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
- Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love
Happy 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. - African Lion Safari: Ontario’s Wildest Safari Adventure
Great news for fans of African Lion Safari – they are open for the 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. - Springridge Farm: A Must-Do For Little Farm Fans
Springridge 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. - Gage Park Greenhouse: Tropical Oasis in The Big City
The Greenhouse is located inside the grounds of Gage Park and playground and creates a warm, tropical oasis right in… Read more: Gage Park Greenhouse: Tropical Oasis in The Big City - Ripley’s Aquarium: Video Tour Highlights + FAQs
Ripley’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. - Bird Kingdom: Get Up Close With Exotic Birds and Creatures
A 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! - Triple C Farm: Get Up Close With Adorable Farm Animals
Triple 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. - 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. - Fishing in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and More
If you are asking yourself “Are there any great fishing spots near me?” then you are in the right spot.… Read more: Fishing in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and More - Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near Burlington and Hamilton
It’s the time of year to visit a Christmas Tree Farm to bring home your holiday centrepiece. Choose to cut your own tree or buy one that’s pre-cut and ready to tie to the roof of your car. - 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 7 Best Corn Mazes Near Me In Hamilton and Halton
Get 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. - The Apple Orchard Is Full of Fall Family Fun
The 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. - Horseback Riding Near Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara
Our 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. - Apple Picking in Hamilton, Halton and Beyond
There 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. - 25+ Fall Festivals In Halton, Hamilton and Niagara
Autumn 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! - Andrews Scenic Acres Farm Market
From spring through autumn, Andrews Farm Market – also known as Andrews Scenic Acres – is an ideal outdoor place to go with kids. This Milton farm offers a variety of activities and seasonal events that families will love. Read on for what to expect when you visit. - 13+ Things to Do At Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Bronte 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. - It’s Cherry Picking Season! Here’s Where to Pick Cherries Nearby
Cherry picking is a fond memory I have of time well spent with my grandparents. Make some memories of your own this summer when you and the whole family go cherry picking near me in the Niagara, Hamilton and Halton regions. We really do grow the best cherries out this way! - Hamilton Farm Crawl
What is Farm Crawl Hamilton, you ask? Farm Crawl provides public access to farms across Hamilton to learn about agriculture, see operations and have a “genuine” farm experience. It happens 3 times a year, so get your tickets today! - 5 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Halton, Niagara & Beyond
Visiting 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. - Pick-Your-Own Strawberries in Niagara
Our guide to Niagara region pick-your-own strawberry farms provides you with all of the info we could track down online. As farms release more info, we will be back to update our guide – so stay tuned! - Strawberry Picking in Hamilton
One of our favourite early summer activities is strawberry picking in Hamilton at a local fruit farm. FInd all of your options, plus pricing and info here. - Pick Your Own Strawberries Near Burlington, Oakville and Milton
Make 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! - Visit Lowville Park in Burlington Every Season
The amount of fun, fresh air and family time you can get from a visit to Lowville Park in Burlington is limitless! We try to visit a few times every summer, at least once in the fall and we even come back for tobogganing in the winter! - Safari Niagara: Where Wildlife Meets Family Adventure 2024
Nestled in the picturesque region of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Safari Niagara is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts, families, and wildlife lovers of all ages. - Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm Opens May 31!
Make fabulous (and delicious) fall memories at Chudleigh’s Farm in Milton. - Downey’s Farm Welcomes Families Back For 2024
If 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! - Now Open! Brantford Twin Valley Zoo
Twin 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. - LaSalle Park in Burlington – You Gotta Go Here
LaSalle Park in Burlington’s west end is one of our favourite parks to visit. It’s got an upgraded playground that kids love, vast amounts of green space and of course, easy access to the marina and waterfront. - Local Farms and Zoos in Hamilton and Halton – Places to See and Feed Animals
Kids 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. - The Hamilton Aviary Bird Sanctuary (Closed)
A visit to The Hamilton Aviary is a great way to feel tropical while supporting this wonderful, volunteer-run bird sanctuary in Dundas, Ontario. - Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In Hamilton
Having fun with kids in tow doesn’t have to cost a lot with these free and cheap things to do… Read more: Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids In Hamilton - Enjoy Christmas town, Winterlit and Winter Fun at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located in Campbellville and features outdoor activities and attractions suitable for everyone from littles to tweens. Grown-ups, too! - Sunflower Farms and Fields in Hamilton & Halton
Find a stunning, natural backdrop for some beautiful selfies! - 7 Reasons To Visit Cherry Hill Gate This Weekend
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. - Local Pick-Your-Own Produce Farms
Updated for 2024! There’s nothing better than fresh, local produce, and it doesn’t get any fresher than picking your own… Read more: Local Pick-Your-Own Produce Farms - Pick Your Own Flower Farms
Pretty colours and sweet scents await you at these Ontario pick-your-own flower farms. Gather your family together and head out… Read more: Pick Your Own Flower Farms - How To Donate Your Pumpkin Near Hamilton and Halton
Give that jack-o-lantern one more mission when it’s used to feel some animals! - 44 Family Favourite Fall Activities
Raise 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.
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