Here we have details of all of the best petting farms, lambing experiences and zoos near Harrogate. These are all farms and zoos which are ideal for a day out with the kids. If you know of one that isn’t listed then please tell us about it here
Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo.
The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. Each season brings new surprises including wild garlic in the spring, a sea of colourful blooms in summer in the formal gardens and stunning autumnal colours later on in the year.
The two playgrounds mean there’s plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy.
The evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight and visitors can see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. Other colourful characters include Arthur the tapir, porcupines and a flamboyance of pink flamingos. New for 2021 is the Nocturnal House with a kinkajou, armadillo and more!
To discover the history of the estate step inside the former home of the Gascoigne family and wander the rooms. A fascinating collection of artworks and objects fill each room and tell the story of its former residents and the community around them. The Museum is also home to an annually-changing exhibition on the first floor.
The traditional stables area courtyard is where you’ll find the Stables café serving a range of lunch options, cakes and ice creams.
To make the most of Lotherton there is an annual membership available which means regular trips, invitations to exclusive events and behind-the-scenes updates straight to your inbox.
All visitors, including members, require a timed ticket to visit the estate between 9am – 4pm, book online here. Children under 5 can visit for free.
Covid Update: House, Farm Playground now open. Pre-booking for House and Farm required, find more details here.
Explore Temple Newsam house, enjoy a picnic in the grounds, have fun in the adventure playground or meet the animals on the farm. Don’t miss the special school holiday and seasonal events throughout the year. Accessible site. Cafe & toilets facilities.
House Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11am -4pm, Home Farm, Daily, 10am-5pm (closed on Mondays during term time and bank holidays)
Admission charge for house & farm. Pre-booking now required.
CLICK HERE to read more and book tickets
Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds, LS15 0AE. Tel: 0113 336 7461.
The Harrogate Bus Company operates buses in and around the city of Harrogate and across north Yorkshire. In particular, it runs the award-winning line 36, which connects Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds with buses every 10 minutes throughout the day.
Our signature style and attention to detail is all about giving you, our customer, a relaxed, enjoyable and great value journey – and, as a research-led business, with all our decisions handled quickly and locally, we always welcome your feedback about everything we do.
With regular buses running to Leeds, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Knaresborough and throughout Harrogate catching the bus is the perfect way to start your family day out.
All fares are no more than £2.
For little ones we have our own free to join Bright Sparks Club .
Join today and you’ll get your Bright Spark’s Club bus pass in the post within a few weeks!
We offer animal and owl birthday parties at your home or site of your choice. Priced at £120 up to 12 children extra children £5pp. Got an animal fanatic child? Selection of animals/owls brought to your home or venue for handling experience. Go to our Facebook or website Harrogate birds of prey and the creature cave for more info or message us.
07957222469
Farm shop and restaurant (Yolk) with a few animals to see in the fields – pig feed available in the shop!
Monk Park Farm Park Visitor Centre is located near Thirsk in North Yorkshire and is in the heart of Herriot Country and on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. This wonderful Children’s Farm is one of Yorkshire’s best Places to Visit and is ideal for school visits and educational farm visits. As an Animal Park it is extensive with so much to do.
Green Lane, Bagby, Thirsk, YO7 2AG
T: 01845 42 11 24
£1 for adults and £1 for children. Children get one bag of food included and can purchase more from 50p. Play area is £2 per child.
“Cheap day out tip: We’ve been here today it’s just near the airport-go up pool bank, over the traffic lights at the top, then left at the next set of lights, follow it down and it’s on the right, you’ll see a wind turbine and signs for a farm shop.
. The animals all know that you’re coming with food and come up to say hi and they’ve got new piglets there too. They also have an indoor play area for under 7’s which is very low cost, it had a few cosy coupe cars, large sandpit and a plastic climbing frame/slide set-it kept two nearly 5 year olds occupied long enough to let the Mummy’s have a coffee. Definitely worth a visit in my opinion ” Mumbler user review
Spilmans Farm open throughout August, September & October.
We now have a fantastic children’s play barn and family friendly cafe serving delicious homemade cakes and light lunches with a giant sand pit and ride on tractors.
We also have a maize maze and den building so there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained all day
Thornton in Craven, just past Skipton off the A59
A fun-filled, family day out beckons at Thornton Hall Country Park.  Animal encounters, greet the newest arrivals and take part in seasonal hands-on activities (lamb feeding, egg collecting & animal petting)!
Indoor & outdoor play areas, ride-on tractors, giant slides, sandpit, hay-maze, rope-swings and pedal go-karts!
NEW from Easter 2019: Jumping Pillow Park!
Tel: 01282 841148
Journey through Tropical World’s various exotic and interesting zones. Take a trek through the rainforest, desert, aquarium and waterfall areas and see some fascinating animals and creatures along the way including butterflies, crocodiles, rare birds, meerkats and many many more!
Tropical World will be open daily 10am to 4pm with last entry at 3.30pm. Online advance booking is preferred.
