One Missouri sanctuary lets you visit hundreds of rescued animals and browse a resale shop at the same time. Every purchase helps a nonprofit farm animal rescue that has been saving lives since 2010.
I love that a bargain hunt can turn into a good deed. Even better, you can buy crackers to feed the birds and critters hanging around the shop.
That sanctuary is only the start. Another spot on this list offers guided walking tours past rescued lions, tigers, alligators, and hippos.
Another lets kids hand-feed goats, emus, porcupines, and even sharks.
These are not fancy outings. They’re muddy-shoe, cracker-crumb, belly-laugh kind of days, and the animals are the stars.
I can’t imagine a better way to spend a Saturday with the grandkids. So which of these four Missouri stops will win your family over first?
Where Pigs Fly Farm
Shopping usually doesn’t come with a goat audience. At this Linn sanctuary, it does, and the goats seem pretty invested in your purchases.
The farm pairs a resale shop with the chance to visit hundreds of rescued animals at the same time. Proceeds support Farm Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit saving lives since 2010.
You can buy crackers to feed the many animals and birds that hang out around the shop. The feed is reasonably priced, so the kids won’t drain your wallet before lunch.
Petting and feeding are the main event here. Animal lovers of any age will find plenty of friendly faces waiting for a snack.
Want more than a day trip? Overnight stays at the house are possible, and mornings can include bottle-feeding the baby animals.
That’s the kind of memory grandkids talk about for years. Picture breakfast served to you by nobody, while you serve breakfast to a hungry lamb or piglet.
Keep the schedule in mind before you load up the car. The farm is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so confirm hours before driving.
Address: 2810 US-50, Linn, MO 65051
Wild Animal Adventures
Feeding a shark wasn’t on your Missouri bingo card, was it? In Sullivan, it can be, right alongside goats, deer, emus, and porcupines.
Wild Animal Adventures is a family-owned interactive zoo built around up-close encounters. The owners have devoted their lives to rescuing animals and giving them a forever home.
Many residents came from rough situations before landing here. Now they’re the friendliest hosts on the property, and most of them welcome a snack and a scratch.
The hands-on list gets wild fast. Guests can hold a baby gator, pet a baby lemur, feed arctic foxes, and even pet dingoes.
For a little extra, you can sit with lemurs or feed certain animals. Free-roaming chickens wander about, adding a bit of barnyard comedy.
Pack some quarters before you go. The koi fish feeder runs on them, and the koi definitely know the sound of coins.
Families will also find a playground and a gift shop on site. The park is listed as good for kids’ birthdays too.
Hours run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, while Saturday afternoons get busy.
Address: 2719 N Service Rd W, Sullivan, MO 63080
Rush Acres Farm
Alpacas have a talent for looking surprised by everything. At Rush Acres Farm, they’ll give you that wide-eyed stare right before snatching a snack.
This small family farm in Wentzville spreads across 23 acres of woods, pastures, and a pond. There’s also a farm store and what the owners call a mess of critters they consider family.
Rescue animals find a haven here too. The farm describes itself as humane and no-kill, which makes the visit feel extra meaningful.
Plan ahead by calling or texting to arrange a tour. Staff can show you around, introduce the alpacas, and hand over food so you can feed them.
The petting lineup goes well beyond alpacas. Goats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and pigs are all part of the crew, and donkeys make an appearance as well.
Kids may even get to hold a chicken. Hunting for eggs inside the coop can turn a simple farm visit into a full-blown treasure hunt.
The farm sits within easy reach of the St. Louis area, making it a handy half-day outing. Hours are listed daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 1580 North Point Prairie Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385
Riverside Wildlife Center
Hand-feeding a tiger sounds like a tall tale for the grandkids. At this Sullivan wildlife park, it’s part of the fun.
Riverside Wildlife Center offers guided walking tours led by knowledgeable guides. Along the way, you’ll learn about rescued lions, tigers, alligators, and hippos.
The roster keeps going from there. Bengal tigers, bobcats, a timberwolf, exotic birds, snakes, turtles, and reptiles all share the grounds.
Here’s what sets it apart from a typical zoo trip. Visitors can get up close, petting tortoises and emus instead of just peering through a fence.
Kids often get to help feed, care for, and even hold some animals. That’s a big step up from pressing noses against glass.
The educational angle makes it a smart pick for curious young minds. Grandparents may learn a thing or two as well, especially about those massive reptiles.
Since it’s also in Sullivan, you could pair it with another stop on this list. That’s two Missouri animal adventures in one tank of gas.
The park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and public restrooms are available. Check ahead before driving, since small parks can adjust schedules.
Address: 275 State Rte W, Sullivan, MO 63080
