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.
Adventure brief
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.
Demarest Farms, located in the scenic countryside, offers an engaging farmyard petting zoo that delights visitors with close-up animal interactions. This spot is a favorite for families seeking a hands-on experience with friendly farm animals like goats, sheep, and ducks. The farm’s charming setting provides more than just petting opportunities—it features playful attractions such as a goat swing and a duck pond, making each visit memorable. Established as a local community staple, Demarest Farms emphasizes education and fun, nurturing a connection between visitors and farm life.
The petting zoo is set amidst lush farmland, where the vibrant greenery contrasts beautifully with the playful activity. Kids can feed the goats and sheep, which are accustomed to gentle handling, or enjoy kiddie rides and seasonal events that add extra fun. The farm’s rustic charm transports visitors to a simpler, more adventurous time, encouraging curiosity about farm life. Beyond the animals, the farm grows seasonal produce, with many visitors combining a farm visit with picking their own fruits or vegetables.
Demarest Farms stands out as a family-friendly destination because of its engaging and educational approach, making it a go-to spot for local residents and travelers alike. Its laid-back atmosphere fosters learning about sustainable farming practices while giving children a chance to play and learn. Whether you’re visiting on a weekend or during school breaks, the farm enriches outdoor adventures with its approachable, farm-themed fun.
This farmyard petting zoo remains a beloved piece of the local outdoor scene, inviting guests to come have fun and make lasting memories with farm animals in a safe, welcoming environment.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
The Farmyard visit moves through a series of animal areas and themed features—here are the core stops to expect.
Farmyard Barn / Feeding Point
Purchase animal crackers at the Farmyard Barn to feed goats, sheep, alpacas and other animals; do not feed animals outside food.
Goat Area & Goat Swing
Interact with goats at their enclosure and watch or join the novelty goat swing and nearby playhouse.
Duck Pond and Waterwheel
A quieter stop where visitors can view the duck pond and waterwheel between visits to the pens.
Barnyard Walk & Zoo Bridge
Cross the zoo bridge and weave among enclosures for donkeys, ponies, pigs and cows during the self-guided Barnyard stroll.
The Barnyard is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; always check the farm’s Facebook for weather-related closures or operator changes before arriving.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:51:33.428Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.