Have kids who love animals? If you're looking for animals near you in Dutchess County, we have the list! From zoo animals to farm animals, and from the furry to the scaly, we have all the animals you'll need to please your little animal lover.
Here's where to find animals in Dutchess County:
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Live music, touch-a-trucks, food trucks and SO MUCH more. There is almost always something happening at Bartons. But if you and the kids are in for a low-key day, stop by for a visit to the playground and to feed the goats. You'll also find alpacas, a peacock, rabbits, mini horses, pigs, and ducks!
Beacon Wetland Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
560 Main St, Beacon, NY
We are lucky to live in a place where wildlife isn't hard to find most days. But if you really want to spend some time in a peacuful place with great chances to experience wildlife, The Beacon Wetland Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to observe birds, turtles, frogs and more.
Beans Cat Cafe
325 Main St, Beacon, NY
Enjoy a coffee, tea or latte while the kids play and snuggle with up to four kitties! They also have a yummy variety of baked goods and a HEPA air filter to keep things clean.
Clover Brooke Farm
175 Ruskey Ln, Hyde Park, NY
A magical place where you can truly experience life on a farm! Offering unforgettable experiences such as llama and alpaca hikes to donkey and goat walks, small animal experiences (bunnies!), or educational workshops, yoga, tours, and events. There is something for everyone. Check the calendar for seasonal events, including tea with alpacas, farm sampler experiences, kids' summer camp, and bunnypalooza! Want an even cooler experience on the farm? You can actually stay over night surrounded by nature and all the animals!
Lilymoore Farm
21 Moore Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY
One of my favorite places to find adorable animals living their best lives is at Lilymoore Farm. Here you'll find alpacas, goats, horses, llamas, a pig, and poultry playing and having fun! You have to make a reservation to visit, but it's easy to book a guided farm tour or an alpaca trek for your next adventure. Some tours are for ages 9+.
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue
2699 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY
A barn with a big heart! Lucky Orphans helps horses and even some sheep and goats find a more promising and meaningful future. Sign up for an educational or wellness program, visit for an event, or book a farm tour and explore the sanctuary while listening to the incredible stories of the rescued horses.
Meadowbrook Farm
29 Old Myers Corners Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY
Grab some cider donuts (arguably the best in Dutchess County) or fresh produce and say hello to the chickens and goats at the small petting zoo!
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary
254 Gardner Hollow Rd, Poughquag, NY
Safe Haven is home to a variety of animals, including bunnies, chickens, cows, donkeys, ducks, goats, horses, pigs and sheep! Book a tour to stop by and feed the pigs their lunch and learn more about their stories. Tours are held only on weekends and start just before noon.
Stony Kill Farm
79 Farmstead Ln, Wappingers Falls, NY
Stony Kill Foundation is one of many farms across the country working to preserve many historically significant breeds of heritage livestock. You can visit during one of the annual festivals or from February through November, 11am-1pm for the "Open Barn" program. The Stony Kill Foundation Open Barn program connects visitors to the rich agricultural history of the Hudson Valley. On the farm, you'll find cattle, sheep, chickens, and turkey. Open Barn is free and open to the public.
Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo at Millbrook School
282 Millbrook School Road in Millbrook, NY
This one of a kind zoo is the only in our county, and the only in the entire country located at a high school! Visit over 160 exotic and indigenous animals from 70 different species including 10 which are endangered. The Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo is accredited by the AZA (Associations of Zoos and Aquariums). It sits on over 6 acres of land with plenty of room to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day! Open daily, 9am-5pm.
Bonus: Dutchess County Fair!
6596 Route 9 Rhinebeck, NY
Rolling into town August 19-24, 2025 there is no better place to experience it all! Animals, food, rides, and fun. The 6-day Dutchess County Fair features Agriculture, Horticulture, Turn-of-the-Century Treasures, and so much more. Animal lovers will enjoy 12 barns housing Dairy Cows, Beef Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, and more. Plus horse shows, dog shows, demos, and kids' activities.
Worth The Drive:
- Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables, Catskill, NY
- Bella Acres Farm & Sanctuary, Walden, NY
- Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
- Noah's All Things Nature, Goshen, NY
- Ridge Ranch, Patterson, NY
- Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, Highland, NY
- Trailside Museums & Zoo, Bear Mountain, NY
- The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Norwalk, CT
Did we miss something? Please email Pamelao@macaronikid.com and let me know!
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