Petting zoos in Davie, Florida bring the charm of the countryside right into the heart of a bustling suburb, offering families a chance to get up close with adorable goats, fluffy bunnies, and friendly fowl. The city’s blend of leafy parks and horse‑friendly heritage creates a perfect backdrop for mini‑farms that feel both authentic and accessible. Here’s why Davie’s petting zoos become a go‑to spot for weekend outings, birthday celebrations, and school field trips alike.
Family Activities and What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Davie, Florida
When families step into a petting zoo in Davie, they instantly feel a shift from screens to soft fur. Kids as young as toddlers can gently stroke a lamb, while older children learn to feed a gentle pony. Most locations feature a rotating roster of animals—mini cows, ducklings, and even miniature pigs that love a good ear scratch.
Age recommendations vary by zoo, but many welcome children from six months onward, offering stroller‑friendly pathways and shaded rest areas. Families with newborns appreciate quiet corners where the hum of animal sounds turns into a soothing backdrop.
Family‑friendly features go beyond the animals themselves. Interactive feeding stations let kids hand‑feed veggies to goats, while designated photo spots encourage memorable snapshots. Some sites add kid‑sized farm equipment for pretend play, turning a simple visit into an immersive farmyard adventure.
Here is why the experience feels educational and fun: knowledgeable staff answer curious questions, share tidbits about each animal’s diet, and demonstrate safe handling techniques. The blend of hands‑on interaction and casual narration creates moments that stick with children long after the visit is over.
Pricing and Hours Information in Petting Zoos in Davie, Florida
Petting zoos in Davie keep pricing straightforward, aiming to stay affordable for families on a budget. Typical admission fees range from $5 for a child under three to $12 for adults, with family passes often bundled at $30–$35 for two adults and two children. Discounted rates are common for seniors, military personnel, and large groups, making it easier for school classes to join the fun.
Most local petting zoos operate seasonally, opening late March through early November to capitalize on warm weather. Standard hours run from 10 am – 5 pm on weekdays, extending to 6 pm on weekends when families are most likely to visit after school. Some mini‑farms stay open later during holiday seasons, offering twilight tours that add a magical glow to the animal enclosures.
For parents who plan a quick stop, a drop‑in pass lets visitors spend just an hour exploring the barn, feeding stations, and interactive displays. Bigger attractions—like pony rides or scheduled animal shows—often require a small additional fee, typically $2–$3 per child.
Planning Your Visit: What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Davie, Florida
Visiting a petting zoo in Davie can be as relaxed or as adventurous as families desire. To make the most of the day, follow these quick tips:
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are essentials. A small blanket can turn the shade area into a picnic spot, while a light jacket helps when the Florida evening breeze picks up.
- Best times to visit: Early mornings (right at opening) tend to be quieter, allowing families to mingle with animals before the heat peaks. Mid‑afternoon crowds peak around 2 pm, especially on weekends, so plan around school schedules if possible.
- Seasonal considerations: Summer weeks can be hot; many farms offer misting stations and plenty of shaded pavilions. Winter months showcase special events like “Holiday Hooves,” where the barns are decorated with lights and seasonal music.
- Safety measures: Staff typically wash hands before and after handling animals, and signage reminds visitors to wash their hands again before eating. All animals are vetted for temperament, but children should always be supervised when feeding or petting.
Next steps involve checking the zoo’s website for any special event days—like a “Petting Zoo Parade” featuring a costume contest for both kids and goats. Those dates often require pre‑registration, so a quick phone call or email ensures a spot for large parties.
Educational Programs and Special Events in Petting Zoos in Davie, Florida
Beyond casual visits, petting zoos in Davie provide structured educational programs that align with school curricula. Field trips for grade levels K‑5 focus on topics like animal habitats, nutrition, and sustainable farming. These programs typically last 90 minutes, blending interactive demos with a guided tour around the animal pens. Teachers receive worksheets and a post‑visit summary to reinforce learning objectives.
Birthday parties turn the typical farmyard into a thriving celebration hub. Packages include a private barn area, guided animal interactions, hands‑on crafts (like making a feathered halo for a chicken), and a small party spread. Parents can customize themes—from “Little Farmer” to “Pony Parade”—with the zoo staff handling all logistics.
Seasonal events keep the calendar full all year round. Spring welcomes “Easter Egg Hunt” amidst the hay bales, while Summer features a “Splash‑Down Thursday” where the farm’s water troughs are turned into safe play zones for kids. Autumn hosts a “Harvest Festival”, offering corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and storytelling sessions about farm life. Winter brings “Holiday Hooves”, a twinkling showcase where families can meet a real‑life “Santa Goat” and enjoy hot cocoa under string lights.
These special events not only delight children but also create photo‑op moments that families love to share on social media, further spreading the word about Davie’s petting zoos.
Nearby Attractions in Davie, Florida
A day in Davie need not end after the last animal snack. The city offers an array of family‑friendly attractions that pair perfectly with a petting zoo adventure.
- Davie Farmstead – A historic homestead featuring open‑air tours, vintage farm equipment, and a mini‑museum highlighting the town’s agrarian roots. The site often hosts live music on weekends, making it a great spot for after‑zoo relaxation.
- Sheridan Technical College’s Botanical Gardens – Wander through themed gardens that showcase native Floridian flora. Children can join a scavenger hunt that teaches them about pollinators and plant life cycles.
- The Davie Golf and Country Club’s Kids’ Club – While parents enjoy a quick round of golf, kids can participate in supervised mini‑golf lessons and craft workshops.
- Davie Marketplace – A lively food hall where families can grab farm‑fresh snacks, smoothies, and locally baked treats. The marketplace hosts weekly farmers’ markets, perfect for picking up fresh produce after a hands‑on animal experience.
- McArthur Family Park – A large public park with playgrounds, walking trails, and a splash pad, ideal for cooling off after a sunny stroll through the petting zoo.
By combining these nearby spots, families can design a full‑day itinerary that balances education, outdoor play, and tasty meals—all within a short drive from the petting zoo grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for a child to visit a petting zoo in Davie?
Most petting zoos welcome children from six months upward, providing stroller‑friendly paths and safe, low‑height animal enclosures. Babies can enjoy the gentle sounds and visual stimuli, while toddlers are encouraged to interact under staff supervision.
Are pets allowed inside the petting zoo areas?
For health and safety reasons, most locations restrict entry to service animals only. Personal pets are generally not permitted within animal interaction zones, but many farms offer a “Pet Courtesy” area where owners can keep leashed pets in a shaded spot while they explore.
Can schools book a private educational program, and how far in advance?
Yes, schools can reserve dedicated field‑trip slots, often with a discounted group rate. It’s recommended to book at least four weeks in advance, especially for larger classes, to ensure staff availability and appropriate educational materials are prepared.
Planning a trip to petting zoos in Davie, Florida becomes a breeze when parents know what to expect, how to budget, and which extra activities can round out the adventure. With engaging animal encounters, affordable pricing, and a host of nearby family attractions, Davie offers a delightful mix of farm‑yard fun and suburban charm—perfect for creating lasting memories with the whole family.
