Adventure brief
Petting Zoo- Hillsborough, NJ
At Abma's Farm in Hillsborough, NJ, meet goats, alpacas, and more during an interactive petting zoo visit. Perfect for families, this experience combines hands-on animal interaction with informative farm education.
Situated at 282 Amwell Road in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, Abma's Farm offers a distinctive petting zoo experience that goes beyond the typical farm visit. This family-friendly destination invites visitors to engage directly with farm animals ranging from goats and sheep to alpacas, donkeys, and even exotic creatures like peacocks and emus. The farm’s varied residents make for lively interactions, whether in the open-air pens or the unique 'Rabbitat' and 'Nursery Barn' areas.
What sets Abma's Farm apart is its dual focus on hands-on fun and informal education. Within the Education Barn, visitors can absorb practical lessons on local farming practices, animal husbandry, pollination, and even raw honey production. This animated learning hub transforms curiosity into tangible understanding, appealing to all ages and providing depth to each visit.
Animal feeding is a highlight here, with carefully curated options such as animal crackers and fresh carrot tops that are safe for the pets. Abma's Farm explicitly discourages outside food to protect animal health, underscoring their commitment to responsible care. The farm's terrain features smooth stone dust pathways that, while stroller and wheelchair accessible, require some attention due to uneven patches.
Open rain or shine, the petting zoo does pause operations during severe weather for safety. Abma's Farm occupies a special niche within Hillsborough’s outdoor recreation options, bridging agriculture and animal interaction in a way that educates and entertains the local community and visitors alike. In a region where most outdoor outings lean towards hiking or nature parks, this petting zoo offers a refreshing, tactile connection with the land and its creatures, perfect for families aiming to blend outdoor play with meaningful learning experiences.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Purchase Tickets in Advanceessential
Tickets sell quickly, especially on weekends—book a day or two ahead to guarantee entry.
- 02Bring Cash for Petting Zoo Entryinfo
The petting zoo operates on a cash-only basis, though credit cards are accepted at the farm market and greenhouse.
- 03Watch for Uneven Pathwayswarning
Paths are composed of stone dust and may be uneven; sturdy shoes are recommended, especially for stroller and wheelchair users.
- 04Check Weather Before Visitingessential
The zoo is open rain or shine but closes during thunderstorms or snowy/icy conditions for safety reasons.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Firm footwear helps navigate uneven stone dust paths safely.
EssentialSun Protection (Hat/Sunscreen)
Protection against sun exposure during longer outdoor visits.
summerEssentialReusable Feed Bucket
Bring your own bucket for feeding animals and refill it during future visits.
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for unpredictable weather during transitional seasons.
spring|fallLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The Giant Adirondack Chair near the Rabbitat offers a great photo opportunity., Education Barn’s seasonal workshops provide deeper insight into farming and pollination cycles.
Local fauna
Peacocks roaming the farm grounds., Emus, a rare sight for most local farms.
Historic heritage
Abma's Farm has been a local staple fostering agricultural education and animal interaction in Somerset County, supporting community connections to farming traditions.
Mindful exploration
The farm emphasizes sustainable practices by educating visitors on crop growing, honey production, and responsible animal care, encouraging stewardship of natural resources.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Near the Nursery Barn capturing young animals, Beside the 'Rabbitat' for close-ups of rabbits, From the Giant Adirondack Chair for unique compositions
- Subjects
- Farm animals, Educational barn activities, Rustic farm structures
- Best times
- Morning light, Late afternoon, Overcast days for soft light
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Are visitors allowed to feed the animals?
Yes, you may purchase approved animal crackers or feed buckets at the Petting Zoo Booth; outside food is not permitted for animal safety.
Is the petting zoo stroller and wheelchair accessible?
Yes, though pathways are stone dust and may be uneven, making mobility devices usable with some caution.
What animals can I expect to see at the farm?
Visitors will interact with goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, cows, pigs, peacocks, emus, ducks, and rabbits.
What is the petting zoo’s cancellation or refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable, including for inclement weather, so plan visits carefully.
Is the petting zoo open year-round?
Yes, the petting zoo operates year-round but may close temporarily for severe weather like thunderstorms, snow, or ice.
Are there restroom facilities on-site?
Yes, restrooms are available at the farm for visitor convenience.