Photo by Bridget Laudien
Treat the kids to a fun-filled day visiting ducks, cows, peacocks, and more at these 10 farms, zoos, and sanctuaries around the region.
Barton Orchards
Poughquag
Animals Goats, alpacas, peacock, rabbits, mini horses, pigs, ducks
Activities Along with friendly farm animals that you and the kiddos can pet and even feed, the 175-acre orchard has a pick-your-own vegetable garden, an adventure ropes course, a dog park, and frequent live music. bartonorchards.com
Breezeway Farm
Monticello
Animals Horses, chickens, calves, cows, donkeys, ducks, geese, goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, turkeys, a miniature pony
Activities Pony rides, hayrides, trail rides, and boating on the onsite pond. breezewayfarmpettingzo.com
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Saugerties
Animals Roosters, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, cows, ducks, chickens
Activities Tours to learn about the resident animals, vegan cooking classes, and a full farmhouse available for rental. casanctuary.org
DuBois Farms
Highland
Animals Ducks, sheep, cows, other traditional farm animals
Activities Two-acre corn maze, seasonal pick-your-own crops, and shopping at the farm market and bakery. Plus, there’s a pizzeria and an ice cream shop. duboisfarms.com
Related: What to Eat and Where to Go for a Perfect Day in Red Hook
Forsyth Nature Center
Kingston
Animals Turtles, pigs, zebra, peacocks, parakeets, ducks, goats, alpacas, llamas, bulls, chickens, reptiles, guinea hens
Activities Animal exhibits, plus naturalist programs and school programs. There’s also a picnic area for snacking and hanging out. forsythnaturecenter.org
Kelder’s Farm
Kerhonkson
Animals Chickens, pigs, dairy cattle
Activities Mini golf, tube slides, family photo ops with tractors, face signs, and a giant garden gnome, plus a farm market. keldersfarm.com
Noah’s Park Retreat
Goshen
Animals Wallaby, thick-tailed bush babies, marmoset monkeys, fennec foxes, emu, porcupine, horses, turtles, and traditional farm animals
Activities Guided tours with one-on-one interaction with animals, butterfly and insect workshops, and available puppies for adoption! Visits are by appointment only. noahsparkretreat.org
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Wappingers Falls
Animals Cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys, pigs
Activities Along with the open barn and 1,000 acres of farmland, this environmental education center has eight miles of walking trails, a greenhouse, and an organic community garden for area residents. stonykill.org
Trevor Zoo
Millbrook
Animals More than 180 exotic and indigenous animals across 80 different species, including deer, bobcats, owls, foxes, red pandas, lemurs, and alpacas
Activities Environmental and animal behavior classes, a volunteer program to help with the animal’s care, plus community service opportunities. Visits are by appointment only. millbrook.org
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
High Falls
Animals Chickens, cows, ducks, goats, pigs, rabbits, sheep, turkeys, cats, llamas
Activities Sanctuary tours, a store carrying WFS merch (with proceeds benefitting their 380-plus resident animals), and volunteer opportunities. woodstocksanctuary.org
