Ocala Petting Zoo Guide: Hours, Prices and Animal Farms Nearby
Where to pet and feed animals in Ocala and Marion County, what it costs, and which places are look-only
By the Only In Ocala team. Updated Oct. 21, 2026, from each venue's own website and its Google Maps listing. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing. See our editorial guidelines.
Ocala Petting Zoo and Animal Farms Compared
Petting Zoo Ocala is the one walk-in petting zoo we found in the Ocala area. Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch is hands-on but by appointment, Cannon Farms has farm animals to visit during its fall season, and EARS is a look-only rescue sanctuary.
| Venue | Address | What you can do | Price | Hours | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petting Zoo Ocala | 11150 FL-40, Ocala 34482 | Walk-through petting zoo; pet and feed farm animals, see camels, monkeys and other exotic animals | Adults $14, kids 2–12 $10, seniors $12, military $11, infants free | Mon, Wed–Fri 10–4; Sat–Sun 10–5; closed Tue | Pay at the gate or book online |
| Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch | 19410 SW 25th Pl, Dunnellon 34431 | Guided hands-on tours: touch and feed sloths, capybaras, llamas, alpacas, goats | $60–$75 per person, 2-person minimum | By appointment | Required; no walk-ins |
| Cannon Farms | 11801 SW 180th Ave, Dunnellon 34432 | Family farm with goats, pigs, ducks, chickens and Highland cows | Petting zoo page says animal visits are free; $10 general admission; $20 Fun Pass adds animal feed | Fall 2026 from Sept. 26: Tue–Sat 10–6, Sun 10–4; closed Mon | Pay on arrival or online |
| EARS (Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary) | 2615 E Hwy 318, Citra 32113 | Guided sanctuary tour of rescued big cats, bears and primates; no touching | $20 ages 13+, $12 ages 3–12, under 2 free; cash or check | 1st Saturday monthly, 10 a.m. | Reserve ahead; membership form required |
Prices and hours as published by each venue on Oct. 21, 2026. Petting Zoo Ocala hours are from its Google Maps listing; its website directs visitors to the booking calendar.
Petting Zoo Ocala: Admission, Hours and Animals
Admission
- Adults (13–64): $14
- Children (2–12): $10
- Seniors (65+): $12
- Veterans and military: $11 (bring military ID)
- Infants (1 and under): free
Source: the zoo's general admission page.
Hours and contact
- Monday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tuesday: closed
- Wednesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- 11150 FL-40, Ocala, FL 34482
- (352) 300-6688
Petting Zoo Ocala sits on State Road 40 (West Highway 40) west of Ocala. Its Meet Our Animals page names one-humped camels, llamas, goats, sheep, zebus, kangaroos, Patagonian cavies, squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, raccoons, emus, peacocks, cockatoos, Indian runner ducks, chickens, sulcata tortoises, bearded dragons and basilisk lizards. Its Google Business Profile describes farm animals, monkeys, camels and other non-native species that visitors can view, pet and feed.
According to its About page, most of the zoo's animals are rescued or unwanted, it opens to the public to help fund their care, and it is a USDA licensed and insured facility. The zoo also offers camel rides, rents camels and live nativity animals for events, and has a covered picnic area.
What Animal Experiences Are Near Ocala?
Four places in Marion County let families get close to animals. Petting Zoo Ocala and Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch are built around petting and feeding, Cannon Farms has farm animals to visit and feed during its fall season, and EARS is look-only.
Petting Zoo Ocala is the one walk-in petting zoo we found in Marion County, on State Road 40 west of the city at 11150 FL-40, Ocala, FL 34482. Its Google Business Profile describes farm animals, monkeys, camels and other non-native species that visitors can view, pet and feed. The zoo says most of its animals are rescued or unwanted, that it opens to the public to fund their care, and that it is a USDA licensed and insured facility with over 40 years of experience raising exotic animals. It also offers camel rides and a covered picnic area.
- Adults $14, kids 2–12 $10, infants free
- Closed Tuesdays
- Camels, llamas, kangaroos, lemurs, goats
- (352) 300-6688
Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch, at 19410 SW 25th Place in Dunnellon, is a hands-on animal ranch that takes visitors only on scheduled tours; it does not accept walk-ins. Guests on its tours can touch, feed and interact with most of its residents, which include sloths, capybaras, llamas, alpacas and goats. Its Animal Adventure Trek is $60 per person, and its Capybara & Company, Sloth Encounter and Critter Corner tours are $75 per person, each with a two-person minimum. The ranch has operated in Florida since 2016.
- Tours $60–$75 per person
- Two-person minimum
- Sloths, capybaras, llamas, alpacas
- Book online; no walk-ins
Cannon Farms is a fifth-generation family farm, established in 1909, at 11801 SW 180th Ave in Dunnellon. The farm says access to its animals, a mix of goats, pigs, ducks, chickens and cows including Highland cows, is free whether visitors come for produce or the full farm experience, though its FAQ lists animal visits among what admission includes. In fall, $10 general admission opens the pumpkin patch, flower fields and crop mazes, and the $20 Fun Pass adds face painting and animal feed. Pets are not allowed on the farm.
- Animal visits free
- Fun Pass ($20) includes animal feed
- Fall 2026: Tue–Sat 10–6, Sun 10–4
- (352) 445-3491
The Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary, known as EARS, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 at 2615 E Highway 318 in Citra, in northern Marion County. It cares for over 100 rescued animals, including lions, tigers, cougars, bears and primates. EARS is not a petting zoo: guests stay at least 4 feet back and may not touch any animal. Public tours start at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, and EARS recommends them for ages 6 and up.
- First Saturday monthly, 10 a.m.
- $20 ages 13+, $12 ages 3–12
- Look only, no touching
- (352) 266-2859
For animals in the wild rather than in pens, Silver Springs State Park runs glass-bottom boat tours that showcase its clear springs and the underwater life that lives in them. The U.S. Forest Service describes the Ocala National Forest, with more than 600 lakes and rivers, as a haven for wildlife from migratory birds to manatees. Neither is a petting experience; wild animals should only be watched from a distance.
- Silver Springs glass-bottom boats
- Ocala National Forest wildlife
- Watch, do not feed wild animals
Petting Zoo Birthday Parties in Ocala
Petting Zoo Ocala's birthday party package is listed for ages 2 and up. Each guest pays the regular admission price, and the party gets the picnic table area. The family brings the cake, food and decorations; food and cake are allowed only in the picnic area, and balloons are not allowed anywhere on the property. The package does not include a party host, and a non-refundable $50 deposit is due when you book.
The zoo does not list a guest limit or party length online; call (352) 300-6688 or email pettingzooocala@gmail.com to plan the details.
What Tips Should You Know Before Visiting Petting Zoos Near Ocala?
- 1
Pick a day other than Tuesday
Petting Zoo Ocala is open Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays.
- 2
Book online or pay at the gate
Tickets are sold at the main gate, or you can reserve a time on the zoo's FareHarbor calendar. The zoo gives a full refund or credit for cancellations made with 24 hours' notice; no-shows are charged the full price.
- 3
Bring military ID if it applies
Veterans and military pay $11 instead of the $14 adult price, and the zoo asks them to bring a military ID.
- 4
Leave balloons at home
Balloons are not allowed on the property, for the animals' safety. For parties, food and cake are allowed only in the picnic area.
- 5
Wash hands after petting and feeding
Wear closed-toe shoes, keep small children within reach around larger animals, and wash hands before eating.
What Should You Wear?
Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Cannon Farms specifically recommends closed-toe shoes because its fields can be uneven, sandy, muddy or wet. Sunscreen and a hat help on outdoor farm visits.
What Safety Precautions Should You Take?
Always supervise children around animals. Follow staff instructions about which animals can be touched and how to approach them. At EARS, nobody may touch the animals and guests stay at least 4 feet back. Wash hands thoroughly after interacting with any animals.
How Should You Plan Your Visit?
Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch and EARS take visitors only on scheduled tours, so book ahead. EARS public tours start at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month; the gate opens at 9:30 a.m. and guests should arrive by 9:45 to check in.
What Supplies Should You Bring?
Pack hand sanitizer, water and a camera, except at EARS, which does not allow photography on tours. Bring cash or a check for EARS tours. Leave pets at home: Cannon Farms does not allow them. Do not feed animals your own food unless the venue says you may.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a petting zoo in Ocala, FL?
Yes. Petting Zoo Ocala is at 11150 FL-40 (West Highway 40), Ocala, FL 34482. Its Google Business Profile describes farm animals, monkeys, camels and other non-native species that visitors can view, pet and feed. It is open Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Tuesday. Phone: (352) 300-6688.
How much does Petting Zoo Ocala cost?
The zoo's general admission page lists $14 for adults ages 13 to 64, $10 for children ages 2 to 12, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $11 for veterans and military with ID, and free admission for infants 1 and under. Tickets can be bought at the main gate or booked online through the zoo's FareHarbor calendar.
What animals are at Petting Zoo Ocala?
The zoo's Meet Our Animals page names camels, llamas, goats, sheep, zebus, kangaroos, Patagonian cavies, squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, raccoons, emus, peacocks, cockatoos, ducks, chickens, sulcata tortoises, bearded dragons and basilisk lizards. The zoo says most of its animals are rescued or unwanted, and that it is a USDA licensed and insured facility.
What other animal encounters are near Ocala?
Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch, 19410 SW 25th Place, Dunnellon, runs hands-on guided tours with sloths, capybaras, llamas, alpacas and goats by appointment only, from $60 to $75 per person. Cannon Farms, 11801 SW 180th Ave, Dunnellon, has goats, pigs, ducks, chickens and Highland cows; its fall 2026 season began September 26. The Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) in Citra offers look-only tours of rescued big cats, bears and primates on the first Saturday of each month.
Are Ocala petting zoos good for toddlers?
Petting Zoo Ocala charges nothing for infants 1 and under and $10 for children 2 to 12, and its birthday party package is listed for ages 2 and up. EARS recommends its sanctuary tours for ages 6 and up and does not allow anyone to touch the animals. Adults should supervise small children around animals and wash hands after petting or feeding.
Can I host a birthday party at Petting Zoo Ocala?
Yes. Petting Zoo Ocala's birthday party package, listed for ages 2 and up, includes zoo admission at the regular rates and use of the picnic table area. Guests bring their own cake, food and decorations, food is allowed only in the picnic area, balloons are not allowed for animal safety, no party host is included, and a non-refundable $50 deposit is due at booking. Call (352) 300-6688 or book online.
Can you touch the animals at EARS in Citra?
No. The Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary says Florida is a no-contact state for these animals, guests must stay at least 4 feet back, and no one may touch any animal. EARS is a rescue sanctuary, not a petting zoo. Public tours are on the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m., and tour prices are $20 for ages 13 and up and $12 for ages 3 to 12.
What is the best time of year to visit petting zoos near Ocala?
Petting Zoo Ocala is open year-round except Tuesdays. Cannon Farms opens its fields and farm animals seasonally; its fall 2026 season began September 26, with pumpkin picking through November 1 while supplies last. Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch schedules tours by appointment, so the date depends on open tour slots on its booking calendar.
Where Can You Explore More?
Is There a Zoo in Ocala?
What Ocala has instead of a public zoo
EARS Sanctuary in Citra
Tour days, prices and rules for the big-cat rescue
Cannon Farms
Farm animals, pumpkin patch and flower fields in Dunnellon
Farm Tours in Ocala
Horse farm tours and working farm visits
Kids Activities in Ocala
The full guide to things to do with kids
Fun for Kids in Ocala
Kid-friendly entertainment and experiences
Family Fun in Ocala
Family outings by age group
Things to Do in Ocala
Complete guide to Ocala activities and attractions
About This Guide and Its Sources
Updated Oct. 21, 2026. Prices, animals and rules come from each venue's own pages: Petting Zoo Ocala's admission, animals, about and party pages; Beautiful Creatures Animal Ranch; Cannon Farms; the EARS tours and FAQ pages; Florida State Parks; and the U.S. Forest Service's Ocala National Forest page.Addresses, phone numbers and Petting Zoo Ocala's hours were checked against each venue's Google Maps listing the same day.
An earlier version of this page listed Enchanted Oaks Farm as a petting zoo with birthday party packages and a $10 to $25 price range. We could not confirm that any of that is true, so it has been removed. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing.
Zoológico interactivo en Ocala (Petting Zoo Ocala)
Petting Zoo Ocala está en 11150 FL-40, Ocala, FL 34482, en el Condado de Marion. La entrada cuesta $14 para adultos, $10 para niños de 2 a 12 años, $12 para mayores de 65 años y $11 para veteranos y militares; los bebés de 1 año o menos entran gratis. El horario es de lunes y de miércoles a viernes de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m., sábados y domingos de 10 a.m. a 5 p.m., y cierra los martes. Los visitantes pueden acariciar y alimentar animales de granja y ver camellos, monos y otros animales exóticos. Teléfono: (352) 300-6688.
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