Admission and self-guided tours are free
photo: hautegoat.com
Haute Goat Farm is a breathtaking 200-acre farm located just outside historic Port Hope where visitors can discover the magic of Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Huacaya Alpacas, Exotic Chickens (who knew?), Icelandic Horses, Tornjak Livestock Guardian Dogs and a big, silly mule named “Lucy”. Don’t miss the “Shmurgle” experience ($30 per person or $99 for a family of 4), and be sure to check out the Haute Goat shop for handmade goat milk goodies like Goat Butter Caramel Corn, Decadent Goat Buttercrunch, and skin care products.
High Park Zoo
Toronto, ON
Open year-round from 7:00 am to dusk
Admission is free
Toronto’s largest public park is a great place for families with its playground, hiking trails, lakefront, dog park, eateries, picnic area and, of course, the zoo! Make sure your trip to the park includes a stop at the animal pens featuring bison, llamas, deer, reindeer, peacocks and more. Flash photography and feeding of the animals is not permitted.
Lionel’s Farm
Stouffville, ON
Open Mon-Fri 10-5 and Weekends 9-5
Admission: $3 per child, $5 per adult ($3 on weekdays) + HST. Children under 1 are free
This cheap and cheerful petting zoo is a place where kids of all ages can learn about animals and their behaviours. Kids and adults alike can see, feed and touch an assortment of animals including sheep, goats, deer, pigs, cows, alpaca, llamas, rabbits, chickens and many more in a fun-filled relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to follow the bring your own animal food guidelines before you go.
Toronto Zoo
Toronto, ON
Open 9:00 am-7:00 pm daily until September 2, 2019
Admission: Kids 3-12 $24.00, Adults $29.00, Seniors $24. Kids 2 and under are free
photo: Toronto Zoo
As Canada’s national leader in saving wildlife, the Toronto Zoo is a living education centre committed to inspiring passion for the protection of wildlife and habitats. Be sure to check out the largest indoor giraffe house in Canada to meet the giraffe calf “Mstari” and “Kiko”, the newest addition to the family. Wild Encounters with a variety of animals including Sumatran Tigers, Kangaroos, African Penguins and Polar Bears are available at additional cost.
Jungle Cat World
Orono, ON
Open 7 Days a Week, 10-5
Admission: Children $10, Adults $20, Children under 3 are free
Since 1983, Jungle Cat World has been giving visitors the chance to connect with many forms of wildlife, much of it in danger of extinction. The zoo prides itself on offering engaging wildlife education programs and animal experiences that foster awareness, education and responsibility. For an extra special experience, check out the Behind the Scenes Tour option ($90 per person) and the Feeding Tour.
Riverdale Farm
Toronto, ON
Open 9–5, 7 days a week, 365 days per year including public holidays
Admission is free
photo: Riverdale Farm via toronto.ca
This 7.5-acre working farm in the heart of the city is where visitors can get a first-hand taste of farm life from raising livestock to the year-round handwork and craft programs. In addition to the animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens, the farm features flower, vegetable and herb gardens, as well as wooded areas and ponds that are perfect for strolling and stretching little legs. Watch this video to learn more about this sweet little farm in the city.
Tagged under: Toronto animal sanctuaries,Animals in the GTA,petting zoos near Toronto,where to see farm animals near toronto,farm experiences near toronto
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
