Hands-On Farm Fun at Abma's Farm Petting Zoo, Hillsborough
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal walking required
Overview
At Abma's Farm in Hillsborough, NJ, meet goats, alpacas, and more during an interactive petting zoo visit. Perfect for families, this experience combines hands-on animal interaction with informative farm education.
Petting Zoo- Hillsborough, NJ
Hillsborough, NJ Learn & Explore • All Ages • Great For Families!
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About This Adventure
Experience the joy of interacting with a variety of friendly farm animals at our Petting Zoo! Explore unique features like the 'Nursery Barn' and 'Rabbitat,' while learning about farming practices in our Education Barn. Perfect for families, this hands-on adventure promises fun and education for all ages.
Learn & Explore!
Location
282 Amwell Road • Hillsborough, NJ 08844
About
Visit our goats, sheep, alpaca, donkeys, cows, pigs, peacocks, emus, ducks, and more! Check out one of a kind features like our 'Nursery Barn' and 'Rabbitat'.
Enjoy our Education Barn, where curiosity comes to life! Learn all about what goes on at our farm: crop growing, animal husbandry, egg laying, flower pollination, bees and raw honey production, and more!
The Petting Zoo is a fun and educational experience for the whole family to enjoy. All ages are welcome.
Features
- Education Barn
- 'Rabbitat'
- Giant Adirondack Chair
- And More!
More Info
Our goats, sheep, cows, and alpaca love snacking on animal crackers. Our bunnies love snacking on carrot tops. Please only feed them the tops; carrots themselves contain too much sugar for our bunnies. Please do not feed our animals outside food – they will get very sick.
If you would like to feed the animals, we offer a few options. At the Petting Zoo Booth, purchase animal crackers and/or a feed bucket with pellets (bring your bucket back every time you visit for a refill). From the Market, purchase carrot tops (must purchase whole carrots and take carrots home).
The Petting Zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible; however, please be advised that the pathways are not paved. Walkways throughout the Petting Zoo are made up of smooth stone dust which may be uneven at times.
On rainy days, you may still visit our Petting Zoo. Refunds will not be given for inclement weather, so please plan your visit accordingly. In the event of a thunder/lightning storm, the Petting Zoo will close. Always refer to our website for weather related closures.
On snowy and icy days, the Petting Zoo may temporarily close for the safety of our patrons.
QUICK TIPS
- Buy your tickets in advance! A day or two ahead is great.
- Pay attention to the weather when purchasing your tickets! Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable, even in inclement weather.
- Saturdays are our busiest day! To avoid crowds, please visit us during the week.
- Wednesday is Grandparent's Day. Every Wednesday, enjoy FREE admission if you are a grandparent! Additional persons ages 2+ that are not a grandparent do need to purchase a ticket in advance.
- Our Petting Zoo is CASH ONLY. An ATM is on site (our market and greenhouse accept all major credit cards).
LIABILITY#
There are inherent risks associated with petting and feeding animals. Animals can startle, bite, and/or scratch. Some things that animals do: smell, make animal noises, shed, pee, and poop. Ticket holder resumes all responsibility for any mess or injury to themselves and/or family members during their visit. All animals in the Petting Zoo are up to date on vaccinations and health checks.
Adventure Tips
Purchase Tickets in Advance
Tickets sell quickly, especially on weekends—book a day or two ahead to guarantee entry.
Bring Cash for Petting Zoo Entry
The petting zoo operates on a cash-only basis, though credit cards are accepted at the farm market and greenhouse.
Watch for Uneven Pathways
Paths are composed of stone dust and may be uneven; sturdy shoes are recommended, especially for stroller and wheelchair users.
Check Weather Before Visiting
The zoo is open rain or shine but closes during thunderstorms or snowy/icy conditions for safety reasons.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Peacocks roaming the farm grounds.
- Emus, a rare sight for most local farms.
History
Abma's Farm has been a local staple fostering agricultural education and animal interaction in Somerset County, supporting community connections to farming traditions.
Conservation
The farm emphasizes sustainable practices by educating visitors on crop growing, honey production, and responsible animal care, encouraging stewardship of natural resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Firm footwear helps navigate uneven stone dust paths safely.
Sun Protection (Hat/Sunscreen)
Protection against sun exposure during longer outdoor visits.
summer specific
Reusable Feed Bucket
Bring your own bucket for feeding animals and refill it during future visits.
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for unpredictable weather during transitional seasons.
spring|fall specific