Time with animals is always time well spent! Children of all ages can spend hours enjoying the sights and sounds of the farm, and especially love the opportunity to feed the animals or get up close. In Westchester County and its' surrounding areas there are plenty of options for farms and petting zoos. We've put together a list with recommendations for weekend mornings or a fun day out for children and families.
Westchester County Farms
1. Muscoot Farm
Katonah
Muscoot offers year-round programming and events. Admission to the grounds is free, although special programs require advance registration. With space to picnic and hike, as well as enjoy the animals, families love this local gem. Catch the farmer's market on Sundays for seasonal produce and artisanel finds.
Yonkers
Although the farm is not technically located at this site, animals are on location and children enjoy the sights and sounds of the supermarket as you weave your way through the aisles. Don't forget their ice cream!
3. Stone Barns
Tarrytown
Open hours run from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required for visits. Downloadable activities are available for families on the site to keep young ones learning and engaged while visiting. Special programming is also on the calendar. Check your local library for complimentary day passes.
Mount Kisco
The farm stand, pizza oven, and picnic space make it easy for families to spend an afternoon here. Children love to see the sheep, horses, and chickens that live on the farm. Check the site for special events!
Hudson Valley Farms
Poughquag
In addition to the many festivals and special events offered at Barton Orchards, children enjoy the playground and petting zoo while adults love the food stands and craft beer and cider. It's easy to spend the whole day at Barton Orchards. Check the site to plan your visit.
2. DuBois Farms
Highland
Enjoy produce picking and the tiny town for children to play in. There are also farm animals in pens that are close to the orchards and can be visited.
Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is required. See, pet, and feed a variety of animals, including buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, and long-horn cattle.
Westchester County Nature Centers
Scarsdale
Trails, a wooden playground, special events, outdoor exhibits, and an indoor learning center with animals and a knowledgeable staff (paid admission for indoors), there is so much to enjoy at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
Mount Kisco
A beautiful spot for hiking with the family, you'll also enjoy the indoor exhibits with a range of small animals to learn about. On Fridays, join the experts at the weekly Animal Encounter class where children can learn more about the animals as guides bring them out for a first-hand experience.
Ossining
This education center has programs for people of all ages and over 1,000 acres to hike. The visitor's center is open 7 days per week and a variety of small animals call it their home.
Hudson Valley Nature Centers
Harriman
Trails, animals, indoor nature centers, and seasonal activities such as ice-skating make Bear Mountain a destination for families year-round.
Kingston
A range of small and large animals call Forsyth Nature Center home. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
Other Animal Sightings
Scattered Books, Chappaqua - Meet the bunnies in the back of this beloved bookstore
Find more family fun with Macaroni KID Armonk - Chappaqua - Mount Kisco - Pleasantville
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