Get ready to meet some of Michigan’s fluffiest residents!
Just a short drive from Ann Arbor, Domino’s Farms Petting Farm isn’t your ordinary farm. Step inside and you’ll find a world buzzing with life—nearly 200 animals roam, trot, and nibble their way through daily adventures. From curious alpacas with their signature soft hum to gentle cows that love a good scratch behind the ears, every corner offers a new surprise.
This farm is a playground for anyone who loves animals—kids, adults, and anyone who secretly wants to hug a llama. There’s a magic in watching creatures interact, whether it’s chickens pecking around or goats performing their own acrobatics.
It’s more than just a visit; it’s a front-row seat to the personalities and quirks of animals big and small. One walk through the pastures, and you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more smiles, snuggles, and unforgettable moments.
A Unique Farm Experience Near Ann Arbor
Not every family outing sticks with you for years, but a visit to Domino’s Farms Petting Farm has a way of doing exactly that. Tucked away at 3001 Earhart Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this farm offers a refreshing escape from city noise and screen time.
It is the kind of place where kids forget about their tablets and start chasing ducks instead.
The farm is home to nearly 200 animals, making it one of the most diverse petting farm experiences in the Midwest. Visitors of all ages can wander through the grounds and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of real farm life.
There is something grounding about standing next to a goat or watching a horse trot across a paddock.
Families who live in or near Ann Arbor often return season after season because the experience feels fresh each time. Seasonal changes bring different animal behaviors and activities, so no two visits are quite the same.
If you have never been, consider this your sign to finally make the trip out to one of Michigan’s most charming agricultural destinations.
Historic Roots and the Farm’s Original Mission
Before Domino’s Pizza became a household name, the land that now makes up Domino’s Farms had deep agricultural roots. The petting farm was created as a heartfelt tribute to the Zeeb family, who originally farmed this very land starting back in 1925.
That legacy of hard work and connection to the earth is woven into everything you see on the property today.
When Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza, developed the Domino’s Farms complex in the 1980s, he made sure to honor that farming heritage. Rather than erasing the agricultural history of the land, he expanded it into an educational and community-centered destination.
The petting farm became a nonprofit operation, meaning every admission dollar goes toward supporting the animals and the educational programs offered on-site.
The mission from the very beginning has been to connect people — especially children — with the realities of farm life and food production. In a world where most kids grow up far from agriculture, that connection matters more than ever.
The farm serves as a living classroom, reminding visitors that the food on their plates comes from real animals and real land.
Animal Highlights: Alpacas, Cows, and So Much More
Walk through the gates at Domino’s Farms Petting Farm and you quickly realize this is no ordinary stop. The animal roster here reads like a greatest hits list of the farm world — cows, horses, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, ducks, chickens, and many more species share the grounds.
With close to 200 animals calling this place home, there is always something new to discover around every corner.
Alpacas are often a crowd favorite, thanks to their soft fleece and curious, wide-eyed expressions. Children especially love standing near these gentle creatures and watching them chew hay or trot toward the fence.
Llamas bring a bit of sass to the experience — they are known for their bold personalities and willingness to investigate visitors who get too close.
Traditional farm animals like cows and pigs round out the lineup and give younger visitors a real sense of where food comes from. Horses add a majestic quality to the farm, and watching them move across the paddock is genuinely awe-inspiring.
The sheer variety of animals here means that every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, will find something that captures their imagination and sparks their curiosity.
Feeding Time: Hands-On Fun for Every Visitor
There is a particular kind of joy that comes from an animal eating right out of your hand — and at Domino’s Farms Petting Farm, that moment is totally within reach. Visitors can purchase small cups of animal feed on-site to use throughout their visit.
Watching a goat or sheep trot over the moment it spots the feed cup in your hand is pure magic, especially for young kids.
These feeding interactions create memories that stick with children long after the visit ends. Many parents report that their kids talk about the experience for weeks, asking when they can go back and feed the animals again.
There is an immediacy and warmth to hand-feeding a farm animal that no zoo exhibit behind glass can quite replicate.
Adults often find themselves just as caught up in the moment as the kids. Something about the simple act of offering food to an animal strips away the stress of daily life and brings people back to basics.
The farm staff is also available to answer questions about the animals and their diets, making feeding time both fun and genuinely educational. Bring extra cash or check ahead for current feed pricing before your visit.
Beyond the Animals: The Historic Barn and Caboose
Domino’s Farms Petting Farm offers more than just animals — it has a pair of unique historical attractions that add real character to the whole experience. The historic barn on the property is a beautiful piece of Michigan agricultural history, and walking through it gives visitors a tangible sense of what farm life looked like generations ago.
The structure itself is worth exploring just for the architecture alone.
Perhaps even more surprising is the antique railroad caboose parked on the grounds. Kids absolutely love climbing around it and imagining life on the old rail lines of Michigan.
It is the kind of unexpected detail that makes the farm feel like a true destination rather than just a quick stop.
These features make Domino’s Farms Petting Farm appealing even to visitors who might not be especially excited about animals. History buffs, train enthusiasts, and architecture lovers all find something to appreciate here.
The combination of living animals and historical artifacts gives the farm a layered quality that keeps the experience interesting from start to finish. Plan to spend a little extra time soaking in these details rather than rushing through — both the barn and the caboose reward a slower, more curious pace of exploration.
Hayrides, Pony Rides, and Seasonal Surprises
One of the best things about Domino’s Farms Petting Farm is that it keeps evolving with the seasons. During certain times of year, the farm offers hayrides that take guests on a slow, scenic tour of the property.
There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about piling onto a hay wagon and rolling through a Michigan farm — it is the kind of activity that feels timeless and unhurried.
Pony rides are another seasonal highlight, particularly popular with younger visitors who have never had the chance to sit atop a horse before. These rides are typically supervised and designed with safety in mind, making them accessible even for very young children.
Watching a child’s face light up during their first pony ride is one of those priceless parenting moments.
Availability of both hayrides and pony rides depends on weather conditions and the time of year, so it is smart to call ahead before planning your trip around these specific activities. The farm’s phone number is +1 734-998-0182.
Spring and fall tend to offer the fullest slate of seasonal activities, so those are great times to visit if you want the complete farm experience. Flexibility and a sense of adventure will serve you well here.
Learning While Having Fun: Educational Programs at the Farm
Domino’s Farms Petting Farm has always seen itself as more than just a fun outing — it is a place where real learning happens in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The farm serves as a living classroom for families, school groups, and curious individuals who want to understand where food comes from and how farm animals are cared for.
That educational mission is baked into every corner of the property.
Kids who visit often leave with a better understanding of animal behavior, farm ecosystems, and the daily responsibilities that come with caring for livestock. These are lessons that simply cannot be taught as effectively from a textbook.
Seeing a pig root around in the mud or watching a chicken scratch for food makes agricultural concepts click in a way that sticks.
The farm staff genuinely enjoys sharing their knowledge with visitors, and many are happy to answer questions about the animals and the farm’s history. Group visits and field trips can be arranged in advance, making this an excellent option for homeschool families and classroom teachers looking for enrichment experiences.
Agriculture is a topic that touches every person’s daily life, and Domino’s Farms Petting Farm makes that connection feel personal, meaningful, and genuinely exciting for learners of all ages.
Conservation and Animal Care Practices
At The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms in Ann Arbor, animal well‑being isn’t just a tagline — it’s a core part of the nonprofit’s mission. The farm operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, clean, and informative environment where more than 200 traditional and non‑traditional farm animals can live healthily and interact with the public.
From cows and horses to alpacas, goats, ducks and peacocks, each species receives species‑appropriate care, which includes regular feeding, shelter in historic barns and outbuildings, and supervised interactions to reduce stress. While the farm doesn’t market itself as a formal conservation center, its educational focus helps bridge the gap between urban visitors and agricultural life, encouraging respect for animal care and awareness of farming practices that prioritize animal health.
Staff and volunteers maintain pathways and animal areas to higher cleanliness and safety standards, ensuring visitors can observe and, in many cases, hand‑feed animals responsibly. By engaging families and children in hands‑on learning about how farm animals are cared for, the Petting Farm supports community understanding of humane treatment and responsible stewardship — both key principles in animal welfare.
Plan Your Visit: Hours, Admission, and Insider Tips
Getting the most out of your visit to Domino’s Farms Petting Farm starts with a little planning. The farm is located at 3001 Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI, and can be reached by phone at +1 734-998-0182.
Hours vary by season, so checking current schedules before heading out is strongly recommended — winter hours are often reduced compared to the busy spring and summer months.
Admission fees are kept reasonable to make the farm accessible to a wide range of families. Additional costs may apply for activities like pony rides or animal feed cups, so bring a little extra cash just in case.
Since the farm operates as a nonprofit, your entrance fee directly supports the care of the nearly 200 animals that live there year-round.
Spring through fall is widely considered the best time to visit, as the full roster of animals and seasonal activities is available during those warmer months. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes since you will be walking on uneven ground and occasionally through areas shared with animals.
Sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a small picnic are smart additions to your bag, as on-site food options are limited. Arriving early on weekends gives you more space and quieter interactions with the animals before the afternoon crowds arrive.