Tucked away in Stanton, Michigan, Anderson & Girls Orchards is not your average apple farm.
Beyond the rows of fruit trees and fresh-baked goodies, this incredible destination is home to over 140 exotic animals from around the world — and the best part is that the petting zoo is completely free.
Whether you’re a kid hoping to feed a kangaroo or an adult looking for a truly one-of-a-kind day trip, this farm has something for everyone.
Get ready to discover why Anderson & Girls Orchards is one of Michigan’s most surprising and unforgettable family destinations.
More Than Just Apples
Most people expect an orchard to offer little more than apple picking and maybe some cider. Anderson & Girls Orchards in Stanton, Michigan, completely flips that expectation on its head — and then some.
This charming farm sits on sprawling Michigan land and combines the best of both worlds: a working orchard packed with seasonal fruits and a jaw-dropping animal experience that rivals many professional zoos. Over 140 animals from across the globe call this place home, living alongside apple trees and vegetable fields in a way you’d never expect.
Entry to the petting zoo is free, which makes the whole experience feel like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Families drive from across the state to spend a full day here, and it’s easy to see why.
From fresh-picked produce to up-close animal encounters, Anderson & Girls Orchards is the kind of place that turns a simple farm visit into a full-blown adventure that sticks with you long after you’ve gone home.
Free Petting Zoo With 140+ Animals
Imagine walking through a farm gate and suddenly finding yourself face-to-face with animals you’d normally only see on a nature documentary. That’s exactly what happens at the Anderson & Girls Orchards petting zoo — and admission is completely free.
With over 140 animals representing species from multiple continents, this petting zoo operates on a scale that most farms could never dream of matching. You’ll encounter everything from your classic barnyard favorites to rare and exotic creatures that make you stop and stare in amazement.
The sheer variety keeps visitors of every age engaged and entertained throughout the entire visit.
The animals are housed in well-maintained enclosures spread across the farm property, giving the whole experience a relaxed, unhurried feel. There’s no rush to see everything, and that’s part of the magic.
Families with young kids, grandparents on a weekend outing, and school groups on field trips all find something to love here. The free petting zoo is genuinely one of Michigan’s most underrated attractions, offering incredible value alongside an experience that’s both educational and endlessly fun to explore.
Exotic Animal Highlights
Kangaroos at a Michigan orchard? You read that right.
Anderson & Girls Orchards hosts some of the most unexpected animal residents you’ll find anywhere outside of a major metropolitan zoo.
Kangaroos are easily one of the biggest crowd-pleasers on the property. Watching them hop around their enclosure or simply lounge in the grass is a surreal and delightful experience, especially for kids who’ve only ever seen them in picture books.
Lemurs are another showstopper — these wide-eyed, bushy-tailed primates from Madagascar bring an almost magical energy to the farm.
Beyond the headliners, the animal roster gets even more interesting. Porcupines waddle through their spaces with surprising attitude, while peacocks strut freely across the farm grounds, fanning their brilliant tail feathers for anyone lucky enough to catch the display.
Friendly goats are always nearby, eager for attention and a scratch behind the ears. The mix of familiar and extraordinary animals creates an experience that feels genuinely unique.
You might think you know what a farm visit looks like, but Anderson & Girls Orchards will happily prove you wrong with every turn you take through the property.
Feed and Interact With the Animals
There’s a big difference between watching animals from behind a fence and actually getting to touch, feed, and connect with them. Anderson & Girls Orchards leans hard into the hands-on experience, and that’s what makes visits here genuinely memorable.
Goat feeding is a fan favorite — these curious, energetic animals practically line up for snacks and will eat right out of your palm without hesitation. The interaction is simple, safe, and almost guaranteed to make younger visitors burst into giggles.
For bird lovers, the farm also offers parakeet feeding with special seed sticks available for purchase, letting you hold out a perch while colorful birds land right on your hand.
One of the most talked-about experiences is strolling alongside wallabies, the smaller Australian cousins of kangaroos. Getting that close to a wallaby in a relaxed, open setting is something most people never get to do in their lifetime.
These kinds of interactions aren’t just fun — they build curiosity about wildlife and a deeper appreciation for animals from around the world. Bring your camera, because moments like these deserve to be captured and shared.
Camel Rides — A Farm Adventure
Riding a camel might be on very few people’s Michigan bucket list — mostly because nobody expects to find one here. Anderson & Girls Orchards changes that in the best possible way.
On select weekends, the farm offers camel rides for a small additional fee, and they are absolutely worth every penny. Camels are surprisingly tall when you’re sitting on top of one, and that gentle swaying walk gives the whole experience an adventurous, almost exotic feel that’s totally unlike anything else you’ll do at a Michigan farm.
Kids absolutely love it, and honestly, adults do too once they get over the initial surprise of actually being up there.
Camel rides have become one of the most talked-about features at Anderson & Girls Orchards, drawing visitors who specifically plan their trips around weekend availability. It’s one of those rare activities that creates an instant story — the kind you tell at school on Monday morning or bring up at family dinners for years.
Before you visit, check the farm’s schedule to confirm ride availability, since weekend timing can vary by season. Either way, this is one Michigan farm experience you won’t soon forget.
Farm Market & Orchard Produce
After spending time with the animals, the farm market at Anderson & Girls Orchards gives you every reason to slow down and stay a little longer. This isn’t a small roadside stand — it’s a full-fledged market stocked with the freshest seasonal produce Michigan has to offer.
Apples are obviously the star of the show, with multiple varieties available depending on the season. But the market also carries peaches, cherries, sweet corn, pumpkins, and more, all grown right on the property or sourced locally.
Picking up a bag of freshly harvested fruit feels like bringing a little piece of the farm home with you.
The bakery side of the market is where things get really tempting. Warm apple cider donuts are practically a Michigan fall tradition, and Anderson & Girls Orchards does them right — soft, lightly spiced, and dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Fresh cider rounds out the experience perfectly. Whether you’re stocking up on produce for the week or treating yourself to a sweet snack mid-visit, the farm market adds a comforting, homey layer to the whole outing that keeps people coming back season after season.
Seasonal Farm Activities & Events
Anderson & Girls Orchards isn’t the kind of place that feels the same every time you visit — and that’s completely intentional. The farm rotates a lineup of seasonal events and activities throughout the year that give visitors fresh reasons to return no matter the season.
Spring brings the beloved Strawberry Fest, a celebration of Michigan’s early harvest season that draws families from across the region. Summer opens up the full animal experience alongside fresh produce, while fall transforms the farm into a pumpkin-patch paradise complete with wagon rides and hayrides through the orchard.
The rhythm of the seasons gives every visit its own distinct personality and charm.
Holiday events extend the fun well into late fall and early winter, making Anderson & Girls Orchards a year-round destination rather than just a one-time stop. Hayrides are a crowd favorite regardless of the season — there’s something timeless about bouncing along on a wagon through Michigan farmland that never gets old.
Checking the farm’s event calendar before you go is always a smart move, since special events can fill up quickly and some activities are only available during specific windows throughout the year.
Food, Ice Cream & Gift Shop Options
Good news for anyone who arrives hungry — Anderson & Girls Orchards has you covered from snack time all the way through a full afternoon of eating. The on-site food options go well beyond what you’d find at a typical farm stand.
The bakery and cafe area serves up satisfying lunch and snack options, including fresh-baked goods that pair perfectly with a cup of hot cider on a cool Michigan morning. Ice cream is available for those warmer visits, and choosing a flavor after a long walk through the animal exhibits feels like a well-earned reward.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, which always makes for a happy crowd.
The gift shop adds another fun layer to the experience, stocked with locally made jams, honey, farm-branded merchandise, and unique souvenirs that make great gifts for people who couldn’t make the trip. Picking up a jar of homemade apple butter or a bag of specialty popcorn turns your farm visit into something tangible you can share at home.
The gift shop is worth browsing even if you don’t plan to buy anything — you’ll almost certainly end up leaving with something tucked under your arm.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Some places market themselves as family-friendly but end up being a little awkward for certain age groups. Anderson & Girls Orchards genuinely delivers across the board, from toddlers taking their first steps near a baby goat to grandparents browsing the farm market at a leisurely pace.
The layout of the property is easy to navigate, with wide paths and shaded areas that make extended visits comfortable even on warm days. Strollers move through the grounds without much trouble, and there’s always something new to see around the next corner.
The relaxed, unhurried atmosphere encourages families to linger rather than rush, which is a rarity in a world full of timed tickets and crowded venues.
Teachers and school group organizers have also discovered the orchard as an excellent field trip destination, combining animal education with agricultural learning in a setting that keeps kids fully engaged. The farm staff are known for being warm and approachable, adding to the welcoming vibe that runs throughout the entire property.
Whether it’s a spontaneous Saturday outing or a carefully planned birthday trip, Anderson & Girls Orchards consistently delivers the kind of easygoing, joyful experience that families talk about long after the drive home.
Essential Visitor Info
Planning ahead makes any farm visit smoother, and Anderson & Girls Orchards is worth a little preparation. The farm is located at 2985 N Sheridan Rd, Stanton, MI 48888 — a manageable drive from many parts of Michigan, especially for families in the central and west-central parts of the state.
Hours are seasonal, with the farm typically operating from spring through fall on a daily schedule and offering limited winter hours leading up to the holiday season. The petting zoo admission is free, which is a genuinely rare perk, though camel rides and certain special activities come with small additional fees.
Arriving with a little cash on hand for those extras is always a good idea.
Spring through October is the sweet spot for visiting, when the full lineup of animals, activities, produce, and events is available. Holiday-season visits through December offer a different but equally charming experience.
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of happy walking. Check the farm’s website or social media pages before your trip to confirm current hours and any upcoming events.
A little planning goes a long way toward making your Anderson & Girls Orchards visit everything it deserves to be.