2018 UPDATE >> THIS LOCATION IS NOW CLOSED!!! It no longer has a petting zoo but it does have a specialty ice cream store that’s absolutely delicious!
Have you ever been to the Hayloft Petting Zoo in Leola? This is definitely one of Lancaster County’s best kept hidden secrets for those who haven’t heard of it. And the best part is, it’s completely FREE!
You enter the petting zoo, located at Hayloft Candles (99 S Groffdale Rd, Leola, PA 17540), through a cute little open wooden bridge. You can buy feed in here to feed the animals, or check out the tip we learned below from another petting zoo visitor.
As you enter, one of the first things you’ll see are some goats enjoying their little playground!
One of the things we love about this petting zoo, is that the animals are all very eager to eat from your hand. The kids love watching the excitement as the animals stretch their heads and tongues to lick the food off of your child’s hand.
And even when they’re not eating, the animals like to have stare-downs. I think my son and this donkey stared at each other for a few minutes straight!
It really might depend on the time of day you go, but seriously. When we were there, it was like the animals were just begging to say hello.
And don’t think there are only farm animals. Check out this beautiful macaw—one of my favorite birds! Lots of other birds to learn about and observe too.
There is also a beautiful pond that you can walk the whole way around. The ducks or swans often like to follow you around too. 🙂
The peacocks are amazing. Have you ever seen a white peacock like this one?! Obviously my daughter liked trying to imitate it. I love how she put her hands on her hips like this.
I’m personally always scared to let goats lick my hands because of their teeth—however I’m a little less apprehensive when it comes to deer. Especially baby fawns!
The other great thing about the Hayloft Petting Zoo is the unique animals, like this yak! I wasn’t daring enough to have it lick me, but the kids just LOVED it! So slimy though . . .
It’s also neat to observe the unique features of the animals, like this goose’s bill.
Alpacas are always a hit with the kids. I know alpacas supposedly spit, but this one seemed very gentle and kind.
Here’s the view from the other side of the pond. I do highly recommend walking around it—or probably running, for your kids!
One tip someone gave us when we were there, is to take your own bag of food. The lady we met, gets a small bag from Agway every year and keeps it in her car with little Ziploc bags, so she can share with other kids she meets. How awesome is that!?
And when you’re done with the animals, you can head on inside the Hayloft Candles store and see a bunch of really neat stuff for sale. Or just carefully walk by it all with your kids—and head straight to . . .
. . . order ice cream! We loved the variety of options and flavors. Prices were pretty good too with a kiddie cone for just 75 cents.
Petting zoo owner says
Due to the animal rights agenda we have decidex to close the petting zoo. We thank you for your support over the years.
Heather says
What are you going to do with the animals?
Kathy says
You’ll have to ask the owners directly on their webpage or Facebook page at Hayloft Ice Cream. I’m not sure where the animals are now.
Kathy says
I just heard back from them: The owner of the property had several local families interested in them. The owners of the new ice cream shop are not associated with the animals at all.
Luella m sensenich says
I don’t believe that. I spoke to the owner and he told me that he had plans on renovating the petting zoo. And I’m planning on helping him.
Kathy says
It has been confirmed with me that the pond and ducks are still there, but the zoo has been closed.
Stacy says
my husband went by there on Monday, and he said all of the fences are down, the animals are gone, except for a peacock. I’m wishing it was just being renovated, but I doubt it. So sad. Lots of great memories taking my boys when they were little, and my 8 year old girl has recently enjoyed it, too.