Any time of year is perfect for taking your children on an outing to one of Seattle’s many petting zoos and family farms. Here are some of the best zoos, farms, and parks in the Seattle area, where you can view, pet, and sometimes even ride a full menagerie — sheep, cows, ponies, bunnies, goats, and even a few peacocks! Many of these places have special events, so be sure to check their website before going.
Farrel-McWhirter Farm, Redmond
Home to farm animals, nature trails, and a preschool that Old MacDonald himself would approve of, this Redmond park is a great bet for free farm fun. Your children will love exploring the 68-acres of grassy lawn, quiet nature trails, and the animal farm. Visit Lily, one of the resident goats, and say hello to Sunny, the 600-lb sow. Pack a lunch and chow down near the climbing tree or, if it’s raining, head to the sheltered picnic tables. Got a cowboy or cowgirl in the making? Check out the farm’s riding school (geared for ages 3 and up) or their farm school programs for kids 3 to 12 years old, where they can learn about agriculture.
- Hours: Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily
- Location: 19545 NE Redmond Rd, Redmond
- Contact: 425-556-2300
- Cost: Free
- Animals: A cow, rabbits, pigs, goats, chickens, a donkey, ducks, sheep and ponies. Note: This is not a petting zoo, and the animals are there for observation!
Rosie the cow napping in the field (Image courtesy: Farrel McWhirter Farm).
Kelsey Creek Farm Park, Bellevue
Interaction with the chickens and birds are limited due to avian flu.
Who knew that you could find a charming 1930‘s working farm in the heart of Bellevue? Kelsey Creek Farm Park is a glimpse into old-fashioned country life, and a surefire hit with tots. Visit pigs, goats, sheep, and bunnies, play in the oversized sandbox, explore nature trails, and make a playground pit-stop on your way out.
- Hours: Barnyard open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, animal viewing until 3 p.m.
- Location: 410 130 Pl SE, Bellevue
- Contact: 425-452-7688
- Cost: FREE (Fees apply for farm classes and camps)
- Animals: Pigs, goats, cows, horses, sheep, bunnies, chickens (temporary suspension). In the spring, piglets, calves, and baby goats!
Visit Kelsey Creek Farm every day and view their farm animals. (Image courtesy Kelsey Creek Farm).
Flower World, Snohomish
This Snohomish gem features more than just flowers. A perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon or a Mother’s Day outing, Flower World is a 15-acre oasis of rolling lawns and roaming roosters, duck ponds, foliage and farm animals. Wander through the rows of gorgeous blooms, veggie starts, and fruit trees. You may even encounter a turtle or two in the tiny nursery ponds. Cross the road and head to the Maltby Produce Market for a selection of locally grown fruit and veggies, fresh eggs, apple cider, and dried fruit snack packs — perfect for a post-park pick-me-up. Visit the farm and say hello to resident sheep, lambs, goats and peacocks.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Location: 9322 196th Street SE, Snohomish
- Contact: 425-481-7565
- Cost: Free (except for what you buy!)
- Animals: Sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, and many baby lambs!
Visit this garden center and see some animals including sheep, goats and more! (Image courtesy FlowerWorld).
Family Farm at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
Goats, cows and sheep can be just as exciting as their more exotic Woodland Park Zoo neighbors, and most kiddos will jump at the chance to pet a goat or two in the Contact Area (Check back in May, Contact Area is open in the summer). Other Family Farm activities include petting sheep, donkeys, bunnies and chickens, and getting some playtime in at the toddler-geared, farmer-inspired play area. During the summer families can pet the goats.
Note: As of March 19, only goats and pigs are available to view. Call the zoo in May for more information on Contact area.
- Hours: Call zoo for current farm area hours. Contact Area will open in the summer
- Location: N 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N or N 55th St. & Phinney Ave
- Contact: (206) 548-2500
- Cost: Included with zoo admission
- Animals: Goats and pigs are only available to view
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The Red Barn Farm, Redmond
A farm with everything! From farm tours to special events to a CSA, to a venue perfect for family reunions, weddings, and more, The Red Barn Farm is a wonderful place to explore with your little farmers in tow. Spring season means cuddling with goats, walking with chickens, and getting friendly with the geese. Feed bunnies, pigs, and small horses too!
Don’t forget to visit the historic red barn on the farm and learn about the history of the restored structure.
Need eggs? The farm has over 150 chickens laying. Restock with a fresh dozen from the store. Buy local honey, dried flowers, and farm memorabilia while chatting with Chelsea, the friendly farmer and owner, as you check out. The kids got to see a natural honeycomb inside the store, too- there’s no telling what other cool things you’ll find! The farm also hosts seasonal events and family activities like an egg hunt, tulip, and fall festivals. They sell out quickly, so get on their newsletter list for your first chance to book tickets.
- Hours: Hours vary by activity, check website for more info
- Location: 5703 208th Ave NE Redmond 98053
- Contact: Visit website for more details. Call 425-440-0033.
- Cost: $10/each person. $5/feed bag. $7.50 meet the baby goats. Under 2 is free.
- Animals: Pigs, geese, chickens, goats, miniature horses, cows, and bunnies (feed may be purchased in the farm store)
Note: Cuddle sessions with the animals happen at various times of the year. Hours to visit the animals is Wednesday-Saturday. Saturday only starting in May. Book your visit online.
Two kids peek out from the goat stable ready to be picked up and snuggled at The Red Barn Farm.
Debbie Dolittle’s Indoor Petting Zoo, Tacoma
Beat the rain and check out this year-round indoor petting zoo where tots can visit with a range of cuties, from rabbits to wallabies! This spot specializes in miniature animals, so expect to see miniature pigs, dwarf goats, mini horses, and lots of babies! Ride a pony or a donkey, but keep your goldfish crackers to yourself–no food or drinks allowed in the petting area.
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday-Monday. Animal encounters are Thursday- Monday at the outdoor farm.
- Location: 120 138th St. South, Suite C, Tacoma
- Contact: 253-539-5011
- Cost: $15 per person; under age 2 free. Animal encounter cost extra.
- Animals: Wallabies, rabbits, cockatiels, budgies, miniature pigs, piglets, dwarf goats, kids goats, lambs, zebu calf, mini chickens, mini horse, mini donkey and ponies.
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Pasado’s Safe Haven, Further Afield
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this 85-acre property offers a unique experience. Named after the neglect and abuse of a donkey named Pasado, the sanctuary is a haven for animals of all kinds.
Take a guided tour and learn about Pasado’s mission to rescue abandoned and neglected animals. Get the chance to meet with donkeys (ambassadors of the farm), goats, sheep, chickens, cows, dogs and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about each animal’s rescue story and have a chance to feed, pet, and observe the animals in their habitat.
If you’re feeling inspired by Pasado’s Safe Haven mission, donate and sponsor an animal of your own. You’ll receive an email and a photo that tells you more about your animal’s story and personality. All donations help purchase nutritious foods, medical care, and plenty of love for the animal.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Closed on Sunday.
- Location: Please contact the Sanctuary for location details
- Contact: Register in advance for a tour
- Cost: $25/per adult, $18 per child (4-12), under 4 free
- Animals: Donkeys, horses, cows, pigs, llamas, chickens, dogs
Pet one of two ambassador donkeys at Pasado’s Safe Haven
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, Renton
Be sure to head to Sammamish Animal Sanctuary where kids can cuddle up with cute animals including cows, bunnies, goats, horeses, sheep and more. Many of these animals are known from the “Rescue Series books written by Diane Odegard Gockel. It is free to visit the farm but only by reservation only. The sanctuary is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday (only pre-arranged field trips can be accomodated on Mondays).
Bonus: You can now sign up for goat yoga, held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. During this visit, you and the family can practice yoga with goats ($25 per person, and only kids 12 and older can participate).
- Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (reservation only)
- Location: 16515 SE May Valley Rd, Renton, 98059
- Contact: (425) 877- 9002
- Cost: Free, reservation required
- Animals: Alpaca, goats, mini horses, mini donkeys, horses, Llama, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks
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Old McDebbies Farm and Jim’s U Fish, Spanaway
At this family farm, there is something for everyone! Kids can fish for rainbow trout, walk the I-Spy trail, discover the musical forest and go on a wildlife scavenger hunt. The owners invite families to visit and feed the animals. They have a variety of animals including goats, pigs ponies and more!
- Hours: Open hours vary by season
- Location: 4924 268th St E, Spanaway, 98387
- Cost: $14 admission for ages 8 and up, $12 admission for ages 3-17, free for ages 2 and under. Extras include $6 for each fish caught; bring your own fishing gear or rent on site. $4 for a veggie bucket to feed the animals.
- Contact: (253) 875-0356
- Animals: Goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, alpacas, zebra, emus, camela, kangaroos, wallabies and more!
