The best petting zoos and animal farms in the Okanagan are the kind of places where kids can brush goats, feed kangaroos, and even watch bees at work up close. From Kelowna’s Don-O-Ray Adventure Farm Adventure to Vernon’s Davison Orchards and Salmon Arm’s DeMille’s Farm Market, there are plenty of hands-on ways to experience farm life as a family. These spots are perfect for a day outdoors, offering everything from petting zoos and playgrounds to tractor rides, corn mazes, and fresh-baked treats.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just looking for a fun afternoon with the kids, here’s where to find farms and petting zoos across the valley, sorted by location.
Armstrong
Log Barn 1912
Log Barn 1912 is one of those stops you always pull into when driving through Armstrong. You can spot the giant dinosaurs from the highway and there’s no chance of just driving past. The big draw is Dave’s Goat Walk, where goats climb an overhead walkway and kids load food into a pulley bucket to send up to them (bring lots of quarters, they’ll want to do this on repeat). After the goats, kids can take photos with the dinosaur and animal statues, burn off energy on the small playground and slide, then grab homemade pie or fresh ice cream from the on-site shop. Don’t leave without wandering through the farm store for cheeses, jams, and other local goodies to take home.
4782 Highway 97A, Armstrong | More Details
Kaleden
Linden Gardens
Linden Gardens is a beautiful 9-acre garden where kids can complete a scavenger hunt and visit farm animals including goats and bunnies along the way. There are winding paths, shady picnic spots, and the Frog City Café on site. Grab a coffee and snack before heading out on your scavenger hunt. They are open seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
351 Linden Avenue, Kaleden | More Details
Kelowna
Arlo’s Honey Farm
Book an educational honey farm tour (by appointment only) or stop at the shop for honey, beeswax, and related products. Tours go through their Bee Educated Centre with a guide. Open May long weekend to Labour Day.
2290 Saucier Road, Kelowna | More Details
Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure
A lively spot with a petting zoo featuring ducks, Silkie chickens, goats, and a peacock. Kids can navigate a 7,000 sq. ft. hedge maze, try archery, bounce on horses, and hop on a rickshaw horse carriage ride. Open mid-May to November 1
3443 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna | More Details
Kangaroo Creek Farm
An absolute must if you haven’t been. Where else in the Okanagan can your kids meet kangaroos, wallabies, emus, parrots, sugar gliders, and peacocks all in one place?
5932 Old Vernon Road, Kelowna | More Details
Meadow Vista Honey Wines
While the grown-ups are tasting wine, kids can do a self-guided tour through the gardens and complete a fun activity sheet all about bees.
3975 June Springs Road, Kelowna | More Details
Lumby
Gold Fox Acres
A working family-run hobby farm with a weekend petting zoo, open Easter to Halloween by appointment only (weather permitting).
147 Hurt Road, Lumby | More Details
Peachland
Parrot Island Sanctuary
A non-profit sanctuary for rescued parrots where visitors can learn about the birds and what it takes to protect them. On the neighbouring property, there are also miniature horses for kids to watch. Call ahead before visiting. Please call before visiting: (250) 767-9030.
5090 MacKinnon Road, Peachland | Website
Penticton
GottaGoat Farm
Located just outside Penticton near the Apex Mountain Resort turnoff, GottaGoat Farm is open year round with more drop-in days in spring and summer. Kids can meet, pet, and brush goats, including Miniature Silky Fainting Goats. There are also pigs, chickens, a donkey, and horses on the property. Baby goats start arriving in early spring, which is such a fun time to visit.
2099 Green Mountain Road, Penticton | More Details
Salmon Arm
DeMille’s Farm Market
A long-standing family-run farm with fresh produce, baked goods, deli meals, and a garden center. Kids can meet goats, llamas, and sheep, explore a seasonal corn maze, and take advantage of the Sunday Young Families Day discount. Purchase a bag of feed from the market and enjoy meeting the animals up close.
3710 10th Avenue SW, Salmon Arm | More Details
Vernon
Davison Orchards
Admission to the farm is free, which makes it an easy yes for families. Kids can visit the Crazy Cow Kids Corral, meet farm animals. Bring quarters to purchase feed, it’s the best experience. There are a few playground areas on site for the kids to play and families can grab food from the Farmhouse Café, purchase real fruit ice cream, and shop the Country Village for local produce and baked goods.
3111 Davison Road, Vernon | More Details
Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery
Kids can peek into glass observatory hives to spot the Queen Bee (look for the white dot!), try on a beekeeper suit for photos, enjoy story time on select dates, and explore bee-themed toys and games. A fun and educational stop that works for all ages. Open year-round.
5011 Bella Vista Road, Vernon | More Details
Historic O’Keefe Ranch
Visit the resident farm animals at Historic O’Keefe Ranch. You’ll find sheep, miniature goats, and birds, and sometimes a few animals roaming freely around the property.
9380 Hwy 97 North, Vernon | Website
West Kelowna
Off the Grid Organic Winery
A family-owned winery with a self-guided farm tour where kids can meet sheep, goats, chickens, bunnies, and a turkey. A nice bonus stop if you’re wine tasting in the area.
3623 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna | More Details
Plan Your Visit
A few tips before you go: many of these farms operate seasonally or by appointment only, so it’s worth checking their websites or calling ahead. Spring is especially magical if you want to catch baby animals. Wear closed toed shoes.
Know a farm we missed? Send us a message, we’d love to add it to the list!
