Here’s where your kids can experience farm animals in real life!

By: Katie Goncalves | June 21, 2022

There’s nothing quite like spending the day on a real, working farm. Getting to see how animals are cared for, learning about what they eat and need, and catching the sights and smells of a farm is a unique and fun experience for all ages. Even though Metro Detroit is densely populated in some areas, there are several wonderful farms within a short driving distance that make a great summertime activity.

Maybury Farm 

Located in Northville, Maybury is definitely a fan favorite when it comes to farms. Its mission is to connect the community to animals and agriculture. As a working farm, they have dozens of animals to learn about and interact with as well as a garden that grows fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Maybury Farm also offers Story Time, Wagon Rides, and other special events throughout the season. 

Location: 50165 8 Mile Rd. Northville

Cost: $7 per person, kids under two are free. Annual memberships available for $75 for a family of four.

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Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Farm Center at Kensington Metropark

The Kensington Metropark Farm Center is the perfect place to get up close and personal with animals. Many of the animals on the farm have lived there their entire lives so watching them grow from year to year is a fun activity. You’ll also want to check out the 150-year-old restored barn, the poultry center, and the kids’ area for a full day of fun.

Location: 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford

Cost: The Farm Center is included in the daily park fee of $10, or you can purchase an annual vehicle pass. 

Hours: March through October, 9-6 p.m and November through February, 9-4 p.m.

Domino’s Petting Farm 

The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farm is on a mission to educate the community about agricultural lifestyles through preserving agricultural history and preserving their farmland. You can pet and feed the different types of animals or take a tractor ride at this wonderful farm.

Location: 3001 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor,

Cost: General admission is $6 per person, special prices available for senior citizens, large groups, military, first responders, and veterans. 

Hours: Monday and Friday 10-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10-4 p.m.

Cook’s Farm Dairy 

Cook’s is a true working dairy farm that produces dairy products from milk to homemade ice cream. At this unique farm, you can pet the cows, help feed the calves a bottle, watch the farmers milk the cows, and have an ice cream cone to wrap up the day. 

Location: 2950 East Seymour Lake Road, Ortonville

Cost: Free 

Hours: Monday – Saturday 9-10 p.m., Sunday 12-10 p.m.

Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center

This 250-acre working farm has a wide variety of animals to interact with and learn about. The wonderful staff at Wolcott Mill provides educational programming on agricultural topics such as soil and water conservation and food processing. 

Location: 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray 

Cost: The Farm Center is included in the daily park fee of $10, or you can purchase an annual vehicle pass. 

Hours: 9-5 p.m. daily

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