by Jessica Pawl
The only thing that could make a great, family-friendly stay even sweeter is adding a cuddly farm animal or two. Check out these kid-welcoming vacation rentals that include animals on property that you’ll be able to interact with.
Whether an Airbnb, VRBO or vacation rental that can be booked direct, these clever U.S. properties offer both scenic views and barnyard animal friends – in private pastures, petting zoos or via farm access. From Texas to North Carolina, and Utah to Ohio, you’ll find a lodging option for everyone in this curation of kid-friendly farm stays.
See all of the Kid-Friendly Stays properties that include animals – hotels and resorts, too – in our full curated directory of family vacation accommodations.
Fairytale Barn and Petting Zoo
Location: Sugar Grove, North Carolina
Set on 20 acres, this resort property houses six cabin rentals, and Fairytale Barn is our favorite. A stay here – on the lower level of a renovated bar (that shares a ceiling with a one-bedroom rental) – offers access to a petting zoo, trampoline, trout-stocked stream, zipline, water tube and more. Your own rental also offers a private hot tub and bonfire.
Inside, guests will find two bedrooms; one with a king bed and the other outfitted with a twin trundle. A full kitchen, bathroom with tub, washer and dryer and air conditioning are included in amenities. Boone, N.C. is only a 20-minute drive away.
ABC Acres Gate House
Location: Hamilton, Montana
The Gate House is one of a few located at Bitteroot Valley’s ABC Acres permaculture farm, where guests will find animals and a playground as well as stunning Montana views. This vacation rental offers agritourism and adventure in a two-bedrooms and two-bath package, as well as a travel crib and highchair. Walk down to the river, head into town or simply soak up getting back to nature.
Ivy Cottage
Location: Logan, Ohio
Close to the geological gem, Hocking Hills, guests can cozy up inside this three-bedroom cottage, one of a handful on the Creative Cabins property. Tastefully decorated, a double-bed bunk and children’s books and games make rainy days easier, as do the six rocking chairs you’ll find on the covered porch.
Nearby, guests can also visit the property’s mainstays at “The Barn,” which include two miniature highland cows, a miniature donkey, goats and a great Pyraneese pup, Bo.
The Grand Ranch near Zion National Park
Location: Kanarraville, Utah
Near Zion National Park, this charming ranch property is home to mini highland cows and more, alongside multiple vacation rentals that are up close to the animals and adorable. A tiny farmhouse sleeps up to four guests with one bedroom, while two larger farm homes sleep up to six guests. In each, private back patios with hot tub and bonfire pit share a fence with private Mini Highland Cow pastures. (Treats for the cows provided, and you can pet and feed cows over the fence!)
See more family-friendly properties with animals on site.
Shared spaces, including a garden, orchard area, trampoline and large firepit are also available.
The Silo House at Laughing Llama Farm
Location: Troy, Texas
Have you ever wanted to cozy up to a llama? This Texas farm stay offers just that; and they’ll hand you some llama feed upon check in too. There, you’ll stay in a converted grain silo that’s been converted to a one-bedroom vacation rental with full kitchen, full bathroom with shower (and an outdoor shower, too!), pull out sofa and fishing pond. See other family-friendly stays featuring animals.
Thirty minutes away, you’ll find all that Waco has to offer. But here, you can relax on the porch rocking chairs, watch the animals roam, and enjoy life on the farm.
