The petting zoos near New York City that actually work for a toddler who wants to pet everything and a tween who’s already over it.
Day TripToddler-FriendlyOutdoor FunBudget-FriendlyEducationalAnimal Encounters
I’ve taken Emma and Sofia to more petting zoos than I can count over the years. Some are better than others. The real trick is finding one where the drive doesn’t outweigh the fun, where the animals are actually awake, and where you can spend an hour without a meltdown. For more ideas on what to do with kids in the city, check out our NYC guide.
The best petting zoos let you touch the animals, not just look at them.
— Sophie Bennett
What Petting Zoos Really Feel Like With Kids
Most petting zoos are small, which is a good thing. Young kids lose interest fast, and older ones roll their eyes if the place is too babyish. The key is variety: a mix of animals to feed, something to climb, and a place to wash hands right after. The biggest challenge is that many of the best petting zoos are a drive from the city – and that drive can be rough with a 6-year-old who’s already asking “are we there yet?” We’ve walked out of more than one place because one kid was done before the other even started. That’s normal.
The Best Petting Zoos Near NYC
Prospect Park Zoo – Brooklyn
This one’s in Brooklyn, so no highway drive. The barnyard area has goats and sheep you can feed, plus free-roaming peacocks. It’s small enough that you can see everything in under two hours. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children aged 3–12. The sea lion show happens two to three times a day depending on the season. Sofia, at 13, was bored by the petting part but liked the sea lions. Emma loved the goats. If you’re coming from Manhattan, take the subway to Prospect Park and walk – it’s about 10 minutes from the station.
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island Zoo has a children’s petting zoo with goats and ponies. The zoo itself is compact, with plenty of shade and benches. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children, and it’s free after 2pm on Wednesdays (cash only). We drove – parking was easy. The petting area is small, but the animals are friendly. For a quick outing, this works. Combine it with a visit to the Staten Island Ferry for a free boat ride.
Long Island Game Farm – Manorville
This is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Midtown, so it’s a full-day trip. Over 200 animals, including wallabies, a giraffe named Clifford you can hand-feed, and a nursery where you can bottle-feed babies. There’s also a forest area called “Bambiland” where deer come right up to you. Emma spent 20 minutes there. Sofia, who’s 13, actually got into the giraffe feeding – she said it was “kinda cool.” The farm has picnic areas, so bring lunch. Admission is around $30 if you pay at the door, but you can buy tickets online in advance. It’s cash only.
Queens County Farm Museum – Floral Park
Free general admission, with paid seasonal festivals. You can buy feed for the goats, and there are pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, and honeybees. The farm is a quick drive from the city, and the grounds are large enough that you can spread out. We went on a weekend and it was busy but not crazy. The hayrides are seasonal. If you’re on a budget, this is your best bet.
Green Meadows Farm – Flatbush, Brooklyn
This is a small, educational farm with alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits, and more. It’s run by a nonprofit, and they do guided tours. The animals are very used to being handled. Emma loved the baby chicks. Sofia was less impressed, but she helped feed the rabbits. It’s only open for events, so check their website before you go. Parking is a challenge in the neighborhood – we ended up parking a few blocks away.
| Zoo | Travel Time from Midtown | Admission (Adult/Child) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospect Park Zoo | 30 min subway | $10 / $8 (3–12) | Quick trip, easy transit |
| Staten Island Zoo | 45 min ferry + drive | $10 / $6, free Wed after 2pm | Budget day, small kids |
| Long Island Game Farm | 1 hr 40 min drive | ~$30 cash only | Full-day adventure, older kids |
| Queens County Farm | 25 min drive | Free (parking free) | Budget, short visit |
| Green Meadows Farm | 35 min drive | Event-based, ~$10–15 | Hands-on, toddlers |
Logistics – Getting There, Costs, and Timing
Most of these places are cash only for admission or feed, so bring quarters and small bills. The drive to Long Island Game Farm is long, but the payoff is big – just plan for nap time on the way back. If you’re using public transit, Prospect Park and Queens County Farm are the easiest. For a combined experience, consider a New York CityPass – it includes admission to several zoos and attractions, though not all petting zoos are covered. You’ll save money if you plan to visit multiple paid sites.
If you’re driving, parking is free at most of these places. Prospect Park Zoo has a paid lot, but street parking is possible. Staten Island Zoo has a free lot. Long Island Game Farm has plenty of free parking. For Queens County Farm, there’s a small free lot.
What to Pack (and Know Before You Go)
- Bring quarters for feed machines – many zoos don’t the sell feed at the entrance.
- Pack hand sanitizer and wipes; handwashing stations are often outside the restrooms.
- Snacks and water – most places have limited food options, if any.
- A change of clothes for toddlers – petting zoos are muddy.
- Stroller? Most zoos are stroller-friendly, but Long Island Game Farm has gravel paths that can be bumpy.
Common Parent Questions About Petting Zoos Near NYC
My 6-year-old is scared of goats – will she be okay?
Most petting zoos have separate pens for smaller animals like rabbits and chicks. You can start there. The goats are usually in a pen where you can feed them through a fence, so she doesn’t have to go inside. If she’s still nervous, skip the goat area and head to the sheep or the ducks.
Is there somewhere to wash hands after touching the animals?
Yes – every petting zoo we’ve been to has a handwashing station near the exit. Some have soap, some don’t. Carry hand sanitizer just in case. At Prospect Park Zoo, there’s a sink right by the barnyard door. At Long Island Game Farm, the bathroom near the picnic area is the best bet.
Can we do two petting zoos in one day without the kids losing it?
Probably not. The drive time between them adds up, and the novelty wears off after the first one. Pick one, spend an hour or two, then do something else – a playground, a picnic, or a rock climbing park if you’re near one. That’s worked better for us.
What’s the best time of day to go?
Morning, right when they open. Animals are more active, and crowds are smaller. By noon, the feed is gone and the animals are tired. We’ve learned that the hard way.
Final Thoughts
Petting zoos are one of those things that sound simple but can go sideways fast. The best ones are the ones that match your kids’ ages and your tolerance for driving. For a low-stakes afternoon, stick to the city zoos. If you’re ready for a real adventure, the Long Island Game Farm is worth the trip – just don’t expect Sofia to admit it. For more ideas on where to spend a day with kids in the region, see our picks for the sweetest small towns within two hours of NYC.
Sources
Petting Zoos Near NYC Where Kids Can See Farm Animals. Mommypoppins, 2023.
Best Kid-Friendly Zoos in New York. Atly, 2024.
Best Kid-Friendly Zoos in New York (statewide). Atly, 2024.
Must-Visit Petting Zoos in New York State for Animal Lovers. My Family Travels, 2023.
