Inside: A list of farms and petting zoos in Columbia, SC for families who love to visit animals.
So, you’re thinking about taking the family to a farm or petting zoo near Columbia, SC for a fun day spending some time with all kinds of farm animals. It’s hard to resist a photo of your child petting or interacting with a cute animal at a farm or petting zoo.
But, you’re not sure which farm to visit, or, you might be thinking “are there any petting zoos near me?”
We’re here to tell you “Yes!” There are quite a few petting zoos and farms to visit! We’ve pulled together a quite the list of petting zoos and farms where you can interact with animals.
Is There a Petting Zoo Near Me?
Yes, there probably is a petting zoo on this list near you! In Columbia, SC there are more than 7 awesome petting zoos, and there are a few great options with just a short drive.
Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC
Horse Crossing Farm
This is a family-owned mini farm in the heart of Lexington, SC. They offer horse riding lessons, toddler equine exposure sessions, farm camps, private tours, birthday parties, field trips, music/art/storytelling classes and photography sessions. They have a large variety of animals including horses, a mini horse, a mini mule, pony, mini cow, goats, sheep, pig, chickens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowl, rabbits, hedgehogs, an alpaca, a llama, cats and dogs. We sell farm fresh eggs, pet bunnies, pet hedgehogs and sheep. The farm shop is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the farm is open by private appointment only so contact them to book a service. (Partner)
210 Railroad Avenue, Lexington | 803.760.8889 | Horse Crossing Farm
Goat Daddy’s Farm
Pet, feed, and learn about animals at Goat Daddy’s Farm. We would suggest setting aside at least 1 to 2 hours of your day in order to get the full Goat Daddy’s experience! There is so much to see and learn and even some opportunities for hands-on experiences!
- In Elgin, SC
- Private Tours and Events are available 7 days a week from 10 am – 7 pm. Scheduling and a reservation required. Public hours may again be available in the future.
- Admission: Age 2 and under- free, Under 12 – $5, Over 12- $10. Prices subject to changes.
Check out the Kidding Around® Review of Goat Daddy’s Farm.
144 Tomahawk Trail, Elgin | Goat Daddy’s Farm
Crosswind Farm
Farm events, tot times, homeschool events, and lots more opportunities to interact with farm animals is what you’ll find at the family-owned Crosswind Farm.
- In Holly Hill, about one hour from Columbia, SC
- Not open daily, only open for scheduled events like toddler time on Tuesdays.
- Visit the Crosswind Farm Facebook page to find upcoming opportunities to visit the farm.
Check out the Kidding Around Review of Crosswind Farm.
799 Target Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059
Riverbanks Zoo
Much more than a petting zoo, this huge zoo has not only animals but a ropes course, gardens, a carousel and climbing wall, and outdoor playgrounds. As far as the animal encounters and petting zoo components, you can feed the giraffes and lorikeets and pet animals in the farmyard all for a small fee, around $2 for each cup of feed or per person.
- In Columbia, SC
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Admission: $24.99/adults, $21.99/kids ages 2-12
- Parking: $5 per vehicle
- Animals: The ones you can interact with are the giraffes, goats, sheep, and lorikeets.
Check out our Kidding Around® Review of River Banks Zoo.
500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia | 803.779.8717 | River Banks Zoo
Cotton Branch Farms
A rescue farm, Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary offers tours for visitors that include interaction with the animals.
- In Leesville, SC
- Hours: Tours begin at 11 am on select dates and last approximately 90 minutes. Guests are asked to sign up for tours in advance.
- Admission: $30/adults, $15/kids ages 15 and under
- Animals: Pigs, cows, donkeys, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, and goats.
328 Lightwood Knot Road, Leesville | 803.381.0051 | Cotton Branch Farms
Eudora Farms
Eudora Farms is most known for its drive-thru safari. They also have a section of their zoo where you can walk through exhibits and pet some of the animals.
- In Salley, SC
- Animal safari and petting zoo with opportunities to feed animals
- $18-$50 per car depending on the number of people
Check out our Kidding Around® Review of Eudora Farms.
Eudora Farms, 219 Salem Lane, Salley, SC | 803.606.6325
Mobile Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC
Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo
Odom’s Mobile Petting Zoo brings the animals to you for birthday parties and other events.
Twin Farms Mobile Petting Zoo
If you are looking for a mobile petting zoo for your next party or event, then Twin Farms Mobile Petting Zoo will bring the barn to you! They offer both small and large animals you can meet and greet with.
Petting Zoos Near Charleston, SC
Bee City Zoo
Bee City Zoo in Summerville, SC offers so many opportunities to learn about and interact with animals. Pet a giraffe, hang out with kangaroos, feed a monkey, learn about bees and so much more!
- In Summerville, SC
- Lots of opportunities to interact with animals
- Open Wednesday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
- Tickets cost $19 per person
Check out our review! Kidding Around® Review of Bee City Zoo
1066 Holly Ridge Lane, Cottageville, SC | Bee City Zoo
Petting Zoos Near Charlotte, NC
Lazy 5 Ranch
Just outside of Charlotte, this farm has lots of animals to see and pet, plus it offers wagon rides. Please note they only accept cash.
- In Mooresville, NC
- Hours: Hours are Monday- Saturday from 9 am – 1 hour before sunset (please arrive by 4 pm) Sunday from Noon – 1 hour before sunset (please arrive by 4 pm).
- Admission: $15/adults, $11/ages 2-11; to include the wagon ride and animal feed, tickets are $21/adults, $15/ages 2-11.
- Animals: Ducks, cows, sheep, goats, deer, exotic animals
15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC | 704.663.5100 | Lazy 5 Ranch
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