Looking to get up close and personal with some furry, feather or scaly friends? We know the best places to see and experience animals near you. We love visiting local farms, zoos, animal sanctuaries, greenhouses and more and now we can bring our feedback to parents like you.
Take a look at these articles if you love animals or have a little person who does. These articles include:
- Local Farms with Animals
- Conservation Areas with Farms
- Animal Sanctuaries
- Aviaries and Greenhouses
- Provincial Parks with working farms
- Popular attractions with animals
local farms, zoos, animal sanctuaries, and more Places To See Animals in Halton, Hamilton, Niagara and Waterloo
- Opening Soon! Springridge Farm: A Must-Do For Little Farm FansSpringridge Farm is a long-time family favourite place to visit. This is a great place for multi-generations to visit together. The grandparents have as much fun as the kids do! Let us show you why Springridge Farm in Milton is always a great way to spend a day.
- 13+ Things to Do At Bronte Creek Provincial ParkBronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville is just one of the 340 Ontario Parks. We visit multiple times a year in every season because there’s always something fantastic to do at Bronte Creek. Here are some highlights of what you can expect when you visit.
- Local Farms and Zoos in Hamilton and Halton – Places to See and Feed AnimalsKids will glow when they get to see some local and exotic animals and insects on your visit to these places. Visit one or all of them! Remember to bring your summer essentials: sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a water bottle.
- Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory (Photos + FAQs Answered)Experience a tropical oasis right in the city when you visit the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty and learn why your family will thank you for taking them.
- The Hamilton Aviary Bird SanctuaryA visit to The Hamilton Aviary is a great way to feel tropical while supporting this wonderful, volunteer-run bird sanctuary in Dundas, Ontario.
- Fishing in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and MoreIf you are asking yourself “Are there any great fishing spots near me?” then you are in the right spot. … Read more
- Enjoy Christmas town, Winterlit and Winter Fun at Mountsberg Conservation AreaMountsberg Conservation Area is located in Campbellville and features outdoor activities and attractions suitable for everyone from littles to tweens. Grown-ups, too!
- Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near Burlington and HamiltonChoose the best tree on the lot or cut your own – all at these area farms.
- Hanes Corn Maze is Canada’s Largest Corn Maze!It’s not Fall without a visit to Hanes Corn Maze. Never been? Here’s the scoop on what makes it an ideal destination for a day out with the family.
- The Apple Orchard Is Full of Fall Family FunThe apple orchard was one of the very first places I took my kids to pick apples. I’m pretty sure we went the first year they were open! And we’ve been recommending it to families ever since.
- What To Expect At Downey’s Farm Pumpkin Fest 2023If you’re looking for a full day of fun at the farm, Downey’s Farm is where you need to go! Animals, pumpkins, slides and more!
- The 7 Best Corn Mazes Near Me In Hamilton and HaltonGet lost – and found – in a corn maze this fall! There is a variety of corn mazes in Hamilton and Halton, perfect for all ages. You’ll even find some super-easy pint-sized mazes just for the littlest adventurers to conquer.
- Bird Kingdom: Get Up Close With Exotic Birds and CreaturesA day trip to Niagara Falls is not complete without a visit to Bird Kingdom, the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary. Kids and adults will love this immersive experience that gets everyone up close with birds, turtles, snakes and more!
- 25+ Fall Festivals In Halton, Hamilton and NiagaraAutumn events are in full swing and our events calendar is home to the best fall festivals in Niagara, Hamilton and Halton – and beyond! Apple pie, pumpkin spice, wagon rides and more, these family-friendly harvest festivals deliver more than just jack-o-lanterns!
- Apple Picking in Hamilton, Halton and BeyondThere are lots of pick-your-own apple orchards throughout Halton and into Hamilton. Here’s our pick-your-own apple guide with all the details you need to find an orchard and have some family fun on the farm over the next few weeks.
- Horseback Riding Near Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, NiagaraOur readers often ask “Where can I go horseback riding near me?” so we knew this curated list would help a few families out. If you have a child who is ready to progress from pony rides to horseback riding, you’ll want to check out our list of local stables.
- Sunflower Farms and Fields in Hamilton & HaltonFind a stunning, natural backdrop for some beautiful selfies!
- Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm 2023 Tips For Your VisitMake fabulous (and delicious) fall memories at Chudleigh’s Farm in Milton.
- Triple C Farm: Get Up Close With Adorable Farm AnimalsTriple C Farm is one of our most recommended farms in Hamilton to visit. If you’ve got little kids who love visiting petting zoos, or adults who love a great cause, Triple C Farm is the place to be.
- African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari AdventureGreat news for fans of African Lion Safari – they are open for the 2023 season and have lots of WILD fun in store for you and your family! We have the inside scoop on what you can expect when you visit this summer, updates on the new African Lion Safari ticket prices plus some tips and important info for visitors.
- Gage Park Greenhouse: Tropical Oasis in The Big CityThe Greenhouse is located inside the grounds of Gage Park and playground and creates a warm, tropical oasis right in … Read more
- Safari Niagara: Where Wildlife Meets Adventure 2023Safari Niagara is a great day trip when you’re looking for a wild adventure!
- 5 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Halton and NiagaraVisiting lavender farms like these can be a relaxing and photographic summer outing for your family. Spend some quality time together surrounded by fields of lavender in every shade of purple and violet blue. Go for a walk where the lavender grows, have a picnic, snap some photos, and treat yourself to some honey lavender ice cream.
- 7 Reasons To Visit Cherry Hill Gate This WeekendNestled in the Aldershot community of Burlington lies a hidden gem, the Cherry Hill Gate. This nature reserve beckons outdoor fans, offering a perfect blend of wilderness, charming hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere. Come along with us as we delve into the wonders that await visitors at Cherry Hill Gate.
- Pick-Your-Own Strawberries in NiagaraStrawberries are at their peak sweetness in the early days of summer – June and July. The farms we’ve listed … Read more
- Strawberry Picking in HamiltonStrawberries are at their peak sweetness in the early days of summer – June and July. The farms we’ve listed … Read more
- Local Pick-Your-Own Produce FarmsUpdated for 2023! There’s nothing better than fresh, local produce, and it doesn’t get any fresher than picking your own … Read more
- Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will LoveHappy Rolph’s Animal Farm in St. Catharines is a must-visit for families. Pack a lunch and bring the kids, because this is a day trip you’re going to want to add to your summer bucket list.
- Pick Your Own Strawberries Near Burlington, Oakville and MiltonMake the most of the early days of summer by taking the family to pick your own strawberries in Halton! Strawberries are at their peak sweetness in the early days of summer vacation – June and July – and we know where you can find the best farms for strawberry picking near Burlington, Oakville and Milton!
- Pick Your Own Flower FarmsPretty colours and sweet scents await you at these Ontario pick-your-own flower farms. Gather your family together and head out … Read more
- Twin Valley Nature Park (Formerly Brantford Zoo) Opens May 6Twin Valley Nature Park ranks high on the list of must-visit destinations for so many reasons. Read on for those reasons, plus some helpful hints for your day with the animals.
- How To Donate Your Pumpkin Near Hamilton and HaltonGive that jack-o-lantern one more mission when it’s used to feel some animals!
- 44 Family Favourite Fall ActivitiesRaise your hand if fall activities are your favourite! Indoors, outdoors, active or relaxed, we have put together sooo many things to do with kids near Hamilton, Halton and Niagara.
- Visit Lowville Park in Burlington Every SeasonThe amount of fun, fresh air and family time you can get from a visit to Lowville Park in Burlington … Read more
- Ripley’s Aquarium: Video Tour Highlights + FAQsRipley’s Aquarium of Canada has been a staple of Toronto family entertainment for years and it continues to be one of our favourite day trips. If you haven’t been in a while rest assured that it’s as good as it’s ever been and even feels more organized now than ever before.
- Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In HamiltonHaving fun with kids in tow doesn’t have to cost a lot with these free and cheap things to do … Read more
- LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go HereLaSalle Park in Burlington’s west end is one of our favourite parks to visit. It’s got an upgraded playground that … Read more
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