Last Updated: January 25, 2026
Petting zoos in Ottawa are less about big zoo spectacles and more about quiet moments: a goat leaning in for a head scratch, a toddler laughing at the duck pond, and a farm day that feels manageable.
Ottawa’s farm-animal experiences are scattered across the city and the surrounding countryside, which means the “best” option depends on the kind of day you want. Some families prefer the predictable, year-round rhythm of the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, while others want a seasonal farm where kids can pet animals, explore play areas, and still make it home before dinner. This guide highlights 16 real options within about a 90-minute drive, with clear notes on what’s known, what’s not posted yet, and how to avoid arriving to a closed gate. If you want to turn it into a bigger day out, pair a farm visit with the family activities guide or another seasonal outing like apple picking or pumpkin patches.
If you are planning a full summer day, add a nearby farm market stop from the farmers markets guide, or compare animal-focused outings with the Madahoki Farm guide.
Key Highlights
Caption: A small barnyard visit in Ottawa usually means short lines, hands-on feeding, and a relaxed pace for families.
TL;DR: Ottawa has 16 verified petting-zoo or farm-animal options within about 90 minutes, ranging from year-round museum barns to seasonal farms and agricultural fairs. The best pick depends on age, season, and how much driving you want to do.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Options | 16 verified spots (Ottawa + nearby) |
| Top Pick | Valleyview Little Animal Farm (best classic petting-farm feel) |
| Budget Option | Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (free hour 4-5 pm) |
| Best Area for Variety | Ottawa south and west + nearby rural farms |
Year-Round and Appointment-Based Farms in Ottawa
Caption: Year-round options skew smaller and calmer, which can be ideal for toddlers and first-time farm visits.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (901 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON)
If you want a farm-animal visit that works in winter, this is the most dependable option in the city. The museum’s working barns feel educational without being overwhelming, which makes it a great first farm visit for toddlers and a solid repeat visit for school-age kids. It also pairs well with other museum trips or the free museum hours guide.
Address: 901 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON. Season & hours: Year-round; Mar-Oct daily 9 am-5 pm, Nov-Feb Wed-Sun 9 am-5 pm (closed Mon-Tue). Pricing: Adult $14.50 CAD; Senior/Student/Youth $12.25 CAD; Child 2 and under free; Family $40.50 CAD; free 4-5 pm daily. Animal highlights: Working farm barns with cattle, horses, and other livestock (check seasonal baby-animal updates). Best for: Ages 2-10 who like hands-on learning. Accessibility: Facility is accessible, with elevators and wide paths; accessible parking is free with a permit. Washrooms/handwashing: Washrooms on site; hand hygiene stations are typically available in barn areas. Parking/transit: On-site paid parking ($4/hr, max $9.50); OC Transpo service along Prince of Wales Drive. Crowds: Busy mid-day and during school trips; the 4-5 pm free hour fills fast. Drawbacks: It can feel structured compared to open-field farms, and weekends can be busy.
Maple Hill Urban Farm (200 Moodie Dr, Ottawa, ON K2H 8K6)
Maple Hill is the calmest, most low-key option on this list. It runs by appointment and focuses on alpaca tours, which makes the experience feel personal and unrushed. A local Ottawa family blog describes the visit as a slow, scenic walk with a gentle animal companion: “We arrived at Maple Hill Urban Farm and met Don, the owner,” and later notes, “I went from dragging April around to having April drag me!” (Kids in the Capital). That’s exactly the vibe: small groups and relaxed pacing.
Address: 200 Moodie Dr, Ottawa, ON K2H 8K6. Season & hours: By appointment; tour times typically listed at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30, with no drop-ins. Pricing: $30 CAD (ages 12+), $15 CAD (ages 11 and under). Animal highlights: Alpacas plus trained goats, with ducks and chickens on the property. Best for: Ages 5+ who can handle a slower, guided tour. Accessibility: Accessibility details are not posted; expect outdoor terrain and plan for weather. Washrooms/handwashing: On-site washrooms are listed; confirm handwashing access before your visit. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit details are not posted, so a car is the easiest option. Crowds: Low, because tours are booked. Drawbacks: Limited availability and strict appointment scheduling.
Alpenblick Farm (8138 Golf Club Way, Ashton, ON)
Alpenblick isn’t a traditional petting zoo, and it’s important to say that upfront. It is a working farm where visitors can see animals during farm pickup, which makes it feel like a quiet, authentic look into a real dairy operation. If your family wants a calm, low-key glimpse of farm life rather than a dedicated petting-zoo setup, this can be a good fit.
Address: 8138 Golf Club Way, Ashton, ON. Season & hours: Tue-Sat 12 pm-5 pm. Pricing: Admission pricing is not listed; visits are tied to farm pickup, so confirm before planning. Animal highlights: Bulls, Jersey cows, and farm dogs (viewed from a safe distance). Best for: Ages 6+ who are curious about farm operations. Accessibility: Accessibility info not posted; outdoor farm surfaces can be uneven. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit not listed. Crowds: Very light. Drawbacks: Not a full petting zoo, and casual drop-ins may not be supported.
Seasonal Petting Zoos and Family Farms (Spring to Fall)
Caption: Seasonal farms often combine animals with play areas, u-pick fields, or holiday events.
Valleyview Little Animal Farm (4750 Fallowfield Rd, Nepean, ON K2J 4S4)
Valleyview is the classic “kid-first” petting farm: a train ride through the fields, a barn full of friendly animals, and enough space for parents to spread out. It’s the best overall fit for toddlers and preschoolers who want to pet animals but won’t last all day. It also works nicely as a seasonal counterpart to the maple syrup festivals guide when spring farm trips are popular.
Address: 4750 Fallowfield Rd, Nepean, ON K2J 4S4 (confirm current location; some older listings show a different rural address). Season & hours: April weekends; May 1-Oct 31 Tue-Sun 9:30 am-4 pm; open holiday Mondays; Easter dates in early April with split time blocks. Pricing: $15 CAD (tax included), ages 2-99; Access2 card accepted. Animal highlights: Alpacas, zebus, llamas, donkeys, ponies, horses, sheep, and a duck pond. Best for: Ages 2-10. Accessibility: Stroller-friendly with some gravel sections; accessibility details beyond this are not posted. Washrooms/handwashing: Washrooms and handwashing stations are listed on site. Parking/transit: Free parking; OC Transpo access not listed, so driving is recommended. Crowds: Busiest on weekends and holidays; arrive early for a calmer visit. Drawbacks: Closed in winter; confirm current address and holiday hours before you go. For another spring-friendly animal outing, compare with maple syrup festival options.
The Log Farm (670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean, ON)
The Log Farm is one of Ottawa’s best-known family farms, with a simple promise: “See, touch, feed, and interact with the animals on site.” (SavvyMom). The draw here is variety—animals plus seasonal activities—so it works well for families who want more than a quick petting visit. If you are already exploring rural Ottawa, the Saunders Farm guide makes a good comparison for a larger adventure-farm day, and Pumpkin Fest is a good fall-season tie-in.
Address: 670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean, ON. Season & hours: Open March-October; sugarbush season begins late February; last admission 3:00 pm (daily hours and ticketed event times vary by season). Pricing: Not posted publicly; check the official site before visiting. Animal highlights: Chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, horses, and a donkey. Best for: Ages 2-10 who want animals plus play areas. Accessibility: Not listed; expect uneven farm surfaces. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed; plan for basic facilities. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit details not listed. Crowds: Peak crowds during seasonal festivals and weekends. Drawbacks: Pricing and specific hours change by season, so planning ahead is essential.
Proulx Farm — Maple Fest (1865 Chemin O’Toole, Cumberland, ON K4C 1N2)
Maple Fest is one of the easiest ways to pair a petting farm with classic Ottawa spring traditions. It is not a year-round petting zoo; it’s a spring event with a small-animal barn as part of the day. If you are already planning a maple outing, combine it with the Ottawa sugar-bush season guide.
Address: 1865 Chemin O’Toole, Cumberland, ON K4C 1N2. Season & hours: Mar 1-Apr 12; weekends 9 am-5 pm; March Break Mar 16-20 9 am-4 pm; Easter Apr 3-6 9 am-3 pm. Pricing: $9.99-$15.74 CAD per person + HST; kids under 3 free. Animal highlights: Small-animal petting farm (details vary by season). Best for: Ages 2-8 with a spring-festival focus. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit not listed. Crowds: Busy on sunny weekends and school break days. Drawbacks: The animal experience is an add-on to the festival, not the main attraction.
Proulx Farm — Pumpkin Fest (1865 Chemin O’Toole, Cumberland, ON K4C 1N2)
Pumpkin Fest is the fall sibling to Maple Fest, with a petting farm as part of a larger harvest-day lineup. If your kids love animals and hayrides, this is a good way to do both in one visit. It pairs naturally with the pumpkin patches guide for families doing a full fall-weekend plan.
Address: 1865 Chemin O’Toole, Cumberland, ON K4C 1N2. Season & hours: Sept 20-Oct 26; Sat/Sun 10 am-5 pm; Thanksgiving Monday Oct 13 10 am-5 pm. Pricing: $20.55-$21.60 CAD per person + $1.50 online fee (2025 rates; 2026 pricing not yet posted). Animal highlights: Petting farm with seasonal animals (details vary). Best for: Ages 3-10 who want a full fall outing. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit not listed. Crowds: High on warm weekends and Thanksgiving. Drawbacks: Pricing and animal lineup vary each year; check 2026 details before buying tickets.
Little Foot Alpacas (8011 Campbell Rd, Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0)
Little Foot Alpacas is one of the most memorable “small-group” experiences near Ottawa. It is less about petting dozens of animals and more about quiet, guided time with alpacas. If your kids want a calm, photo-friendly visit instead of a busy petting-farm day, this one stands out.
Address: 8011 Campbell Rd, Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0. Season & hours: Wed-Sun 11 am-3 pm, booking required; closed Mon-Tue. Pricing: $20 CAD adult, $10 CAD child; under 3 free; alpaca trekking $45 CAD per person. Animal highlights: Alpacas (farm visits and treks). Best for: Ages 5-12 who can follow tour guidance. Accessibility: Not listed; expect outdoor terrain. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit not listed. Crowds: Low due to booking requirements. Drawbacks: Not a traditional petting zoo; it is more of a guided alpaca visit and can be weather-dependent.
Fairs with Petting Farms and Pony Rides
Caption: Fairs are loud, busy, and exciting—great for older kids, but sometimes overwhelming for toddlers.
Navan Fair — Countryside Petting Farm (1279 Colonial Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1N1)
Navan Fair is one of the closest large agricultural fairs to Ottawa, and its petting farm is part of a bigger family-fair atmosphere. This is best for kids who can handle crowds, noise, and lots of activity at once. If you want a quieter farm, stick to Valleyview or a smaller rural visit.
Address: 1279 Colonial Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1N1. Season & hours: Fair dates Aug 6-9, 2026; petting-farm hours are typically posted on the fair schedule closer to the date (2025 hours were Fri 9-5, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3:30). Pricing: Admission pricing not posted for 2026 yet. Animal highlights: Countryside Petting Farm (specific animal list not posted). Best for: Ages 4-12 who enjoy fair rides and shows. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Fair washrooms typically available. Parking/transit: On-site fair parking; OC Transpo not listed. Crowds: High on Saturday. Drawbacks: Details are released close to the fair; plan to confirm the petting-farm schedule before visiting.
Russell Fair — Countryside Petting Farm (1076 Concession St, Russell, ON K4R 1E8)
Russell Fair is a smaller community fair, which often means a friendlier pace. It is a good choice for families who want a classic fair without the largest crowds. The petting farm is usually one of the kid-friendly anchors, but details are posted closer to fair week.
Address: 1076 Concession St, Russell, ON K4R 1E8. Season & hours: Fair dates Aug 13-16, 2026; petting-farm schedule pending. Pricing: Admission pricing not posted yet. Animal highlights: Countryside Petting Farm (animal list not posted). Best for: Ages 4-12. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Fair washrooms typically available. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit not listed. Crowds: Moderate; usually lighter than Navan. Drawbacks: 2026 petting-farm details are not posted yet.
Capital Fair — Petting Zoo and Pony Rides (Rideau Rd & Albion Rd, Ottawa, ON)
The Capital Fair is more urban and closer to the city, which makes it convenient for families who don’t want a long drive. The petting zoo and pony rides are a small part of the fair, so consider it a bonus rather than the main attraction.
Address: Rideau Rd & Albion Rd, Ottawa, ON. Season & hours: 2026 dates not posted yet; 2025 schedules listed petting-zoo and pony-ride hours throughout the week. Pricing: Admission pricing not posted for 2026. Animal highlights: Petting zoo and pony rides (specific animal list not posted). Best for: Ages 3-10. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Fair washrooms typically available. Parking/transit: On-site fair parking; transit not listed. Crowds: High on weekend afternoons. Drawbacks: Schedules vary year to year, so check the official fair schedule before going.
Carp Fair — Storybook Farm Animal Petting Farm (3790 Carp Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0)
Carp Fair has a strong agricultural tradition, which makes its petting farm feel like a natural part of the event. It is a good pairing with a rural day trip or a stop at the farmers markets guide if you want to make it a full local outing.
Address: 3790 Carp Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0. Season & hours: Fair dates Sept 24-27, 2026; petting-farm hours to be posted. Pricing: Admission pricing not posted yet. Animal highlights: Storybook Farm Animal Petting Farm (animal list not posted). Best for: Ages 4-12. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Fair washrooms typically available. Parking/transit: On-site parking; transit not listed. Crowds: Moderate to high on Saturday. Drawbacks: 2026 petting-farm hours not posted; confirm before planning.
Nearby Day Trips (Ontario and Outaouais)
Caption: Day-trip farms add variety, but they usually require a car and extra planning.
Alpacas’ City / La cite des alpagas (2006 des Pins St, Limoges, ON K0A 2M0)
Alpacas’ City is a good option for families who specifically want an alpaca-focused visit without a long drive. It is appointment-based, which keeps crowds low but requires planning. Note that some listings show a different civic number, so confirm the address directly before you go.
Address: 2006 des Pins St, Limoges, ON K0A 2M0 (verify exact civic number before visiting). Season & hours: Appointment only. Pricing: Not posted. Animal highlights: Alpacas. Best for: Ages 5-12 who want a calm, focused animal visit. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: On-site parking expected; transit not listed. Crowds: Low due to appointments. Drawbacks: Limited public details; confirm hours and pricing before making the trip.
Ferme L’Eco des champs (482 ch. Eardley, Gatineau, QC)
This farm is a low-key Outaouais option that appeals to families who like a slower pace and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty in details. Official pages list different hours, so treat it as a “call ahead” destination rather than a quick drop-in.
Address: 482 ch. Eardley, Gatineau, QC (from regional tourism listing; confirm on the official site). Season & hours: Hours are listed as 9 am-5 pm on one page and 9 am-6 pm on another; verify before visiting. Pricing: $9 CAD per visitor (pay at kiosk). Animal highlights: Animal list not posted. Best for: Ages 4-12. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: Parking expected; transit not listed. Crowds: Likely low to moderate. Drawbacks: Conflicting hours and limited animal details online.
Ferme Mountain View (575 chemin Cregheur, Pontiac, QC J0X 2G0)
Mountain View is a countryside farm that blends small-scale animals with a scenic rural setting. It’s a nice choice for a relaxed day trip, especially if you’re already planning a Gatineau Park loop via the Gatineau Park guide.
Address: 575 chemin Cregheur, Pontiac, QC J0X 2G0. Season & hours: Tourism listings show May-December dates for the most recent season; 2026 details not yet posted. Pricing: Not posted. Animal highlights: Miniature goats, horses, ducks, chickens, and rabbits (from regional tourism listings). Best for: Ages 3-10. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: Parking expected; transit not listed. Crowds: Likely light outside weekends. Drawbacks: Details rely on tourism listings; verify directly before visiting.
Fermes Leystone Farms (1965 QC-148, Luskville, QC)
Leystone Farms offers a compact farm-animal visit in Luskville, which makes it an easy add-on if you’re already in the Outaouais. It’s a good pick for families who want a quick stop rather than a full-day outing.
Address: 1965 QC-148, Luskville, QC. Season & hours: Tourism listing notes year-round operation; confirm seasonal hours before visiting. Pricing: Not posted. Animal highlights: Miniature sheep, chickens, and alpacas (tourism listing). Best for: Ages 3-10. Accessibility: Not listed. Washrooms/handwashing: Not listed. Parking/transit: Parking expected; transit not listed. Crowds: Likely low. Drawbacks: Limited official details online; confirm current hours and animal availability.
Comparison: Petting Zoo Options at a Glance
Caption: Short trips, calm pacing, and clear expectations tend to make the best petting-farm days.
| Option | Best For | Approx. Cost | Crowd Level | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valleyview Little Animal Farm | Toddlers & preschoolers | $15 CAD (tax included) | High on weekends | Classic petting farm + train ride |
| Madahoki Farm | All ages with cultural programming | Check site | Variable | Indigenous-led farm experiences |
| Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | Year-round visits | $14.50 CAD adult | Medium | Reliable all-season barns |
| The Log Farm | Seasonal family days | Check site | High during festivals | Animals plus seasonal activities |
| Maple Hill Urban Farm | Calm alpaca tours | $30 CAD adult | Low | Appointment-based, small groups |
| Proulx Farm (Maple or Pumpkin Fest) | Festival-style farm day | $9.99-$21.60 CAD + HST | High on peak weekends | Petting farm as part of a bigger festival |
| Fair petting farms (Navan/Russell/Carp) | Older kids who like fairs | Check schedule | High on Saturdays | Petting farm + fair rides and shows |
Tips for Families Planning a Farm-Animal Visit
Caption: Pack wipes and sanitizer even when handwashing stations are available.
- Decide if you want calm or busy. If you want a quiet visit, choose Maple Hill Urban Farm or a small Outaouais farm. If your kids thrive on action, a fair or Proulx festival will feel exciting.
- Plan for handwashing. Not every farm posts washroom details. Bring wipes and sanitizer, especially when visiting fairs or farms that list limited facilities.
- Avoid peak heat and crowds. Summer afternoons can be hot and crowded; weekday mornings are best for Valleyview and the Agriculture Museum.
- Use seasonal pairings. A spring farm visit pairs well with maple syrup festivals, and a fall visit pairs with pumpkin patches.
- Confirm schedules for fairs. Fair petting farms often post schedules closer to event week; check the fair’s official site before driving out.
- Build in a nearby stop. If you are headed east, consider the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum as a second stop for older kids, or turn it into a rural loop with the farmers markets guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: Many Ottawa petting farms are designed around gentle, supervised animal contact.
Q: Which petting zoo in Ottawa is best for toddlers?
Valleyview Little Animal Farm is the best overall toddler pick because it is compact, stroller-friendly, and designed for short visits. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is a close second for colder months. If your child is sensitive to noise, avoid fair weekends and choose an appointment-based farm like Maple Hill instead.
Q: Are there any year-round farm-animal experiences in Ottawa?
Yes. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum runs year-round with working barns. Maple Hill Urban Farm also offers alpaca tours by appointment. These are the most reliable options when seasonal farms are closed.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
For Maple Hill Urban Farm and Little Foot Alpacas, yes—both require booking. Valleyview and the Agriculture Museum are typically drop-in, but holiday weekends and special events can be busier. Fairs release schedules closer to event dates, so check the official schedule before going.
Q: Are there free or low-cost options?
The Agriculture and Food Museum offers free admission from 4-5 pm daily, which is the best budget option in the city. Some fairs include petting farms within their admission, but pricing varies, so check the official fair site before planning.
Q: Which places are most accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
The Agriculture and Food Museum is the most consistently accessible. Valleyview is stroller-friendly but includes gravel sections. Many farms do not post accessibility details, so expect uneven terrain and confirm in advance if you need full accessibility.
Q: Are these locations reachable by OC Transpo?
Most farm experiences are easiest by car. The Agriculture and Food Museum is the most transit-accessible. Rural farms and fairs typically do not list transit options, so plan for driving or rideshare.
Q: What should we bring for a petting-farm visit?
Pack wipes, sanitizer, and a change of clothes for young kids. Closed-toe shoes are best for barns. Bring snacks and water if food options aren’t listed, and consider sunscreen or rain gear for outdoor farms.
Q: Which spots are best for older kids?
Fairs like Navan, Russell, and Carp are better for older kids because they combine petting farms with rides and shows. Saunders Farm is another option if you want a bigger activity-based day rather than a quiet barn visit.
Q: Do farms post their 2026 schedules early?
Some do (Valleyview and Proulx have seasonal dates), but many fairs and smaller farms post schedules closer to the season. Always check the official site the week you plan to go.
Q: Are there options on the Quebec side?
Yes—farms like Ferme L’Eco des champs, Ferme Mountain View, and Fermes Leystone are in the Outaouais. These are good for a rural day trip but often have limited posted details, so confirm hours before driving.
Final Summary
Caption: The best farm days in Ottawa are the ones with a relaxed pace and clear expectations.
Ottawa’s best petting-zoo experiences are the ones that match your family’s pace. If you want something reliable year-round, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is the safest bet. For a true petting-farm day, Valleyview is the most complete option for younger kids, while Maple Hill is the calm, appointment-only alternative for families who want a quieter visit. Seasonal festivals at Proulx and The Log Farm add extra activities, and agricultural fairs are ideal for older kids who can handle crowds and long days. Wherever you go, check schedules in advance, plan for handwashing, and build in a backup option—Ottawa weather changes quickly, and the best farm days are the ones you leave before the tired-kid meltdown starts.
Sources: Valleyview Little Animal Farm, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, The Log Farm, Proulx Farm, Maple Hill Urban Farm, Little Foot Alpacas, Alpacas’ City, Ferme L’Eco des champs, Alpenblick Farm, Navan Fair, Russell Agricultural Society, Capital Fair, Carp Fair, Tourisme Outaouais - Ferme Mountain View, Tourisme Outaouais - Fermes Leystone, Kids in the Capital - Maple Hill, SavvyMom - Fun Farms
