Michigan, August 25, 2025
News Summary
This fall, Michigan families can explore a variety of family-friendly farms and petting zoos offering engaging activities such as apple picking and animal interactions. These venues provide enjoyable and educational experiences for all ages, allowing families to connect with nature while enjoying fresh produce and local treats at an affordable price. With many options to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this autumn season.
Explore Family-Friendly Farms and Petting Zoos in Michigan This Fall
Michigan families looking to enjoy a day of fun and learning this autumn can visit a variety of family-friendly farms and petting zoos across the state. With activities ranging from apple picking to hands-on animal interactions, there are numerous options for children and adults to explore at an affordable cost.
Family-Focused Activities and Costs
- Blake Farms in Armada charges $12.95 per person, with free entry for children two and under. Activities include apple and pumpkin picking, fresh donuts, cider, and access to Funland, which features a play space and petting farm.
- Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills has an admission price of $10 for attendees ages three and up, while those under two can enter for free. The farm offers a hands-on experience, allowing guests to carry chickens, brush horses, and hold bunnies. Scheduled daily activities include wagon rides and crafts.
- Calder Farms located in Carleton, has free admission. Visitors are welcome to see a variety of farm animals including cows, sheep, and chickens, and can enjoy sweet treats at the farm store.
- Carousel Acres in South Lyon charges $10 per person, providing pony rides and a family-oriented environment that specializes in camps and birthday parties.
- Domino Farms in Ann Arbor offers a petting farm experience for $8, featuring ponies, hayrides, and a stationary train car. Admission is complimentary for children under two.
- Duke Farm in Temperance has a low admission fee of $5, with additional pony rides available for $3. This community-run farm includes a small animal petting area and an outdoor space for animals, including a designated bunny ‘Rabbitat.’
- Heritage Park Petting Farm in Taylor charges $4 per person, with free entry for children under one. The farm hosts goats, sheep, and piglets, supported by a knowledgeable staff throughout the year.
- Kensington Farm Center in Milford offers free entry with a daily or annual Metropark pass. Visitors can meet various farm animals and partake in special activities hosted throughout the year.
- Maybury Farm located in Northville charges $8 admission with free entry for children under two. The farm emphasizes educational experiences related to farming and offers a U-Pick garden.
- MSU Tollgate Farm in Novi requires no admission fee but suggests a $5 donation. Features include farm animals, a children’s garden, and trails for exploration.
- Upland Hills Farm in Oxford will host a Fall Harvest Festival every Saturday and Sunday in October, charging $9 per person with free admission for children under 24 months; activities include pony rides and pumpkin picking.
- Wolcott Mill Farm Center in Ray is located on a 250-acre working farm and showcases all six heritage breeds of dairy cows, alongside numerous other farm animals.
- Kiwidinok Farm in Boyne City features Tibetan yaks and offers hands-on visits to allow interaction with animals, along with seasonal events to engage families.
- Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo in New Era is open from May 16 until October 31, 2025, with general admission priced at $21.95 online, granting access to the petting zoo and various activities.
Connecting with Nature and Education
These family-friendly locations not only offer fun activities but also aim to educate visitors about agriculture, animal care, and the environment. Families can experience the joys of interacting with animals, picking fresh produce, and enjoying local treats. From petting farms to hands-on experiences, these venues cater to all ages and provide a valuable way to connect with nature.
FAQs About Family-Friendly Farms in Michigan
What are the typical admission fees for farms and petting zoos in Michigan?
Admission fees typically range from free to approximately $12 per person, with many farms offering free entry for children under two.
What kind of activities can families expect at these farms?
Activities vary by location, but many include animal petting, apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, and hands-on educational experiences.
Are there any farms with special seasonal events?
Yes, farms like Upland Hills Farm hold seasonal events such as the Fall Harvest Festival, happening every Saturday and Sunday in October.
Can I purchase food and snacks at these farms?
Many farms offer snacks and treats, including fresh donuts, cider, and ice cream available at their farm stores.
Key Features of Family-Friendly Farms in Michigan
| Farm Name | Location | Entry Fee | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Farms | Armada | $12.95 | Apple & Pumpkin Picking, Petting Farm |
| Bowers School Farm | Bloomfield Hills | $10 | Animal Interaction, Wagon Rides |
| Calder Farms | Carleton | Free | Animal Viewing, Farm Store |
| Carousel Acres | South Lyon | $10 | Pony Rides, Camps |
| Domino Farms | Ann Arbor | $8 | Hayrides, Petting Farm |
| Duke Farm | Temperance | $5 | Pony Rides, Rabbitat |
| Heritage Park Petting Farm | Taylor | $4 | Animal Viewing Year-Round |
| Kensington Farm Center | Milford | Free | Animal Interaction, Special Activities |
| Maybury Farm | Northville | $8 | Hands-On Experience, U-Pick Garden |
| MSU Tollgate Farm | Novi | Free (Suggested $5 Donation) | Farm Animals, Trails |
| Upland Hills Farm | Oxford | $9 | Pony Rides, Pumpkin Picking |
| Wolcott Mill Farm Center | Ray | Open to Public | Heritage Breeds, Working Farm |
| Kiwidinok Farm | Boyne City | Varies | Hands-On Visits, Seasonal Events |
| Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo | New Era | $21.95 | Petting Zoo, Various Activities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Remembering Wayne Perdue: A Legacy of Love and Family
New Ownership for Michigan by the Bottle Wine Retail Locations
Michigan DNR Annual Surplus Land Auction Begins
Michigan Retail Sector Embraces Local Food Movement
Renovation Challenges Amidst Michigan’s U-Pick Strawberry Season
Busch’s Fresh Food Market Launches Hyperlocal Produce Program
Michigan Works Secures $2.26 Million for Workforce Development
Michigan Awards $3.8 Million for Healthy Food Access
Farmers Rally in Lansing Against Government Regulations
Michigan Sugar Company President Attends Congressional Address
Additional Resources
- Little Guide Detroit
- KZoo Kids
- GR Kids
- People
- Awesome Mitten
- Wikipedia: Petting Zoo
- Google Search: Petting Zoos in Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
- Google News: Michigan Farms and Petting Zoos
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
