ZEBULON FARM FIELD GUIDE
A Hands-On Day With Milkshake, Gus and the Gang: Family Animal Encounters in Zebulon
A 3–4.5 hour, family-friendly visit on a working farm in Zebulon where you interact with cows, donkeys, goats, a Shetland pony, bunnies and more—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
A Hands-On Day With Milkshake, Gus and the Gang: Family Animal Encounters in Zebulon.
Adventure brief
A Hands-On Day With Milkshake, Gus and the Gang: Family Animal Encounters in Zebulon
Step into a bright red barn and a sunlit yard where every stop is an invitation to touch, feed or groom an animal. The Animal Encounters & Open Play program in Zebulon is built for all ages: groups move through the farm meeting animals one at a time, from Milkshake the steer and the playful donkeys to Gus the Shetland pony, mini potbellies, Nigerian dwarf goats and cuddly bunnies, with optional gem mining, crafts and a playground to round out the visit.
Located just outside Zebulon, North Carolina, The Feathered Farm offers a hands-on farm experience that brings families closer to classic barnyard animals and open-air play in a welcoming rural setting. This day-long outing invites visitors of all ages to step beyond a typical petting zoo and truly engage with a diversity of farm residents — from Milkshake the Steer to Gus the Shetland pony — all set against the vibrant backdrop of Wake County’s countryside. The farm’s approachable layout and charming inhabitants create an immersive environment where guests can feed, groom, and play with animals at their own pace or as part of a guided group, perfect for both young children and adults alike.
The Feathered Farm’s appeal lies in its down-to-earth, authentic farm ambiance. Visitors can expect friendly interactions with a range of animals: chickens eager for feed, the affectionate Jojo the cow, and the playful Nigerian Dwarf goats Peanut Butter and S’more. Donkeys Jorge and Abe bring character with their spirited hee-haws, while Peppa the mini potbelly pig delights visitors with charm and treat-seeking antics. Grooming Gus the Shetland pony offers a tactile experience, with his soft coat providing a memorable connection to farm life. Little ones can also snuggle with bunnies, creating lasting memories centered on gentle animal care.
Beyond the animal interactions, The Feathered Farm enriches the day with family-friendly extras. Kids can try gem mining, where they sift through sand to uncover real fossils and sparkling stones—a perfect blend of play and discovery. Craft activities like birdhouse painting or wind chime making offer creative outlets in a relaxed setting. Meanwhile, the open playground serves as a lively space for kids and families to unwind and explore alongside their new farm friends.
Situated at 3620 Rosinburg Rd in Zebulon, the farm is easy to reach from Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area, making it a convenient day trip for locals and visitors. The experience lasts about 3 to 4.5 hours, ideal for a half-day family excursion. Closed-toe shoes are required to ensure safety, especially around animals—an important note for visitors planning their visit.
While snacks are available on-site, guests are encouraged to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks for a comfortable day outdoors. Parking is free and ample, including overflow options nearby. The Feathered Farm’s commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere extends to all guests, offering a uniquely intimate way to experience North Carolina’s rural wildlife and hospitality.
Whether you’re seeking a low-stress farm outing, hands-on animal time, or engaging crafts and geology-themed fun, The Feathered Farm delivers a wholesome, educational, and joyful adventure perfect for families. It stands out in Wake County’s landscape as a genuine slice of farm life, combining approachable animal care and playful learning in one accessible destination.
Route Schematic
Typical route and stops
A visit moves through animal stations around the farm with activity options and a playground to finish the loop.
Big Red Barn — Arrival & First Animal Stations
Step into the barn to hear and see farm life, begin interacting with animals and receive any introductory guidance before moving through the circuit.
Cow and Donkey Feedings
Feed the cows (Milkshake, Jojo, Bull Dozer, Maggie Moo) and meet Abe and Jorge the donkeys during designated feeding times.
Pony Grooming, Goats and Pigs
Groom Gus the Shetland pony, play with young goats and visit mini potbelly pigs Peppa and Rosemary for treats and interactions.
Gem Mining, Crafts and Playground
Finish with optional gem mining and craft activities, then let kids play on the playground before departure.
Advance-purchase tickets are suggested; activities are organized in stations and the schedule is repeated during open hours. Please note the farm requests no alcoholic beverages and welcomes guests of all ages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up close with cows, donkeys, goats and a Shetland pony
Feed the cows (including Milkshake, Jojo, Bull Dozer and Maggie Moo), meet mischievous Abe the donkey, give attention to adult Nigerian Dwarf goats like Peanut Butter and S’more, groom Gus the Shetland pony and snuggle bunnies for hands-on animal time.
Gem mining, crafts and interactive farm tasks
In addition to meeting animals, the day offers options for gem mining and crafts so families can pair tactile animal encounters with creative activities before or after feedings.
Playground and family playtime
The farm includes a playground where children can burn off energy and families can relax together between animal stations, making the visit a full day of social, hands-on play.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
The visit unfolds as a paced circuit: guests interact with each species one at a time—feeding cows, laughing at a donkey’s hee-haw, grooming a pony, cuddling bunnies and meeting mini potbelly pigs—then move on to the next station. The program runs during open hours and is repeated in the middle of those hours, with gem mining, crafts and playground time available to fill out a 3–4.5 hour family outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 3–4.5 hour visit to complete animal stations and optional activities.
Meet at 3620 Rosinburg Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597.
The farm provides light snacks and seating; you are welcome to bring your own food or drinks from home, but please do not bring alcoholic beverages.
Advance purchase tickets are suggested. The experience is repeated in the middle of open hours so check timing when booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Animal Encounters & Open Play visit last?
Visits typically run between 3 and 4.5 hours.
Where do I go when I arrive?
The meeting location is 3620 Rosinburg Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597.
Which animals will we meet?
Guests interact with cows (Milkshake, Jojo, Bull Dozer and Maggie Moo), donkeys such as Abe and Jorge, Nigerian Dwarf goats including Peanut Butter and S’more, Shetland pony Gus, mini potbelly pigs Peppa and Rosemary, bunnies, chickens and horses.
Can we bring our own food or drinks?
Yes — you may bring food or non-alcoholic drinks; light snacks and seating are also provided. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
Are gems, crafts and playground access included?
Gem mining and craft activities are offered as options, and the farm has a playground for playtime during the visit.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance purchase tickets are suggested for all attending to help manage capacity.
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: 2026-09-12T12:12:57.805Z
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.