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9 Spots in Toronto Where Kids Can Meet Animals
Got an animal lover on your hands? The one who wants to be a vet, will do anything to get another family pet, and is rapturous upon meeting dogs in the park? The connection between kids and animals is magical and beneficial to both. Why not go for a weekend outing that allows for a great animal experience? They’re not all in the core of the city—animals and concrete don’t always mesh so well—but they’re worth the drive.
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The Donkey Sanctuary – Puslinch (south of Guelph)
The Donkey Sanctuary is 100 acres of working farm that provides a forever home for rescued donkeys and mules. Come visit on Sundays from May to the end of October and Wednesdays in July and August only, from 10 am to 3 pm. Meet the donkeys, groom them, learn about the animals and their care, and so much more. If we fall in love with one of the donkeys, no need to bring it home—we can sponsor it and visit it on the open days.
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Wishing Well Sanctuary – Bradford
Tour the sanctuary the second Sunday and last Saturday from March to November to learn more about each animal’s story. There are really too many too list, but highlights includes llama, pot-bellied pigs, horses, cows and cats and there are lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with the critters. As befitting the menu at an animal sanctuary, vegetarian burgers are available for purchase after the tour.
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Happily Ever Esther – Campbellville
Esther the Wonder pig gained worldwide fame following her rescue. Now we can meet Esther and her friends, the pigs, cows, chickens and goats. We’ve got our calendar marked to take a public tour or volunteer for one of the work days and give pigs some belly rubs (volunteers must be 14 or older). Public tours must be reserved ahead of time. And we’ll be sure to check out the shops for some perfectly whimsical Esther gear.
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Landman Gardens Goat Day – Grand Valley – April 15
Guess what are really, really, really cute. Answer? Baby goats. And at Goat Day at Landman Farms, there are a ton of them for cuddling and visiting. There are also baby pigs and a whole assortment of adult goats and cows. And when we’re done touring the barns, we’re stopping in to buy some delicious farm-cooked mains and treats—the cinnamon rolls are divine.
Good to know: Bring a non-perishable food item for admission.
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Ralphy’s Retreat – St. William
It’s a bit of a hike out to St. William, west of Port Dover. But we imagine the animal lovers will say it’s worth it to have a private tour of the sanctuary, a haven for pot-bellied pigs as well as horses, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. Ralphy’s retreat also offers animal-assisted interactions. The animal experiential learning programs and workshops help with spiritual, physical and mental well being and are run by fully trained professionals.
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Kortright Centre - Vaughan
We have long loved Kortright Centre for its excellent maple syrup festival and other special events. But new offerings on our radar include an owl prowl night hike complete with calling the owls and listening for their hooting answers. Plus, there’s a bat hike through the furry critters’ habitat with a bat expert. Great experiential learning.
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Dog Tales – King City
Well, there is a chance that we’ll come back from a visit to Dog Tales having adopted one of their rescues. But adoption aside, a visit is worth it to see how amazing a dog and horse sanctuary can be. Acres of rolling hills and fabulous staff combine to produce an inspirational experience. Open on Sundays.
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Black Creek Farm – North York
Black Creek Farm offers PA Day, March Break and summer camp options. There’s also Seedy Saturday on April 8, a great chance to learn about the incredible diversity of seeds and munch on some wood-fired oven pizza. Kids can meet and help look after the chickens and ducks that call Black Creek Farm home via the preschool visits. Older kiddos will track animals in the forest and make delicious snacks from foods harvested from the farm.
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Cedar Row Farm – Lakeside, On (near Stratford)
cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, turkeys, chickens, ducks and geese. There are two open houses a year when children of all ages are welcome. If the kiddos are 12 or over, they can come with their adults to a work day on the farm, capped off by a delicious vegan potluck. During work visits the volunteers really get to know the animals and to see how they interact with one another. Find more fun farms for kids in Toronto and the GTA on Help! We've Got Kids.