Zebras, camels, kangaroos, and capybaras all live on one farm in the hills of northwest Connecticut. That lineup alone made me look twice.
More than 350 animals share a 116-acre property here. Many are species you’d never expect to spot in New England.
Water buffalo, ibex, elk, and wild boars are all part of the crew.
I like how families can roll through part of the park in their own car. Kids can also hop out, grab a cup of grain, and feed animals by hand.
On weekends, a wagon ride loops through the safari area too.
I can’t imagine a kid who wouldn’t lose their mind over a curious zebra at the window. So where exactly is this place, and what else is waiting down that road?
Your Family Car Becomes A Safari Jeep Here
Action Wildlife Foundation lets you drive your own vehicle through parts of its animal park. That means your minivan gets a promotion to safari truck for the afternoon.
The main park has about four miles of roads winding across the property. A safari loop runs through animal areas for close views from your seat.
You can stop along the way, roll down a window, and take your time.
Little legs get tired fast. Driving solves that problem without cutting the fun short.
Grandparents and anyone with limited mobility can enjoy the animals from the car too.
Prefer to stretch out? Walking the park is also an option.
Many families mix both, driving between areas and hopping out at spots that catch their eye.
A quick tip helps here. Keep snacks for humans inside the car, since outside food can’t be fed to the animals.
Approved grain is the only menu for them.
One more rule matters before you load up. Pets are not allowed in the park for the safety of the animals.
Your dog will have to hear about the zebras secondhand.
A Wagon Ride Turns The Weekend Into Story Time
Saturdays and Sundays bring something extra to the park. Hayrides roll out between 12 PM and 3 PM during the open season.
Each ride lasts roughly 20 to 25 minutes. The route travels through the safari area for an interactive trip past the animals.
Kids get a high seat, a bumpy path, and a front-row view.
Planning around the wagon is smart. Since rides only run on weekends, a weekday visit won’t include one.
That’s a key detail if your crew has their hearts set on hay bales.
The wagon also works as a rest stop on wheels. After walking the barns and play areas, sitting down for a while feels pretty great.
Nobody complains about a break that comes with zebras.
I believe the best plan is arriving earlier in the day. That leaves time to explore first, then catch a ride before the window closes at 3 PM.
Fall adds even more reasons to climb aboard. Hayrides are part of the autumn festival lineup too.
Cooler air, changing leaves, and curious animals make a pretty unbeatable combo.
Grab A Grain Cup And Watch The Crowd Gather
Nothing wins over a goat faster than a handful of grain. At Action Wildlife Foundation, feeding the animals is one of the biggest draws.
Specially approved grain is sold on site. You can pick a small cup or a larger souvenir bucket that comes home afterward.
Many of the animals across the park happily accept a snack.
Outside food is off-limits for the animals. That rule keeps their diets safe and their bellies happy.
So leave the carrots and crackers for your own picnic.
Here’s a practical tip for families. One bucket can stretch further than you’d guess if kids share.
Small handfuls also make the fun last longer than one giant dump.
Kids learn a lot from this simple job. They see how different animals eat and how they react to people.
Some stroll over calmly, while others show up like they’ve been waiting all day.
Keep hand wipes in the car for after. Grain dust and friendly noses can get a little messy.
That’s half the charm, honestly, and a great reason to laugh on the drive home.
Baby Goats Rule The Petting Barn
Tiny hooves, wiggly tails, and plenty of attitude. Baby goat kids are among the stars of the petting zoo area.
Guests can hand-feed and interact with friendly livestock in this dedicated space. It’s the spot where kids get truly hands-on.
For many families, it’s the moment everyone talks about later.
One rule keeps things clear and safe. Only animals inside the petting barn can be petted and fed by hand there.
Other animals around the park are for watching and feeding as allowed, not cuddling.
Younger kids especially love this part. The animals are close, the space feels manageable, and grown-ups can stay right beside them.
It’s a great first taste of farm life for city kids.
Bring patience along with your grain. Some animals rush over, while shy ones need a calm moment.
Teaching kids to move slowly helps everyone have a better time.
Wash up afterward, especially before snacks. Fresh air and farm fun go together, but so do clean hands.
Then you’re ready for the next stop in this busy Connecticut animal park.
Kangaroos And Camels In Connecticut? Yes, Really
Over 350 exotic and domestic animals live on this property. Many of them are species you won’t usually find anywhere in Connecticut.
The roster reads like a world map. Zebras, camels, kangaroos, and capybaras share space with water buffalo and elk.
Mountain goats, ibex, red sheep, aoudads, zebus, alpacas, and wild boars round out the list.
That variety keeps kids guessing at every turn. One enclosure might hold a familiar farm face.
The next could feature an animal they’ve only seen in picture books.
Capybaras deserve a special shout-out. These relaxed giant rodents have a big fan club, and kids often adore them.
Few things look more chill than a capybara doing absolutely nothing.
Parents can turn the visit into a game. Make a list before you go and check off each animal you spot.
Bonus points for anyone who can explain what an aoudad is.
Spring often brings little ones to the herds too. Seasonal babies make each visit feel a bit different.
Coming back at another time of year might show you new faces.
Rainy Day? The Museum Has Your Back
A 20,000-square-foot museum sits on the grounds, and it opened in 2008. Inside, taxidermy dioramas show animal species from North America and around the world.
This building adds a learning layer to the day. Kids can study animals up close without anything moving away.
It’s a nice way to compare what’s outside with creatures from other places.
Weather in New England can change its mind quickly. The museum gives your family an indoor option when clouds roll in.
It’s also accessible year-round, even when the outdoor safari closes for winter.
The gift shop connects to this part of the visit. Animal-themed souvenirs make a fun reward after a long day outside.
Expect small hands to grab stuffed animals.
I like pairing the museum with the live park. First you see a real elk grazing, then you study details at a slower pace.
Kids often notice more when the animal isn’t busy eating.
Give it some real time on your schedule. Rushing through means missing details that spark questions.
Those questions can lead to great car conversations about wildlife.
Playgrounds, Picnics, And A Weekend Grill Keep Everyone Fueled
Kids eventually need to burn off energy that doesn’t involve animals. Luckily, Action Wildlife Foundation has playgrounds and picnic areas on site.
That room to roam makes a big difference on a long day. Little ones can climb and slide while grown-ups take a seat.
Everybody recharges before the next round of exploring.
Hungry crews have options. The Watering Hole Grill is open on weekends.
You can also pack a picnic to enjoy at the tables.
The facility is ADA compliant, which helps many families plan with confidence. Bus parking is available too, making group trips easier to organize.
The address is 435 Torrington Road in Goshen, Connecticut. It’s an easy plug into your map app before you head out.
Admission tickets are bought at the ticket booth when you arrive. Prices vary by age, and children under 3 get in free.
Bring patience for checking in, then let the adventure begin.
A smart move is scheduling playground time near the end. It gives kids something fun to look forward to after the animals.
Calf Cuddles Might Be The Sweetest Booking You Make
Some visits call for something extra special. Private animal encounters, like Calf Cuddles or a capybara meet-and-greet, take things up a notch.
These experiences must be booked online at least 24 hours ahead. They’re priced for groups of up to four people.
Park admission is separate, so plan for both.
Read the fine print before you click. Booked encounters are generally nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Rain usually won’t trigger a reschedule unless the whole park closes for severe weather.
That might sound strict, but it makes planning simple. Pick your date, check the forecast, and commit.
A rain jacket can save the day.
Encounters are great for birthdays or animal-obsessed kids. A one-on-one moment with a calf feels very different from a quick walk past.
It’s the kind of memory kids keep telling.
Winter offers its own twist too. A Winter Warm-Up event features VIP animal encounters, accessed with a specific gift card.
That gives Connecticut families a reason to visit even after the safari season ends.
Fall Festival Fun And A Few Planning Tricks
Autumn might be the most festive season to visit. The annual Fall Festival typically runs from September through November 1st.
Expect hayrides, a corn maze, and fall-themed activities. Admission includes a carving pumpkin, which kids love hauling to the car.
Prices can shift during special events, so check before you go.
The park started in 1994 thanks to Jim Mazzarelli. A visit to the Catskill Game Farm inspired him to build a place for appreciating nature.
Chase and Heidi Jespersen took over leadership in 2022, continuing that vision.
Other events keep the calendar lively. A 5K called Run With The Animals happens with the Northwest CT YMCA.
Little ones can join Safari Walkers for morning walks, story time, crafts, and scavenger hunts.
Timing matters for any trip. The park usually opens mid-April through October, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Weekday hours start at noon, and weekends open at 10 AM.
Weather can affect opening hours, so a quick check helps. After that, all that’s left is choosing who gets the window seat near the zebras.
