Petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania offer families a rare blend of hands-on animal fun, countryside charm, and authentic farm-centered learning. Nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, this small but vibrant town is known for more than just its Amish traditions—it’s also a go-to destination for wholesome, interactive farm adventures. Visitors from nearby cities like Philadelphia and Harrisburg keep coming back because petting zoos in Intercourse give kids the real rural experience without feeling rushed or overcrowded. Think woolly lambs, wobbly baby goats, and smiling kids running toward feeding troughs. Here is why parents love these petting zoos: everything feels simple, open, and safe. From seasonal festivals to learning-focused farms, Intercourse packs a lot of fun into a few scenic square miles. Next steps? Keep reading to dive deep into what to expect, how to plan, and where to go.
Family Activities and What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Walking into a petting zoo in Intercourse, Pennsylvania is like stepping into a storybook where barnyard animals are always happy to say hello. Kids get to pet, feed, and sometimes even bottle-feed newborn farm animals. Most of these petting zoos are attached to larger farms or educational centers, so the experience doesn’t just stop at touching animals. There are hayrides to connect different animal pens, tiny tractors for kids to hop on, and corn mazes popping up in the fall. Let’s break it down.
Most spots welcome all ages, but toddlers to 10-year-olds tend to have the most fun. Toddlers light up at the chance to hold a chicken or brush a miniature horse. Even better, staff are trained to help little ones feel confident around larger animals like donkeys or cows. Safety rails, low fences, and hand-washing stations keep everything tidy and germ-conscious. And the animals? They’re used to interaction—calm, well-fed, and regularly brushed.
Many petting zoos in Intercourse include self-guided tours or timed animal encounters, where kids learn the name of a rabbit breed or how piglets sleep stacked like pancakes. Some even have little “junior farmer” experiences where children wear hats, collect eggs, and bring them to a pretend farmer’s stand. These hands-on activities sneak in early lessons about responsibility, nutrition, and empathy for animals. Parents will notice how attentive the staff are—friendly but not hovering, allowing families to set their own pace. Next steps? It’s smart to peek at prices and openings before heading out.
Pricing and Hours Information in Petting Zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Petting zoos in Intercourse keep things simple when it comes to cost. General admission for kids is typically $7 to $12. Adults pay $10 to $18, though many places offer free entry for parents overseeing their children. There are almost always combo deals that include extras like a hayride, wagon tour, or crafts station. Want to feed the baby goats? That snack packet might cost $2 or $3 at the gate. Bottle-feeding a lamb? Occasionally $5 for a turn. All of this feels reasonable when you consider how hard it is to keep animals, maintain paths, and train staff.
Hours can vary depending on the season. Summer months, from late May through September, see the longest schedules. Most petting zoos open around 9 or 10 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. Weekends get busy, especially during school breaks. Some farms reduce their hours in winter, moving to Wednesday–Sunday schedules or requiring reservations. A few places are closed entirely in January for animal rest and staff training.
Good news: many petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania are more affordable than big theme parks. Families of five often spend under $60 for a full day. Want to cut costs further? Look for local discount coupons, group rates, or free visits bundled with farm market purchases. Weekly events like “Family Wednesday” or “Spring Break Specials” pop up during holidays. Keep an eye on email newsletters or social media posts from each zoo—it’s the easiest way to catch promotions. Here is why timing matters. Next up, how to plan your day right.
Planning Your Visit: What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania
A smooth outing starts with smart planning. When targeting petting zoos in Intercourse, early arrivals are golden. 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. entries let families beat crowds, capture fresh animal activity, and catch morning feeding times when the barnyard is noisiest—and most fun. Midday, especially between 12 and 2 p.m., can mean waiting in snack lines or navigating sweaty kids and full play areas. Late afternoon is quieter, but some animal zones may close early. Next steps: pick a morning slot if you can.
Bring water, extra clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Fields get muddy after rain. Some farms require rubber boots or offer shoe rentals, but most parents just pack a spare pair of socks. Sunscreen, hats, and small backpacks keep comfort levels high. Diaper bags, portable snacks, and wipes? Standard gear. Not all petting zoos allow outside food, but picnics are common if used in designated areas.
Seasonal visits come with unique perks. Spring means newborn animals and colorful gardens. Fall brings pumpkin patches, cider, and corn grinding demos. Summer offers extended hours and splash pads. Winter may be quieter, but holiday-themed farm tours and sleigh rides make it special. Petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania often update their calendars around Easter, July 4th, and Thanksgiving. Checking ahead helps avoid surprises.
Most farms accept strollers and offer buggy parking spots. Wheelchair-accessible paths exist at popular spots like Good Zoology Park and Old Mill Meadows. Breastfeeding rooms or quiet zones? Less common, but many barns have shaded benches parents can use. Next tip: bundle your trip with local gems nearby.
Educational Programs and Special Events in Petting Zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania do more than entertain—they educate. School field trips are a big part of their calendar. Educators bring classrooms for guided tours where kids learn how cows make milk, why chickens need grit, and what compost means on a working farm. Many centers align with state science standards for K–3rd grade, so lessons stick. Teachers book months ahead, especially for spring visits when animals are most active.
Birthday parties are another highlight. Packages range from $150 to $300 and typically include a private shaded area, animal hand-feeding for guests, a themed craft, balloons, and the ever-popular hayride to “Cake Field.” Add-ons like face painting or photo booths bump up cost a little. Parents rave about the turnkey setup: you arrive, kids play, the staff handles cleanup. No plastic forks or paper plates in sight.
Seasonal events fill out the calendar. Easter Egg Stomps let kids hunt big, colorful eggs with farm animals peeking nearby. Fall means “Harvest Days,” complete with scarecrow contests, cider pressing, and donkey dances. Some places even invite guests to “Name the Lamb” contests or “Tractor Town” weekends where kids learn to steer miniature machines under adult supervision.
Scout groups, homeschool collectives, and church organizations also partner with petting zoos for badge activities or service projects. Imagine kids building birdhouses for on-site habitats or collecting apples for food banks. These extras turn petting zoos into community labs for kindness, agriculture, and curiosity. Next, where to go other than the pen?
Nearby Attractions in Intercourse, Pennsylvania
A day in Intercourse can stretch into a full weekend with so much to do nearby. The famous Amish farm markets stay open late, selling fresh jams, warm shoofly pie, and hand-carved toys. Shady Maple Smorgasbord, one of the largest Amish-style buffets in the U.S., is just minutes from most petting zoos. Kids go wild over pancakes, mac and cheese, and whoopie pies. Parents grab coffee and local baked goods, then plan the next leg of their adventure.
The Amish village tours offer deeper glimpses—horse-and-buggy rides, barn workshops, quilting demos. Tours last about an hour and are suitable for all ages. Some include storytelling sessions for kids. Want history with your outing? Landis Valley Village & Museum is a living museum just 10 minutes away. Covered wagons, butter-churning, and costumed interpreters make history fun.
Lancaster County Central Park, with playgrounds, walking trails, and ponds for paddle boats, is another solid option. Dogs on leashes? Allowed! Kids can throw bread to ducks or cool off at splash pads. For indoor breaks, Smucker’s Outlet Store has fun family deals, and the Lancaster Science Factory keeps older kids engaged with physics and coding games.
And just down the road? Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, especially a hit in October. This isn’t just a petting zoo—it’s sprawling corn mazes, gaga ball pits, and a farm-themed escape room for teams. The scale is huge and worth the drive. Combine a petting zoo with Cherry Crest, and you’re looking at a 12-hour day full of noise, laughter, and tired, joyful legs. Here is why one stop rarely feels like enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania safe for toddlers?
Yes. Most petting zoos in Intercourse design their environments with small children in mind. Low pens, soft animals like guinea pigs and ducks, and staff nearby make sure kids stay secure. Hand sanitizer stations are at every exit, and animals are health-inspected regularly. Parents should supervise closely during feeding, but many find that staff are quick to help when a toddler starts pulling too hard on a goat’s ear. Diaper bags and stroller parking are also standard.
Can we bring our own food to petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania?
Policies vary. Some petting zoos have picnic areas where outside food is welcome. Others, especially those connected to farm restaurants, ask visitors to buy on-site meals to support animal care. It’s best to check the official website or call ahead. Snacks like crackers or fruit are usually permitted, but avoid sugary or crumbly foods that could upset the animals. Water bottles? Strongly encouraged.
Are petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania wheelchair accessible?
Many are, but not all. Modernized farms like Good Zoology Park and Millstone Creek Farm have paved paths, wide gates, and accessible restrooms. Others, especially older barn-style zoos, may have gravel routes or ramps with slight inclines. Staff typically assist guests with limited mobility by bringing animals closer or offering virtual tour options. When in doubt, call the farm directly to ask about accommodations. Updated info is often on Google Maps, but checking separately reduces stress on the day of the visit.
From newborn lambs to homemade apple jam, petting zoos in Intercourse, Pennsylvania deliver more than just animal touches—they offer real moments families remember. Whether planning a quick stop or a full Amish country weekend, this town’s rural charm and thoughtful planning make it a standout destination. Time, comfort, and connection all move at a gentler pace here. And sometimes, that’s exactly what families need. Let memories grow slow, like corn stalks in July. Just the right temperature, full of light, easy to enjoy—one visit at a time.
