Interacting with animals has been shown to provide a wide range of benefits for people of all ages. From farms and animal rescues to petting zoos and cat cafes, there are many opportunities to visit with animals across the Rochester area.
Free Admission:
Blodgett Family Farm | Hilton
A sweet family farm featuring donkeys and a frog pond along with a free play area for toddlers. They have a trail of fairy/dragon houses to find around the farm. They sell seasonal produce, homemade preserves, craft kits and delicious baked goods. They host events throughout the season, with other animals visiting the farm.
Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park | Pittsford
Open year round the hatchery provides visitors the opportunity to view a variety of different fish at various stages of development. Fish food is available for purchase there. The park itself has hiking trails, a creek, a playground, public restrooms and picnic tables making it a great day trip.
Local Pet Stores | Across Rochester
Pet stores are free to enter and look at small animals and fish. A great adventure for younger kids! Check by location for hours and animals available. Some of our favorites include Pet World & Aqua Shop with locations in Greece and East Rochester.
Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester | Fairport
Outdoor farm and nature trails are open to visitors during daylight hours. Large farm animals including horses, donkeys, sheep, peacocks and more can be seen in their respective areas. The indoor area houses dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals.
Powers Farm Market | Pittsford
Visitors can see sheep, donkeys, alpacas, goats, chickens, and deer outside. Food for the animals can be purchased outside. Their market has an active beehive exhibit. They sell seasonal produce, baked goods and other treats. They offer hayrides in summer and fall for a small price as well as hosting events throughout the year.
Springdale Farm | Spencerport
The farm is open to visitors, with outdoor fields full of goats, pigs, sheep, peacocks, turkeys and more. They also have a duck pond and fully operating dairy farm on site. There’s a free playground on site as well as a fairy trail through the woods. April-October the petting zoo with goats and rabbits is open for a small fee.
Wild Wings | Honeoye Falls
Wild Wings Birds of Prey Facility houses permanently injured and non-releasable animals. Over 30 birds including eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons and owls live here along with some mammals and reptiles. The space is outdoors so be sure to dress for the weather. They also manage the Nature Center at Mendon Ponds Park where they house small mammals and maintain a sensory garden.
Entry Fee:
Friendly Feline Cat Cafe | Greece
Coffee, snacks and adoptable rescue cats. There is no age restriction on guests, though younger children must be closely supervised at all times. Reservations online are encouraged but not required.
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure | Varysburg
At Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, you can enjoy a bus safari tour through the park to see unique animals – from alpacas to zebras. You can also get tickets for a self-guided tour and drive the 2.2 mile route in the comfort of your own car. Tickets are also available for a Small Animal Adventure Walk-Thru where you can visit smaller animals and newborn animals.
Never Say Never Stables | Webster
Home to horses, ducks, goats, chickens and barn kittens, they offer farm visits for guests to feed and interact with animals close up as well as horseback riding lessons and pony rides. There’s a playground, picnic tables and nature trail on site making it a great day trip for all ages to enjoy.
The Pawsitive Cafe | Rochester
A mix of resident cats and several cats available for adoption, the Pawsitive Cafe allows visitors to enjoy time with the animals in a calm environment. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase. There are no age restrictions for guests, though young children need to be supervised closely. Reservations online are recommended to avoid having to wait. There is no parking lot but street parking is available.
Prehistoric World Reptile Zoo | Perry
More than a zoo, the prehistoric world offers interactive experiences with reptiles, amphibians, plants and fossils from around the world. Exhibits include frog hollow and bug bayou, the jungle room, and turtle town. Tickets can be purchased on their website for admission and animal feeding experiences.
Seneca Park Zoo | Irondequoit
It’s easy to spend a whole day here with all the animals you can see, different exhibits and additional experiences available. Food and beverages are available for purchase at multiple locations around the park with indoor and outdoor seating. There is a playground and duck pond at the park outside of the zoo as well as play structures inside. (kids under 3 are free, $1 Admission available with valid Medicaid/EBT card through Museums for All Program)
Stokoe Farms | Scottsville
Petting Zoo with goats, alpacas, pigs, cows, chickens, and sheep as well as a kangaroo ranch with joeys, wallabies, armadillo and more. The farm also has tons of play areas and attractions for kids. Food and drinks are available for purchase. They also sell seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, gifts and other local treats at the shop. Hours vary by season with classes and special events offered throughout the year.
Wickham Farm | Penfield
Farm animals include goats, chickens, sheep and rabbits. Food for the goats can be purchased at entry. There are so many activities and attractions for kids of all ages at the farm. Food and drinks are available for purchase. They also sell seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, gifts and other local treats at the shop in the main barn. They host different seasonal events. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the gate with prices varying throughout the season. Weekday tickets are typically a few dollars cheaper and children under 3 are always free.
