Best Petting Zoos in Arlington, Tennessee

Arlington, Tennessee might not be the first name that pops up when families think of petting zoo adventures. But don’t let its small-town charm fool you—this quiet community tucked between Memphis and Mississippi comes alive when it’s time for kids to meet fluffy goats, waddling ducks, and the occasional curious alpaca. Petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee are more than just cute animals behind a fence—they’re hands-on escapes where little ones learn by touching, feeding, and even giggling when a cheeky sheep steals their hat. It’s real, it’s messy, and it’s exactly what family fun should feel like.

Here is why so many families are swapping screen time for green time in this corner of Shelby County. The joy is in the simple things—a pony ride, a bucket of feed, or a guided tour that turns an afternoon into something that feels like discovery. With a laid-back pace, outdoor spaces bursting with life, and a focus on making farm life accessible, petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee have become weekend gems for locals and hidden treats for visitors.

Let’s break it down.

Family Activities and What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Arlington, Tennessee

Visiting one of the petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee isn’t just about petting a few animals and heading back to the car. It’s more like stepping into a low-key farmyard party. Expect wide-eyed toddlers trying to figure out why chickens don’t like to be hugged. Expect parents holding back laughter as their 6-year-old offers a carrot to a goat like it’s a royal offering. That’s the rhythm here.

Most petting zoos welcome kids age 2 and up. Some have toddler-only morning hours to keep things calm. There’s usually space for younger siblings to toddle around safely while older ones join animal feeding sessions. Many places feature miniature horses for rides. Think pint-sized ponies with names like Mr. Wiggles or Sunny. You’ll find ducks in little ponds, pigs that enjoy belly rubs if you know the right corner, and maybe even a mini donkey who refuses to make eye contact until lunchtime.

There’s often a soft path through the area with wide gravel or rubberized flooring so strollers and tiny legs can navigate smoothly. Some zoos have shaded seating areas, picnic tables, and even baby-changing stations tucked near restrooms. Playgrounds are common, too—think wooden forts and slides just over kiddie height. Parents sit back with coffee (maybe even drive-through from nearby Nashville-style cafes via Memphis imports) and watch their kids light up.

And yes, the animals in petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee are friendly. But not overly dramatic. This isn’t a stage show. There aren’t magicians in overalls—usually just caretakers in baseball caps and boots encouraging kids to wash their hands first, then feel the wool on a lamb. That’s actually kind of perfect.

Educational signs pop up regularly. Kids might learn that rabbits have teeth that keep growing or that a cow eats around 100 pounds of hay every day. Nothing forced. Just enough to sprinkle curiosity into play.

Next steps? Pick a Saturday. Come early. Bring snacks. And don’t leave without letting the kids help feed the goats—the goats never forget a fan.

Pricing and Hours Information in Petting Zoos in Arlington, Tennessee

Petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee keep things low-cost and family-friendly. Most charge around $8 to $15 per child. Adults? Often free or between $5 and $7. Family passes are available at some locations, bringing the total to about $30–$45 for four people. Birthday specials may bring it down even further. Not bad for an outing that eats up three hours.

Hours are straightforward. Weekends are golden. Many zoos open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday hours apply at larger farms nearby, especially those combining petting zoos with corn mazes or fall festivals. Summertime? Add Friday open days for longer seasons. Holiday hours (like around Easter or Thanksgiving) can shift slightly, but planning ahead covers that.

Some places use timed entry, especially after a rainy Monday or during events. Others work on a come-as-you-like walk-in system. Reservation-only weekends pop up during peak seasons—think September through November, when pumpkin patches and apple cider pull families eastward from Memphis.

Cashless systems are becoming common, even in small towns. Credit card? Bring it. Most ticket booths no longer handle singles, and ATMs on-site might charge high fees.

One thing—always check online. Not every petting zoo has a giant web presence. Some rely on Facebook pages or Google listings that aren’t updated daily. Don’t show up at noon only to find a “Closed for Cleaning” sign. That kind of disappointment echoes through snacks trays with unmatched intensity.

Here is why price isn’t the selling point here—it’s access. These petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee stay affordable on purpose. They want kids to return. They want families to feel welcome, not budget-stretched. Some even offer discount days—mornings for toddlers, low-income passes once a month, or vouchers from nearby churches and food pantries.

A little extra value: a couple of spots throw in hayrides at no extra charge. Others offer animal feeding bundles—a $3 upgrade gets you three types of feed instead of one. Easy wins.

Planning Your Visit: What to Expect in Petting Zoos in Arlington, Tennessee

Time to plan. Ready?

Start with footwear. Sneakers with grip are ideal. Those white leather toddler boots? Cute, but mud’s kryptonite. Rubber boots? Now you’re thinking like a pro. Rain or shine, you’ll encounter soft earth, hay bales, and the occasional mud puddle left behind by overzealous pond ducks.

What to bring? Snacks, wipes, sunscreen. Kids will touch animals. Then their face. Then the fence. Then their chips. The full sensory loop. Hand sanitizer is always around, yes. But nothing beats baby wipes. Pack a light jacket, too—morning visits can be cool, even in spring or early fall.

Best times to visit? Weekday mornings if possible. Less crowded. Calmer animals. Lower chance someone’s toddler is having a meltdown by the chicken coop. Saturdays are lively, but lines can form during egg hunts or photo ops with piglets. Midweek visits might be quiet. Bonus: keep kids on schedule with nap times.

Seasonal considerations matter. Spring and fall are rock stars. Wildflowers bloom. Animals love the mild air. Fall brings pumpkin patches and scarecrow building. Spring’s full of baby animal arrivals—lambs, bunnies, and downy ducklings that draw crowds like magnetized metal.

Summer demands hats and coolers. Hydration isn’t optional. Some sites have shaded water refills. Others recommend filling bottles before arriving. Watch for signs of overheating, especially in little ones—red faces, slow walking, sudden crankiness. Water and shade go a long way.

Winter months can limit access. Heated barns let kids meet animals indoors, but outdoor areas might close if ice or sleet shows up. Always check the website for weather updates and holiday closures.

Pets? Generally not allowed. It’s fair. A dog in a goat pen is not the cute video parents imagine. Sometimes there’s a fenced area elsewhere for family pets to hang out—some places even provide water bowls.

Diapers and strollers? Yes. Most offer accessible bathrooms and paved paths. Some spots encourage stroller parking near gates so kids explore freely.

Next steps? Look up one petting zoo. Book ahead if required. Notify them if you’re bringing a special needs child—staff often go the extra mile with quiet zones or sensory accommodations.

Educational Programs and Special Events in Petting Zoos in Arlington, Tennessee

Petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee rarely stop at fun. They aim to educate, too.

School field trips are popular. Local elementary classes arrive in carpools or minibuses, ready to map animal diets or compare barnyard voices. Some petting zoos have classroom corners or temporary learning tents. Programs are themed: “Life on the Farm,” “From Egg to Chick,” or “Vegetables and Their Cousins, the Cows.” Teachers book months in advance, especially in April and May.

Birthday parties? Big business. Birthday hosts book entire morning sessions. Ten kids, ten farm activity stations, pony rides, cupcakes, and a keeper-led animal story. Packages range from $150 to $300 depending on extras. Good news—many include setup and cleanup. Parents don’t spend an hour taking down goat-themed balloons.

Seasonal events are a highlight. Easter brings egg hunts with real golden eggs hidden near rabbit burrows. Autumn transforms some petting zoos into full agritainment hubs—pumpkin picking, corn trails, apple presses, harvest stories. A couple hosts night lantern events in October, where the goats wear glow collars. (It’s real. Kids love it. Dogs watching from afar are very confused.)

Animal adoption opportunities show up occasionally. Not actual adoption of goats to backyards—but symbolic sponsorships to support feed costs. Kids name an animal, get a photo, a certificate, and seasonal updates. Local 4-H connections pop up, too, where teens care for young stock and teach visitors.

Guided tours happen almost daily during weekends. A staff member leads the group through animal habitats, explains care routines, and shares fun facts. (“Cows have best friends—they stress out if separated.”)

Homeschool families often have midweek meetups. Nature journals, sketching animals, biology basics—they use petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee just like outdoor classrooms.

And yes, photo ops. Smiling with a baby goat on your lap is hard to beat. Many sites offer photo packages or recommend smartphone lenses for zooming in on fluff.

Let’s break it down—beyond touch and giggles, these spots run like tiny educational empires. Not textbook. Not boring. Just real-life learning.

Nearby Attractions in Arlington, Tennessee

Looking to stretch the day? No problem. A visit to petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee pairs perfectly with nearby highlights.

Start with the historical sites. The Arlington Museum dives into farming history and railroads. Kids play with old-time games. Parents find local stories touching. Free for kids under 12. Nearby is the Arlington Train Depot, open summer weekends—a quick stop where vintage engines and conductor hats spark big imaginations.

Outdoor fun? Reelfoot Lake State Park is just over an hour west. But a tighter radius delivers plenty. Cordova’s Wolf River Greenway offers walking trails and birdwatching. Germantown’s parks have playgrounds, skate areas, and picnic lawns. A 20-minute drive lands families at Shelby Farms Park—over 4,000 acres of open space, a duck lake, playgrounds, and a working farm.

Want a bite? Main Street in Arlington hides a few gems. A classic drive-in grill does sweet tea by the gallon and foot-long corn dogs. Or stop by a local bakery with homemade cinnamon rolls that are arguably better than Mom’s. (Don’t tell Mom.)

For indoor options, the Cordova Mall has a toy store, bookshop, and a small arcade. When it rains or temperatures soar, it’s the escape hatch families reach for.

Combine a morning at the petting zoo with a library story hour, a burger lunch, and an afternoon pedal through a shaded park. Instant full-day itinerary.

Back home? Kids will chatter about “that pig who licked me,” “the duck that ran away,” or “the goat I fed three times.” Memories aren’t built on perfection. They’re built on muddy shoes and wide smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food to petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee?

Most petting zoos allow packed snacks, especially for babies and dietary needs. Full picnics are usually permitted in designated areas. But some locations restrict outside food during events or birthday party days. Always check the rules online or call ahead. And no, bringing a homegrown bag of lettuce to feed the animals isn’t allowed—staff regulate diets closely.

Are petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee safe for toddlers?

Yes. Safety is front-loaded. Animal pens are designed for small children to interact without climbing. All animals are vet-checked regularly and trained for calm contact. Fences, hand sanitizer stations, and close supervision keep things secure. Still, close watching is key—tiny hands love to explore mouths and tails. Rules are posted, but caregivers do the real work.

Do I need to book ahead for petting zoos in Arlington, Tennessee?

It depends. Regular visits on weekdays often accept walk-ins. Weekends? Holidays? Baby animal season? Booking helps. Some zoos don’t take reservations. Others only open limited time slots. A quick Google Check or social media glance gives real-time updates. Fifteen minutes on your phone pre-trip saves parking lot disappointment. Most importantly, updated hours prevent showing up on a cleaning day—and nobody wants that.