The 6 Mississippi Animal Sanctuaries And Petting Farms Where You Can Meet Goats, Pigs Or Donkeys

A gravel road, a hand-painted sign, and a goat staring over a fence is how a lot of the best family days in Mississippi begin. Kids light up when an animal eats from their palm, and parents get a break from screens and crowded attractions.

Across the state, small farms and animal parks let families feed, pet, and learn about goats, pigs, donkeys, and a few surprising extras. The six spots below each offer something different, so you can match the trip to your crew.

1. Wild Acres Hands-on Animal Experience – Reservation Required, McHenry, MS

Bottle-feeding a goat might be the most ordinary thing on the menu here, and that tells you plenty. Down in the pine country of south Mississippi, this interactive zoological park runs guided encounters where guests hold, feed, and pet animals most kids only see in books.

Sloths, kinkajous, and fennec foxes are the headliners, and on some visits a baby kangaroo makes an appearance. Lemurs, monkeys, birds, peacocks, emus, bears, and tigers round out the residents, along with pigs for anyone keeping a barnyard tally.

Guides know their animals well and share facts along the way, so the visit doubles as a lively science lesson.

Planning matters at this stop. Reservations are required, and buying tickets ahead is the smart move, especially for private tours, which offer the closest time with the animals.

Hours run Wednesday through Sunday afternoons, with Mondays and Tuesdays closed.

Many of the animals here are rescues, and the staff clearly treat them with care. A cafe on site helps with hungry kids between encounters, and the park also hosts birthday parties.

For families with a young animal lover who dreams bigger than goats, this is the stop that turns a weekend outing into a story they will repeat for months.

2. Little Creek Landing Safari Park, Sumrall, MS

Camels poking their heads toward a wagon full of giggling kids sets the tone at this family-run park outside Sumrall. A safari ride carries guests through big pastures where zebras, bison, ostriches, alpacas, donkeys, and camels wander close for a look at their visitors.

Back on foot, a smaller petting and feeding area is built for little hands. Goats, baby llamas, and even baby buffalo come right up to the fence, which makes it a good spot for toddlers who might feel shy around the larger animals.

Monkeys and other species sit in roomy viewing areas nearby.

Grandparents tend to enjoy this place as much as the kids do, so it works well for multigenerational trips. An on-site restaurant and cafe handle lunch, and a gift shop sells souvenirs on the way out.

Parking is free, which helps when you are hauling strollers and snack bags.

Timing can shape the whole day. Saturday afternoons and evenings draw the biggest crowds, while Tuesday and Thursday mornings stay calmer.

Friday and Saturday hours stretch into the evening, giving families a rare chance at a sunset safari. The park closes Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly before loading up the car.

3. Cedar Hill Farm, The Barn., Hernando, MS

Pig races. That alone gets most kids into the car, and Cedar Hill Farm backs it up with a lot more.

Family owned since 1996, this 120-acre spot near Hernando grows berries and pumpkins and pairs farm fun with a barn restaurant.

The petting and feeding zoo sits at the center of the action. Goats are a crowd favorite, a friendly cow holds its own, and the pigs get plenty of attention both on the track and at feeding time.

Kids can hand out food and watch the livestock line up for their share.

Beyond the animals, the list keeps going: tractor rides, hay rides, honeybees, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and a pirate ship playground. Older kids may want to try paintball.

A snack bar and general store stock fresh eggs, honey, and root beer floats, which make a sweet finish after a busy afternoon.

The Barn Restaurant keeps later hours on Fridays through Sundays, so families can stretch a farm day into dinner without leaving. Weekday hours end mid-afternoon.

Dogs are allowed and parking is free, making this north Mississippi stop easy for a day trip from the Memphis area too.

4. Seward Farms, Lucedale, MS

Spring and fall belong to Seward Farms. Since 2002, this family-owned farm near Lucedale has opened its gates for seasonal stretches packed with farm-themed activities, so checking the open days before driving out is a must.

Animals are a big part of the draw. Kids can feed and pet donkeys, cows, and other residents at the petting zoo, then grab a front-row seat for the pig races.

Pony rides and a cow train add more ways to get close to the farm life.

How long can one farm keep kids busy? Easily a full day.

The corn maze is huge, and a clever QR code feature lets you track your location by GPS, which parents appreciate when little ones race ahead. There is also a ninja course, sack sliding, an extra large slide, a giant bouncer, and a playground.

Families often wrap up with a hayride as the afternoon cools. U-pick flowers make a nice keepsake, and fire pits invite a slower moment before heading home.

A roomy eating area and snacks like lemonade keep energy levels up. For parents who want animals plus nonstop activity in one ticket, this southeast Mississippi farm covers a lot of ground.

5. Blue Springs Safari, Blue Springs, MS

Smaller can be better, especially for families with young kids who get overwhelmed at big attractions. Blue Springs Safari in northeast Mississippi keeps things simple and personal, with friendly domestic and exotic animals that seem happy to greet visitors.

A camel, a donkey, and sheep are among the residents, and they are noticeably well trained and well cared for. That calm behavior matters when a nervous child holds out a handful of food for the first time.

Feeding time is the highlight, and kids tend to want another round before leaving.

Cleanliness stands out here, along with a friendly staff that keeps the visit relaxed. A wagon ride heads into the fields, letting animals approach for close encounters without the rush of a crowded zoo.

It feels more like visiting a neighbor’s farm than touring a park.

Hours are limited, so plan ahead. The park opens Fridays and Saturdays from mid-morning through the afternoon, and Sunday afternoons, with Monday through Thursday closed.

Pairing a visit with a trip to nearby Tupelo makes for an easy weekend of animal encounters. Bring patience for little ones and a camera for that first donkey nuzzle.

6. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, Tupelo, MS

At 175 acres, Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo ranks as the largest zoo in Mississippi, and it shows. Herds of buffalo roam open fields, while giraffes, zebras, tigers, and camels add a safari feel to this northeast corner of the state.

The drive-through feeding safari is the main event. Animals walk right up to your car, so even hesitant kids can feed and pet them from the safety of a back seat.

Camels, alpacas, cows, zebras, goats, giraffes, monkeys, and ponies all make appearances, and many are surprisingly sweet.

Families who prefer walking can explore the walk-through area, where ostriches, zebras, and buffalo come close for snacks. A petting zoo gives small children time with gentler animals, and a playground helps burn off leftover energy.

For a deeper look, the VIP tour includes an informative guide and a chance to feed and pet a calf.

Practical perks make the day easier. Restrooms are excellent, a gift shop sits on site, and the park hosts kids birthday parties.

Weekday mornings stay quieter than busy Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The zoo opens daily, with slightly later start times on Sundays, so it fits almost any travel schedule.