Kid-Favorite Petting Farms & Zoos Near Indianapolis
There are lots of opportunities for kiddos to see animals around Indianapolis. Not only is Indy home to one of the best zoos in the country, but it also boasts several animal sanctuaries, petting zoos & exotic animal experiences. Your animal-loving kiddos will love this list of parent (and kid!) favorites around the area.
Don't see your favorite place to see animals on our list? Recommend it below! We count on real parents like you to help us improve our parent-to-parent resource for all families.
For even more animal experiences, be sure to check out these nature and animal summer camps in Indianapolis!
Conner Prairie
Beth Wood: Plan a visit to Conner Prairie and explore their Animal Encounters area. You'll get the chance to meet some favorite farm animals, speak directly with animal caregivers and experts, learn about animals' favorite foods, activities and more. Animals include goats, hogs, sheep, cows and more.
Indianapolis Zoo
Heather Jarrett: One of my favorite places in Indianapolis. I prefer to spend time with the animals. My kids enjoy the rides.
Natural Valley Ranch
Natural Valley Ranch has lots of animals for you to visit besides horses. Our Ranch features miniature goats, chickens (including fancy ones!), ducks, geese, miniature horses, ponies, cats, and dogs… and sometimes a few surprises!
Wolf Park
Kristy Pepping: Wolf Park is a not-for-profit park dedicated to behavioral research, education and conservation of wolves. Onsite they have wolves, foxes, bison and coyotes. They run guided tours of the facility throughout the week and a variety of specialty programs and events monthly.
Columbian Park Zoo
Kristy Pepping: The Columbian Park Zoo fosters an appreciation for wildlife and encourages learning and discovery in a family-friendly environment. See animals from all over the world and don't forget to catch a ride on the Zoo Express.
Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Brittany Kozielski: The Exotic Feline Rescue Center is a working rescue specializing in big cat rescue, conservation and care. The EFRC provides homes for these cats and hopes to educate the public about these beautiful felines. Children under 5 yrs must be held or in a stroller at all times.
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
