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Petting Zoos and Animal Farms in Nassau County

Center for Science Teaching and Learning – Rockville Centre

Many of the animals in the live animal exhibit at CSTL were illegally smuggled and seized by government officials. These include a variety of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and mammals. More traditional animals on display include goats, parrots, and owls.

Norman J. Levy Park – Merrick

At this Town of Hempstead preserve and wildlife sanctuary, visitors can interact with a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats and a flock of Guinea fowl. Both species were brought to the facility as ecologically responsible alternatives to insecticides. Kayaking, a popular activity here, is available from June through August.

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You'll meet plenty of cute, friendly animals at the Garden of Eve.

Petting Zoos and Animal Farms in Suffolk County

Garden of Eve – Riverhead

At this organic farm on the East End, kids can interact with chickens, sheep, and other animals. Friendly farmhands often take animals out for kids to pet and help feed. There is a large children's play area with a wooden castle and a giant spider web. Many special events are hosted here, including children's birthday parties, baby animal weekends, an annual tulip festival, and a Mother's Day brunch. Be sure to stop by the organic market for delicious groceries. The season generally runs from April through October.

Animal Farm Petting Zoo and Park – Manorville

Most of the animals here can be fed by hand, including Clyde the camel. In addition, get up close and personal with monkeys, wallabies, and large-shell tortoises. Make sure to stop by the baby barn, take a ride on the safari train, and enjoy the pony ride included with every ticket. Opening day has been set for Friday, April 15 and the season runs through November. Check its Facebook page for current hours.

Meet the bunnies in their natural environment at Hallockville Museum Farm.

Hallockville Museum Farm – Riverhead

Explore this original farmstead to learn what farming life was like 250 years ago. Visitors to the 19-building facility can experience cooking in the historic kitchen or even grinding corn to feed the resident animals. In addition, kids can interact with cows and chickens to learn about their importance to the farm. Building entry is by guided tour only. Check the website for tour availability. The 2022 season runs from May through October. 

Benner's Farm – Setauket

This 15-acre family farm dates to the 18th century. The Benners are the seventh family to farm the location. Visitors can interact with goats, sheep, roosters, hens, chicks, small pigs, and more. The farm hosts regular workshops for kids and even hosts a chicken workshop to teach adults how to harvest their own eggs. Little ones can enroll in parent-and-me classes that provide an introduction to life on the farm.

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Kids can interact with (and feed) the goats at Mattituck's popular Harbes Family Farm.

Harbes Family Farm and Vineyard – Mattituck

Known for its array of animals and family-friendly activities, there is always plenty going on at this family-run farm. Interact with sheep, pot-bellied pigs, and goats, plus the Jumbo Jumpers exhibit with inflatable bouncing pillows. Also, enjoy Lil' Farmers Playland, the popular pig race and potato sack competitions, the Hedge Maze, and much more. Season passes are available. The farm opens for the season on Mother's Day weekend.

Holtsville Park Ecology and Wildlife Center – Holtsville

This Town of Brookhaven facility houses more than 100 injured or nonreleasable animals, including buffalo, bobcats, eagles, horses, and goats, Celebrity groundhog Holtsville Hal makes an appearance each Groundhog Day. There is a small fee to feed the goats. Check its Facebook page for current hours.

The animals at the Long Island Game Farm are sure to put a smile on your child's face.

Long Island Game Farm – Manorville

This farm takes the petting zoo to another level. From lemurs to bison and wallabies, you can travel the world through its animals. Kids can feed the giraffe (after mid-May), enter Bambiland—the majestic forest—to feed the deer, and even see an alligator show. This farm offers an excursion to see and learn about the animal kingdom; it's an international experience that doesn't require leaving Long Island. Stop by the nursery and bottle-feed new additions to the farm, and don't miss the carousel, teacups, and train. Check the website before your visit as some exhibits depend on outdoor conditions. It is open daily during spring break and weekends through Memorial Day, then daily in the summer.

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center – Yaphank

Get up close and personal with your favorite farm animals at this friendly spot. The butterfly house is a unique way to learn about insects and see their beauty firsthand. This is a real working farm where you can interact with sheep, goats, pigs, alpacas, turkeys, and cows, among other animals. Don't miss the colorful peacocks, and make sure to visit the children's garden, where kids grow their own food. A variety of educational programs are offered at this year-round facility.

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Meet the zebras at White Post Animal Farm in Melville. Photo by Kimberly Miller

White Post Animal Farm – Melville

This farm and petting zoo offers everything an animal lover could imagine. Begin at the giant, free-flight aviary, where a cascading waterfall flows and birds eat out of your hand. Then, head over to the recently updated primate section to see lemurs and squirrel monkeys climbing on their playground. Goats, sheep, llamas, and alpacas are available to feed. Don't miss favorites like the Singing Chicken Show, Animal Jamboree Band, and the old-fashioned train ride. The wet and dry bouncers are also a popular attraction. It's open daily in the spring, fall, and summer.

Fink's Country Farm – Wading River

There are plenty of animals to pet and feed as well as lots of opportunities for kids to play and climb at Fink's. Goats and chickens roam freely, and some baby goats may even choose to follow you around the barnyard. There are goats, donkeys, alpacas, ponies, ostriches, deer, rabbits, chickens, peafowl, pigs, and more. A must-see is the nursery barn located at the back of the barnyard. Throughout the season you'll see different babies here, from pigs and goats to adorable bunnies. There is also lots of open space for running, play equipment, and a barn full of corn kernels for kids to romp in, but beware, it's very messy. The season runs from mid-May until the end of October. 

A version of this article was originally posted in 2012; it has since been updated.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the farms/petting zoos