9 Family Friendly Animal Farms in San Diego (Currently Open!)

Playgrounds are great, trails are always a great option, but animal farms will light up your child’s smile like none other. There is something to be said about animal therapy; it’s good for the soul. Enjoy a day, or even 30 minutes, at one of the following family-friendly animal farms here in San Diego; all of which are currently still operating safely and available to visit (most require an appointment).

1. Bates Nut Farm — Valley Center

This 100-acre ranch is open to the public, absolutely free. They are open daily, 9 AM-5 PM. If their store is open, go inside to buy animal feed for $.50 per pouch so you can feed the animals! Also grab some delicious local jams, honey, and treats here. Their zoo area is completely open and you can walk up to the animals; donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, chickens, peacocks, geese, and more. https://batesnutfarm.biz/

2. Olivenhain Farms — Encinitas 

Playtime at the farm: M + W, 1.5 hr $35/pair // Farm kid Fridays: Fridays, 3 hours $50. Reserve online (time slots sell out quickly, so sign up for their email alerts) https://www.olivenhainfarms.com/

3. Sugar Sweet Farm – Encinitas 

This Sweet family private home and farm is also home to a converted tennis court turned goat yoga sanctuary (which I loved, by the way). A playground is on the property, as well as dogs, goats (obviously), alpacas, pigs, geese, and more. Private family tour: 90 mins, $120 up to 8 guests // Goat Yoga: 2 hours, $40. https://www.sugarsweetfarm.com/

4. Sand n Straw Community Farm – Vista 

This private family farm is so kid-friendly and fun! Their animal farm space is available for private 30-minute sessions where they give you fresh food to feed the animals. We fed their pigs, sheep, geese, rabbits, goats, and chickens. The property also has an adorable outdoor coffee bar and a farm stand which is open on Wednesday and Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM which sells fresh produce from the farm as well as local jams and finds. Make a reservation online in advance. Farm animal visit – 30 mins: $10 // Storytime on the farm – 30 mins: $10 https://www.sandnstraw.com/

5. Off the Wall Acres – Lakeside 

Farm tours for families, by appointment only. “Part-time farmers, full-time crazy” as their tag line reads. They have everything from rescue horses and pigs to fresh eggs for the taking. Farm tour for the group: $15 // Farm Animal tour for single-family: $20 https://www.facebook.com/offthewallacres/

6. Sweetwater Farms — Bonita 

This family-owned farm has horseback riding lessons for children and adults. Single Riding Lesson: $75 // Pony Time for ages 4-6: $55 http://sweetwaterhorses.com/riding-experiences/

7. Pony Land San Diego – Imperial Beach 

From a petting zoo to horseback rides on the beach, Pony Land is a great go-to spot. They are currently allowing petting zoo visits and pony ride experiences by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead. Cash only. Pony Ride, 15 mins: $20 // Petting Zoo Experience, 30 mins: $40 for up to 10 family members. https://www.ponylandsandiego.com/

8. Children’s Nature Retreat – Alpine 

This is a great place for families, birthdays, and field trips. Go behind the scenes or take a guided tour; the options are endless. Open Thurs-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. Single Day Pass, Child (age 2-12): $20 // Single Day Pass, Adult: $38 https://childrensnatureretreat.org/tickets/

9. Oasis Camel Dairy Farm – Ramona 

This family-owned camel dairy farm is open daily for private tours only currently. Take a guided tour of the farm and feed the miniature sheep. Meet the rescued camels and feed them their favorite snack, apples on a stick! Camel rides are an additional cost but worth the experience. $150 for up to 10 family members. https://cameldairy.com/

Tip: If you’re in the area, go explore Sunshine Gardens Nursery (located in Encinitas), a hidden gem with animals all over the property. Goats, koi ponds, tortoise, bird aviary, a horse, and even a cow! Grab some fresh flowers for the garden while you’re at it. Have fun!