Farm Visits & Animal Encounters in the Triangle

Spring Haven Farm

📍5306 Homer Ruffin Road Chapel Hill, NC 27516 | Website

Spring Haven Farm is one of my absolute favorite farms to visit in the Triangle. They are mostly known for their adorable, friendly goats, but they’ve got a whole menagerie of animals, including a highland cow, bunnies, pigs, and farm cats.

This farm, located in Chapel Hill, is open throughout the year and hosts a variety of events. They hold an ongoing visiting series each season, usually called “Farm Days with Goats” which allow access to the animals plus their activities like the tractor train and arts and crafts. The goats largely roam freely on this farm, so you can interact with them directly. You can even book some time in the Baby Goat Zen Pen if you want to cuddle the littlest of goaties.

Fall is an especially fun time here, with events like Pumpkin Carving With Goats and Murder Mystery Night. I’ve done both, and can confirm they are a blast! Spring Haven should definitely be on your list for fall fun in the Triangle btw.

Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm

📍7084 US-64, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | Website

Have a yearning to hang out with alpacas? I totally get it. Head to Pittsboro and Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm and you can do just that.

Choose from a PacaVisit, where you tour the farm on your own, or a PacaTour, which is a private guided tour. You can read more about each option on their website.

Unlike Spring Haven, where the goats wander around and interact with you, the alpacas stay within their pens. There’s also this helpful reminder on the farm’s website about the alpaca personality:

“Alpacas are sweet, curious, shy, livestock animals. If you approach them gently and quietly, offering them the treats we supply, we expect they’ll come up to see you and will let you touch their necks, but we cannot guarantee it as we let them choose whether they want to interact or not; alpacas are like cats–sometimes they want attention, and other times they do not.”

My Little Farmer

📍8794 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713 | Website

If you’re looking for farms to visit with toddlers or preschoolers, My Little Farmer is a perfect choice. This spot in Durham is wonderful, with many class offerings in every season. If you’re wanting to visit a farm regularly signing up for a class like Little Farmers or Farm Tots could be great. You can also do a drop-in session for a class or attend one of their Open Play events.

I love that they tailor events to the season or holiday, too. We went to a Valentine’s Day on the Farm class and it was utterly adorable.

Is your kiddo into horses? Check out their Mini Rider Academy, which has events, classes (including private lessons) and themed sessions!

Note: Some My Little Farmer classes are also held at 1870 Farm in Chapel Hill.

1870 Farm

📍 1224 Old Lystra Road Chapel Hill, NC 27517 | Website

1870 Farm is probably best described in their own words: “We created a free-range paradise for children where they can hang out with chickens, befriend a goat or two, ride a pony, pan for sparkling gemstones, get dirty in the gardens, fish for bass, and so much more!”

If that doesn’t sound like paradise, I don’t know what does!

There are lots of ways to visit the farm, including for special events and open farm days. But they offer unique classes and programs, too. They offer My Little Farmer classes for toddlers are a hit, but they also have Farmers Helpers sessions for kids 9-13, and workshops like Kids Vet Club.

We attended a Christmas event last year at 1870 Farm and it was absolutely precious, with the friendliest Santa!

Like many of the other spots on our list, 1870 Farm also offers birthday parties.

Hidwell Family Farm

📍7621 Blaney Franks Rd, Apex, NC 27539 | Website

This is a small family farm established in Apex in 1988. Its size makes it a good choice to visit with little ones, as it’s not overwhelming or too big.

Hidwell Farm has several animals to interact with, including adorable sheep, soft bunnies, and some chatty chickens.

They offer events for kids such as Tots Tuesdays, where kiddos can meet the animals, play on the playground and in the corn and sand boxes, and more. See our video of Hidwell Family Farm here.

Pint-Sized Pasture

📍1525 Fire Tower Rd Sanford, NC 27330 | Website

The Pint Sized Pasture does a lot of events as a mobile petting zoo, so you’re likely to see them out and about in the Triangle. But if they are having one of their Family Farm Days, don’t miss it.

It’s around a 45-minute drive from Raleigh to the Pint-Sized Pasture in Sanford, and it makes a terrific day trip. We had a blast visiting recently. My two-year-old could have played in the corn crib all day long.

In addition to several animals you can meet (pigs, highland cow, donkey, sheep, etc) there are numerous yard games, things to climb on, and even bouncy houses. It’s worth the drive. See our video from The Pint Sized Pasture here.

PS: You can frequently see some of the Pint Sized Pasture animals on the weekends at Phillips Farms in Cary, too!

The Feathered Farm

📍 3620 Rosinburg Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597 | Website

The Feathered Farm is a lovely property located in Zebulon. We have visited for an Easter event and our son had a great time.

They offer lots of Open Play Farm days, farm birthdays, and events like painting with goats. Their Open Farm days are usually on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, and often have special themes like Unicorn Day (where you can meet a mini horse unicorn!)

There was a playground, horses and goats to feed, a couple of cows who loved the hay we gave them, and an impressively large steer named Milkshake!

Toddler Time is on Tuesdays, with a story and opportunity for open play. We’re definitely checking this out ASAP!

Haven Farm

📍8521 Buffaloe Rd, Knightdale, NC 27545 | Website

Haven Farm in Knightdale is one spot we have yet to visit, but it looks amazing! Not only do they have animals, but they host tons of cool and unique events all month long.

A look at their current calendar reveals Goat Yoga, a special Mother’s Day Event, arts and crafts workshops, wellness workshops, and Fridays on the Farm, which is free and includes live music!

Old Mill Farm Durham

📍 8913 NC Highway 751 South Durham, NC | Website

Old Mill Farm in Durham is such a gorgeous spot! You can visit the goats (plus a couple bunnies) on Wednesday & Thursday 4:00-8:00pm during their FREE Open Farm Hours.

But they host great events, too, like their Fridays on the Farm, so consider coming for one of those to combine animal visits with live music, food trucks, and more. There’s other stuff to do on the property, too, like fishing in the pond, or playing on the playground.

Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

📍 7236 NC-87, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | Website

Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge is a 45 acre sanctuary for animals rescued from lives of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Currently, the farm is home to more than 100+ residents: chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, and cows.

Visit on one of their Tour & Explore Days and wander at your own pace. Tour Guides are stationed around the refuge to answer questions and tell you more about the animals. These visit opportunities are typically offered once per month, but the farm hosts other events, too.

Breadbox Farm

📍 338 Wesley Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 | Website

Want to cuddle some cuddly bunnies? Have I got the place for you! Breadbox offers events like cuddle sessions, meditation with bunnies, and even a drop-off Kids Bunny Club for kiddos 7-12. This isn’t just a place to snuggle adorable rabbits, but they are dedicated to education, too, with training sessions on care, etc. They also breed and rehome rabbits, and have a deep love of animals.

Historic Oak View County Park

📍 4028 Carya Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610 | Website

Looking for a free animal sighting? Head to Historic Oak View County Park and see their goats! This is a fun thing to do with kids, because the park also has opportunities for trail walks, learning the farm’s history, and exploring their indoor farm play space.

Naylor Family Farm

📍6016 US-401, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 | Website

Naylor Family Farm in Fuquay-Varina is a favorite of ours when it comes to seasonal fun! We’ve visited for both fall and spring events, and there is so much for kids to do!

As for animals, you can see cows, horses, pigs, and goats. This year, they’re also introducing mini goats and a mini Zebu calf!

The highlight of this farm is the family fun, with slides, bouncing pillows, a massive pirate ship playground, and wagon/hay rides through the woods to the pumpkin patch or Easter egg hunt!

Sunrise Community Farm Center

📍6407 Millhouse Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 | Website

Sunrise Community Farm Center is home to tons of opportunities for kids. From after school programs to horse lessons and summer camps, this is the place to be.

For a one-time visit, pop over on Saturdays for their Open Farm from 10am-5pm. You can feed the chickens, cuddle a bunny, and pick your own produce! For an additional fee, pony rides are available as well. The farm also notes that they have plenty of covered and weather-proofed areas, so you can visit rain or shine! Take a look at our video of Sunrise Community Farm Center here!

Holl & Stone Farms

📍920 Buffaloe Rd, Garner, NC 27529 | Website

What a magical spot this is! Holl & Stone is a centennial farm, reimagined in 2020. This spot has a small outdoor shop/market with fresh produce and really unique items. I wanted to buy everything!

Grab a New Zealand style ice cream from the cute food truck and then go visit with the stars of the show: the alpacas, llama, and goats. They have buckets of hay spread around the farm so you can feed them, too!

Bonus: This is located right across the street from Lake Benson Park, so you can make a day out of it and enjoy the playgrounds, lakes, or trails after visiting the farm.

Beyond the Farm: Other Animal Encounters in the Triangle

The Museum of Life + Science

📍433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704 | Website

Museum of Life and Science in Durham is one spot where you can scratch the itch to see both farm animals and wild ones.

This amazing museum has so much going on: you can read our post all about the museum here. But there’s plenty to see animal-wise.

There is a farm area of the museum where kids can see cows, pigs, donkeys, and alpacas. In different areas, you can check out red wolves, black bears, and lemurs! It’s a great sort of mini-zoo experience that’s close to home.

Piedmont Wildlife Center

📍 364 Leigh Farm Road Durham, NC | Website

Piedmont Wildlife Center was founded in 2003 with a mission to conserve native species and preserve wilderness connections. The center is all about education, and offers many different programs for kids and adults to learn more about animals and nature.

In addition to summer camps, field trips, and other programs, you can sign up for a tour called “Paws on the Porch” which gives your group an up-close-and-personal look at 2 of their resident animals, such as owls, rabbits, snakes, and even an adorable possum.

Check out this video of our visit here!

Animal Edventures/Earth-Speak Park

📍1489 Live Oak Rd, Coats, NC 27521 | Website

Just 45 minutes from Raleigh, this peaceful USDA-registered, non-profit wildlife sanctuary offers a chance to unplug, connect with nature, and meet rescued animals. With a kid-friendly playground, picnic area, and plenty of animals to visit, it’s a relaxing, educational experience for all ages.

We haven’t been here (yet!) but will certainly report back when we do!

Duke Lemur Center

📍3705 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27705 | Website

This is another spot on our local bucket list. Lemurs are incredible! And Duke Lemur Center offers some really unique programs to encounter and learn about them. Their Walking with Lemurs Tour is a guided tour into the lemurs’ enclosures, where you can have the opportunity to see the lemurs going about their daily business!

Important Note: Participants in the Walking With Lemurs tour MUST be 10 years old or older.

For younger kids, the General Tour is the best option. Here, guests can view lemurs inside their enclosures and explore at their own pace.

Another important note: Tours MUST be scheduled/reserved in advance. Check their website for all the details.

Carolina Tiger Rescue

📍 1940 Hanks Chapel Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | Website

You can see some pretty WILD animals right here near the Triangle! Carolina Tiger Rescue is located in Pittsboro. This 67-acre sanctuary is home to over 50 rescued wild animals, including tigers, lions, cougars, and caracals. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about the residents’ stories and the organization’s mission to protect wild cats.

Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and must be booked in advance. They seem to sell out quickly!

They also occasionally offer the “Tiger Tales Family Tour,” geared to kids ages 2-7, which includes story time and a craft!

Beyond the Triangle: Animal Day Trips

The North Carolina Zoo

📍4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 | Website

Without a doubt, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is one of the top places to see animals in the state. This award-winning zoo is home to hundreds of animals. In fact, this is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo.

There is a lot of walking in this zoo (5 miles of trails) so be prepared for that. If coming with little kids, a stroller or wagon can be a must. Also be sure to take advantage of their shuttle that can bring you from Africa to North America and back!

My top tip for the zoo, if you only have one day, is to prioritize the Africa section. I personally find the lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals in this section the most *exciting*, and I think my 3-year-old does, too!

Ticket prices to the NC Zoo are reasonable and they also offer some discounts.

The Greensboro Science Center

📍4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455 | Website

Another favorite spot for animal sightings is the Greensboro Science Center. This is a pretty easy day trip from the Triangle and offers so much to do!

In addition to the zoo part of the museum, there are lots of indoor exhibits as well, including some fun indoor play areas. My son and my siblings had a blast on our last visit here.

My favorite animals to see here are the red pandas, the sand cat, and meerkats! The Center also offers some unique behind-the-scenes tours with zookeepers.

Don’t miss the incredible treehouse playground, either.

Darby Acres Farm and Safari

📍Charlotte, NC | Website

If you’ve ever dreamed of hugging a monkey or feeding a capybara, this is your place. Darby Acres Farm & Safari offers unforgettable animal encounters by appointment only—no crowds, just hands-on time with incredible creatures.

Their basic Safari Friends Walking Tour ($25/person) includes feeding dozens of animals like zebras, camels, and lemurs, but the real standout is the Kit and Caboodle Tour, which adds personal encounters with over 10 exotic animals, including April the adorable spider monkey. While it’s family-friendly, note that some encounters have age restrictions—check their site for details. Totally worth the drive for a wild and wonderful day!

Check out our video to see how much fun we had at this spot!

Darby Acres has a separate Farm Tour, too, for encounters with donkeys, goats, water buffalo, llamas, pigs, and more. This is held at a separate farm property. Check their website for info on all the great tours you can take.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

📍 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC 27874 | Website

Home to over 2,500 exotic and rare birds, Sylvan Heights Bird Park lets visitors explore walk-through aviaries themed by continent and get up close with parrots, flamingos, and more. It’s a unique, interactive experience perfect for bird lovers and families alike. This is another place we’ve heard great things about and can’t wait to visit.