Small visits. Curious children.
Petting zoos
in New Mexico
Meet the animals, take your time, and make a little room for a day outside the usual routine.
Make it an animal day
A close-up visit, at your family’s pace.
A quiet stop to feed goats feels different from a busy pumpkin-patch afternoon. These places offer several ways to spend time around animals, from a village petting zoo to an indoor exhibit and seasonal farm attractions.
Each listing explains the setting and access. For animal barns and exhibits, ask what contact is allowed before promising a child they can hold or pet an animal.
Places to meet the animals
Open a listing for visit details and the official website.
CerrillosCasa Grande Trading PostPetting zoo & mining museum
A short animal stop along the Turquoise Trail.
The trading post, established in 1975, combines a petting zoo with a rock and gift shop and the Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum. It works well as one stop on a drive through the historic village.
- The animals
- Goats, a llama and chickens are described on the petting-zoo website. Buy animal feed in the gift shop rather than bringing your own.
- When & how to visit
- The website lists daily opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and free petting-zoo entry, with feed sold separately. Confirm hours before a special trip and ask about any museum charge.
- Location
- Cerrillos village, off NM 14. Follow the signs for the Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum and Petting Zoo.
White RockSecond Hearts RanchPublic farm visits & booked activities
A small ranch where the animals are the main event.
Second Hearts Ranch offers public petting-zoo visits, family playgroups, riding lessons and birthday parties. Its family farming background led to a public opening in 2026.
- The animals
- The ranch describes goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, a llama and miniature cows. Feeding and grooming experiences depend on the animals and staff guidance.
- When & how to visit
- Public days are advertised, but the website displays differing closing times. Confirm the current schedule and admission before visiting. Cash and Venmo are listed; playgroups and rides may cost separately.
- Location
- 308 Potrillo Drive, White Rock, in the Los Alamos area.
AlbuquerqueAnimal ParkIndoor petting zoo & reptile exhibit
An indoor option at Cottonwood Mall.
This locally owned business began in 2017. Its website describes an indoor petting zoo alongside an interactive reptile exhibit and reptile shop, so the experience differs from an outdoor farm.
- The animals
- The advertised animals include a miniature horse, miniature pig, rabbits and large tortoises, plus reptiles. Ask staff which encounters are available that day.
- When & how to visit
- Check current opening hours, admission and handling rules with Animal Park before leaving. Mall opening hours alone do not confirm the exhibit’s schedule.
- Location
- Inside Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Bypass NW, Albuquerque.
Rio RanchoGalloping Goat Pumpkin PatchSeasonal petting zoo · Extra charge
Animal time with autumn games and pumpkins.
Galloping Goat is a seasonal attraction at the Rio Rancho Events Center. The petting zoo is part of a larger fall outing with activities such as a corn pit, duck races and miniature golf.
- The animals
- A petting zoo is advertised, but ask which animals will be present and when staff-led access is available.
- When & how to visit
- The published 2026 season includes September 26–27 and October 1–31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission does not include the petting zoo; budget for its additional fee. The site lists cashless payments.
- Location
- 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho. Look for the upper southwest parking lot at the Events Center.
MoriartyMcCall’s Pumpkin PatchSeasonal animal barn & farm attractions
A larger fall day out with barnyard stops.
McCall’s combines animal areas with a corn maze, hayrides, play spaces and pumpkin activities. Choose it when your family wants time at a larger seasonal attraction as well as a look at the animals.
- The animals
- The official activity list includes an Animal Barn, Goat Bridges and Bunnyville. Confirm which areas allow feeding or petting; an animal exhibit does not automatically mean hands-on access.
- When & how to visit
- Visit during the daytime pumpkin-patch season. Check the current calendar and ticket options, including extra-charge attractions. The nighttime Haunted Farm is a separate experience.
- Location
- 2 McCall Lane, Moriarty.
Official websites checked October 1, 2026. Hours, animals, encounter availability and admission can change; confirm details before traveling.
A little preparation
Keep the visit comfortable.
Start by watching
Give children time to see how the animals move. Ask the keeper where to stand and whether an animal wants attention.
Check the extras
Feed, rides and petting areas may have separate charges. Check the total cost and accepted payment methods before arriving.
Dress for the setting
Choose closed-toe shoes for outdoor farm visits and bring layers, drinking water and sun protection.
Leave room for a break
Keep food away from animal areas, use the handwashing facilities after contact, and save snacks for afterward.
Where curiosity goes next
Let one animal visit lead to another.
Children often remember one small detail: a goat reaching for feed, the sound of a donkey, or the way a rabbit moves its nose. You can build on that interest with more farm visits and family activities that fit an easy morning or afternoon.
If the animals become the conversation on the way home, spend some time getting to know alpacas before planning a farm visit. Learning what an animal eats and how it communicates can make the next encounter more interesting.
When a trip takes you farther from home, browse farm outings by state for ideas near your route. A short, planned stop can give children something to look forward to without filling the whole day.