I don't know about you, but visiting farm animals is always a well loved, outdoor adventure for my kids! It's a completely different experience compared to seeing animals at a zoo. We've been to almost all the farms on this list, and we learn something new every time- from fun facts about the animals themselves to knowledge on sustainable farming practices. I believe these simple kinds of experiences help shape the way our children view the world they live in. And so, these are all the places you can see farm animals in the Bay Area (excludes zoos). Most of these places are free or low cost, so it makes for a very affordable and fun family outing.
Enjoy!
Skip ahead to the area closest to you:
1500 Central Park Dr, Berkeley
It’s FREE!
Kids can see and feed cows, goats, sheep, and chickens.
Bring celery or lettuce to feed the animals (no other food is allowed).
There’s a playground in the parking lot, and a visitor center with some interactive exhibits.
Myrtle's Happy Farm (Brentwood)
9701 Deer Valley Rd, Brentwood
Local family farm
Offers play dates with various activities for $5 per person
Ardenwood Historic Farm (Fremont)
34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont
A historic working farm with draft horses, sheep, chickens, and rabbits.
Offers seasonal events and educational programs about farming life. There's always something fun happening here on weekends. They also offer a Toddler Time periodically.
There is a train ride (included in admission) that runs April - Nov
Not free, but very low cost.
22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Cupertino
A working farm located in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve- you have to hike there (approx 1 mile). It's stroller-friendly!
Features sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and a peaceful nature setting.
FREE!
A nonprofit farm and wilderness preserve where kids can meet pigs, goats, cows, and chickens.
Offers hands-on programs and self-guided visits.
Parking is $10. Reservations recommended but not required.
McClellan Ranch Preserve (Cupertino)
22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
A small nature preserve with farm animals and a wildlife rehabilitation center.
It's just a short walk to see the animals. There is also a playground if you keep going past the sand volleyball courts.
Stroller-friendly and FREE
999 E Caribbean Dr, Sunnyvale
A nonprofit farm sanctuary providing kids with opportunities to meet and interact with miniature horses, pigs, rabbits, and other small animals.
Great for families looking for hands-on experiences.
They're only open to the public on very specific days and times so check their website before visiting.
There are some trails and a playground next door at Baylands Park
No admission fee, but donations are encouraged
Emma Prusch Farm Park (San Jose)
647 South King Rd, San Jose
A beautiful park with a large playground.
There are farm animals on site (chickens, bunnies, pig, goats).
Free to visit!
5970 Little Uvas Road, Morgan Hill
Alma Bonita offers scheduled visits that include public and school group tours, as well as virtual visits. You can host your own birthday parties, private and corporate events. See their website for more details on planning your visit.
2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach
A coastal educational farm where kids can learn about goats, sheep, chickens, and organic farming.
Offers family programs and beautiful ocean views. Check their website for more information on their offerings.
Safari West (Santa Rosa)
3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa
A wildlife preserve that offers jeep tours to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, and more.
A unique safari experience without leaving the Bay Area.
Lemos Farm (Half Moon Bay)
12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay
Offers pony rides, train rides, hay rides, goat yoga, petting zoo area, bounce houses and more.
In the fall, it transforms into a must-visit pumpkin patch!
Harley Farms (Pescadero)
205 North Street, Pescadero
Small-scale farmstead goat dairy
Offering baby goat tours
Farm & dining experiences
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