Brewster, New York, and the surrounding areas are ideal for getting outside and enjoying nature as the weather warms up. If you're looking for the perfect place to take your family for a memorable weekend escape, we have just the lineup you're after. These petting zoos and farms provide entertaining experiences and exciting opportunities for hands-on fun, such as feeding bunnies, brunching with donkeys, collecting eggs, or taking pony rides.
Sam and Myra Ross Farm and Wildlife Center
The Sam and Myra Ross Farm and Wildlife Center is part of the innovative Green Chimney School. The paddocks, barns, and wildlife areas are open to the public free of charge. Simply park in the Otter Lot across from campus and stroll over for a fun afternoon of exploration.
The farm and wildlife center is home to over 300 animals. In the Teaching Barn, you'll find domestic farm animals, including pigs, chickens, rabbits, sheep, llamas, alpacas, goats, cows, and homing pigeons. The Horse Barn houses nearly a dozen full-size horses, as well as miniature horses, miniature donkeys, Mediterranean donkeys, a Shetland pony, and a camel.
Venture over to the Wildlife Center, and you can see an abundance of majestic residents who are part of the wildlife rehabilitation program and can no longer live in the wild. The wildlife habitat includes a bald eagle, falcons, hawks, owls, emus, turkeys, ducks, geese, herons, and even a porcupine. You can drop in on weekends to say hello to all of these residents and more. If you fall in love with the farm, you can sign up for volunteer opportunities as well.
Location: Brewster Campus, 400 Doansburg Road, Brewster, New York
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Tilly Foster Farm
The Tilly Foster Farm is a vibrant working farm with small animals, abundant working gardens, and a hiking trail. The farm is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. You can stop by and visit charming animals, such as Kunekune pigs, Huacaya alpacas, and miniature horses. The farm also has several different chicken breeds, including Silkies, Red Stars, Australorps, Ameraucanas, Frizzles, Cochin Bantams, and more.
A mile-long trail runs through the Tilly Foster Farm, offering a picturesque stroll. It begins at the pond by the community gardens and takes you across fields 6, 7, and 8 before meandering off into the woods. An optional loop adds more length to your journey.
If you fall in love with the picturesque plots that make up the community gardens, you can reserve one for yourself at a rate of $40 for the first plot and $35 for each additional plot. The gardens are available for organic gardening only. The plots measure 20’ x 20’ and receive irrigation from a central well and surrounding spigots. A 10-foot deer fence protects the garden.
Location: 100 Route 312, Brewster, New York
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Hemlock Hill Farm
The Hemlock Hill Farm offers a boutique experience where you can connect with the animals in a quiet setting with few people and minimal distractions. This is nothing like larger commercial farms and petting zoos. Experiences are available by reservation only so you can arrange the perfect visit for you and your party. Hemlock Hill Farm offers four options:
- Brunch with rescued donkeys: Enjoy a delightful spread of snacks in the picnic grove beside the donkey pasture while you commune with the donkeys and horses throughout your leisurely morning.
- Hot chocolate and s'mores on the farm: Gather around the campfire and enjoy s'mores and a hot chocolate bar alongside the donkeys and horses.
- Farm experience: The farm experience gives you a taste of daily life on the farm. You can feed the chickens, goats, horses, and donkeys, collect eggs, and get to know all the residents.
- Celebrations on the farm: Book your party on the farm and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that's perfect for a birthday, bridal shower, anniversary, or other celebration.
If an afternoon on the farm just isn't enough, you can go glamping at Hemlock Hill. You'll have access to a spacious tent, double bed, heated blanket, propane grill and stove, table, chairs, and smokeless fire pit. A sink, solar shower, and outhouse are available as well. This experience allows you to truly immerse yourself in the ambiance of the farm and unplug in a quiet and picturesque setting.
Location: 211 Youngblood Road, Montgomery, New York
Hours: By appointment
Abma’s Farm
Abma's Farm is the only produce and poultry farm in Bergen County. This Dutch-style farm is over 200 years old and offers a rich sense of the property's history. Spanning 32 acres, the farm features a barnyard petting zoo, greenhouses, and a market. The petting zoo is home to sheep, donkeys, alpacas, goats, ponies, pigs, and bunnies. You can purchase animal crackers to feed the sheep, alpacas, goats, and cows or carrot tops for the bunnies.
Admission is just $5 per person. Children under the age of two are free. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy Grandparent's Day with free admission for grandparents. Kids can take a pony ride between May and October for an additional $6.
Stop at the farm market before you leave to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, homegrown honey, fresh eggs, milk, cheese, poultry, beef, and more to fill your fridge with delicious local foodstuffs. You can even find items from other local businesses, such as jams, jellies, salsas, dipping sauces, vinegar, pickles, and more. If you can't wait for a taste, you can purchase ready-to-eat deli goods, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and buddha bowls.
The greenhouses are another must-see stop. They're in full bloom from mid-March through December. You can purchase seasonal decor at any time of the year.
Location: 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, New Jersey
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
These are our top picks for farms and petting zoos around Brewster. Do you know of other prime destinations that we've missed? Contact our team at Brewster Ford and let us know! We want to have all the best suggestions in the area.
Photo Credit: Image by Patrick Fore is licensed with Unsplash License
