After years of exploring Ontario with our kids, family farms near Toronto remain one of the day trips we recommend most. The variety within an hour or two of the city genuinely surprises people.
Looking for a fun-filled day with family or friends? These Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and nearby farms and parks offer a variety of activities that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you are searching for the best family farms near Toronto, a petting zoo near Toronto for toddlers, or farms for kids in Ontario with a full day of activities, this guide covers the top picks across the GTA.
Planning to make a full weekend of your farm trip? Find well-priced hotels and accommodations near Toronto and the GTA on Expedia.
Best Family Farms Near Toronto and the GTA
Many of these farms are seasonal and admission prices can change year to year. Always check the farm’s website before visiting to confirm current details.
1. Triple C Farm, Ancaster
Located at 500 Carluke Rd W in Ancaster, Triple C Farm is a perfect destination for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, this farm offers a range of on-site experiences that cater to all ages. Whether you’re interested in petting farm visits, private goat yoga sessions, or fun events like birthday parties, there’s something for everyone. For families specifically looking for petting farms near Toronto in the Hamilton and Ancaster area, Triple C is one of the most comprehensive options available. The farm also offers unique activities such as animal walks, horse rides, and even watching a movie with goats. It’s an excellent spot for school and day programs, making it a versatile destination for both education and leisure.
Address: 500 Carluke Rd W, Ancaster | Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
2. Chudleigh’s Farm, Halton Hills
Chudleigh’s Farm, located at 9528 Regional Road 25 in Halton Hills, is a well-known destination for apple picking and local food items. Beyond its produce, the farm offers giant play structures, nature trails, and an array of animals, including deer, peacocks, and alpacas. Chudleigh’s frequently hosts live entertainment and family-friendly performances, making it a great spot for a day out. The farm reopens on June 1st each year, with admission fees announced closer to the date. For a complete guide to visiting, see our dedicated post on apple picking near Toronto at Chudleigh’s Farm.
Address: 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills
3. Downey’s Farm, Caledon
Downey’s Farm at 13682 Heart Lake Rd in Caledon is home to a variety of animals, including sheep, alpacas, and a donkey. Visitors can enjoy petting these animals and participating in other attractions like mini-golf, play structures, and a zipline. Adults can also explore the farm store, which sells local goods, including wine. Seasonal events are a regular occurrence at Downey’s, with operating days running from May to late September.
Address: 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon
4. High Park Zoo, Toronto (Free)
High Park Zoo, located at 1873 Bloor St. W. in Toronto, is a small but delightful zoo that offers seasonal llama pen activities, where visitors can pet and feed llamas. The capybaras are another highlight, known for occasionally wandering close enough to visitors for an impromptu encounter. While admission is free, donations are warmly encouraged to support the zoo’s ongoing revitalisation efforts.
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto | Admission: Free
5. Brooks Farm, Mount Albert
Situated at 122 Ashworth Rd., this farm spans over 10 acres and is packed with family entertainment. Among its many attractions are a giant sandbox, a playground with slides, a gem mining station, and a summer splash pad. The farm is also home to a variety of animals, including pot-belly pigs, rabbits, and miniature cows. After a fun-filled day, you can grab a bite at Brooks Farm’s cafe or shop at their marketplace. Admission prices vary throughout the year, starting at $10 per person, with free entry for kids under two. If you’re making a full day of it in the Durham area, our guide to top things to do in Durham Region has plenty of additional ideas worth building into your trip.
Address: 122 Ashworth Rd, Mount Albert | Admission: From $10 (under 2 free)
6. Little Ray’s, Hamilton
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Little Ray’s in Hamilton is worth the trip. Located at 869 Barton St. E., this facility offers the unique experience of hand-feeding a sloth and taking photos with it. The sloth encounter needs to be pre-booked and costs $195 for three guests, with an additional fee for more participants. Little Ray’s also houses various other animals, including snakes, lizards, and exotic birds, which often appear in interactive shows. General admission starts at $14.50, with free entry for children under two. Considering staying overnight in Hamilton to make the most of the drive? Find hotel deals in Hamilton on Expedia.
Address: 869 Barton St E, Hamilton | Admission: From $14.50 (under 2 free)
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7. Chinguacousy Park, Brampton
For those in Brampton, Chinguacousy Park at 9050 Bramalea Rd offers a wide array of activities. This sprawling park allows kids to meet and feed animals like sheep, goats, and donkeys. If your child loves horses, they can enjoy a pony ride. Additional attractions include a splash pad, paddle boats, and a trackless train. While access to the park is free, some activities, such as pony rides and train rides, come with a small fee.
Address: 9050 Bramalea Rd, Brampton | Park entry: Free
8. Far Enough Farm, Centre Island
Located on Centre Island, Far Enough Farm is a charming petting zoo that’s home to over 40 domestic animals and exotic birds. Visitors can meet and even pet animals like pot-belly pigs, rabbits, horses, and alpacas. Although the farm is free to visit, getting there requires a ferry ride, with fares starting at $4.10 for a roundtrip. The farm is accessible via Centreville Amusement Park. For more family-friendly things to do across the city, our guide to things to do with family in Toronto is a great resource for planning a full Toronto day out.
Address: Centre Island, Toronto | Farm: Free | Ferry: approx. $4.10 return
9. Pingle’s Farm Market, Hampton
For those on the eastern side of the city, Pingle’s Farm Market at 1805 Taunton Rd. in Hampton is a fantastic destination. This farm features a playground, trike racing, and numerous farm animals to interact with. Depending on the season, you can also participate in activities like corn, apple, or wildflower picking. Pingle’s hosts seasonal events with additional activities and treats, with pricing varying by event. Summer weekend visits typically cost $10 per person, with free entry for children under two.
Address: 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton | Admission: From $10 (under 2 free)
10. Brae Ridge Farm and Sanctuary, Puslinch
Located at 7667 Maltby Road East in Puslinch, ON, Brae Ridge Farm and Sanctuary offers a unique and serene escape into nature. Open year-round, this sanctuary invites visitors to experience the charm of farm life through a variety of activities centred around its beloved alpacas. You can take a farm tour to meet these gentle creatures up close or engage in yoga sessions alongside them for a truly calming experience. For those seeking something even more restorative, horse-guided meditation sessions are available, and glamping with the alpacas is an option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Address: 7667 Maltby Road East, Puslinch, ON | Open: Year round
11. Riverdale Farm, Toronto (Free)
Riverdale Farm at 201 Winchester Street in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood is one of the best free animal farms near Toronto. This 7.5-acre working farm lets children observe daily farm life including animal feeding, egg collection, and cow and goat milking. Note that Riverdale is not a petting zoo near Toronto in the traditional sense and feeding the animals is not permitted, but the experience of watching a real working farm in the heart of the city is genuinely educational for children of all ages. Admission is completely free.
Address: 201 Winchester St, Toronto | Hours: Daily 9am-5pm | Admission: Free
Best Family Farms Near Toronto by Area
Not sure which of these family farms near Toronto is closest to you? Here is a quick breakdown by GTA area to help you plan:
- Toronto city: Riverdale Farm (free), High Park Zoo (free), Far Enough Farm on Centre Island
- West GTA (Etobicoke, Brampton, Mississauga): Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Downey’s Farm in Caledon
- North GTA (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket): Brooks Farm in Mount Albert
- East GTA (Scarborough, Durham, Pickering): Pingle’s Farm in Hampton, Brooks Farm in Mount Albert
- Hamilton area: Triple C Farm in Ancaster, Little Ray’s in Hamilton
- Halton and Milton area: Chudleigh’s Farm in Halton Hills, Brae Ridge Farm in Puslinch
Tips for Visiting Family Farms Near Toronto with Toddlers
The best farms near Toronto for toddlers tend to be the calmer, well-managed options where young children can get close to animals without crowds or long walks. Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, and Downey’s Farm in Caledon all work well for little ones. A few practical tips before you go: bring a full change of clothes since farm visits and clean outfits rarely coexist, arrive early on weekends as popular farms fill up fast by mid-morning, and check whether the farm is stroller-accessible before visiting since ground can be uneven at some locations. If you are also looking for bigger animal experiences that work for all ages, our full guide to African Lion Safari Ontario covers one of the best animal day trips from Toronto available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free petting zoos and animal farms near Toronto?
Riverdale Farm in Cabbagetown and High Park Zoo on Bloor Street West are both free and open year round. Far Enough Farm on Centre Island is also free to visit, though the ferry costs approximately $4.10 return per person.
Are there family farms near Toronto open year round?
Most farms near Toronto are seasonal, typically running from May through October. Brae Ridge Farm and Sanctuary in Puslinch is one of the few open year round. Riverdale Farm and High Park Zoo in Toronto are also available throughout the year.
Which farms near Toronto are best for toddlers?
Riverdale Farm, High Park Zoo, Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, and Downey’s Farm in Caledon are all well-suited for toddlers. These farms are calm, stroller-accessible, and do not require long walks or ticketed booking for basic entry.
Do I need to book family farms near Toronto in advance?
For weekend visits to Downey’s Farm, Chudleigh’s, and Brooks Farm, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during summer and autumn harvest season. Always check each farm’s own website for current booking requirements as policies vary by season.
Final Thoughts
The GTA and surrounding areas offer a genuinely impressive range of animal farms and petting zoos near Toronto, covering everything from free city farms to full-day farm adventures with slides, splash pads, and seasonal picking activities. These are some of the best farms to visit in Ontario for families, whether you are planning a summer weekend, an autumn apple-picking trip, or a year-round visit.
Book ahead where required, check current admission prices before you go, and prepare to spend more time than you planned. These places have a habit of delivering more than you expect.
Extending the trip into a full weekend getaway? Check accommodation deals near Toronto and the GTA on Expedia.
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- Looking for the ultimate animal day trip from Toronto? Our full guide to African Lion Safari in Ontario covers Canada’s original safari adventure park, just a short drive from the GTA.
- If autumn farm visits are your thing, our dedicated guide to apple picking near Toronto at Chudleigh’s Farm covers everything you need to know for a brilliant fall day out.
- Heading east for Brooks Farm or Pingle’s? Our guide to top things to do in Durham Region is perfect for planning a full day out in the area.
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