With kids, it’s safe to say I have my very own zoo at home. But try explaining that to a 3-year-old toddler. No way, no how. They’re determined to meet all of the animals on Old MacDonald’s farm. And that’s definitely not happening anywhere in our house. Sure, I can offer up our poor, beleaguered dog, but chances are I’m going to be shot down.
So where does a family go when the kids have animal farm fever? Yep, you guessed it: a petting zoo! Fortunately, Miami has quite a few that are worthy of a field trip with family, babysitters, or nannies. Goats? Check. Pigs? Check. An afternoon of rollicking in the sun with some darn cute critters? That’s a definite check.
Pack up the car, put on some sunscreen, and get ready to romp around with some of the city’s friendliest farm animals at these five local petting zoos. Due to closures as a result of Hurricane Irma, check ahead with individual locations for opening hours.
Pinecrest Gardens
Address: 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL 33156
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., & 4 p.m. (Opens for 30 min.)
Phone: 305-669-6990
Admission: $5 | Seniors (65+,: $3 | Active military, free
The petting zoo at Pinecrest Gardens allows kids to interact with a host of friendly sheep, goats, and pigs. The fenced-in area is surrounded by lush trees and bushes and is included with your paid admission to the gardens. Just make sure you’re watching the clock — the petting zoo opens only for 30 minutes, on the hour, at select times. Afterward, kids can feed the fish in the adjoining ponds and cool off at the splash pad.
Little Farm
Address: 13401 SW 224 St., Goulds, FL 33170
Hours: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Sunday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Phone: 305-258-3186
Admission: $10
Known for its epic Easter egg hunts and pumpkin patch celebrations, the Little Farm fulfills all of your little one’s “living on a farm” daydreams. It’s located on a wide expanse of land in the southern part of the county, and kids can help feed the animals and assist in the milking of the goats. There’s also an adorable miniature pony that little ones love to pet and hug. A butterfly garden and a shady pavilion round out the offerings at the this nearly 40-year-old farm. Be sure to pack a picnic before you go!
Zoo Miami
Address: 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL, 33177
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 305-251-0400
Admission: Adults (13+), $21.95 | Kids ages 2-13, $17.95 | Kids 2 & under, free
Make your way to the Critter Connection pavilion at this 750-acre zoo, where you’ll find the “Wacky Barn” — home to several barnyard animals. Kids can help groom the resident goats and sheep with brushes and curry combs, then they’ll get an opportunity to watch the keepers demonstrate trained animal behavior with the horses. Afterward, be sure to wander into one of the “Animal Tales” presentations, where various native and exotic animal ambassadors make an appearance for face-to-face encounters with their littlest fans.
Amelia Earhart Park
Address: 401 E. 65th St., Hialeah, FL 33013
Hours: Call for schedule
Phone: 305-685-8389
Admission: Car, $7 | RV, $15
A 91-acre lake with a wakeboarding complex, pony rings, soccer fields, and a bark park — is there anything Amelia Earhart Park can’t do? Apparently not, because it also has a petting zoo for everyone in the family to enjoy. And it’s all about the goats here. You’ll find a large number of them lazing about the space. There’s also a hen house, where chickens and roosters rule the roost as part of the park’s Farm Village. Parking is free during the week, but prepare to pay a small fee when looking for a spot on Saturday and Sunday.
Jungle Island
Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 305-400-7000
Admission: Adults (11+), $39.95 | Seniors (65+), $37.95 | Kids ages 3-10, $32.95 | Kids 2 & under, free
At the Petting Barn at Jungle Island, kids have their choice of brush or bottle before entering the gated petting area. Then they can opt to groom or feed the adult and baby goats that roam the enclosure. Along the way, they’ll encounter a few tortoises quietly soaking up the sun or slowly moving their way into the shade. Adjacent to the petting zoo is a children’s playground — the perfect way to burn off some extra energy for a guaranteed nap on the car ride home.
