Family-Friendly Farms, Sanctuaries, and Petting Zoos - Connecticut

Spring has finally sprung here in New England.  The sun is shining and the weather is warming up after a long cold winter, worsened by the global pandemic. Families are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors (and safely) in the middle of the pandemic and dear reader, I have just the thing for you. 

I am beyond lucky to own an animal as lovely as Bradley. He lives about 2 miles down the road from me and thanks to a supportive husband and helpful family members, even with a newborn I am able to see him almost every day. One of the best parts about having him is being able to share him with friends and family. Bradley is the king of pony rides and has taken countless little humans on a ride around the ring or through the woods.  Of course, not everyone has access to a barn or a friend's horse like this so today's post is perfect for getting your animal-loving kiddo outside and around their favorite animals. 

Today's roundup is a list of family-friendly farms, sanctuaries, and petting zoos right here in Connecticut.  We start off with two animal sanctuaries (preferred spot to visit!) and also share some dairy farms offering ice cream and chocolate, and even a few petting zoos. COVID-safe, family-friendly, and little person approved. 

Animal Rescues/Sanctuaries

Ray Of Light Farm - East Haddam, Connecticut

Open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Wear a mask and practice safe social distancing while visiting. Due to COVID, no pony rides or wagon rides at this time. Goat and sheep feeding is still available Thursday to Sunday 10-4 (1$). There is no charge for general admission although donations are appreciated. There are charged add ons including farm tours, wellness walkabouts, horsemanship lessons, camp and more.
*Public restrooms closed during COVID

Ray Of Light Farm
232 Town Street
East Haddam, CT 06423
info@rayoflightfarm.org
860-873-1895

Lockets Meadow Farm - Bethany, Connecticut

Farm Tours (1.5 to 2 hours) every Saturdays 10am to 1pm
suggested donation $20 (kids 12 and under free)
RSVP only** at locketsmeadowvolunteers@gmail.com
COVID- masks required while inside the barn, number of guests limited

Lockets Meadow Farm, Animal Rescue and Sanctuary
locketsmeadowfarm@yahoo.com
771 Litchfield Tpke, Bethany, CT 06524

Petting Zoos

Flamig Farm - West Simsbury, Connecticut

Petting zoo: $6.75 per person and FREE for anyone under 2 or over 80 years of age.
Pony and Hayrides available
Also offering camps, children's programs and events
Open every day from 9 to 5 until November, no reservations required

7 Shingle Mill Rd, West Simsbury, CT
(860) 658.5070 INFO@FLAMIGFARM.COM

Highwire Deer and Animal Farm - Woodbury, Connecticut

Featuring exotic and not-so-exotic animals
Saturday April 24 opening day - (prices unavailable)
Call the day before to confirm opening

Highwire Deer & Animal Farm
68 Park Road, Woodbury CT  
(203) 263-4522

Silverman's farm - Easton, Connecticut

Petting animals "from bunnies to buffalo"
Admission fee - prices unavailable
Country market on-site
Contact (203) 261-3306 for prices and hours

Silverman's Farm
451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT
203-261-3306

Action Wildlife - Goshen, Connecticut

Drive-thru safari and petting zoo $5 per person
**Currently closed

337 Torrington Rd, Goshen, CT 

(860) 482-4465

Icecream, Chocolate, & Cheese 

Dairy Farms

Arethusa farm - Bantam, Connecticut

Cow farm offering old fashioned icecream/dairy products
Open Barn Saturdays *currently canceled due to COVID

Arethusa Farm

822 Bantam Rd. Bantam, CT 

 860-361-6460

Thorncrest Farm - Goshen, Connecticut

Cow farm with a chocolate shop
Chocolate Shop Hours: MON. - SAT.: 10:00 - 5:00 SUNDAY 10:00 - 4:00 The Farm and Stable Hours: Open: Thursday thru Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Thorncrest Farm
Town Hill Road, Goshen, CT

860-309-2545 280 

Cato Corner Farm - Colchester, Connecticut

Cow farm with a cheese shop/farm shop
Friday and Saturday 10-4, Sunday 11-4

Cato Corner Farm

178 Cato Corner Road, Colchester CT

Farm Shop (during shop hours) : 860.463.6677