HILLSDALE ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Ms. Rachel’s Sing‑Along and Petting Zoo at Demarest Farms — a short, spirited introduction to animals and music in Hillsdale
A 45‑minute music class led by Ms. Rachel followed by open access to a petting zoo; this guide explains the flow, what to bring, and who can attend.
Ms. Rachel’s Sing‑Along and Petting Zoo at Demarest Farms — a short, spirited introduction to animals and music in Hillsdale.
Adventure brief
Ms. Rachel’s Sing‑Along and Petting Zoo at Demarest Farms — a short, spirited introduction to animals and music in Hillsdale
At Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, Music, Fun and Petting Zoo pairs a focused, 45‑minute music session led by Ms. Rachel with unstructured time among farm animals; parents and guardians are welcome to join and the program asks families to bring a blanket to sit on during the class and petting‑zoo period.
Morning at the farm on the edge of Hillsdale, New Jersey, is uncomplicated and loud in the best way: small boots on grass, a chorus of clucks and bleats, and a burst of children's voices led by Ms. Rachel. Music, Fun and Petting Zoo pairs a 45-minute character-led music class with open access to a gentle petting area, giving toddlers and preschoolers a few magic minutes of rhythm, movement and animal contact. The gathering happens outdoors on pasture and lawn near Hillsdale — an easy hop from nearby neighborhoods — where low wooden pens hold familiar domestic animals and native oaks cast shade for watching adults.
Key features are straightforward and purpose-built: a focused 45-minute music session that engages young attention spans, followed by unsecured but supervised time in the petting zone where children can stroke goats, hold bunnies, and meet chickens and ducks under guardian supervision. The experience highlights direct, low-stress animal interactions rather than a commercial zoo circuit; the animals are typical farm species, and the setting keeps things small, tactile and safe. Look for the grassy seating area where families spread blankets and the fenced petting pen that keeps encounters calm.
Hillsdale itself carries a quiet agricultural history typical of northern New Jersey towns; stone walls and pocketed fields reflect a landscape that supported farms for generations. That sense of place makes this program a practical urban-outskirts escape for city families who want hands-on animal time without a long drive. The session is particularly useful for introducing young children to farm animals, practicing social routines in a public setting, and giving caregivers a relaxed way to participate — parents are free to join in the music and mingle during petting time.
Why book it: the combination of a short, structured music class and free-form animal time is a perfect match for short attention spans and busy family schedules. It’s economical in time, low on logistics, and high on sensory payoff. Tips for visitors: bring a blanket as requested, dress for mud and sun, arrive a few minutes early to choose a comfortable spot, and supervise children closely around animals.
Practical note: the total program runs about an hour; it’s best for very young children and families. Exact meeting points, pricing and booking are provided at the booking link. This compact Hillsdale farm experience is an accessible, tactile introduction to animals and live music that turns an ordinary morning into an easy, memorable outing. Bring wipes and a change of clothes for little ones, and expect to be on your feet; seating is informal. Parking is on the farm lane — check the booking page. The mix of music and animal time keeps children calm and curious all ages.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Schematic
A compact sequence: music class, then open petting‑zoo time, with practical seating and caregiver participation throughout.
Ms. Rachel Music Class (approx. 45 minutes)
A lively, child‑focused music session led by Ms. Rachel that occupies the first portion of the scheduled hour.
Open Petting Zoo
Following the class, participants have unstructured access to the petting zoo to observe and interact with animals.
Seating & Parent Participation Area
Families are asked to bring a blanket for seating; parents and guardians are free to join their children during the class and petting‑zoo time.
Bring a blanket for seating; parents and guardians are permitted to participate and accompany their child throughout the program.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ms. Rachel’s 45‑minute music session
The event begins with a compact, lively music class led by Ms. Rachel that occupies the majority of the scheduled hour, designed for children to sing and move together before free time at the animals.
Open petting‑zoo access after the class
After the music portion, participants have open access to the petting zoo to watch and interact with animals at their own pace.
Blankets and parental participation
Families are asked to bring a blanket for seating; parents or guardians are free to sit in and participate with their child throughout the hour.
What the day feels like
A short, structured start that opens into relaxed animal time
The experience unfolds with a concentrated 45‑minute music class led by Ms. Rachel, after which the schedule opens up for petting‑zoo visits; the full offering is planned as a one‑hour block, with space for caregivers to sit alongside children on brought blankets and join in the activities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hour at Demarest Farms suits — and who may find it less relevant.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a blanket for you and your little ones to sit on during the music class and the petting‑zoo period.
The overall offering is scheduled for one hour; the music portion occupies approximately 45 minutes followed by open time in the petting zoo.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the event?
The event is scheduled for one hour in total.
How long is the music class portion?
The music class led by Ms. Rachel runs for about 45 minutes, followed by open time in the petting zoo.
Can parents or guardians attend?
Yes — parents or guardians of the child are free to join and participate.
What should we bring?
Please bring a blanket for you and your little ones to sit on.
Who operates Music, Fun and Petting Zoo and where is it held?
The program is operated by Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, New Jersey, United States.
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: 2026-08-10T12:42:10.282Z
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.