So, pack up the kids, grab some sunscreen, and prepare for an adventure combining fresh air, animal encounters, and family bonding. Check out our top picks and make some plans to visit.

Animal Farms and Petting Zoos for Kids Near San Francisco

1. Ardenwood Historic Farm—Fremont  

Step back in time for a glimpse of what Victorian-era farm life was like at this Fremont family farm. Kids can see traditional farming techniques, check out the Victorian garden and Patterson House, and see all the farm animals, including chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs. Seasonal events, rotating programs, and walking tours are available. 

2. Bale of Fun Farm—Petaluma

The family-run farm has more than 75 animals, including pigs, donkeys, mini horses, and birds. Farm tours are $10 per person on the weekends and give your family a chance to feed, pet, and hold a variety of animals. The farm also hosts birthday parties, camps, picnics, and playgroups. 

3. Deer Hollow Farm—Cupertino

Situated within the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Deer Hollow Farm combines the charm of a working farm with the beauty of nature. Families can go on educational tours to learn more about animal care and farming and enjoy the beautiful hiking trails nearby. It's FREE to enter; donations are accepted.

4. Elkus Ranch—Half Moon Bay

This Half Moon Bay ranch is an Environmental Education Center, with hands-on programs for kids from preschool age to high school. Families can tour the ranch and get up close to the animals, check out the garden, and even spend the night. Ranch visits are reservation only, making it a great way to get the family together for a private tour of the grounds. 

5. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo—San Jose

Visit this zoo and amusement park for a day of fun. Happy Hollow is a hit for little ones younger than 10 who love animals. See lemurs, goats, sheep, and more animals at the zoo, then enjoy a day of rides, puppet shows, and entertainment before heading home. Admission is about $15 and includes special events or new exhibits. 

6. Harley Farms—Pescadero

The only active dairy farm in San Mateo County, Harley Farms produces goat cheese using milk from its goats exclusively. For kids 7 and older, tours are available that include time in the pen with the friendly animals, a visit to the milking parlor, and a walk around the property. At the end, you can even sample the cheese made in-house. The farm also has guard dogs, honey bees, and peacocks. 

7. Hidden Villa—Los Altos

Hidden Villa offers immersive educational tours and sustainable farming programs, making it a fantastic place for kids to learn about the environment and agriculture. The farm also has picturesque hiking trails and gardens. Opt for a private tour to get up close and personal with all the animals and learn about the garden. Parking is $10 per car. 

8. Lemos Farm—Half Moon Bay

Lemos Farm is perfect for young children with its pony rides, train rides, petting zoos, and seasonal events, including a haunted house during Halloween. The hands-on experience with farm animals such as goats, sheep, and llamas makes it a fun visit year round. Expect to pay between $5-$30 for activities such as pony rides. 

9. Lindsay Wildlife Experience—Walnut Creek

With interactive exhibits and live animal encounters that educate and inspire curiosity about wildlife and nature conservation, guests can meet and learn about the animals up close, including hawks, owls, and other local wildlife, often interacting with trained handlers who share insights about each species. Families with kids older than 8 can also go for a private animal experience, where guests get a behind-the-scenes tour, assist an animal keeper, and get up close and personal with the animals. 

10. Little Farm at Tilden Regional Park—Berkeley

This FREE farm is a hidden gem in beautiful Tilden Regional Park. It's an excellent spot for families to interact with friendly farm animals such as cows, chickens, and goats. Bring lettuce or celery (nothing else) to feed the animals on your own, then explore the rest of the area. The park also offers hiking trails and scenic views, making it a perfect day-trip destination. Bonus tip: The Tilden Merry-Go-Round is close by and fun for kids. 

11. Menagerie Hill Ranch—Vacaville

Hang out with alpacas on a private tour of this beautiful ranch in Vacaville. Tours are limited to eight people, and families can learn about the animals, take pictures up close, feed the alpacas and llamas, and even have a picnic lunch. 

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Engage with the giant tortoises at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo. Photo courtesy of the museum

12. Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo—Palo Alto

Perfect for kids 9 and younger, the Palo Alto Museum & Zoo lets kids see giant tortoises, feed flamingos, and more. Learn about the animals while engaging in STEM-based, hands-on activities throughout the museum. There is also a playground with a host of climbing structures for kids. Admission is only $10 and must be purchased before arrival. 

13. Randall Museum—San Francisco

While not a farm, the Randall Museum has more than 100 animals, including raccoons, snakes, birds, and more. Drop in on Saturday afternoons for live animal presentations, where kids can meet a snake or touch a tortoise. Admission is FREE to the museum, and the museum has a host of exhibits and hands-on activities to explore as well. 

14. Slide Ranch—Muir Beach

Set on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Slide Ranch is home to goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Families can enjoy some time in nature, hike the trails, see the animals and enjoy the coast. There are gardening activities on the farm, animal programs like goat milking, and more. Admission is FREE.