Lancaster County is definitely the place to live if you love visiting petting zoos. Here is a list of several FREE petting zoos in the Lancaster County area—some are permanent locations and others are traveling zoos that visit the county every year.
There are currently 7 petting zoos on this list for Lancaster County. Click on the CONTINUE READING button to see more photos and learn more about each specific petting zoo.
At the end of the post is a Google map showing you where each petting zoo is located. It’s really handy if you’ll know you’ll be in a certain region of the county and need something else to do while you are there. Enjoy!
Lancaster County Petting Zoos
The petting zoo is in the woods so it is nice and shaded on hot days, the animals are friendly and good with people, and there are so many different types of animals and areas to explore. There is even access to the Horseshoe Trail if you want to go on a hike after visiting the animals!
DEAL ALERT >> Get a coupon for $15 worth of food for just $7.50!
Located near Strasburg (264 Paradise Ln in Ronks), this is a cute little place in the heart of the Lancaster County tourist area. Its not a complete petting zoo, but what makes it unique is the miniature horses that kids just love to see and pet!
There are also llamas and goats. Miniature horse-drawn cart rides are available for a fee ($6). Experience.
The typical treasure hunt is a hurried stop from point A to Point B. This one is a little different, where each stop is a treasure in itself. You'll get to interact with each of the animals in different ways. We'll be doing the hunts by appointments only, and each family will have their own private hunt with one of the Stoltzfus family as their guide. We think it will be a great experience for anyone that enjoys being around horses and animals
You'll get to interact with horses, goats, alpacas and chickens.
Please Note: Call Ahead to schedule your hunt. Our times for reservations are at:
10:00 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
Monday thru Saturday
Costs are:
1 - 3 people $10.00 each
4 - 6 people $8.00 each
7 - 12 people $7.00 each
This is a really small petting zoo at the Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe, but a beautiful area and a great spot to enjoy some excellent ice cream while your kids play on the playground and enjoy the animals. They also offer FREE ice cream on the first day of spring!! 🙂
There is a small petting zoo here, with some unique animals—pigs, goats, llamas—your kids will probably love the ones with the really big horns! It's actually our favorite spot to watch Thomas go by when he's in town as well. Recently they added a viewing tower and a nice playground.
CURRENTLY CLOSED IN 2020, BUT YOU CAN LOOK IN AT THE ANIMALS. Located at Long's Park there are goats, a pig, llamas and other animals. The lake is also a great place to watch the ducks!
This is a traveling petting zoo that comes to Good's Stores every year around the same time. It visits both the New Holland and Shaefferstown locations. The zoo is free, but there is a charge to ride the camels and horses. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS CANCELLED FOR 2020.
This is a special event hosted once a year in June. There are dozens of activities, animals, games, giveaways, free samples and a huge petting zoo tent complete with baby chicks to hold. A must-do event for any child who loves animals! Please note this is a very highly attended event—if you want to avoid the long lines, follow our tips for the best time arrivals. THIS HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020.
Open from 11am to 7pm.
The Oley Turnpike Dairy, built in 1970, opened in June of the same year as the farm dairy store, where they process their own milk and make their own ice cream.
The Oley Turnpike Petting Zoo was established in 1991, starting with just two baby calves. Over the years they have added sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas and other numerous animals leading up to the present day with between 80 to 90 animals and birds. This also includes the monkey house which was added in 1993. Their fall festival was started in the mid 1990's with hayrides and a small hand-built maze in our yard. Today the Fall Fest, beginning the last week of September, covers over 20 acres and now includes a hayride, play area, corn maze, space for parties and the zoo. The Country Diner was added in the year 2000. Along with home cooked country dining fare, and daily specials for dinner; also serving breakfast and lunch every day of the week. They also have over 30 flavors of delicious ice cream in the ice cream parlor. Located in Oley, PA about a 45 minute drive from Lancaster.I always love a good map! Here’s a Google Map showing you all the petting zoos in Lancaster County.
You may also want to check out this list of 15 FREE places to go with your kids in Lancaster County.
