It’s hard to believe but the fall season is baaaaaa-aaaaack, and farm fun is the IT activity. Visiting a petting zoo is an easy way to entertain the kids, and luckily NJ has a variety of farms to visit – with plenty to do. Check out these petting zoos in and around Bergen County for enough fun to make your kids squeal with delight.
Abma’s Farm (700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff, Monday-Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm)
This local farm houses goats, sheep, alpaca, ponies, bunnies, pigs and more, and is a manageable space for even the littlest ones. Crackers and carrots for the animals can be purchased for a small additional fee. Stop in the store after your visit for farm-fresh finds.
Alstede Farms (1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, daily 9 am-7 pm)
Known for their ever-changing pick your own options, Alstede is also home to horses, goats, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, cows and more. The animals are out as long as their store is open, with feed bags filled with veggies available for purchase. Pony rides are also available from 11 am-3 pm.
Demarest Farms (244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, daily 8 am-5 pm)
Currently, apple picking (and soon pumpkin picking) is all the rage at Demarest Farms, so head out early to avoid the crowds. While you’re there, visit the animals near the store, including goats and pigs, at no extra cost.
Bluebird Farm Alpacas (44 Willow Ave., Peapack, visits by reservation, weekends only)
If you’re in need of a good smile, Bluebird Farm Alpacas is your go-to. Standard tours include a walk through the alpaca pens with the chance to feed and feel the friendly animals, or the tour with halter training, during which you can walk the alpaca through the farm.
Terhune Orchards (330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton, Monday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm)
There’s plenty to do at this farm, currently hosting apple picking and more farm activities. Be sure to leave time to visit their barnyard animals who live on the farm year-round. Sheep, goats, horses, ducks and chickens are available for visits, including feeding and petting, plus pony rides at their Family Fun Fall Weekends.
Richfield Farms & Garden Center (1139 Van Houten ave., Clifton, daily 9 am-5 pm)
While you’re doing some shopping for landscaping, stop by the live petting zoo and Richfield Farms, open year round. You’ll be greeted by friendly donkeys, rabbits, pigs, chickens and goats. Plus, fresh organic eggs from their chickens are available for purchase.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard (301 Rockaway Valley Rd., Boonton, Tuesday-Sunday through November 7tickets released at 10 am for the following day)
During quarantine, this farm opened for its super popular drive-thru experience, and has since returned to its spacious walkthrough option. Kids can feed the pigs, pet an alpaca or see the bunnies and ducks, plus their pumpkin patch, corn maze and cow train rides are open at a separate entrance if you want to spend the day.
Nickel-O Stables (369 Strawtown Rd., Westy Nyack, Sunday-Thursday 9 am-6 pm, Friday-Saturday, 9 am-5 pm)
Riders will love the private horse-riding lessons available at this farm, while animal lovers can visit the bunnies, horses, sheep, goats, chicks and more. Kids can get up close with the animals to pet or feed, with food available to purchase at the farm.
