Playgrounds are great, and 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 in San Diego!
Jamul Trails Ranch – Jamul
Located just 20 miles from downtown San Diego, Jamul Trails Ranch is the ideal family escape from the everyday hustle. Offering a unique blend of animal encounters, hands-on learning, and natural beauty, this ranch provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of ranch living. Gather your little adventurers for a private, unforgettable farm animal tour that’s guaranteed to create cherished memories! They also host Birthday Parties, Special Events, and the new “Build an Aquarium workshop”.
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.
Olivenhain Farms – Encinitas
Olivenhain Farms believes today’s families need more opportunities to disconnect from the demands of modern life. Their educational programs and community events encourage families to slow down, reconnect with nature, and cultivate mindfulness. Through hands-on experiences with farming, animals, and wellness practices, they help foster a deeper connection to healthy living and each other.
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/
Happy Heart Haven – Valley Center
Ever felt a cow’s lick or touched a duck’s beak? This $75/hour private tour for up to 4 guests lets you meet, feed, and snap photos with our friendly farm animals. Add extra guests for $10 each! Your visit starts with a lively intro before diving into hands-on fun with our herd. Parking is easy, and assistance is available for accessing the lower farm area.
Want to extend the fun? Book our picnic area for lunch after your tour. Visit the “Visit” page on our website to reserve. Come make unforgettable memories at the farm!
https://www.thehappyhearthaven.com
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/
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
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/
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/
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/
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/
Oasis Camel Dairy Farm – Ramona
This family-owned camel dairy farm is open daily for private tours only. 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/
Farm Animal Refuge –Campo
Come meet the animals for a private 2 hour. A chance to get up close and personal with the rescued residents. Meet the animals and hear their stories, listen to Jerome the pig sing, take a selfie with Lenny the goat, rub some big pig bellies, and maybe score a two thousand-pound cow hug from Gracie!
Private Farm Tour: $175
S&S Friendly Ranch – Otay Mesa
S&S Friendly Ranch is a black-owned and operated neighborhood ranch that strives to provide opportunities for the larger community to learn the importance of an agrarian economy through educational programs and hands-on experience. Their Petting Zoo sanctuary includes horses, a teeny pony, pigs, chickens, goats, puppies, and a cow. $50 for 50 Minutes.
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!
Looking for a farm for my daughters 18th birthday. Do you guys have Horses and Cows to pet?