If you are planning a trip to southeastern Ohio and looking for the best petting zoo in Hocking Hills, Fox’s High Rock Farm should be at the top of your list. Tucked just off Route 664 in Logan, this family-owned farm offers something you will not find at bigger attractions — a quiet, personal experience where kids and adults alike can get nose-to-nose with friendly farm animals, take their time brushing goats, and walk away with the kind of memories that stick around long after the drive home.
Open from April through October, Fox’s High Rock Farm is a warm, welcoming spot that has earned a near-perfect rating from hundreds of visitors. Whether your family is staying in a nearby cabin for the weekend or passing through on a Hocking Hills hiking trip, this petting zoo is worth every minute of your stop.
Meet the Animals at Fox’s High Rock Farm
The heart of any petting zoo in Hocking Hills is the animals, and Fox’s High Rock Farm does not disappoint. The moment you walk in, friendly goats are ready to greet you — and they are not shy about it. You will find adult goats alongside baby goats, and watching little ones hold a baby goat for the first time is one of those moments parents never forget.
But goats are just the beginning. The farm is home to alpacas with their big curious eyes, gentle donkeys that love a good scratch behind the ears, pigs that flop over for belly rubs, sheep you can brush, and horses standing patiently along the fence. There are even a couple of sweet barn cats lounging around the gift shop, happy to be petted by anyone who stops by.
What sets this farm apart from other animal encounters in the area is how much hands-on access visitors get. You are not watching from behind a railing. You step right into the pen with brushes and feed and spend as much time as you want with the animals. The feed comes served in ice cream cones that the animals can eat, too — no plastic waste, just a clever idea that kids think is hilarious.
What Makes This Hocking Hills Petting Zoo Different
There are a few petting zoos scattered around the Hocking Hills region, so what makes Fox’s High Rock Farm the one people keep coming back to?
The staff genuinely cares. Read through the reviews and you will see the same thing mentioned again and again: the team here is friendly, patient, and clearly loves these animals. They are happy to answer questions, help nervous kids warm up to the goats, and share little stories about the animals’ personalities. It is not a rushed, assembly-line experience. It feels like visiting a neighbor’s farm.
The animals are well cared for. Visitors consistently notice how healthy, clean, and content the animals are. That kind of thing matters, especially when you are bringing your family. You can tell these animals are handled gently every day and genuinely enjoy being around people.
It is the right size. Fox’s High Rock Farm is not trying to be a zoo or a theme park. It is a small, well-maintained family farm where you can take your time without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. For younger kids especially, this is a huge advantage. Toddlers and preschoolers can move at their own pace, and there is no pressure to keep up with a tour group or shuffle to the next exhibit.
The price is right. Admission is affordable, and you get unlimited time with the animals. A bag of animal feed goes a long way, and you will not feel like you need to keep pulling out your wallet for extras.
Gem Mining and More — Activities Beyond the Animals
The petting zoo is the main draw, but Fox’s High Rock Farm has a few more tricks up its sleeve. One of the most popular add-ons is gem mining. Grab a bag of mining rough and sift through it at the water sluice to discover gemstones, fossils, and even shark teeth. It is a hands-on activity that keeps kids engaged well after they have finished visiting the animals, and most visitors walk away with a small collection of treasures to take home.
The on-site gift shop is worth a browse, too. You will find farm-themed souvenirs, local goods, and the farm’s signature smashed penny machine — a simple keepsake that kids love to collect.
For those visiting during the off-season (November through March), Fox’s High Rock Farm offers private farm tours. These exclusive experiences let you spend one-on-one time with the animals, learn about daily farm operations, and take a scenic ride around the property on a side-by-side. It is a quieter, more intimate way to experience the farm and a great option for birthdays, date nights, or small group outings when the regular season has ended.
Planning Your Visit to Fox’s High Rock Farm
Getting to this Hocking Hills petting zoo is straightforward. The farm sits right along State Route 664 in Logan, just minutes from the major Hocking Hills hiking trails, Old Man’s Cave, and dozens of cabin rental areas. If you are already in the area for a hike or a canoe trip, adding a stop at Fox’s High Rock Farm is easy and makes for a well-rounded family day.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Allow about 30 to 60 minutes. That gives you plenty of time to visit every animal, take photos, and try the gem mining without feeling rushed.
- Bring hand sanitizer or plan to wash up. The farm has a wash station nearby, but having your own is always handy.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. You will be walking through the pens and grassy areas, so leave the sandals in the car.
- Dogs are welcome on a leash but must stay at least 15 feet from animal fences and are not permitted inside the barn or pens.
- Check the schedule. The farm is open from April through October, rain or shine. A quick check on the website or a call to (740) 370-0800 before you head out is always a good idea.
- Arrive earlier in the day if you can. The animals are most active in the morning, and you will have a more relaxed experience before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Why Families Keep Coming Back to Fox’s High Rock Farm
There is a reason this petting zoo in Hocking Hills has earned a near-perfect Google rating from hundreds of families. It is not flashy or over-the-top. It is a genuine, feel-good experience run by people who love animals and love sharing them with visitors.
Parents appreciate that their kids can actually interact with the animals instead of just looking through a fence. Grandparents love the slower pace and the chance to watch their grandkids light up. Even teenagers — the toughest audience — end up smiling when a baby goat climbs into their lap or an alpaca leans in for a treat.
For families visiting Hocking Hills, the area is best known for its caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails. But adding a stop at Fox’s High Rock Farm rounds out the trip in a way that everyone in the family can enjoy — no steep trails required, no age restrictions, and no complicated reservations. Just show up, grab some animal feed, and let the goats do the rest.
Start Planning Your Trip
If you are heading to Hocking Hills this summer and want a family-friendly activity that does not involve a screen, a schedule, or a stress level, Fox’s High Rock Farm is waiting for you. Visit foxshighrockfarm.com to check current hours and plan your stop. Whether it is your first visit or your fifth, the animals are always happy to see you — and your kids will be talking about it the whole way home.