Are the kids starting to get the mid-summer “blahs” and acting restless? Are you? What’s better for family fun than a petting zoo or animal farm?
When you can’t afford a big vacation, you can break up the summer routine and explore some of the many attractions around the Hoosier State – and that includes numerous open-to-the-public animal farms. If you want to connect a little more with the natural world, sneak a little educational material into your children’s summer break and get a respite from the ordinary routine, put the kids in the car and go on a road trip to one of these places:
1. Fair Oaks Farms – Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks Farms is considered one of Indiana’s premier “agri-tourism” destinations. Located in Fair Oaks, this expansive farm offers an immersive experience.
Some of the highlights include a glimpse into the future of animal husbandry and robotics through the Dairy Adventure, a 4D theater, a Pig Adventure with an indoor rope climbing course, and a Crop Adventure that will introduce you to the world of modern farming and the science that supports it. Fair Oaks Farms also features a petting zoo where children can interact with friendly goats, sheep, and other barnyard animals.
You can also enjoy farm-fresh meals at the on-site restaurant, where there are plenty of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients – and homemade ice cream and chocolates for dessert. The farm’s commitment to education and sustainability makes it a must-visit destination.
2. Goat Milk Stuff Farm – Scottsburg
Goat Milk Stuff Farm, located in Scottsburg, is a family-owned farm specializing in goat milk products – and baby goats are everywhere.
Make sure you put on old clothes, tie up your hair and grab a hat – and then enjoy all the interactive activities that are available, like bottle-feeding the baby goats and cuddling with them.
You can also sample a variety of goat milk soaps, lotions and cheeses, all of which are made on the farm. If you’ve been feeling stressed out this summer, this is the perfect place to relax and shut out the rest of the world for a while.
3. Columbian Park Zoo – Lafayette
Are you looking for a mix between the classic zoo experience and a petting farm? You may want to head to Lafayette and check out the Columbian Park Zoo. You can check out Penguin Cove, visit the Butterfly Garden, see a real emu and more at the regular exhibits.
Then, head over to the “Family Farm” area where the kids can get up close to both domestic and exotic farm animals, including an American miniature horse, a llama, a pot-bellied pig and dwarf goats. The educational programs and animal encounters offered at the zoo provide deeper insights into animal care and conservation – which can help your children learn more about sustainability in farming and empathy for all the creatures of the world.
4. Wilstem Wildlife Park – Paoli
Wilstem Wildlife Park takes the idea of an animal park or petting zoo and elevates it – offering both unique animal encounters and a range of outdoor activities. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to get closer to exotic animals.
You can take the little ones to a traditional petting zoo with goats, sheep and llamas, take a drive through different animal habitats or pay for an immersive or private tour that will usher you through a “deep dive” on sloths, giraffes, kangaroos, elephants or otters.
Plus, the park has all kinds of other adventures, including horseback riding and ziplining. This makes it a standout destination when you have kids of different ages that you want to keep entertained.
5. Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park – Shipshewana
Are you looking for a family-friendly Amish country experience? Take a step back into a simpler time and head over to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, which is located in the heart of Amish Country in Shipshewana. The farm offers a charming experience and is known for the hospitality of its hosts and its unique animal encounters.
Enjoy a guided farm tour on a horse-drawn wagon, where you can feed and interact with everything from camels and zebras to bison and lemurs – or let the little ones sit on a train pulled by a horse and a guide. It’s a beautiful way to create treasured memories with your children.
6. Amazing Acres Farms – Edinburgh
Amazing Acres Farms, located in Edinburgh, offers a seasonal petting zoo and a variety of farm-related activities that are perfect for a family day out – although they don’t open until September.
Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this farm is a favorite among locals and out-of-town visitors alike. It’s well worth the wait, especially if you are more fond of autumn than summer. You’ll love the 90+ acres of corn mazes, the gem mining, the cow train ride and the petting zoo. Kids of all ages (and adults) also tend to love the paintball shooting gallery and apple cannon.
They’ve also got some fabulous farm-fresh food, including pulled pork sandwiches, chocolate-covered Rice Krispie treats, apple doughnuts and caramel apples that are locally famous. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit destination for the fall.
7. Conner Prairie – Fishers
No list of family-friendly farm experiences would be complete without mentioning Conner Prairie, which is arguably Indiana’s most famous farm experience.
Billed as a “living history museum,” the farm has rare historical breeds of different livestock along with all the usual chickens, cows, goats and horses. The farm also has a rotating array of events that change with the seasons, including the sunflower fields and pumpkin patches in the fall – and corn mazes galore. If your children are deeply curious about the natural world, this is a place to bring them again and again.
Are you feeling energetic and excited about the options? Whether it’s bottle-feeding baby goats, navigating a corn maze or just connecting with nature, you can get your fill. Indiana’s animal farms and petting zoos are largely a step above the ordinary.
