Farm holidays in ... with petting zoo

291 farms with petting zoo found (from 1194)

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291 farms have a petting zoo for guests. Rabbits, ponies, pigs, goats, and sheep can be petted and, in some cases, fed. A special highlight for families with children.

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Children pet goats in the petting zoo at the farm

Farm with petting zoo: Experience animals up close

A farm with a petting zoo is the ultimate holiday paradise for children. Goats, ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats are waiting to be petted, fed, and lovingly cared for. Over 280 farms in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol offer their own petting zoo, where children can playfully learn how to interact with animals and experience unforgettable moments. Direct contact with the animals fosters trust, a sense of responsibility, and lots of joy.

What makes a good petting zoo on a farm?

A real petting zoo on a farm isn't a separate enclosure, but a lovingly designed area where children can interact with tame animals. The animals are used to children, friendly, and kept in species-appropriate conditions. Typical petting zoo inhabitants include pygmy goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, ponies, pot-bellied pigs, and sometimes chickens or ducks.

The difference to a zoo: On a farm, the animals live in their natural environment. The goats roam freely in the pasture, the rabbits hop around a spacious enclosure, and the cats wander freely around the farmyard. Children experience the animals not only by petting them, but also by observing their daily routines. This makes a farm holiday with children so particularly authentic.

These animals are waiting in the petting zoo

Goats: The stars of the petting zoo! Dwarf goats are curious, playful, and love being petted. Many farms offer goat walks where children can lead the goats on a leash through nature. Goats are often a standard feature on farms in the Allgäu region .

Ponies: Small horses with big hearts. Children are allowed to groom, lead, and often ride ponies. Those seeking more intensive contact with horses will find even more opportunities for riding and vaulting at equestrian centers .

Rabbits and guinea pigs: Perfect for younger children. These small animals are gentle, love to be petted, and can often be taken out of their enclosure. Many farms have dedicated rabbit hutches where children can help with feeding.

Cats: The secret favorites of many children. Farm cats roam freely and choose their own petting sessions. They are usually very trusting and love to purr on the farm bench in the evening.

Chickens and ducks: collecting eggs is a highlight for children. Some farms also have tame chickens that can be fed and even petted. Ducks on the farm pond complete this animal paradise.

Zieglinde the goat gives practical tips

Zieglinde's 3 tips for the petting zoo

Stay calm: Animals sense commotion. Explain to your children that they should approach the animals slowly and speak softly. This will help the animals gain trust more quickly.

Make the most of feeding times: Most farms have fixed feeding times where children can actively participate. This is often more exciting than simply petting the animals.

Pack a change of clothes: It gets messy in the petting zoo, and that's a good thing! Pack a change of clothes so your children can play without a care in the world.

For what age group is a petting zoo suitable?

Toddlers (2-4 years): Perfect for a first animal experience. Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs are ideal for a gentle introduction. Many farms with petting zoos also offer baby and toddler equipment so the whole family can enjoy a relaxing holiday.

Kindergarten children (4-6 years): The golden age for petting zoos! Children are brave enough for larger animals like goats and ponies, but still small enough to play in the straw for hours and observe animals.

Schoolchildren (6-12 years): Want to actively help and take on responsibility. They can help with feeding, mucking out, and grooming. Some farms even offer animal sponsorships, where children care for a specific animal.

Teenagers: Even older children appreciate contact with animals, especially when they can actively participate. Horse farms with riding facilities are particularly popular with teenagers.

The best regions for farms with petting zoos

You can find farms with petting zoos in all holiday regions, but especially in Austria and Germany. In Tyrol and Salzburg, a petting zoo is standard on family-friendly farms. InStyria, many organic farms focus on species-appropriate animal husbandry combined with a petting zoo atmosphere.

In Bavaria, especially in the Allgäu and the Bavarian Forest, almost all family farms have a petting zoo. In South Tyrol, too, many farms combine Mediterranean flair with animals that can be touched. Those who also value organic farming will find what they're looking for at organic farms , which often place particular emphasis on species-appropriate animal husbandry.

How much does a farm with a petting zoo cost?

A farm with a petting zoo doesn't automatically cost more than a farm without animals. Prices depend on the region, amenities, and season. On average, you'll pay between €600 and €1,200 per week for a vacation apartment for a family with two children. You can find particularly good deals in the off-season (May, June, September) and in less touristy areas.

Access to the petting zoo is almost always free, as is feeding and petting the animals. Some farms sell animal feed for 1-2 euros, but this is optional. Additional costs may apply for pony rides (usually 5-10 euros per ride) or special activities such as goat treks.

Safety in the petting zoo

Farms with petting zoos place great emphasis on safety. The animals are accustomed to children, regularly examined by a veterinarian, and kept in species-appropriate conditions. Nevertheless, children should never be left unattended in the petting zoo. The farmers are happy to provide an introduction on how to properly approach the animals.

Important rules for parents: Explain to your children that animals are not cuddly toys and must be treated with respect. Always wash your hands after petting them. Do not frighten or tease animals. Do not feed them without permission, as some animals are sensitive.

The most common animals in farm petting zoos are pygmy goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, cats, and chickens. Many farms also have pot-bellied pigs, sheep, ducks, or geese. The selection depends on the farm. Some specialize in certain animals, while others have a diverse mix. All animals in the petting zoo are tame, accustomed to children, and kept in species-appropriate conditions. Larger farm animals like cows or pigs are usually not in the petting zoo but can be visited in the barn.

Most farms have their petting zoos open all day. You can come with your children whenever you like. The feeding times, which often take place in the morning and evening, are particularly exciting. Some farms also have set times when the farmer gives a short tour and explains how to interact with the animals. In bad weather or during the winter months, some areas may be closed. It's best to ask about the exact times upon arrival.

Yes, at almost all farms with petting zoos, children are allowed to actively help with feeding. This is often the highlight of the holiday. The farmers show the children what the animals can eat and how to feed them properly. Some farms sell special feed bags for 1-2 euros, while others provide the feed free of charge. It's important that children don't feed anything without permission, as some animals are sensitive to certain foods. Feeding times are usually in the morning and evening, when the larger animals are also fed.

Yes, a petting zoo is perfect for toddlers from about two years old. The small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats, are gentle and not threatening. Many toddlers have their first experience with animals at a farm-based petting zoo and learn to interact with them playfully, carefully, and lovingly. It's important that you, as a parent, are present and show your child how to pet the animals. Some farms have special areas for very young children with particularly tame animals. For families with babies and toddlers, farms that also offer appropriate equipment such as high chairs and cribs are ideal.

You don't need any special equipment for the petting zoo. Sturdy shoes or rubber boots are a good idea, as it can sometimes be muddy. Dress your children in clothes that can get dirty. A jacket or raincoat is a good idea, as petting zoos are often outdoors or in open barns. Pack a change of clothes in case the children play a lot. Don't forget sunscreen in the summer. The farm takes care of everything else, such as animal feeding and barn tours. Children should always wash their hands after petting the animals; most farms have washing facilities near the barn.

Farms with petting zoos can be found in all German and Austrian holiday regions. You'll find a particularly large number in Bavaria, Salzburg, Tyrol, Styria, and South Tyrol. But many farms in Northern Germany, the Eifel region, and the Black Forest also have petting zoos. Simply use the filter function on our website and select "Petting Zoo." You can filter by region, distance, or specific preferences to quickly find the perfect farm near you. Over 280 farms with petting zoos are available.

Top Farm Award: Award-winning farms

Every year, we award the Top Farm Award to particularly welcoming and high-quality farms. Many award-winning farms have lovingly designed petting zoos and place great emphasis on species-appropriate animal husbandry. The farming families take time for their guests and patiently show children how to interact properly with animals. You can find out more about the award on our Top Farm Award page .

Find a farm with a petting zoo now

Ready for unforgettable animal moments? Over 280 farms with petting zoos are waiting to be discovered by your family. Goats, ponies, rabbits, and many other animals are looking forward to meeting animal lovers of all ages. Filter your search by region and specific preferences to find the perfect farm where your children can experience animals up close!

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Editor: Roland Bamberger

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About Roland Bamberger

Roland Bamberger is the founder and managing director of bauernhofurlaub.info. With 15 years of experience in portal marketing, he has built tourism platforms with over 200 million users. He specializes in SEO, Google Ads, and performance marketing for the leisure and tourism industry. Since 2022, he has supported over 1,000 farms in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and South Tyrol with guest acquisition and digital visibility.

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