Farm Visit in Melrose, FL
Welcome to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary's Petting Farm in Florida, a joyful and safe space where families can connect with our rescued farm animals! If you're searching for an "animal petting zoo FL" that prioritizes both fun and animal welfare, you've found your perfect destination.
Our petting farm offers a unique family-friendly farm experience for children and adults alike to interact gently with piglets, pet goats, chickens, and more, all of whom have found their forever home at Rooterville. Prepare for smiles, laughter, and heartwarming moments as you have authentic farm animal encounters with our beloved residents and their unique personalities!
Your farm visit is included in your booking if you are staying with us or doing a cow cuddle! A paid farm visit offers at least 2 hours to explore the sanctuary, interact with our happy animals, and get great pics to share.
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Welcome to Our Petting Farm
Rooterville’s Petting Farm is designed to provide a safe, educational, and truly delightful
family-friendly farm experience in Florida. It’s a place where families can slow down, connect with nature, and discover the joy of spending time with rescued animals in a peaceful sanctuary setting. We believe in fostering compassion, curiosity, and respect for all living beings through meaningful, hands-on learning.
Here, you’ll enjoy
authentic farm animal encounters that go beyond the typical petting zoo visit. Each interaction is an opportunity to learn about animal behavior, care, and individuality, whether you’re feeding a curious goat, brushing a friendly cow, or watching a playful pig bask in the sun. Our experienced caregivers are always nearby to share fun facts and inspiring stories about the animals who call Rooterville home.
What You Can Expect:
- Meet Friendly Faces: Interact up close with a variety of happy, well-loved farm animals.
- Learn & Discover: Our knowledgeable staff are happy to share insights about animal care, diet, and sanctuary life.
- Create Memories: Enjoy hands-on moments and capture joyful photos your family will treasure for years.
- Support a Cause: Every visit helps provide lifelong care for our rescued animals and promotes compassionate living.
At Rooterville, every guest experience is a chance to connect, learn, and make a difference—making each visit one of Florida’s most rewarding family-friendly farm experiences for all ages.
At Rooterville, you will meet real farm animals. Each one has its own special personality!
You'll get to meet:
Our curious and clever pigs, like JR and Momma pig, love a good scratch behind the ears! Learn about the surprisingly intelligent nature of our piglet farm's beloved residents.
Get ready for playful nudges from our mischievous goats and fluffy sheep. Bo Peep and Lucky Charm.
Observe our feathered friends strutting around with confidence. While not always directly 'petting,' you'll enjoy their amusing antics. Our brown and white turkeys enjoy pets and hugs!
Some days, you may meet other friendly animals who like gentle interaction. Our dedicated team will be there to help.
Your safety, and the well-being of our animals, is our top priority. Our petting farm provides safe animal petting zoo experiences under close supervision.
- Hand Washing Stations: Hand sanitizer and washing stations are readily available throughout the petting farm. Please sanitize your hands before and after interacting with animals. It's best to sanitize hands frequently. Ask in the gift shop if you need hand sanitizer.
- Always Pet Gently: Use soft, slow movements. Animals, especially rescued ones, appreciate gentle touches.
- Supervised Feeding: Animal snack bags are available for purchase, please offer snacks as directed by staff. You are welcome to bring things like carrots, grapes, sliced apples and bananas for the animals. Snacks guarantee you'll have the most friends!
- Respect Their Space: Allow animals to approach you. Do not chase or corner them. If an animal walks away, give them their space. Except the turkeys, they are a little shy at first but welcome the pets once you hug them.
- Staff Guidance: Our trained staff are always present to assist you, answer questions, and ensure respectful interactions.
Ready for an unforgettable day of family friendly farm animal encounters for children and adults?
Admission & Hours:
- Admission: Access to the Petting Farm is included with general sanctuary admission.
- Petting Farm admission: Adults $14.95 Children 5 and under, FREE.
- Operating Hours: (Open daily BY APPOINTMENT. Friday and Saturday hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Last entry at 2:00 PM without an appointment.
For Groups & Parties:
- Group Visits: We welcome school groups, daycares, and other organizations BY APPOINTMENT! Book your group experience by calling 352-262-7313 or directly on our website under "Groups & Events " (it will be in the drop down menu).
- Birthday Parties: Looking for a unique venue? Our petting farm can be a fantastic place for Birthday Parties at Rooterville! Your guests will never forget their time here, and we can help with party favors too! Book your party now.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
- Sunscreen and hats, as the farm is primarily outdoors.
- Reusable water bottles (cold drinking water, drinks and coffee available).
- Your camera for capturing adorable moments!
Description Title
Rooterville’s Petting Farm offers a hands-on educational farm experience where learning and compassion merge. Great for families and as a home school place or field trip the sanctuary lets kids connect with rescued animals. They can touch, observe, and gently interact with them.
Touching a cow’s soft fur or feeding a curious goat can create strong emotional connections. These activities can also improve mood and focus by releasing dopamine.
Kids learn about animal care, nutrition, and empathy in a natural, engaging way—lessons that extend beyond the farm.
Every visit builds understanding, responsibility, and kindness. This makes Rooterville a place where education touches both the heart and mind.
Authentic Farm Animal Encounters in Florida
At Rooterville, we aim to provide safe and real experiences with farm animals. This is different from the typical petting zoo. Most animals have a backstory, and our focus is on respect, enrichment, and connection. You will be in a calm place where you can touch, feed, brush, and watch animals in their homes. Caring staff will guide you and always put the animals' well-being first.
Because we are a true sanctuary and not a for-profit attraction, your visit is far from transactional. Here at Rooterville, the experiences are slower, gentler, and driven by compassion, not crowds, schedules, or entertainment quotas. These real interactions help families and visitors see animals as individuals. They can learn about their personalities and understand their needs. This fosters empathy, responsibility, and a stronger connection to nature.
Visit Rooterville for a family day that combines fun, education, and compassion. If you want a petting zoo in Florida, Rooterville’s Petting Farm is a great choice. We offer a family farm day and a unique piglet farm experience. You will create memories that last forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bring my own food to feed the animals?
Bring your own safe animal snacks (bananas, carrots, grapes, strawberries) or purchase treat bags at the sanctuary.
Is the petting farm stroller-friendly?
Yes, paths are generally accessible for strollers, though some areas may be uneven.
Are restrooms available?
Yes, clean restroom facilities are available on-site.
What if an animal bites or scratches?
While rare, our staff are trained to handle any incidents immediately. We provide first aid, and strict safety protocols are in place. All interactions are supervised.
Do I need to book in advance?
For general admission, booking is often recommended but not always required. For group visits, advance booking is essential.
Is this a good activity for toddlers or small children?
Yes! The Petting Farm is designed to be safe and engaging for all ages, including toddlers. Young children especially enjoy the sensory experience of gently touching and feeding friendly animals while learning kindness and care in a calm, natural environment.
Can homeschool groups book the petting farm?
Yes! Rooterville welcomes homeschool groups for fun, hands-on learning experiences. Educational add-ons are available, including guided tours, lessons on animal care and nutrition, and our “Farmer for a Day” program. It’s a great way to complement your homeschool curriculum while teaching compassion and responsibility in a real farm setting.
- The Davis Family
4 months ago
"Rooterville's petting farm was the highlight of our Florida trip! My kids loved petting the goats and seeing the pigs. It felt very safe and educational."
- Michael C.
3 months ago
"Such a clean and well-maintained animal playground! The animals were so gentle, and the staff were wonderful. Highly recommend for families!"
- Samantha L.
2 months ago
"We appreciate that these are rescued animals. It adds a special meaning to the experience, and it's truly an educational farm visit."
Plan Your Visit & Support Rescued Animals
Whether you’re looking for a petting zoo in Florida, planning a family farm day, or searching for a unique piglet farm near me experience, Rooterville’s Petting Farm offers memories that last a lifetime. Every visit supports our mission of compassion and gives guests the chance to connect with animals in an authentic, meaningful way.
Meet the wonderful residents who call our sanctuary home by visiting our adorable animals, plan your trip and reserve your spot through our ticket link, or continue supporting our rescued friends by browsing our Shop for gifts that give back. Come experience the joy, learning, and love that make Rooterville unlike anywhere else in Florida.