Petting a farm animal can save even the most tantrum-filled day, and the Portland metro area is full of farms that will let you do just that. Whether your kid wants to brush a goat, feed an alpaca, or get up close and personal with a Highland cow, making their dreams come true is usually just a short drive away. Read on for some of our favorite local farms.
Topaz Farm
Topaz Farm is the 2024 PDX Parent Reader Favorites Winner for Best Family Farm, and it was no surprise when they took the top spot. On any visit to the farm, you’ll find mini donkeys, a mini cow, mini goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys and ducks. Plus, they have a great grill and farm store (we buy the homemade strawberry jam in bulk). For a guaranteed opportunity to pet the animals, head to the farm on Wednesday mornings for a free Animal Talk with Farmer Kat, all summer long. You can also book a birthday party, or buy a ticket to one of their incredible events, including Holi Fest, Americana Harvest Nights, and Mother’s and Father’s Day Farm to Plate Experiences.
Cost: Free
Triskelee Farm
Triskelee Farm is a frequent stop for our staffers and their kids. Experience farm life by reserving a guided educational farm tour that introduces you to their lovely farm animals. They have alpacas, goats, ostriches, sheep, rabbits, peacocks, and more. You’ll even get a chance to feed some! Read our review from a visit a few years ago here.
Cost: $15/person, carried infants are free
The Pumpkin Patch
Although it’s only a short drive away, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a farming oasis when you cross the bridge into Sauvie Island to check out The Pumpkin Patch. The Pumpkin Patch’s barn is stocked with kids’ favorite barnyard animals. You’ll see an alpaca, goats, chickens, bunnies — even peacocks! Above each animal’s stall, you’ll find a sign with interesting facts about them. You can also do some u-pick, from berries in the summer to pumpkins in the fall. Open daily June-October. The Animal Barn is free to visit.
Cost: Free
Bella Organic Farm
Say hello to the Bella Organic Farm animals, including a herd of friendly goats, on your next visit! Their 100-acre certified organic farm in Portland has so much to offer during peak farming season here in the PNW. In July and August, Bella offers u-pick certified organic blueberries and thornless blackberries, as well as u-cut sunflowers. Shop their farm store, booming with fresh organic produce and pre-picked organic berries all summer long, or let the kids enjoy a strawberry lemonade and pet the farm animals while you cozy up to a wine flight! Bella is dog-friendly, too.
Cost: Free
Frog Pond Farm
At Frog Pond Farm, you can interact with more than 60 animals! Spanning five acres, Frog Pond Farm has plenty of space to visit the goats, llamas, donkeys, alpaca, camels, chickens and more. Their Farm Walkabouts happen May-September, Pumpkin Patch from Mid September-October, and Holiday Experience and Tree Farm from November-December. You can read a review of our trip here. In addition to their regular yard games, they also have a play structure with five slides and a mini climbing wall. In the fall, there’s a bounce park, too. For an even closer encounter with the animals, purchase a cup of feed.
Cost: Summer Walkabout is $12/person, ages 2+
Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm
During pumpkin patch and Christmas tree seasons, you can visit the farm animals at Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm. They have goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens, pigs, turkeys, and cows. On special days, you can even ride a pony! The farm is dog-friendly, which is very unusual! Be sure your dog can handle being around farm animals, and use a short leash.
Cost: Varies by season; typically $15-20 per person for the fall festival.
Highland Farms
Highland Farms in Brightwood, Oregon, is — of course — home to Highland Cows, but they also care for a host of other incredibly friendly farm animals (even the ducks don’t run away). You’ll see Icelandic Sheep, goats, chickens, guineafowls, peacocks, and ducks on your visit. The farm dogs are very friendly, too. You can go on an informative tour to meet all the beloved farm animals, or book a stay in their lodge or cottage for the full dude ranch experience.
Cost: Private, one-hour tour for two costs $99, with group discounts available. An afternoon group tour ticket is $40/person.
The Flower Farmer
Combine meeting farm animals with another kid fave — a train ride — at The Flower Farmer in Canby. On the weekends, the miniature train will take you out to see the animals, including chickens, rabbits, Snicket the miniature goat, and Nutmeg the alpaca. The driver will hop off to tell you more about them. The farm store and outdoor area has a fun, vintage feel, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
Cost: Train tickets are $10 for adults (13-64), $7.50 for children and seniors, and children younger than 24 months are free.
Portland Goat Parties
If you want to get even closer and more personal with animals, book a time to visit the goats (often adorable baby goats) at Portland Goat Parties in the Scholls area of Beaverton. Rather than a walk-through visit, this is an hour-long slot to hang out with, pet and feed the goats.
Cost: $10/person per hour for a “Baby Goat Therapy” visit
The Belmont Goats
To visit and brush “goats of leisure” for free, check out The Belmont Goats! During visiting hours at their lot in North Portland (they left Belmont but kept the name), you can get up close and personal with the goats, or you can drop by to see them through the fence at other times. Follow them on social media to get the latest updates. Donations appreciated when you visit.
Cost: Free
Lee Farms
Lee Farms hosts special events throughout the year, and you can meet the animals while you’re there. These include Play Time & Goats, the Sunflower Festival, and the Fall Harvest Festival.
Cost: Varies by event. Play Time at the Farm (including feeding the goats) is $10/child, caregivers are free.
Hood River’s Draper Girls Country Farm
You can also head east to Hood River’s Draper Girls Country Farm. In addition to lots of opportunities for fresh u-pick and they-pick fruits and veggies, they’ve got goats. You can purchase a small packet of goat food for a few dollars if you want to have the goats really eating out of your hands. Or you can just watch them climb and chew. Definitely bring a picnic for you and your crew. They’ve got lots of tables and chairs for you to sit at while you enjoy the unbeatable view of Mt. Hood. Don’t miss the Instaworthy large wooden swing, big enough for two or three kids to play on.
Cost: It’s free to visit the farm.
The Farm Place at Packer Orchards
Also located on the Hood River Fruit Loop, The Farm Place at Packer Orchards is another fun spot for meeting farm animals, including friendly goats. You may purchase zoo food or a bottle at the store and feed the baby animals, when available (typically spring). Check the website and Instagram account for the latest updates.
Cost: Free to visit the sales barn and shop. Admission typically required for all outside activities, including play areas and u-pick fields.
Mountain Peak Llamas and Alpacas
You can meet sweet Napoleon, Jean-Pierre, Andre, Diego and Rodrigo at events around town. Check the Mountain Peak Llamas and Alpacas website or Facebook page to see where you can say hello.
Cost: Events are typically free.
Old McDonald’s Farm
Old McDonald’s Farm, a nonprofit in Corbett, aims to educate youth about farm animals, agriculture, gardens and natural resources. Meet more than 30 farm animals on a day visits or enroll in a summer program.
Cost: Cost varies by activity. The annual fall Harvest Festival costs $6/person to attend. The Morning Chores Farmer for a Day program costs $125, and $5 per person after the first two.
Zenger Farm
Located on an old dairy farm in the Lents neighborhood, Zenger Farm is now cow-less. It remains an animal haven though, with volunteers tending to chickens, worms and bees. Keep on top of their events on their website. They offer open farm days, farm camp, farm school and field trips.
Cost: Offered on a sliding scale. For example, their open farm days have five donation tiers, from $5-$100 per family or small group. Priority given to BIPOC and David Douglas School District families at the lower end of the scale.
Goldendale Reindeer
If you’re up for a drive, check out Goldendale Reindeer Farm in Washington. You may feed the reindeer and turkeys during their Reindeer Experience, which is offered yearround. If you’d like to visit around Christmastime when Santa is also there, book early! Read our review here.
Cost: $25/participant. Children under two years old are not allowed inside the reindeer enclosure.
Rock Creek Farm
When Portland Community College is open to the public, community members can tour the Rock Creek Farm, with its goat, alpaca, cows, bunnies and chickens. There’s also a playground! Summer 2024 they are building a new barn, and the farm is closed to the public until it is complete.
Cost: Free, but contact PCC to make an appointment.
Alpacas of Oregon
Alpacas of Oregon is a family friendly farm in Sherwood. Enjoy hands-on experiences with their friendly herd. They’re open by appointment; schedule by calling 503-348-6958.
Cost: $15/person, $7.50 for children ages 5 and under.
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