Indy Animal Encounters | Where Kids Can See Animals in Indianapolis

Like most children, my kids LOVE animals. Babies always seem especially intrigued by fur babies and their giant parents. You can always take your animal lover to the Indianapolis Zoo, but there are quite a few lesser known locations in the area where little ones can see and touch critters and creatures. Here are some animal encounters in Indianapolis, all of our favorite places to see, touch and get nose to nose with animals in Indy.

PETS:

Your kids are into pets but you just can’t bring home any more. I feel you. There are some great spots to visit domestic animals without covering your sofa in fur.

Pet Shops

While this seems like an obvious place to see animals many people (especially those who don’t own pets) don’t consider the pet store a destination. Many, however, offer lots of opportunities for viewing animals and even some have animals in areas where they can be held.

Humane Society

Visit with cats and dogs at your local Humane Society (www.indyhumane.org). Check the website of the location near you to find hours for tours, opportunities to cuddle the animals, and service opportunities.

Nine Lives Cat Cafe

Hang out with cats in a pretty cool cat habitat. Also, you can adopt one! Check out our visit.

HORSES:

Get an up close view of horses and ponies at these locations. Kiddos that are big enough to sit up can ride on a pony and experience the amazing animals first hand.

Ft. Benjamin Harrison State Park

The saddle barn at Ft. Ben State Park offer trail rides (for ages 6+) and lessons starting at $21.00 per person and parent assisted pony rides for all ages for $3.50 (or $3.00 if paying by cash). Open daily 9am-5pm March 19-Oct. 30

Prancing Ponies

For $5 a child you can visit this family’s home for unlimited pony rides. Miniature ponies are available every Wednesday from 11am-5pm through Oct. 31st. There is also playground equipment to play on and other animals including a friendly goat, and bunnies, chickens, and ducks that kids can pet and hold. Some other farm animals such as pigs and sheep are also available to view.

FARM ANIMALS:

A few local farms offer opportunities to get up close and personal with their animals. Below are some features of our favorites. Contact each location before visiting to check on seasonal hours and animals available.

Kelsay Farms

Kelsay farms has a milking parlor where you can see the cows being milked, calves to pet and feed, and other baby animals available.

Piney Acres

Piney Acres offers access to their barnyard animals during certain times of the year.

Waterman’s Farm

Waterman’s offers barnyard animals to visit and feed during their fall festival and also an exotic animal display.

Stony Creek

Stony Creek offers farm animals like goats, donkeys, rabbits, and chickens. Children can pet and feed some animals.

Fair Oaks Farm

A bit of a drive from Indy, Fair Oaks Farm is worth the trip for lovers of barn animals. A dairy barn and cow adventure with birthing barn, pig adventure including ultrasound experience, and lots of opportunities for learning, exploring, and eating!

Traders Point Creamery

This dairy farm produces milk and other dairy products. Tours, self guided tours, special events and a restaurant make it a great location to get up close and personal with animals.

Tyner Pond Farm

Tyner Pond Farm supplies meat and eggs to Indianapolis residents and restaurants. Self guided tours are welcome and special events are a lot of fun.

Conner Prairie

An animal encounter barn offers kids an opportunity to see farm animals up close. Goats, sheep, calves, and other baby animals roam freely and children are often able to pet them. The grounds of Conner Prairie also offers chances to view horses, hogs, cattle, sheep, and goats often doing the jobs they would have done in the 1800s.

Distelrath Farms

Take a self guided tour of this working farm on Indianapolis’ south-east side. You’ll see plants and animals.

OTHER ANIMAL HOT SPOTS:

Check out the event calendars at these locations for new and fun animal-lover experiences.

Indiana State Fair Grounds

Check out the events calendar for the State Fair Grounds to see the schedule for horse shows, pet adoption events, and sheep auctions. Many events are free or cost just $5 for parking.

Exotic Feline Rescue Center

Located southwest of Indianapolis in Centerpoint, In. this working rescue center is one of the largest in the U.S. and houses nearly 200 large cats including lions, tigers, pumas, bobcats, and more. Hour long tours are available for $5/children 12 & under and $10 for adults. Children 5 and under must be held or remain in a stroller at all times.

Wolf Park

Open Tues.-Sun. 1-5pm and Fri and Sat nights from 7:30-9pm and located just north of Lafayette, Wolf Park is a non-profit specializing in research, education, and conservation of wolves. The animals in the park consist of five species of wolves, all hand-raised and socialized to serve as ambassadors for their wild relatives. The Wolf Park offers guided tours (no reservations necessary), demonstrations, and lectures, and evening hours include howling with the wolves! Kids 5 and under are free, 6-13 are $6, and adults are $8. Check the website for special events and pricing.

Animalia

This non-profit public charity specializes in connecting people to animals and nature. They do education and outreach programs, rehabilitation, and behavioral consultations. The program cares for and trains birds, small mammals, reptiles, and even some invertebrates such as fish, scorpions, and spiders. Check out their calendar of events to see a public event at the library, nature center, or other location near you.

Nature Centers at Eagle Creek Park, Holliday Park, and Zion Nature Center

Eagle Creek Ornithology and Earth Discovery Center

Viewing enclosures which contain hawks, owls, and vultures, Meet a Raptor demonstrations, and birdwalks are just a few activities offered at the Ornithology Center. The Earth Discovery Center offers school and family programs, day camps, and more and exhibits include live, native reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Every Saturday and Sunday the EDC hosts an informal family nature program. These are free and open to the public.

Zion Nature Center

Exhibits at the Zion Nature Center focus on local Indiana wildlife and habitats. Turtles, snakes, and amphibians are on display to serve as educational animals at the center. The center is located on the grounds of Eagle Elementary School and is open Sat 10-5 and Sun noon-5. Contact the center to inquire about weekday hours.

Holliday Park Nature Center

The newly renovated Habitat Hall nature center features a large water table, live animal enclosures, and other interactive exhibits. The Nature Center also features a bird and wildlife observation area with feeding stations and a sound system to allow viewers to hear the birds. The area is free and open to the public Mon-Sat 9-5 and Sundays 1-5pm.

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