10 Hudson Valley Farms, Sanctuaries, and Zoos to Visit Animals
By Dylan Thompson via HV Mag
Treat the kids to a fun-filled day visiting native and exotic animals at these farms, zoos, and sanctuaries around the region.
In the mood to visit cute farm animals in the Hudson Valley? These farms, sanctuaries, zoos, and nature centers have you covered. Whether you’re interesting in cows, chickens, and horses or reptiles, peacocks, and alpacas, you’ll want to check out these local destinations for your perfect summer day surrounded by furry, funky, and fascinating creatures.
Barton Orchards
Poughquag
Animals: Goats, alpacas, peacock, rabbits, mini horses, pigs, ducks
Activities: Along with friendly farm animals that you and the kiddos can pet and even feed, the 180-acre orchard has a pick-your-own vegetable garden, corn maze, dog park, and frequent live music.
Breezeway Farm
Monticello
Animals: Horses, chickens, calves, cows, donkeys, ducks, geese, goats, sheep, rabbits, turkeys, miniature ponies
Activities: When you’re not feeding, petting, or cleaning the friendly farm animals, enjoy pony rides, hayrides, trail rides, and boating on the onsite pond.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Saugerties
Animals: Roosters, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, cows, ducks, chickens, miniature horses
Activities: Private tours of the sanctuary are available if you book ahead, and weekend tours are public. Meet all of the animals, hear their incredible rescue stories, and learn how you can make a difference in their lives.
DuBois Farms
Highland
Animals: Ducks, sheep, cows, goats
Activities: This 54-acre farm has it all, from seasonal pick-your-own crops to shopping at the farm market and bakery. Plus, there’s a pizzeria, an ice cream shop, and a tavern onsite, too.
Forsyth Nature Center
Kingston
Animals: Turtles, pigs, peacocks, parakeets, ducks, goats, alpacas, llamas, bulls, chickens, reptiles, guinea hens
Activities: Learn all about native and exotic creatures at the nature center’s various animal exhibits, or engage in one of the many naturalist programs for hands-on and interactive learning. There’s also a picnic area for snacking and hanging out.
Kelder’s Farm
Kerhonkson
Animals: Chickens, pigs, dairy cattle
Activities: Kelder’s is an oasis for children and adults alike, with mini golf, tube slides, family photo ops with tractors, face signs, and a giant garden gnome, plus a farm market to bring home all the locally sourced goodies.
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Wappingers Falls
Animals: Cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys, pigs
Activities: Along with the open barn and 1,000 acres of farmland, this environmental education center has eight miles of walking trails, a greenhouse, and an organic community garden for area residents.
Trailside Museum & Zoo
Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain
Animals: Butterflies, turtles, fish, black bears, coyotes, porcupines, bald eagles
Activities: Home to many different types of native species, the Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park celebrates the region’s cultural history through animals. Stop by to visit and learn, and stick around for nature-focused programs to make crafts for the animals.
Trevor Zoo
Millbrook
Animals: More than 170 exotic and indigenous animals across 70 different species, including deer, owls, foxes, red pandas, wolves, and alpacas
Activities: As the only zoo in the country that’s hosted at a high school, the Trevor Zoo serves educational purposes. Visit to check out some creatures that you might not see elsewhere in the Hudson Valley.
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
High Falls
Animals: Home to over 300 rescues animals, including chickens, cows, ducks, goats, pigs, rabbits, sheep, turkeys, geese
Activities: Visit for sanctuary tours to meet the quirky animals, and don’t forget to stop by the store for Woodstock Farm Sanctuary merch, the proceeds of which benefit the animals. If you really want to get involved, inquire about volunteer opportunities.