Kids love animals. Did you know there are lots of opportunities to see animals near Ann Arbor? While there are two great zoos within an hour, they are both day trips. There are several nature centers, farms, and more offering a chance to visit animals. There are several closer options that don’t require the all day commitment.
Featured Places to See Animals
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Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center
Ann Arbor’s cat café, the Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center (or “TLC” for short!) is an offshoot of the Humane Society of Huron Valley—a place where kids young and old can visit with kittens and cats in a comfy space. While all the felines there are available for adoption, there are no strings attached!

Humane Society of Huron Valley
“Love starts here” is the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s motto, and they offer lots of youth activities to foster compassion—not to mention entertain! Both animal-loving and animal-fearing kiddos can benefit from a variety of programs at the modernized shelter.
Where to Find Animals in Ann Arbor & Beyond
Check out this map for a quick reference, then scroll down to find animals in Ann Arbor and beyond.
Animals In Ann Arbor
The Petting Farm at Domino Farms
The Petting Farm at Domino Farms allows families the chance to interact up close with farm animals. Their animals include cows, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, and more.
You can feed the animals yourselves. Bags of feed are $2.
They offer tractor rides seasonally (weather permitting). Tractor ride tickets are $2.
Their hours change seasonally. We have provided them for Winter 2022-2023 (November 1-April 9)
At a Glance
Location
Domino’s Farms Petting Farm, 3001 Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Sunday: 10a-4p
Monday: 10a-4p
Friday: 10a-4p
Saturday: 10a-4p
Price
$6. $5.50 for ages 60+. Kids 23 months & younger are FREE
The Creature Conservancy
The Creature Conservancy is a great place to see interesting animals. They are known for their rescues of exotic pets and for injured animals who cannot be released into the wild.
They have both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Outdoor viewing is limited in the winter, but many animals are outside during the summer.

They have indoor programs on the weekends. Join them to see the inside animals and for a live animal presentation. With social distancing in place, they offer two sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. Each session includes a live animal show on the Stone Stage featuring three animals that rotate each month.
At a Glance
Location
The Creature Conservancy, Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Sunday: Outdoor: 10a-6p Indoor: 1-5p
Monday: Outdoor: 10a-6p
Tuesday: Outdoor: 10a-6p
Wednesday: Outdoor: 10a-6p
Thursday: Outdoor: 10a-6p
Friday: Outdoor: 10a-6p
Saturday: Outdoor: 10a-6p Indoor: 1-5p
Price
Outdoor: Free. Indoor: $13/adult, $11/ages 2-11. $1 discount if bought in advance
Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center
Ann Arbor’s cat café, the Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center (or “TLC” for short!) is an offshoot of the Humane Society of Huron Valley—a place where kids young and old can visit with kittens and cats in a comfy space. While all the felines there are available for adoption, there are no strings attached! Enjoy “Tiny Tails Story Time,” “Cats and Kids,” or “Mewvie Night,” or simply drop in when they’re open (Tues-Sat 12-7, Sun 12-5). They also offer birthday parties and room rentals.
At a Glance
Location
Tiny Lions lounge & adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Sunday: noon-5p
Tuesday: 2-7p
Wednesday: 2-7p
Thursday: 2-7p
Friday: 2-7p
Saturday: 2-7p
Price
Humane Society of Huron Valley
“Love starts here” is the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s motto, and they offer lots of youth activities to foster compassion—not to mention entertain!
Both animal-loving and animal-fearing kiddos can benefit from a variety of programs at the modernized shelter. Check below for their upcoming event schedule.
- “Little Paws Story Time” for ages 2-5, along with“Sensory Story Time” for neurodiverse youth, include stories and safe interactions with animals.
- “Pets and Pajamas” for school-age children are drop-off events, giving parents a break and kids a fun, animal-focused alternative to a babysitter on Friday nights.
- “Rescue Reading” is a win-win for kids and animals alike; giving young readers a chance to practice their skills in front of a non-judgmental audience, and friendly animals a chance to socialize.
HSHV also offers youth volunteer opportunities, camps when school is out, and special events throughout the year. Check below for their upcoming event schedule.
At a Glance
Location
Humane Society of Huron Valley, Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Price
Leslie Science & Nature Center
Leslie Science & Nature Center is an outdoor Ann Arbor treasure. Explore the Black Pond Woods trail in different season, visit the raptor enclosures any time, or check out their new nature playscape.

The Critter House is open during select days and events. Be sure to check our calendar for details.
Leslie Science & Nature Center hosts great events for all ages. Their marquis events include the annual Ann Arbor Earth Day Celebration, Monarch Migration Festival, and Animal Haunts. Throughout the year they also host additional events like hikes, campfires, and even a camping day.
Each summer they host Summer Camps plus they host camps on select days off from school.
At a Glance
Location
Leslie Science and Nature Center, Traver Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Dawn-Dusk
Price
Free
White Lotus Farms Farmers Market
White Lotus Farms offers Farmers Markets and a chance to visit their animals while you shop.
For 2022, they added a new pavilion to provide shelter from the sun and rain while shopping at the market. Shop the fresh grown produce, but also their bakery, creamery, and take home meals. They also feature products from other local farms and businesses.
While at the Farmers Market, make time to visit their animals including baby goats.
They offer a Saturday market year round and Wednesday markets in Spring through Fall
At a Glance
Location
White Lotus Farms, West Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Saturday: 9a-2p
Price
Animals in Livingston County
Howell Nature Center
The Wild Wonders Wildlife Park at Howell Nature Center features a half-mile woodland trail with over 70 animals.
The animals represent 30 bird, mammal, and reptile species that are native to Michigan. All of the animals at Howell Nature Center have been permanently injured or have imprinted on humans and cannot be released.
Alexandria’s NatureScape is a natural children’s play area with a waterfall kids can splash in, sand dunes they can dig in, stumps to jump and spider webs for climbing. Kids can build a shelter, water paint, and more. Towering above the naturescape is the Tree House, a wheel chair-accessible treehouse with 7000 square feet of ramps, suspension bridges, and platforms. Inside the Treehouse, you’ll find hands-on activities like a discovery table, book nook, and bird watching.
At a Glance
Location
Howell Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
10a-5p Daily
Price
$7/18+, $5/ages 3-17, Free for kids 2 & under
Animals in Oakland County
Detroit Zoo
Make a day of it with a day trip to the Detroit Zoo. A few of our favorite animals to visit are the penguins and polar bears, the prairie dogs, the red panda, and the kangaroo. They even have a wolverine.
At a Glance
Location
Detroit Zoo, 8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
October-March: 10a-4p, April-August 9a-5p. September 9a-4p. Be sure to check for closures due to events especially Zoo Boo
Price
Kensington Metropark Farm Center
Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center lets kids (and adults) experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a life on the farm.
Visit their 150 year old barn, the poultry house, or the barn exhibit.
While at Kensington Metroparks, you can also visit other areas of the park like the lake for swimming or boating, or the Splash & Blast spray ground ($4 admission fee)
At a Glance
Location
Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
November-February: 9a-4p, March-October 9a-6p
Price
Vehicle Entry Fee: $10/day, $40/year
Carousel Acres
Carousel Acres in South Lyon offers pony parties and mobile petting zoos. You can also visit their farm in spring-fall. They do offer private parties and more on the
During the season, they offer pony rides ($5) on Saturday and Sunday. They also have a parakeet aviary. The other animals you see on the farm may vary based on which are out at mobile petting zoos.
At a Glance
Location
Carousel Acres, inc., 12749 9 Mile Road, South Lyon, MI, USA
Season
Seasonal –
Schedule
Price
Animals in Monroe County
Indian Creek Zoo
Indian Creek Zoo is a small zoo located in Lambertville. Their animals range from bunnies and cows to more exotic animals like giraffe, capybaras, ostriches, and kangaroos.
With older kids, you can splurge on an encounter with a giraffe, lemur, or sloth.
At a Glance
Location
Indian Creek Zoo, 2744 Consear Road, Lambertville, MI, USA
Season
Seasonal April 1, 2022-December 30, 2022
Schedule
10a-5p April-October, 10-3:30p November/December
Price
$16/adults, $14/children (3-17), $15/seniors (65+) & military. Free
Calder Dairy
Head out to Calder Dairy and visit the cows that produce their milk. Plan your visit for milking time at 4p. The milking area was recently renovated and now has fun interactive activities. Then buy some milk, yogurt, ice cream, or other dairy products to take home.
While at the dairy, you can also visit horses, goats, ducks, geese, and more. The new goat area lets you see the goats running up and down their playscape to get feed you send to them.
At a Glance
Location
Calder Dairy and Farm, 9334 Finzel Road, Carleton, MI, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
10a-7p Daily
Price
Free
Animals in Wayne County
Maybury Farm
Northville’s Maybury Farm is a working farm whose mission is to connect the community to animals and agriculture with hands-on experiences.
At a Glance
Location
Maybury Farm, Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI, USA
Season
Seasonal April 11, 2023-October 29, 2023
Schedule
Sunday: 10a-5p
Tuesday: 10a-5p
Wednesday: 10a-5p
Thursday: 10a-5p
Friday: 10a-5p
Saturday: 10a-5p
Price
$7/person general admission. Children under 2 & members are free
Animals in Ohio
Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is our favorite place to visit animals – but it is a day trip. I have always loved visiting the polar bear, tigers, and the primates. Nature’s Neighborhood is also a big hit.

For older kids, don’t miss their Aerial Adventure Course which operates during spring-fall.
At a Glance
Location
Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH, USA
Season
Year Round –
Schedule
Vary Seasonally. 10a-2p in January (last entry at noon, buildings closed). Closed Tuesdays
Price
Seasonal Farms with Animals
Several seasonal farms also give you the chance to see animals.
About Blast Corn Maze at Nixon Farm
Blast Corn Maze is located in Dexter. They offer 3 levels of difficulty in their corn maze. They also offer u-pick pumpkins, mountain of straw, corn box, picture props, corn cannon, cow train, duck races, and pedal cars.
Crops:
Activities: Wagon/Hay Rides Animals Play Area Fall Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts
:
Location
The Blast Corn Maze, Daly Road, Dexter, MI, USA
Farm Hours
About Blake Orchards
In summer 2022, Erwin Orchards in South Lyon closed as the owners have retired. Blake Orchards out of Armada, MI purchased the property. While Armada is a bit of a drive from Ann Arbor, South Lyon is much closer. Erwin has always been on our lists and we are updating the listings to reflect the…
Crops: Raspberries Pumpkins Cherries Apples
Activities: Wagon/Hay Rides Animals Play Area Fall Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts, Other Baked Goods, Hot Dogs, Other Meals
Market Products: Fresh Produce, Jams & Jellies
Location
61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon, MI, USA
Farm Hours
9a-5p for Sweet Cherries Thursday-Sunday
Daily 8a-7p August 20-October 31
About DeBuck’s Family Farm
DeBuck’s Family Farm offers a variety of family fun. In the summer, they have lavender and sunflowers. In fall, they have a corn maze and pumpkin patch. During fall they offer a family fun area with other attractions like Bounce Pads, Human Foosball, pedal trikes, and more.
Crops: Pumpkins Sunflowers
Activities: Wagon/Hay Rides Animals Play Area Fall Activities
Food: Donuts, Other Baked Goods, Other Meals
:
Location
DeBuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 50240 Martz Road, Belleville, MI, USA
Farm Hours
Summer (Lavender & Sunflowers)
Wednesdays & Fridays: 10a-4p
Saturdays & Sundays: 10a-6p
Fall (Corn Maze & Pumpkins)
Saturdays & Sundays 10a-6p
October Thursdays & Fridays: 10a-4p
About Parmenter’s Cider Mill
Parmenter’s Cider Mill opens August 26, 2023 for their 150th season! Next door to the cider mill is their Northville Winery and Brewing Co offering beers, wines and hard ciders. They have live music and food trucks there Wednesdays through Sundays.
Crops: Apples
Activities: Animals Play Area Fall Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts, Other Baked Goods, Hot Dogs, Other Meals, Winery, Alcoholic Beverages
Market Products: Fresh Produce, Jams & Jellies
Location
Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill, 714 Base Line Road, Northville, MI, USA
Farm Hours
10a-8p daily
About Wiards Orchards & Country Fair
Wiard’s Orchard and Country Fair combines u-pick fruit with the activities of a country fair. The Country Fair opens on weekends starting Saturday, September 9. Beginning Wednesday, September 20 they will also be open Wednesday-Fridays. They close for the season on October 29 In addition to offering u-pick apples & pumpkins, they also offer family fun with corn maze, playgrounds,…
Crops: Pumpkins Apples
Activities: Wagon/Hay Rides Animals Play Area Fall Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts, Other Baked Goods
Market Products: Fresh Produce, Jams & Jellies
Location
Wiard’s Orchards, Merritt Road, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
Farm Hours
Country Fair:
Wednesdays-Fridays 10a-6p
Saturdays & Sundays 11a-6p
Country Store:
Tuesdays-Sundays 9a-6p
About Three Cedars Farm
Three Cedars Farm in Northville offers a cider mill, hay rides, train rides, corn maze and a u-pick pumpkin patch. Don’t miss their storybook farm featuring Three Little Pigs, Little Red Hen, Peter Rabbit, and more. They opened for the 2021 season on Labor Day Weekend. I have never visited Three Cedars Farm, but it has been recommended by…
Crops: Pumpkins Apples
Activities: Wagon/Hay Rides Animals Play Area Winter Holiday Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts
Market Products: Fresh Produce
Location
7897 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI, USA
Farm Hours
Fall Hours:
Sundays-Thursdays: 10a-8p
Fridays & Saturdays: 10a-10p
Labor Day weekend, Halloween, & November 3-5: 10a-6p
About Coleman’s Farm Saline
Coleman’s Farm in Saline used to primarily be a corn maze. They no longer offer a corn maze – but have expanded their other offerings to U-pick apples, pumpkins, a sunflower field, and mums. Plus, you can visit baby animals and enjoy donuts and cider.
Crops: Pumpkins Apples
Activities: Animals Fall Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts
:
Location
12758 Jordan Road, Saline, MI, USA
Farm Hours
Saturdays: 10a-6p
Sundays: noon-4p
About Spicer Orchards
Spicer Orchards is a large orchard in Fenton that offers a wide variety of u-pick fruits as well as sunflowers, a corn maze, and even Santa. They are one of the only orchards offering u-pick cherries with both sweet and tart cherries. It is always fun to watch their pitting machine go to work on…
Crops: Strawberries Blueberries Raspberries Pumpkins Cherries Peaches Apples Pears Sunflowers
Activities: Wagon/Hay Rides Animals Play Area Fall Activities Winter Holiday Activities
Food: Cider, Donuts, Ice Cream, Sandwiches, Other Meals, Winery, Alcoholic Beverages
Market Products: Fresh Produce, Jams & Jellies, Unpopped Popcorn, Baked Items, Other Grocery Items
Location
Spicer Orchards Farm Market, Cider Mill, Fudge, Bakery, 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton, MI, USA
Farm Hours
Summer: First wagon at 8a.
After Labor Day First Wagon at 9a
Last wagon goes out at 5:30p, returns around 6:15p
Market closes at 7p
Other Places to See Animals
Local parks are also a good way to see animals. Gallup Park is great for ducks and geese.
Animals make frequent appearances at events around town. Our calendar has a separate category of animal related events.