Animals
Zoos, Farms, and Wildlife centers with live animal exhibits and educational opportunities.
Davis is a college-ag town, which means kids here have unusually good access to real working farms and wildlife centers — not just petting zoos. Several spots below are free or donation-based, and a few (like the campus raptor and animal facilities) double as genuine science outings. Spring and early summer are best for baby animals; fall brings the farm-and-pumpkin overlap, so cross-check the Outdoor Fun and seasonal guides if you're visiting in October.
Looking for something specific? Browse our family guides or see what's on this month over on the events calendar.
Nearby
All About a Farm
Mobile petting farm offering friendly chickens, ducks, rabbits and dwarf goats — educational and hands‑on fun for young children and families.
Address: Based in Davis, CA (mobile petting zoo)
Impossible Acres Farm
Local u‑pick fruit farm with an animal barn where kids can pet goats, pigs, rabbits — seasonal fruit picking and educational visits.
Address: 37945 County Rd 31, Davis, CA 95616
Sacramento Zoo
Accredited zoo with over 90 species of mammals, birds and reptiles — perfect for interactive learning and a family outing.
Address: 3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822
Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area
Large wetland restoration area with guided bird and bat tours, habitat education and wildlife viewing just outside Davis.
Address: Yolo Bypass, Yolo County, CA (near Davis)
1-2 Hours Drive
Animal Place Sanctuary
Farmed‑animal rescue sanctuary caring for pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and sheep — educational tours and events on a 600‑acre ranch.
Address: 17314 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95949
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Non‑profit animal sanctuary caring for rescued wildlife like bears, big cats, wolves and birds — great for educational family outings.
Address: 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Wildlife rehabilitation center and museum in Walnut Creek – see rescued California wildlife, behind‑the‑scenes hospital and educational exhibits.
Address: 1931 First Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Micke Grove Zoo
Small zoo in Lodi featuring tigers, primates, peacocks, barnyard animals with petting opportunities and educational camps.
Address: 11793 N California St, Lodi, CA 95240
Weekend Trips
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
AZA‑accredited zoo housing 190+ species with exhibits like African Adventure, Stingray Bay and Valley Farm — excellent for family educational day trips.
Address: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Desert botanical garden + zoo featuring over 500 animals across 150 species, African and North American habitats — educational and scenic, great for family outings.
Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Oakland Zoo
Expansive zoo with over 850 animals, gondola rides, California Trail habitats and a large children’s zoo — strong on conservation and hands‑on exhibits.
Address: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605
OstrichLand USA
Fun ostrich and emu ranch where kids can feed and interact with large birds — unique farm experience along California’s Central Coast.
Address: 620 Atterdag Rd, Buellton, CA 93427
Safari West
Private wildlife preserve in Sonoma County offering African safari tours with giraffes, rhinos, zebras and cheetahs — immersive and memorable for kids ages 5+.
Address: 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Large zoological theme park with roller coasters, marine shows and wildlife exhibits — good mix of rides and animal interaction, great for older kids and teens.
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
Know of a great animals place we missed?
Help other families discover amazing animals places in Davis by suggesting new locations.
✨ Suggest a Place