Best Petting Zoos in Dubai

Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with exotic animals? At a petting zoo in Dubai, your family can do just that! Petting zoos allow kids and adults alike to gently interact with remarkable creatures in a safe, controlled environment. Forget staring at animals behind glass or fences – at these zoos, you’ll be face-to-face with nature’s finned, feathered and furry marvels.

In this blog, we uncover the top petting zoos around Dubai, learn about animals in Dubai and where you can feed a gentle giraffe right from your hand, brush the wool of a sheep, watch a dolphin playfully splash at you, and even give a kiss to a camel! Leading animal conservationists created these zoos so city kids and residents can meaningfully engage with wildlife. Through these interactions, the hope is that visitors will feel more connected to these animals and become passionate advocates for conservation.

So let us travel on a wild adventure, discovering the most interactive, educational and ethical petting zoos in Dubai.

What are Petting Zoos?

A petting zoo is a place where you can pet and interact with small and docile domesticated animals. These animals usually consist of pet animals like cats, dogs, and birds, and farm animals like chicken, ducks, baby goats, and sheep. Most of these animals are mild-mannered, so it’s quite safe to get your kids here. In fact, petting zoos were started for kids to meet and greet cute animals and learn about them.

Top Petting Zoos in Dubai

Dubai Safari Park

The Dubai Safari Zoo was renamed to be a Dubai Safari Park once it was revamped, and one thing that came with renovation was a petting zoo. Called Kids Farm, this zone is a petting zoo dedicated to kids. Parents can bring their kids here where they can interact with animals like ponies, camels, goats, ducks, sheep, and other similar farm animals. The kids can also feed these animals.

At Dubai Safari Park, the Kids Farm is a fantastic spot for young adventurers. Please note that it follows specific timings, opening from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This means it closes a bit earlier than the other sections of the park. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check the timings and plan your day accordingly, ensuring you make the most of your time at the Kids Farm and other attractions within Dubai Safari Park.

Location: 5CCW+H5 – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Desert Oasis Petting Farm

Arguably the best petting zoo in Dubai, the Desert Oasis Petting Farm is located in Al Khawaneej and has a variety of wonderful farm animals that you and your children can pet and feed. You can even pet donkeys and deer, which aren’t available at other petting zoos. You can also have your kids’ birthdays here along with their friends. There’s a separate section which you can book, and your guests can also pet the animals. Now that’s a great way to have an unforgettable birthday.

Location: Desert Equestrian Club, Behind Dubai Municipality Vet Clinic, Al Khawaneej, Dubai

Timings:

Winter Timings – Monday – Thursday: 3 PM – 6 PM
Friday & Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 6 PM
Sunday Closed

Summer Timings (May – Sept)
Monday – Saturday: 4 PM – 7 PM
Sunday Closed

Camel Farm

Camels are regal animals and an important part of Emirati culture. Therefore, if you want your kids to know about them and not be afraid despite their huge size, take them to the Camel Farm that’s located between Al Ain Road and Al Qudra Road. This is a Bedouin-style farm where you can interact with a lot of camels, and pet baby goats, and other farm animals. The farm also offers camel rides for kids above the age of 10 and camel hugging therapy for adults.

Location: Along the road E77 northbound, between D63-Al Qudra Rd and E66-Al Ain Rd

Damac Hills Pet Farm

This is the greenest petting zoo in Dubai. It also houses peacocks that you and your children can pet. Damac Hills also has animals like tortoises and deer, and your kids are definitely going to like them a lot as these animals aren’t found in any other petting zoos. Kids can feed the animals and learn about their species and habits. It is a place that perfectly combines fun and learning. Plus, the greenery and chill temperature of the area makes for a nice getaway that your family will love.

Locations: 27F5+MG4 – Al Hebiah Third The Flora at DAMAC Hills – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Timings: Monday to Thursday: 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: closed (subject to change)

The Sustainable City

Similar to the Dubai Safari Zoo, the petting zoo at The Sustainable City is one of the biggest petting zoos in the country. Apart from the usual domestic animals, your kids can also learn about bees. Yes, this place has beehives and your kids can learn important facts about bees and how important they are to nature and humanity. Oh, and one more thing The Sustainable City has that your kids will love is a dog park. Yes, you will have to drag your kids away from all the cute dogs because they will not want to leave this place. The Sustainable City is simply amazing and one of the best petting zoos in Dubai.

Location: Block E, 2nd Floor, The Sustainable Plaza

The Ripe Market

Now here’s something that will also entice the parents as well. The Ripe Market in the Dubai Police Academy Park. While your kids enjoy the petting zoo and the dog park, you can enjoy all the wonderful, fresh fruits and vegetables that are being sold. The produce is fresh and delicious and attracts many people from all over the city. There are also crafts and many other similar products. This market is held every weekend during the winter months and has horse riding for your kids. So, this place is basically a weekend fair that has something for you and your kids.

Location: (Dubai Police Academy Park) Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Sufouh – Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

From Dubai Safari Park to the Ripe Market, there are many wonderful places with petting zoos. Petting zoos can play an important part in a kid’s life. If they are scared of animals or don’t understand their importance, the petting zoo can be an important educational standpoint in their lives. Parents can also use this opportunity to gauge how well your kids can be with your future pets. So, don’t think twice, take your kids to any of the petting zoos mentioned above and incorporate in them a love for animals and nature.

FAQ’s

Q1. What form of animals is present in petting zoos?

Some of the popular animals found at petting farms comprise sheep, pigs, rabbits, goats, and ponies. At the petting zoos, you can pet, hold, & feed the docile creatures.

Q2. Where can I purchase a pet in Dubai?

Across the emirate, there are numerous locations where you can find a new furry companion for your home. The pet adoption centers in Dubai give you the chance to give a rescued animal a fresh beginning.

Q3. Are there more fun places in Dubai for animal lovers?

Dubai is associated with amazement and exploration. Experience the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo or Dubai Dolphinarium to see the magnificent world of sea creatures.

Q4. Do other Emirates have any petting zoos?

The Emirates Park Zoo and Resort features a petting zoo for visitors in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, Desert Park is a well-liked choice for animal encounters in Sharjah. Similarly, the UAE Pygmy Zoo can be found in Ajman as another option.

Q5.Why animals are kept in petting zoos?

The majority of petting zoos are created to offer only fairly calm, plant-eating domesticated creatures, like sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits or ponies that people can safely feed and physically engage with.

Q6.Do Dubai petting zoos have entry fees?

Yes, the majority of petting zoos in Dubai do charge admission fees. The cost can differ based on the particular zoo and the age of the visitors. Some zoos might also provide special bundles that incorporate extra activities.

Q7. Does Dubai petting zoos have any age restrictions?

Age limits can differ based on the particular petting zoo or wildlife experience. Usually, kids of all ages are permitted, but some interactions might have age or height prerequisites for safety purposes.

Q8. What are the operating hours for Dubai petting zoos?

The times that petting zoos are open in Dubai can be different. It is recommended that you look at the petting zoo's website or get in touch with them directly to find the latest details on their hours and any special happenings.

Q9. Which are the most popular petting zoos in Dubai?

The Green Planet in City Walk
Dubai Safari Park
Desert Safari Camps

Q10. Can visitors bring their own food into petting zoos in Dubai?

The rules for bringing your own food to petting zoos can differ between locations. Certain petting zoos may permit guests to pack meals or bites to eat, but others might have limitations. It is advised that you look into the particular petting zoo's policies and guidelines about outside food before scheduling a trip there.

Explore the Top Petting Zoos in Dubai