Clover Brooke Farm
Hyde Park
This picturesque retreat offers an assortment of experiences, from leisurely hikes with alpacas to walks alongside seriously cute mini donkeys. For a soothing experience designed for both children and adults, book the Bunnypalooza, a one-hour session where expert handlers help you to relax by gently bonding with bunnies. Or, enjoy teatime with animal-shaped snacks while llamas and alpacas graze around you.
Frederick Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary
Napanoch
With a mission that focuses on the well-being of goats and the people who meet them, this Ulster County locale offers therapeutic activities with goats, citing mental health benefits such as lowered cortisol levels and increased feel-good chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. Relax and get creative with the Art with Heart activity, a two-hour painting session alongside rescue goats. For a more active experience, join Hugs & Hike with the Herd, with either a leisurely all-ages hike or a two-hour trek (best for ages 14+) accompanied by goats.
Therapeutic activities with goats boost mental health by increasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.
Hemlock Hill Farm
Montgomery
Escape to the tranquil, bucolic countryside where you can book a cozy glamping tent or the signature experience: a charming brunch in the picnic grove right next to the donkey pasture. Hunker down with bites and beverages al fresco while connecting with the farm’s gentle animals and offering them treats. Check the calendar for other unique events with the animals or contact the farm to book a special celebration.
Ridge Ranch
Patterson
During the Donkeys ‘n Donuts experience, dig into donuts from Westchester-based bakery Abby’s Dessert Bar and mingle with adorable mini donkeys, including Spice, Peaches, and Nut. Book the Cows ‘n Coffee experience and sip a freshly brewed cup from Pawling Coffee Roasters, paired with zucchini bread, while watching a bean roasting demonstration and petting the farm’s friendly cows. Or try Paint Night, an outdoor guided art activity with a scenic view of the farm’s fuzzy friends.
Shady Farm
Shady
This farm just outside of Woodstock invites you to meet its Nigerian Dwarfs, a smaller herd of playful goats at the heart of its artisanal cheese-making. Take a 90-minute farm tour, where you’ll meet the animals up close and sample farmstead goat cheeses such as chèvre and feta along with a glass of New York rosé. You can also book a 60-minute yoga class to stretch and twist alongside the goats—or just relax on the mat and enjoy their company.
Related: Breakneck Ridge Trailhead to Close for Two-Year Period
