Kids love animals. Parents love watching them learn while having fun. In Bensalem, Pennsylvania, petting zoos bring those two joys together in one simple, memorable experience. Whether it’s birthday celebrations, school outings, or just a weekend adventure, petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania offer hands-on fun that’s both playful and educational. These spaces aren’t just about cute goats and friendly bunnies. They’re full of laughter, learning moments, and dirt-under-the-fingernails childhood magic. Families find something special here — a backyard-style connection with farm life, right in the heart of Bucks County. Let’s explore what makes these petting zoos worth planning a trip around.
Family Activities and What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Most petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania cater to young kids, especially preschoolers and early elementary-aged children. Toddlers to 8-year-olds tend to get the most out of the experience, but older siblings usually hang around and smile anyway. These places are designed for small hands and curious minds. Expect soft brushes for grooming, tiny buckets of approved feed, and enclosures built just low enough so little ones can peek inside without needing a lift.
Animals vary, sure, but there are some reliable favorites. Goats are basically stars of the show — playful, noisy, and always hungry. Miniature ponies stand calmly as kids pet their manes. Chickens, ducks, and the occasional curious donkey round out the typical lineup. Touch-and-feed areas are common, and hand-washing stations appear every few feet. That’s a relief for parents worried about germs after sticky fingers rub noses with furry faces.
Safety is a big priority. Most locations use gentle breeds on purpose. The animals are vaccinated, socialized, and used to kids. Staff or volunteers are often nearby, tossing fun facts and feed instructions into the mix. And it’s not just petting. Many petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania include hayrides, small play zones, and garden paths to keep the energy going. Some even have tiny obstacle courses or puppet shows during weekends.
Here is why it’s different from just visiting a regular park. Kids connect. They learn names of animals, how they eat, whether they like head scratches or foot rubs. Some children discover they love animals more than video games — at least for that sunny afternoon. It’s unscripted. It’s loud. And honestly, it’s kinda perfect.
The best spots allow kids to explore at their own pace. No loud PA systems. No giant crowds blocking the goat pen. Just simple interactions, wide smiles, and parents reaching for their phone cameras every few seconds.
Pricing and Hours Information in Petting Zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Admission prices for petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania generally fall between $8 and $15 per child. Adults and toddlers under 2 are often free, or they charge a small fee, like $5. Some places have weekend premiums — especially during festival seasons — so prices might tick up by a few dollars in October or spring holidays.
Want to bundle the fun? Combo tickets are common. They include things like hayrides, face painting, or craft zones. These can range from $15 to $25 and tend to be a better value if your kids plan to stay a couple hours. Membership passes aren’t widespread for individual petting zoos — they’re usually part of larger farms or family centers — but some farms near Bensalem offer season passes for about $60. That break-even starts around four visits.
Hours vary a lot. Outdoor petting zoos typically operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, especially from April through October. Weekday hours may run shorter — sometimes 10 to 3 — and often require advanced booking for school groups or birthday parties. Winter hours? Slim. Some drop to weekend-only runs. A few open only on event days — think fall festivals or Easter weekends.
Rainy weather sometimes cancels walk-ins, especially if the grounds are grass-based or unpaved. Indoor options are rare in the area, so always check social media pages or call ahead. A few petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania use Facebook or Instagram updates to announce delays or closures. Pro tip: early mornings often mean shorter lines and calmer animals — perfect when your toddler melts down after waiting 10 minutes behind two goats and a line of giggling fourth-graders.
Some places also offer “half-price” after 2 p.m. as an incentive to visit later, ideal for families with nap schedules or post-work outings. Always bring cash. Even if they take cards, small vendors for snacks or souvenirs may not.
Planning Your Visit: What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Getting ready for petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be stressful. Just keep a few basics in mind. Let’s break it down.
What to wear matters. Kids will step in something. Maybe hay, maybe mud, maybe who-knows-what near the pig pen. Closed-toe shoes are smart. No flip-flops. Ever. Long-sleeve shirts? Helpful but optional — especially if there’s sun. Hats and sunscreen are a no-brainer by May.
Bring water — stations aren’t always available. Even with snack booths nearby, hydration keeps the fun going longer.
Diaper bags, strollers, and small backpacks are common sights. Some areas aren’t fully paved, so stroller wheels can get stuck in crushed gravel or mulch. Jogging strollers handle it better. Umbrellas? For sun, not rain — light showers can close areas fast.
Next steps: timing. Weekday mornings are the golden window. Mornings on weekends can get busy after 11 a.m. Spring and fall bring festival traffic — Easter egg hunts, pumpkin patches — so booking ahead might be needed. Summer’s steady. Winter’s sparse. Choose based on your kid’s attention span and crowd tolerance.
Seasonal events might change routines. October petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania often feel like a carnival — fun, louder, packed. It’s festive, yes, but younger kids may get overwhelmed. January? Quiet. Maybe a few goats. But very little else. Know what’s scheduled before heading out.
Here is what parents forget: hand sanitizer. Wipes, too. Some kids pet three animals, grab a pretzel, and eat with no stop in between. Sanitation stations help, but bringing a pack means fewer “Wait, let me find a sink” moments.
And don’t rush. Kids move at animal pace. Let them sit by the chicken coop for ten minutes just staring. That’s engagement. That’s nature working. Rushing defeats the purpose. Take photos. Laugh when the pig ignores your child. Embrace the pace.
Also, be mindful of signs. “No chases.” “No loud noises.” Some animals are shy. Following rules isn’t just for show — it keeps both kids and creatures comfortable.
Educational Programs and Special Events in Petting Zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania don’t just entertain. They teach. Many host school field trips during fall or spring. These outings include guided tours, animal fact walks, and even science talks tailored to kindergarten through third grade. Teachers love the blend of fun and curriculum. Kids don’t always realize they’re learning — which makes it stick better.
Educational themes pop up often. Cow milkings (even if just a demo), egg collection, and plant-animal connections help kids see real-life science. Some staff wear farm costumes for dramatic flair. It’s silly, it works.
Birthday parties? Oh yeah. Several petting zoos in the area allow private rentals. Basic packages include animal time, a picnic table, and a themed space. Upgraded options add face painting, magician visits, or wagon rides. Packages typically start around $150 for 10 kids. Food can be included, or you bring your own — depends on safety rules.
Seasonal events really shine. Easter is huge. Think pony rides, egg hunts, spring crafts, plus the usual goats and bunnies. Fall festivals take over in October with apple cider tastings, hay mazes, and photo ops with pumpkins.
Halloween events can include costume parades for kids and pets. Some zoos invite kids to “trick-or-treat” through different animal barns. Santa visits quietly in December, often on pet-friendly afternoons with warm cocoa and soft lighting — no long lines near screaming reindeer.
Other events include “Meet the Chick” hatch days, where kids watch baby chicks emerge, or goat yoga for parents on select evenings. Petting zoos aren’t just kid stuff — their schedules aim to draw the whole family.
Want more? Some offer summer workshops. Topics like “Farm Explorers” or “Backyard Birds” introduce kids to ecosystems. Registration is usually online, with mid-week or Friday slots. Spaces fill fast, so signing up early helps.
Nearby Attractions in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Want to stretch one outing into a full family day? Bensalem delivers.
Parx Casino may come up in searches, but the real family draw is Parx Racing. Yes, horse racing, but also events like Family Fun Days when kids can explore stables. No need to place bets — just enjoy the show.
Crawford Activity Center has great playgrounds and pavilions. Pack a picnic and head over afterward. The splash pad is a hit in summer — perfect for kids who got dirty petting baby goats.
Neshaminy Creek runs near several parks. Walking trails follow the water, offering quiet strolls or paddle opportunities later in spring. Neshaminy State Park has fishing zones, picnic tables, and bike paths — all pram friendly.
Not far away, the Mercer Museum in Doylestown brings in history-loving parents. Eight-year-olds adore the giant log cabin and antique tools. It’s a short drive west and pairs well with a lunch stop.
For indoor fun on rainy days, Legoland Discovery Center at Philly Mills is only 15 minutes away. Mini builds, themed zones, and little rides keep kids busy for hours. Combine it with a shopping run or dinner at a fast-casual spot across the mall.
Want science? The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is 30 minutes south. Big, bold, and brain-bending. After goats, nothing says “contrast” like standing inside a giant beating heart exhibit.
And pizza? Bensalem has plenty of family-style restaurants. Small cafes, diners with kids’ menus shaped like tractors, and grocery delis where you can grab snacks before heading home.
Next steps: map your route. Start with the petting zoo. Move to a park for running off sugar highs. End with dinner and early bedtime because — let’s be honest — zoo days drain everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania safe for toddlers?
Yes. Most petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania are designed with young kids in mind. Animals are selected for gentle temperaments. Enclosures are fenced with small gaps, and staff supervise interaction zones. Hand washing stations are placed throughout. Parents should still hold toddlers’ hands near larger animals, but overall, the environment is low-risk and welcoming. Many parents bring diaper bags and strollers without issues.
Can we host a birthday party at a petting zoo in Bensalem, Pennsylvania?
Absolutely. Several petting zoos in the area allow private bookings for birthdays. Packages often include time in the animal area, reserved seating, and add-ons like crafts or pony rides. Prices start around $150 for small groups. It’s smart to book at least four weeks in advance, especially during spring and fall. Most require a deposit; always check the refund or rain plan first.
Do petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania allow food and outside snacks?
Policy varies. Some petting zoos permit outside snacks in designated picnic areas. Others prefer you buy on-site to support their operations. Always verify the rules before packing a full lunch. If allowed, coolers are fine — just avoid glass containers or perishable items that spoil in the sun. Water bottles, fruit snacks, and sandwiches are crowd favorites. Pets? Not allowed — only service animals are admitted.
Bensalem might be known more for transit and townscape than rural charm, but petting zoos remind everyone that a little country life still thrives nearby. Whether learning about baby chicks, laughing at a billy goat’s antics, or simply letting kids use their outside voices near a sheep pen, these zoos offer something genuine. They’re not flashy. Don’t need to be. Smiles, dirt, and memories line up naturally where real animals and curious kids meet. Plan a visit. Make a tradition. Your little one might start dreaming about goat futures in veterinary school — who knows? That’s the power of petting zoos in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Simple fun, big moments.
