HILLSDALE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Hands-On Farm Day at Demarest Farms: Goat Swings, Duck Ponds, and Up-Close Animal Encounters
A family-focused visit to the Farmyard Petting Zoo in Hillsdale where visitors feed goats, sheep, alpacas and more—this guide collects the practical details you need to plan a smooth visit.
Hands-On Farm Day at Demarest Farms: Goat Swings, Duck Ponds, and Up-Close Animal Encounters.
At Demarest Farms’ Farmyard Petting Zoo in Hillsdale, the farmyard is intentionally intimate: a place to meet goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, ponies, pigs and cows, toss a few animal crackers to hungry noses, and wander features like a goat swing, playhouse, zoo bridge, duck pond and waterwheel. The Barnyard is presented as a fun, educational experience designed for visitors of all ages and for families seeking hands-on contact with farm animals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Feed Friendly Farm Animals
A mix of goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, ponies, pigs and cows make the Barnyard a lively, tactile experience—if you want to feed them, buy animal crackers at the Farmyard Barn and avoid offering outside food.
Kid-Focused Features
Unique structures—the goat swing and playhouse, plus a zoo bridge—add play value to animal viewing and create memorable moments for younger visitors.
Pond and Waterwheel Details
A duck pond and waterwheel are among the scenic touches that round out the Barnyard visit and invite a slower, exploratory pace between feeding sessions and petting stalls.
What the day feels like
What a Visit Feels Like
A visit unfolds as a relaxed, family-oriented loop through the Barnyard: grab animal crackers at the Farmyard Barn, move between pens and play features to feed and pet the animals, and pause at the duck pond and waterwheel. The experience emphasizes hands-on interaction and education, with elements paced for young children and multi-age groups.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits best—and who should note accessibility or age considerations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
If you plan to feed animals, purchase the farm’s animal crackers at the Farmyard Barn—do not bring outside food for the animals. Bring cash for Farmyard transactions; an ATM is on site and the farm market accepts major credit cards.
Buy tickets in advance when possible; the farm recommends purchasing a day or two ahead.
The Barnyard is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. Always check the farm’s Facebook page for any weather-related closures before you go.
The Farmyard operates daily; plan visits during posted hours and arrive with enough time to purchase feed and complete the circuit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the Farmyard hours?
Current hours are Monday–Sunday 9:00 am–5:00 pm; the last ticket is sold at 4:30 pm.
Can I feed the animals?
Yes—purchase animal crackers at the Farmyard Barn to feed the goats, sheep, cows and alpacas; please do not feed animals outside food as it can make them ill.
Do I need cash?
The Farmyard is cash only; there is an ATM on site. The farm market accepts all major credit cards.
Is the Barnyard accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
Yes—the Barnyard is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible.
Where is the meeting or entry location?
The meeting location and entry point is Demarest Farmyard.
What if the weather is bad?
Always refer to the farm’s Facebook page for notifications about weather-related closures.