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THE BEST PETTING ZOOS IN METRO-DETROIT

You read about bear hunts, sing about Old McDonald and watch Finding Nemo more times than you can count. Now here’s your opportunity to get out and let your littles pet their favorite barn yard animals!
Ponies “R” Us & Mobile Petting Zoo (New Boston)
Ponies “R” Us is a traveling company that services all events in the Metro-Detroit area. They specialize in a hands-on true farm animal experience. Ponies “R” Us has an experienced and kind staff. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience these amazing animals with the personality to boot that enjoy what they do and love kids!
Address: 28400 Grix Road, New Boston, MI 48164
Phone: (734) 740-5831
Domino Farms (Ann Arbor)
The Petting Farm opened its doors in 1984 at Domino’s Farms. Twenty acres were allocated for the site and the Zeeb barn became a shelter for animals once more. The Petting Farm is a symbol of our appreciation and commitment to the agriculture industry and the traditional farm values that are evident in our culture. It serves as a historical tribute to the farmers who lived in the area and developed the agribusiness we have today. In addition to petting animals, riding ponies and on a hayride, kids can also explore a stationary train car.
Hours:
- September – October
- Monday thru Friday 10am – 3pm
- Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4pm
- November -March
- Monday & Tuesday closed
- Wednesday thru Friday 10am – 3pm
- Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4pm
- April – August
- Monday thru Sunday 10am – 4pm
Tickets:
- $6 – General Admission
- $5.50 – Seniors
- FREE under 2
- +$2 Animal Feed
- +$2 Hayrides
- +$5 Pony Rides
Address: 3001 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734.998.0182
Heritage Park Petting Farm (Taylor)
The Heritage Park Petting Farm offers a hands-on experience for the young or just young at heart in a unique park atmosphere. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist and make your visit a memorable one. Children wearing proper footwear (gym shoes or boots) can walk around the stalls of the goats, sheep, and piglets. The farm is open year round, and each season brings interesting changes. The barn is heated to provide warmth for our guests and animals.
Hours: Change seasonally – call ahead
- Friday thru Sunday 10am – 5pm
Tickets:
- $3 – Taylor Resident
- $4 – Non-resident
- $5 – Special events
- FREE under 1
Address: 12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor, MI, 48180
Phone: 734.374.5946
Pingree Farms ( Detroit)
Pingree Farms is a non profit organization located in Detroit! Along with being a premier petting zoo, Pingree Farms’ mission is to raise poultry and livestock and cultivate crops in a city setting for demonstration, as well as promote understanding and to foster genetic diversity by maintaining heritage breeds and plantings. They also engage in community development by utilizing under-used urban lands and conducting volunteer days for planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops and maintaining poultry and livestock.
Hours:
- Monday thru Friday 9am – 10pm
- Saturday & Sunday Closed
Address: 301 E Grixdale Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
Phone: (313) 564-1500
Maybury Farm is a working farm with a mission to connect the community to animals and agriculture through hands-on experiences that are both engaging and educational. Situated on 85 acres of farmland and forest, the opportunities to enjoy and learn about Michigan farming, agriculture and habitats is endless. On the Farm we care for dozens of farm animals who provide opportunities to teach kids about the role of animals in providing food and fiber, a U-Pick farm garden full of fresh veggies, a farm-themed playground, large picnic area, and a General Store with delicious eats and gifts including Michigan-made maple syrup and honey from our Maybury Farm honeybee hives!
Hours: Change seasonally – call ahead
- November-February closed
- March – select hours
- April – October
- Tuesday thru Sunday 10am-4pm
Tickets:
- $3 – General Admission
- FREE under 3
- $6-$9 – Specialty tours
- +$3 – Wagon Ride
Address: 50165 W 8 Mile Rd, Northville, MI, 48167
Phone: 248.916.3033
Kensington Farm Center (Milford)
Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm and see live farm animals like chickens, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Visit a 150-year old restored barn (winner of the MBPN 2012 Barn of the Year), the poultry house or the barn exhibit room and kids’ area. Take a short walk to the riverside where a one-of-a kind “green” building (made exclusively of natural materials), a stone labyrinth, a grass maze and the new early skills area including a blacksmith shop and brick oven can all be found. An herb garden, field crops and old-fashioned farm equipment are also on display. Special programs on the animals, historic techniques, and other farm-related topics are held throughout the year.
Hours:
- Daily 9am-4pm
Tickets:
- $35 – Annual Metro Park vehicle permit
Address: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI, 48380
Phone: 248.684.8632
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About Katie Cramtom
Katie Cramton is a recent graduate of University of Michigan-Dearborn and contributing writer for Little Guide Detroit. Born in Flat Rock, she is no stranger to the Metro=Detroit area. She loves spending her time with her friends and family, as well as exploring Downtown Detroit.
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