Dubai welcomes tourists of all genres to visit its wonderful attractions. For each type of visitor, Dubai has a wide collection of experiences, even those who are animal lovers. Dubai has an assortment of outstanding wildlife parks and conservations, however, if you want to get up close to encounter animals where you can pet them, feed them and even cuddle, It’s got a handful of adorable petting zoos! In reality, these are among the best kid-friendly attractions to visit in Dubai. Here is a list of petting zoos Dubai has in store for you to explore on a family visit with kids to Dubai.
Why Visit a Petting Zoo in Dubai?
If you are wondering what’s the difference between a wildlife zoo and a petting zoo, it can be simply described as smaller zoos where you can touch, pet, interact, and feed mellow, domestic, mostly herbivorous animals. The place is primarily meant for small kids accompanied by adults to have a fun experience with various gentle animals such as rabbits, sheep, goats, colourful birds, ponies, etc. Beyond the fun, it is a great way for kids and adults to learn about different species in a fun environment while spending quality bonding time together. These attractions are a big hit with kids, not just animal lovers!
Other Highlights of a Petting Zoo Experience
Rural Charm with Educational Fun Experiences
These Dubai pet farms offer immersive experiences that transport you to a simpler time away from modern city life for some moments. You can learn about animal care, conservation, and the habitats of the animals you interact with. It is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life, appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy petting and feeding the animals in a safe environment.
Supporting Local Zoos and Making a Difference
Some of the petting zoos may not be as popular among the extravagant line-up of Dubai attractions, but these attractions bring joy to children. The farm provides a unique recreational opportunity for families, fostering a sense of community and well-being as well. By visiting a local petting zoo, you support small businesses and help preserve a cultural heritage. In a way, while it may not directly support local farms, you would be contributing to the local economy when you visit pet farms.
5 Popular Petting Farms to Visit on a Dubai Holiday
Kids Farm at Dubai Safari Park
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The Dubai Safari Park is one of the first places that comes to mind when you hear the words “zoo” or “animals” in Dubai. It is one of the most frequented places for tourists, particularly family holidaymakers. Located in Al Warqa, this sprawling wildlife sanctuary is Dubai’s largest wildlife park and houses over 3000 animals and birds. Among its 6 zones, the Kids Farm is a dedicated section designed as a mini zoo for young visitors to meet ponies, parakeets, Pygmy goats, sheep and more. Conceptualised as a village setting, kids can get a glimpse of village farms away from city life while interacting with animals. The park stays open from 10 am to 8 pm, and Kids Farm admission is included in Dubai Safari Park ticket costs. Additional activities like tortoise feeding and pony grooming can be done at an extra cost, which can be paid at the park’s ticket counter.
Desert Oasis Petting Farm
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The next best kid-friendly place to encounter farm animals is the Desert Oasis Petting Farm. This hidden gem at the Desert Equestrian Club often gets overlooked amidst Dubai’s many kid-friendly attractions. However, if you and your children love animals and don’t mind spending time on this charming farm in Khawaneej, add it to your Dubai holiday itinerary. This petting farm Dubai is open from Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm and Friday & Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm & 3 pm to 6 pm. In summer, it operates from 4 pm to 7 pm daily, except Sundays. Do note that online booking is not available, and tickets can only be purchased with cash. A daily pass costs approximately AED 10 per person.
Damac Hills Pet Farm
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Located at DAMAC Hills, this pet farm is relatively new and offers a delightful, hands-on experience with a variety of farm animals. This farm has a dedicated space inside the sprawling Damac Hills complex, which mimics the comfortable surroundings of verdant landscapes, ideal for animals to interact with visitors. Bond with them over feeding sessions, spend time petting them and enjoy the peaceful ambience punctuated only by animal sounds and children’s laughter. It is a great place to spend a few hours, especially if you are looking for a family-friendly outing. With adorable animals and picturesque settings, Damac Hills Pet Farm offers plenty of photo opportunities. Snap a selfie with a cuddly rabbit, capture a heartwarming moment with a child feeding a goat, or take a family group photo against a verdant backdrop. These photos will be cherished memories for years to come. The pet farm stays open from 8 am to 7 am daily.
Camel Farm
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Apart from farm animals, schedule a meet-up with the ‘ship of the desert’ – camels! Head to the Camel Farm at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve to spend an exclusive day with these gentle creatures, which have been a significant support for the growth of this Middle Eastern destination and are staunchly associated with its rich Arabian culture. Not just camels, there is a range of other docile farm animals, such as goats and rabbits, waiting their turn to be pampered. Book a guided visit that lets you come close to these animals, pet and feed them and even hug a camel and then enjoy a short ride within the farm. Kids above the age of 10 years can accompany parents for an exciting camel ride outside the farm in the desert dunes. General admission ticket is around AED 30 per person, which allows you to roam around the farm on your own. A tour guide to assist you with your experience, along with animal feeding activities, will cost an additional 20 AED per ticket. Short camel rides, one-hour camel rides and camel hugging therapy have independent pricing and can be included as add-ons on your tickets.
Conclusion
Dubai petting zoos are the perfect destination for a family outing. Amid plenty of open space, fresh air, and friendly animals, these attractions are friendly, delightful experiences you can easily fit into an outdoor excursion for your family day out. You can make it more exciting for young visitors by making it into a complete wildlife discovery tour and combining it with Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. In Dubai, there are more creative places to meet friendly animals than just petting zoos. For example, at Cat Cafe Vibrissae, you can cuddle with purring cats. The Green Planet also has a section featuring a variety of animals and birds with whom you can have close encounters. Dubai Dolphinarium is an exclusive Dolphin sanctuary with an extension given to seals where you can interact with them, pet them and even swim with the dolphins. Plan your visit today to discover the joy of interacting with these amazing creatures.
