1. Old MacDonald’s Farm

You can’t possibly go wrong with a petting zoo named after the classic farm song. This pleasant little breath of fresh air located in Humble is good old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Pry the children from their cell phones and enjoy an afternoon at the down-home farm that’s sure to make for a memorable time. All of your favorite farm animals and a few unusual critters will be present and ready for a good scratch behind the ears. You can even bring your own bread to feed the ducks if you’d like. The $10.00 admission fee for 18 months and older includes all farm activities; just be aware: they don’t accept credit cards. Hours change during the seasons, so be sure to check out the website.

Opens at 10:00 am, 3203 FM 1960 E, Humble 77338









2. Houston Zoo

The zoo is a fantastic option to see domestic and exotic animals in their habitats, but did you know that the Houston Zoo also has a children’s area with a petting zoo? Allow your children to get up close and personal with the fuzzy inhabitants of this charming exhibit, and maybe they’ll stop asking to pet the tigers, but probably not. The miniature zoo also houses a great playground for your tikes to blow off some steam before and after their animal encounter. Tickets are $15.00 for ages 12-64, $11.00 for ages 2-11, and children under 2 are free.

Open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston









3. 7 Acre Wood

Just the name of this zoo elicits a warm, fuzzy feeling for those familiar with the works of A. A. Milne. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that this farm boasts a variety of activities that are fantastic for both children and adults, such as: a play town, playground, sand volleyball, miniature golf, and of course the petting zoo. Additional activities such as: paintball, hayrides, and pony rides are available on site for an extra fee. At a mere $6.00 per person for ages 18 months and up, this is a great deal for an afternoon of outdoorsy fun.

Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, 4401 N. Frazier St, Conroe 77303









4. Bayou Wildlife Zoo

If you’re looking to scout out a zoo that’s not as crowded as the Houston Zoo, this may just be the place for you. Much like its Houston counterpart, the Bayou Wildlife Zoo also includes a children’s petting zoo that will dazzle your little ones with the animal encounters that include the likes of deer, pigs, goats, and other animals. There’s an option to purchase buckets of feed to guarantee your friendship with the locals, and there are even pony rides! The petting zoo is included in general admission, which is $20.00 for adults, and $10.00 for children. Be sure to bring cash or checks because the zoo doesn’t accept credit cards.

Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 5050 FM 517 Rd, Alvin 77511









5. Oil Ranch

The Oil Ranch is a really incredible place for your kids to put on their boots and get down to the beat of the ranch life. From hayrides to train and pony rides, to milking a real-life cow, your little cowboys and cowgirls are guaranteed to receive a taste of the good country life while having some wholesome fun. Take a dip in the cool pool on a hot day, go fishing out on the lake, navigate through the stockyard maze, or head on down to the barn to visit the new baby animals. Admission is $14.95 for ages 2 and older, and you’ll want to call beforehand to make sure that they’re open that day.

Open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Thursday & Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, 23501 Macedonia Rd, Hockley 77447













6. Sweetie Pie Petting Zoo

Bear with me. Here’s a wild idea: how about bringing the petting zoo to you? Whether you’ve got a birthday rolling around, or just want to be the coolest mom on the entire block, this is a solid option if you’ve got the spare cash hanging around. Sweetie Pie’s has great reviews and is highly regarded as a very professional entertainer. With their menagerie of friendly, safe animals, you can be assured that your experience is going to be a major hit with the animal lover in your family. The mobile petting zoo can be scheduled for a cool $250.00 for two hours, with incremental increases for a longer sitting.

(281) 455-9557, Needville









7. Blessington Farms

Come on down to this big, Texas-sized farm and enjoy all that the country has to offer. Mazes, giant slides, hay mazes, steer roping, pedal cars, barrel train rides… what’s there not to like? If none of those suit your fancy, you can also participate in some great fishing on the 2 acres on-site lake, or scale the massive sand mountain, pick some sweet and juicy berries, or have fun at the petting zoo! This is a veritable buffet of down to earth, honest-to-goodness fun, and your kids will be in hog heaven in this wonderland. Admission is only $10.00 for ages 18 months and older, and you’ll want to call ahead to make sure that they’re open.

Open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, 510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton 77476









8. Dewberry Farm

This farm may only be open for a brief window, but you’ll not want to miss all of the fantastic activities that are available come fall at this lovely farm. Explore the enormous fort and shoot the cannons, jump on the jumping pillows, or hurl yourself on the Farm Flinger. There’s also a sand mountain, zip lines, roller slides, or head over to Springtown where you can ride a pony, watch pig races, and climb spider webs. If you’re itching to handle some fuzzy critters, you can mosey over to the Goatel 6 and ogle the baby animals. Lake HorseShoo is an amazing feature that houses a massive carousel and historic windmills. This place is truly amazing, and the list of activities goes on and on. General admission is $12.00 for ages 3-54, and children under 3 are free.

Open from 9/24 – 11/13, Open from 10:00 am to dusk on Saturday, 12:00 to dusk on Sunday, FM 362 and Morrison Rd, Brookshire













9. TGR Exotic Wildlife Park

Take a walk on the wild side with this truly fascinating experience where you’ll be able to see and handle exotic animals. With over one-hundred animals to enjoy, there’s surely something here that will spark your child’s fancy. Have you ever touched porcupine quills, or petted a kangaroo? No? Well, it’s about time to change that! The tours last an hour and a half and it’s required that you wear closed-toed shoes for safety. Expect to pay a pretty penny for this experience; admission is $85.00 for adults and $45.00 for children ages 2-17.

Multiple Tours Starting at 9:00 am most days, 22115 Sherrod Lane, Spring Texas 77389

















10. Old Time Christmas Tree Farm

There’s nothing like taking the little ones out to a genuine pumpkin and Christmas tree farm to pick their very own holiday decorations. During October you can expect to enjoy all of the comforting treats that fall offers with activities such as: hay rides, train rides, giant slides, obstacle courses, pumpkin pies, and even some delicious barbecue. Stay into the evening for a roaring, warm bonfire complete with roasting marshmallows and spicy apple cider. During the Christmas season, you’ll be able to pick out your very own tree to lug home and brighten up your home. Your kids will have a blast while you enjoy the trimmings of the holiday season. Admission is $5.00 with options to purchase additional tickets for activities.

Open on Saturday and Sunday throughout October, and then every day after Thanksgiving from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7632 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring 77379

















11. Spring Creek Growers

This is another beautiful family farm that’s begging to boost your holiday spirit. From the traditional seasonal activities such as cutting a tree, hay rides, visits by Santa, and fresh baked cookies and smores to the less traditional avenue with activities like fishing, farm games, and getting down on some smoked, saucy barbecue, you’re bound to find something worthwhile here. There’s even a petting farm with goats, turkey, chickens, rabbits, and a miniature donkey for you to cuddle with! Admission is free with the option to purchase tickets for activities.

Open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Saturday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday, 23803 Decker Prairie-Rosehill Rd, Magnolia 77355

















12. Matt Family Orchard

Matt Family Orchard is a beautiful place for you to kick back, enjoy a juicy slice of watermelon, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the rolling countryside. If you’d like something a little more upbeat than restful relaxation though, there’s a variety of other things to partake in. Take a trip on the Happy Hayride around the one-hundred and forty-five acres of farmland, sit around the toasty campfire and sing silly songs, play King of the Hill on the giant haystack, play volleyball or basketball, or even get your face painted. Tours start at $9.00.

Open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Saturday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday, 23803 Decker Prairie-Rosehill Rd, Magnolia 77355

















13. P-6 Farms

This is another U-Pick farm that’s got some great boredom busters to get the kids out of the house. You’ll be treated to good ole’ fashioned pig races, “cow” rides, paintball, rubber duck races, water cannons, jumping pillows, hay rides, spider climbs, corn mazes, and so much more. Barbecue and food options are available on site for your dining needs, and tickets can be purchased for additional activities. Ticket prices haven’t been determined for the 2016 season yet, however, the U-pick berries start at $5.00 a gallon.

Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday, 9963 Poole’s Rd, Montgomery 77356

















14. Jersey Barnyard

This little gem of a petting farm is a little off the beaten path, but if you’re hankerin’ to get your mitts on a cute baby rabbit, goat, or calf then this is well worth it. With great reviews that praise the cleanliness of the animals and the good-natured kindness of the owners, this farm is a great getaway for the family. Guided tours with a hayride are available for your enjoyment, and you can even take home some cold, fresh milk, eggs, and cheese to savor in the comfort of your own abode. Tours start at $8.00 for adults, and $6.50 for children ages 2-12.

Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, 3117 TX-159, La Grange 78945

















15. George Ranch Historical Park

Here’s an interesting trip that’s perfect for the western or history enthusiast. The George Ranch Historical is an actual, working ranch that offers incredible tours that highlight the ins and outs of ranch life of today and decades ago. A variety of different tours are available for different types of groups, and any one of these quality events is well worth the meager price of admission. Tickets start at $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 5-15, and kids under 4 are free.