Explore the 8 Best Petting Zoos in the Hudson Valley

So you’re looking for a place to take the kids where you can be outside on a nice day. Since you all love animals, what better way to spend a day outdoors than at a petting zoo? If you live in or near the Hudson Valley, several nearby farms and small zoos allow visitors to get up close to the animals. This is a great way to learn more about different animals, and it keeps the kids busy and entertained. Let’s look at some of the best petting zoos in the Hudson Valley.

Barton Orchards

Barton Orchards on Apple Tree Lane in Poughquag, New York, began as an apple orchard. Over the years, it has expanded into an agricultural adventure that the entire family will enjoy. You’ll find a large barn and gated area near the farm entrance where you can interact with the animals. The orchard has farm feed available that guests can take to feed the goats, and you can saunter down to visit the alpacas, rabbits, goats, pigs, mini horses, and peacocks.

There’s even a goat bridge for the goats to play on. You can watch as they frolic on and around the bridge.

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary rescues farm animals and gives them a safe place to live. Visitors get to meet the animals, learn more about how they ended up at the sanctuary, and educate themselves on animal rights. The farm is home to 400 rescued residents, including cows, goats, bunnies, chickens, pigs, sheep, turkeys, and ducks.

Visitors can take a tour around the sanctuary, pet some of the animals, and feed them the snacks that are provided by the tour leader.

Dubois Farms

Dubois Farms in Highland, New York, is a pick-your-own farm with strawberries, apples, peaches, and more. It also has several farm animals that guests can visit, a hayride that takes you around the grounds, and a miniature village called Tiny Town where the kids can play.

Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables

Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables is a family-owned ranch that sits on over 300 acres at the foot of the Catskills. The riding stable opened in 1963, and the animal park opened in 2007. The park has over 40 exhibits, including both domestic and exotic animals. The petting and feeding area is always popular with the kids, who can feed and pet the bunnies and other cute animals.

Guests of Bailiwick Animal Park can get up close to the animals and learn more about them. The park has all kinds of animals: from Bengal tigers to cute little bunnies. Most of the animals were rescued or donated, and they will all live out the rest of their lives at the zoo.

Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park

You’ll find the Trailside Museum and Zoo in Bear Mountain State Park. It sits along a short section of the Appalachian Trail and features a paved path that takes visitors past several exhibits that feature native New York wildlife. Most of the animals were rescued and can no longer live in the wild.

The zoo is home to a variety of wildlife—from birds to fish, mammals, and amphibians. There’s also a Nature Study Museum, which has lots of information about the local wildlife, and the Herpetology Museum, where visitors can learn about native fish and reptiles.

The gardens and woodlands are fun to explore. Here, you’ll find micro-communities that showcase a diverse selection of plants and vegetation. There are rock outcroppings, low-lying moist pockets for plants that thrive in damp conditions, and a woodland pool and fernery.

The Trailside Museum and Zoo is a self-guided experience. You’ll find small signs along the way that serve as your naturalist guide and more prominent signs that provide detailed information.

Catskill Animal Sanctuary

The Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties is a sanctuary with over 300 rescued animals. As all the animals freely roam the grounds, don’t be surprised if a friendly chicken or goat approaches you while you’re exploring. The sanctuary offers tours from May through November on Saturdays and Sundays.

Some of the animals that you might meet at Catskill Animal Sanctuary include the goats Abram and Izzy; the pig, Amelia; the sheep, Atticus; and the cow, Blossom. There are also horses, turkeys, ducks, and many more.

Forsyth Nature Center

The Forsyth Nature Center is an outdoor learning center in uptown Kingston, New York. It’s part of the Kingston Parks and Recreation Department and has over 24 animal exhibits and beautiful gardens to explore. The nature center is open and accessible to the public all year long.

This nature center is great for getting close to nature and animals. Guests can feed apples to the steer and pet the alpacas and friendly lambs. Make sure to visit the turtle house and check out the domestic and wild birds and birds of prey. There’s also a reptile house and many small and large mammals that you can visit.

Kelder’s Farm

Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson has many farm animals, such as sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, and alpacas, that guests can pet. It is also home to one of the largest garden gnomes you will ever see. During a visit to the farm, the kids can play mini golf, have fun in the playground, and jump on the giant jumping pillow. Kelder’s Farm is open daily and offers strawberry, pumpkin, and apple picking, depending on the season. There are lots to explore at the large farmers market, and the kids will love the farm equipment, tube slides, and milk-a-cow activity.

At Bill Volz Westchester, these are some of our favorite places to bring the kids to visit, as they can pet and feed the animals. If we have missed your favorite zoo or park, feel free to stop by and tell us about it. While you’re here, we can show you a reliable new or used Jeep, Chrysler, or Dodge vehicle that you can pile the family in for your next trip.

Posted in Local | No Comments »