Best Petting Zoos in Orange County
Petting zoos in Orange County range from a family-owned ranch in San Juan Capistrano’s historic Los Rios District to a free working farm at the OC Fair & Event Center, plus barnyards tucked inside two local zoos. They make an easy, low-key outing for toddlers and grade-schoolers who want to pet a goat, feed a pig or take a pony ride, and they’re a nice change of pace from the beaches and theme parks.
Below are our favorite Orange County spots for hands-on time with farm animals, a reptile zoo for kids who would rather hold a lizard, and mobile petting zoos that bring the animals to your party.
Orange County Petting Zoos at a Glance
| Spot | City | Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Street Ranch | San Juan Capistrano | Daily 10am–4pm (last entry 3:30pm) | Adults $16; ages 3–12 and 60+ $13; under 3 free |
| Tanaka Farms Barnyard | Irvine | Normally daily 9am–4pm; no general entry until November 2026 (included with Irvine Pumpkin Patch admission through Nov 1) | Small fee; see website |
| Centennial Farm | Costa Mesa | Mon–Fri 1–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–4pm | Free |
| Orange County Zoo | Orange (Irvine Regional Park) | Mon–Fri 10am–3:30pm; Sat–Sun 10am–4:30pm | $2 (2 and under free), plus park vehicle entry |
| Santa Ana Zoo | Santa Ana | Daily 10am–4pm | See website |
| The Reptile Zoo | Fountain Valley | Daily 10am–7pm | Paid zoo admission; retail store free |
Petting Zoos in Orange County
River Street Ranch
31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA
www.riverstreetranch.com
(949) 831-6550
San Juan Capistrano is home to River Street Ranch, the petting zoo formerly known as Zoomars. It’s a family-owned operation, run today by the Almquist family and their partners, and it sits in the Los Rios Historic District across from River Street Marketplace. For many Orange County residents, it is considered a destination petting zoo. It is in the heart of the city and steps from the train station, which really attracts OC locals and visitors. What a fun filled day to take the train to a petting zoo! The train ride itself may be the most memorable part of the day.
River Street Ranch is the perfect petting zoo for toddlers and younger children. The goats, sheep, guinea pigs and bunnies are friendly and just the right size for tiny handlers, and kids can even brush the goats and sheep in their pen. It’s always snack time here. Grab a $6 feed basket of fruit and veggies to share with the guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, llama and alpaca. You’ll also meet Kunekune pigs, chickens, two llampacas and Angel the emu. Pony rides are a popular attraction, too.
The atmosphere is SoCal relaxed and there are plenty of resting spots in the shade. There is so much more to do than petting animals. River Street Ranch offers plenty of interactive activities and time really does fly by here. After being a kid with the kids, hop on the mini train, pan for gems, dig with a mini excavator, drive a mini tractor or let the little ones loose on the Western-themed playground.
Admission & Hours
Weekdays: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Weekends: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Last entry is at 3:30pm. Closed New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Admission: Adults (13–59) $16 | Children (3–12) $13 | Seniors (60+) $13 | Military $11 per family member with ID | 35 months and under free
Activities: Pony rides $10 per lap (ages 3–10) | Train rides $5 or 3 for $12 (ages 3–10) | Mini tractors $5 or 3 for $12 (ages 3–10) | Mini excavators $3 | Gem mining from $10 plus tax
- Reservations aren’t required, but every guest needs a signed waiver, so fill it out before you arrive.
- Admission and memberships can be bought online; activities are paid for at the ranch.
Tanaka Farms Barnyard
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine, CA
www.tanakafarms.com
(949) 653-2100
Tanaka Farms doesn’t call its animal area a petting zoo. The Barnyard Educational Exhibit is designed as a learning experience where kids (and adults!) can spend time with the animals in a safe setting. Most of the animals are rescues who will live out the rest of their lives on the farm. Barnyard manager Shelmarie and her team of volunteers run the exhibit through The Legacy Barn, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Be sure to say hi to Pinto the pony!
Little ones will love Storytime at the Barnyard. Staff and volunteers read farm-themed books right next to the animals, and afterward everyone gets to visit with their new barnyard friends. Storytime lasts about 30 minutes, runs Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 AM, is geared toward kids ages 1 to 5, and tickets are sold online.
Goat Yoga and the Chicks and Sprouts class are now offered as private events. If you’d like to book one for your group, fill out the interest form on the Tanaka Farms website.
Admission & Hours
Every day: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last entry 3:45 PM)
No reservations are needed for general visits, and there is a small admission fee. Children 2 and under and military service members get in free.
Fall note: The Barnyard has no general entry until November 2026. During the Irvine Pumpkin Patch, which is open daily through Nov 1, the Barnyard is included with pumpkin patch admission. Hours and prices can also change during the Hikari Festival of Lights. See the Barnyard Exhibit page for current details, and our Tanaka Farms guide for more to do at the farm.
Centennial Farm
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
ocfair.com/centennial-farm
(714) 708-1619
Centennial Farm is our favorite “pet and go” petting zoo in Orange County, and admission is FREE. Located at the OC Fair & Event Center, this three-acre working farm was created to teach kids about agriculture, and it has all the animal variety to delight your family and friends without the big crowds. This petting zoo is not just for kids. Visitors here are all ages, and you will often see a couple on a charming date.
Sometimes just seeing nature and other animals besides your dog or cat can really take the stress away. There is something for everyone at Centennial Farm. Come visit the resident pair of peafowl and learn how to tell the colorful peacock from the more camouflaged peahen. There is almost always a litter of piglets in the farrowing pens, and there is a reason for that; you will learn that here, too. Hoss and Howie are half brothers and American Milking Devon oxen, and they really do weigh about 1,000 pounds each. Sometimes just admiring their stature is plenty. Chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits and dairy cows round out the farm.
The feel at Centennial is calm, organized and very relaxing. You may see school tours of all ages laughing and squealing, which will make you smile and feel nostalgic. Goats are a highlight, with different breeds on display. Even the bees here are a marvel to watch; the hive is cared for by the OC Beekeepers Association. You won't need to battle crowds here. There isn't the distraction of loud entertainment or buzzing rides (unless you go during OC Fair season). This is what makes Centennial Farm a “pet and go” winner.
Keep an eye out for the fairgrounds’ animal landscapers, too. This weed-clearing goat herd is watched over by Knitty the llama, Herb the miniature donkey, Pongo the mini steer and Maremma livestock guard dogs. The crew spends most of the year on the berm around Pacific Amphitheatre and is mostly back at the farm in January, February and August.
Check out the pig cam for 24/7 cuteness.
Hours: Monday - Friday from 1PM to 4PM, and 10AM - 4PM on Saturday and Sunday. The farm is closed on holidays and during all-grounds events, so check the calendar on the website before you go. Admission is free, and no reservations are needed.
Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
714-973-6840
parks.oc.gov/oc-zoo
Irvine Regional Park is huge and among all the things you can do here, did you know there was a small zoo inside as well? Sometimes overshadowed by the park’s big events, the OC Zoo is home to lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Well, the black bear here really is impressive, but the lions are mountain lions, and the tiger is a close cousin, the ocelot. The Orange County Zoo is a favorite because it features bigger and more exotic animals than the customary farm animals (but you won't be petting them!).
It is a small but mighty zoo with a focus on animals native to the Southwestern United States, and many of them came to the zoo injured, orphaned or unable to return to the wild. If you are looking for a new experience, this zoo can add more excitement and wonderment to a traditional petting zoo day. Look for the bald eagle, great horned owl, beaver, porcupine, kit fox and coyote. The OC Zoo is a moderate-sized zoo with less walking and crowds. There is plenty of shade and rest areas here.
A great highlight is the preschool program lineup for ages 3 to 4, with rotating themes like Animal Art. Each class runs about an hour and mixes hands-on learning and crafts with up-close visits with zoo animals. Programs cost extra, and registration is by phone.
Check the OC Parks events calendar for special days and seasonal events at the zoo. The OC Zoo is easy to navigate through, priced right and has a barnyard with domestic goats and sheep. You can even take a free cell-phone audio tour by dialing (714) 481-0355. If you are looking for a relaxing petting zoo adventure and still want to have time for the playground, then put OC Zoo at the top of your list.
Admission & Hours
Sun: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Entry Fee for Irvine Regional Park: $3 per vehicle weekdays and $5 per vehicle weekends - Major holidays $7 to $10 as posted
Entry to zoo is $2.00 per person, Children 2yrs and under are Free
Preschool Programs (ages 3–4) $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire time. The Irvine Regional Park entry fee is not included.
- Register for preschool programs by phone at (714) 973-6846
- Check the OC Parks events calendar for program dates and times
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA
www.santaanazoo.org
(714) 647-6575
The Santa Ana Zoo is a full day out with camels, giant anteaters and otters, but its farm side makes it a great petting zoo stop, too. Little ones can get hands-on with Nubian and LaMancha goats in the Goat Interaction Yard, then say hi to the rest of the barnyard crew: Kunekune pigs, a Guinea hog, a Dexter cow, an Exmoor pony and miniature donkeys. Check out our Santa Ana Zoo guide for more on what to see.
Admission & Hours
Every day: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Rides: Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (weather permitting)
Buy tickets online or at the zoo ticket booth. Children 2 and under are free. Santa Ana residents get in free on the third Sunday of every month with a current photo ID for each adult.
More Animal Encounters
The Reptile Zoo
18818 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA
714-500-0591
www.thereptilezoo.com
Here is the way cool petting zoo alternative! The Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley is full of rad reptiles, amazing amphibians, and out-of-sight arachnids from around the world. The Reptile Zoo has over 100 exotic species in a little strip mall on Brookhurst Street, between Garfield and Ellis and just off the 405.
The inside décor is fun and resembles a tiki themed fish store. It has a small science museum vibe, but the fish tanks and glass displays are much more impressive. The tanks should be more impressive because what is behind the glass is something amazing to see. The big showstopper is Darth Gator the Alligator, and the zoo recently finished two new alligator exhibits. Founder Jay Brewer designed the space to feel like a zoo, and Juliette Brewer handles operations. This place is just action and excitement all day long.
It’s a break from common furry friends and an out of the box alternative to a night at the movies. All ages can really enjoy visiting and learning all about reptiles, and if you’re brave, you can even hold one. Book a photo with Sunshine, the 12-foot Burmese python, or sign the kids up to feed the tortoises. You do not have to be a lizard lover to enjoy the displays and presentations, but you will definitely leave knowing what amphibian really creeps you out, and that’s all the fun!
Admission & Hours
Open Every day: Sunday-Saturday 10AM-7PM
Entry to the zoo requires a paid ticket (daily tickets and annual passes are sold online), while the retail pet store section is free to browse
Add-on experiences include a 15-minute private feeding for $75.
Mobile Petting Zoos
Pacific Animal Productions
Travel fees may apply
pacificanimalproductions.com
info@pacificanimalproductions.com
(760) 885-1259 | (760) 987-3330
Want to add a wild twist to your next event? The animal ambassadors at Pacific Animal Productions are experienced and ready to put on an unforgettable show. This mobile zoo brings live animal encounters to private events, schools, libraries and fairs.
Pacific Animal Productions has been putting the show on the road for more than 30 years. This mobile zoo stands apart from most because of its dedication to conserving wildlife and endangered species, which it teaches through a mix of education and entertainment. The website is easy to navigate and makes it simple to send a booking inquiry.
For private events, the Meet and Greet package has a two-hour minimum, with different animals rotating in to visit your guests. School and library programs bring animals such as birds of prey, reptiles and mammals so kids can learn about their habitats, behavior and conservation up close. At fairs, the team sets up walk-through exhibits with show times and an exotic petting zoo.
Main animal educator Kevin has more than 10 years of experience in zookeeping and animal training, and Alii works alongside him while running the office, social media and photography. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Mobile Zoo of Southern California
mobilezooofsoutherncalifornia.com
Orange: (760) 424-6848
Los Angeles: (760) 861-4818
Founder and owner Nancy True, better known as “Nanimal,” leads Mobile Zoo of Southern California, which has been making people happy since 1990. The Safari Leaders who arrive with the animals are knowledgeable and dressed for the part in safari attire.
The safari staff can handle any party size or event. The Barnyard Bonanza petting zoo setup includes tiki umbrellas for shade and hand-sanitizing stations, and the standard 10’ x 10’ pen used for birthday parties lets up to 10 guests at a time enjoy the animals. Need more room? A 20’ x 20’ setup is available, and zoos can be supersized with more space, tenting and animals for bigger events. Other packages include the Reptile Wrangler Show and the Cool Critters Show.
The Barnyard Bonanza brings a friendly mix of ducks, pygmy goats, guinea pigs, chickens, pot-belly pigs, tortoises and bunnies. If you are looking for a mix of different animals, try the two-hour Cool Critter Show, an educational presentation with cockatiels, a hedgehog, a ferret, a chinchilla, a snake, an iguana, tarantulas, a tortoise, a gecko and a bearded dragon. It can be done on stage or booth-style as guests walk by.
Mobile Zoo is always adding new critters and encourages special requests. Hourly rates start at $599 for two hours, with three hours at $749 and four hours at $899. There is no deposit to reserve and no cancellation fee, and events more than 40 miles from the Palm Springs or Los Angeles locations may be priced differently. There is an experience for everyone, and every age, at Mobile Zoo of Southern California.
Happy Hooves
Serves all of Orange County
www.happyhoovesoc.com
(714) 730-0875
Happy Hooves is a mobile petting zoo and pony ride company that brings the barnyard to your backyard. Its service area is all of Orange County, with Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino counties handled case by case. A typical petting zoo visit includes a pig, four goats, a sheep, five chickens and three rabbits, and the hand-led pony rides can be themed to match the party, from cowboy and cowgirl to princess and unicorn.
Petting zoo packages start at $300 for one hour, pony rides start at $300 for one hour with one pony, and petting zoo and pony combos start at $375. The ponies have weight limits and don’t work at night, so plan pony rides for a daytime party. If your setup is on concrete, pavement or artificial turf, a tarp with shavings is an extra $25.
Check before you go
- River Street Ranch may close in heavy rain or extreme heat. Its guinea pigs and rabbits go indoors when it’s below 60 or above 82 degrees, and on Thursday mornings while their pens are cleaned, so call ahead if they’re the main event.
- Centennial Farm closes on holidays and during all-grounds events at the OC Fair & Event Center.
- Tanaka Farms’ Barnyard hours and prices can change during the Pumpkin Patch and the Hikari Festival of Lights.
- At the OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park’s vehicle entry fee is separate from zoo admission and preschool program fees.
- Service animals aren’t allowed inside River Street Ranch’s animal enclosures or the Santa Ana Zoo’s Goat Interaction Yard.
Orange County Petting Zoos FAQ
Is there a free petting zoo in Orange County?
Yes. Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa has free admission. It’s open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on holidays and during all-grounds events.
Which Orange County petting zoo has pony rides?
River Street Ranch in San Juan Capistrano offers pony rides for kids ages 3 to 10 at $10 per lap. For a party at home, Happy Hooves brings hand-led pony rides to events across Orange County.
Can you feed the animals at River Street Ranch?
Yes. River Street Ranch sells $6 feed baskets of fruit and veggies for the guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, llama and alpaca.
Is the Tanaka Farms Barnyard open?
Tanaka Farms lists no general Barnyard entry until November 2026. Through Nov 1, the Barnyard is included with Irvine Pumpkin Patch admission. Normal Barnyard hours are 9 AM to 4 PM daily.
Can I bring a petting zoo to a birthday party?
Yes. Mobile Zoo of Southern California, Happy Hooves and Pacific Animal Productions all bring animals to your event. Mobile Zoo of Southern California’s rates start at $599 for two hours, and Happy Hooves’ petting zoo starts at $300 for one hour.
