Every now and then on weekends we like to explore more around where we live. With a car, the possibilities are endless in discovering what surrounds us. In searching for ideas on day trips from NYC, I came across White Post Farms, located in Melville NY on Long Island. With a little over an hour drive from Brooklyn, it seemed like a nice escape for the day. I had never heard of this farm before, but was pleasantly surprised by what it offered.
Family Fun NYC Day Trips: White Post Farms
Spending the day at White Post Farms was such a blast. There was so much to see and do, and Terra never got bored. The close interaction with the animals was so unique. Here’s everything you need to know about spending a day trip here.
The Market
Upon arriving at White Post Farms you’ll see a large market with parking lot to the right. We went on a slightly rainy day so the parking lot was half empty when we got there. First we checked out the market and grabbed a bite to eat. There was a lot to pick from, various sandwiches, soups, salads and drinks like coffee, tea, and smoothies. The food tasted very fresh and it was made to order. Outside is a large seating area to eat with covered tables, so it was nice even in the misty rain.
In the market area there was various farm fresh local food, as well as fresh baked goodies. Behind the market is another shop which we mostly just passed through to get to the actual farm. There are signs leading to the farm entrance so it’s very easy to find.
Entry into the Farm
Before you enter the farm you have to pay for tickets and any extras you choose. For us tickets were $18 each, even for kids. We also opted to get a combo package including a bottle of milk and cups of food to feed the animals, a pony ride and train ride. The combo gives a big discount so it makes more sense to get it.
Terra feeding a goat near the entrance to the farm
Adorable pigs nearby the goats
Feeding more goats she loved it!
Pigs and Goats
As you enter the farm the first thing you’ll see are the goats and pigs. They especially love the milk and the food, so we spent some time here feeding them. Terra loved having them eat right from her hands. We found the setup really nice to be able to get up close and personal with the animals, something we’ve rarely seen elsewhere. Next to the animals are hand washing stations, which are great for keeping hands clean in between feedings.
Aviary with Exotic Birds
Located close to the pigs and goats was an aviary, filled with Australian lorikeets and other exotic birds. They have nectar cups for sale before you enter, but at first we opted not to buy. However when we saw the birds were only interacting with those who had the nectar, we decided to buy a few cups. It was so cool having them land on us and feed on the nectar. The interactivity here was truly enjoyable and unique. They even landed on our heads a few times, Terra wasn’t sure what to think of it!
The alpacas were so cute
The camels, we rode these in Morocco!
A group of lemurs cuddling together while sleeping, so cute!
We fed the zebras through the chute
Exotic Animals
Throughout the rest of the farm are plenty of exotic animals, some of which I’ve really only seen in zoos. We saw zebras, monkeys, lemurs, alpacas, kangaroos, and various types of camels. Terra especially loved seeing the camels after our camel trekking trip to the Sahara Desert. Some of these animals you can’t get close or interact with, but you can feed them food down a chute. Nearby the animals was an explanation of what they are and the region they come from, which I thought was cool.
Getting up close and personal with Patches the Giraffe
Patches the Giraffe
One of the highlights of our visit here was being able to get up close and personal with the Patches the giraffe. We were able to pet his head and feed him veggies. Being that it’s one of our dreams to do an African Safari and stay at Giraffe Manor, we loved being able to experience this close to home as well. We definitely recommend visiting just for this alone!
Terra enjoying the pony ride
The train ride, Terra loved it!
Train and Pony Rides
Aside from feeding the animals there are pony and train rides. Since we got the combo package they were both included. Terra really enjoyed both of these and it was organized quite nicely. The train went around a few times, so it was a good length of time. Nearby the train were a few food places with kid friendly options for a quick snack.
The main playground area, so fun!
Terra loved exploring all the miniature houses
Playground Area and Miniature Houses
Next to the exotic animals was a big playground with mini houses lined up next to each other. The miniature houses were especially popular with the kids as they loved going inside and peeking through the windows. Terra could have spend a few hours here alone if we let her. It was a great way to end our day here after seeing all the animals. Your kids will be quite worn out after this!
Bird Show and Water Slides
At various times in the day there’s a bird show showcasing some of the exotic birds they have on the farm. The timing didn’t work out for us to see it, but it looked like a cool event to check out while here. There were also big bounce houses with water slides, but due to the weather we chose not to go here. But it looked great for a nice summer day!
After spending a day here, we definitely think White Post Farms was a worthwhile trip. The ability to interact and get close to so many animals was a wonderful experience. All of the other activities on the farm were a bonus! If you’re looking for ideas on day trips from NYC, this should be on your list.
Have you been to White Post Farms? If so we’d love to hear about your experience here!