The Best Petting Zoo Near Columbus, Ohio — Under an Hour to Fox’s High Rock Farm

Looking for a petting zoo near Columbus, Ohio that goes beyond a quick walk past a fenced-in pen? Fox’s High Rock Farm in Logan, Ohio, sits just under an hour southeast of Columbus and delivers the kind of hands-on animal experience that families come back for year after year. This family-owned farm in the Hocking Hills region gives visitors the chance to pet, hold, brush, and feed friendly farm animals while enjoying gem mining, a gift shop, and the quiet beauty of the Ohio countryside.

Whether you are planning a Saturday day trip or adding a stop to a Hocking Hills getaway, here is everything you need to know about visiting Fox’s High Rock Farm — and why it stands out from every other petting zoo near Columbus.

A True Hands-On Animal Experience

Most petting zoos let you look. Some let you touch a goat through a fence rail. Fox’s High Rock Farm invites you right into the action. Visitors can step inside the animal enclosures to pet, brush, and feed the animals directly. Feed is served in edible ice cream cones, so there is nothing to throw away when the goats polish off their snack — they eat the cone, too.

The farm is home to a charming lineup of animals that includes alpacas, goats and baby goats, donkeys, mini pigs, sheep, horses, and barn cats. The goats tend to steal the show — especially the babies, who will climb right into your lap if you let them. The alpacas are gentle and curious, happy to stand still while visitors brush their soft fleece. And the mini pigs? They will roll over for a belly rub without a second invitation.

Each animal is well cared for and accustomed to interacting with visitors, which means even toddlers can feel comfortable getting close. The staff is always nearby to help, whether that means introducing a shy child to a gentle donkey or showing a first-timer how to offer feed from the palm of their hand.

As one recent visitor, Joe Bosch, shared in a five-star Google review: “The kids had a great time being able to be in the pen to pet and brush the goats and hold the baby goats.”

More Than a Petting Zoo — Gem Mining, Too

What sets Fox’s High Rock Farm apart from other animal farms near Columbus is the gem mining station. After spending time with the animals, visitors can head to the mining sluice and sift through bags of mining rough to discover real gemstones, fossils, and even shark teeth. It is a hands-on activity that keeps kids focused and excited, and plenty of adults find themselves just as hooked.

The combination of live animal encounters and gem mining makes Fox’s High Rock Farm a two-in-one destination. Instead of driving to one spot for animals and another for an activity, families can settle in for a full morning or afternoon at the farm and leave with both animal photos and a bag of treasures.

Michael Schneider summed it up in his five-star review: “Great staff and fun for kids and kids at heart. Went back twice the same day and also did some gem mining.”

Why Families Drive From Columbus for This Farm

There are petting zoos closer to Columbus. So why do families make the 50-minute drive to Logan? The answer comes down to atmosphere. Fox’s High Rock Farm is not a corporate attraction or a county fair add-on. It is a family-owned and operated farm where the owners and staff genuinely love what they do.

The property is clean, well maintained, and thoughtfully laid out so families can move at their own pace. There are no rushed time slots or crowded walkways. You show up, grab some feed, and spend as long as you like getting to know the animals. The covered picnic area with games gives families a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the countryside between animal visits.

Josie Yatskiv captured it perfectly in a recent Google review: “Fox’s High Rock Farm is one of those places that brings out your inner kid, no matter your age. The staff is incredibly kind, patient, and passionate about what they do, making everyone feel welcome from the moment they walk through the gate.”

That kind of experience is hard to find at busier, larger operations closer to the city. The drive is part of the charm — you leave the suburbs behind and arrive at a quiet, scenic farm tucked into the Hocking Hills foothills.

Planning Your Day Trip From Columbus

Getting to Fox’s High Rock Farm from Columbus is straightforward. Head southeast on US-33 toward Logan, and in about 50 minutes you will arrive at 14977 State Route 664 South. The farm is open April through October, rain or shine, so you do not need to worry about a cloudy forecast canceling your plans.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your visit:

• Arrive early in the morning. The animals are most active and the farm is less crowded, especially on weekends.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. You will be stepping into animal enclosures on natural ground.
• Bring a camera. Between baby goats, fluffy alpacas, and kids covered in gem mining dust, you will want photos.
• Check the gift shop. The farm has a gift shop with souvenirs, including a smashed penny machine that kids love.
• Plan for one to two hours. Most families spend about an hour with the animals and another stretch at the gem mining station.

If you want to extend your day trip, the farm’s location along Route 664 puts you minutes from Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man’s Cave, and other popular hiking destinations. You could easily pair a morning at the farm with an afternoon on the trails. The same family behind Fox’s High Rock Farm also runs Hocking Hills Canoe Livery nearby, so it is easy to combine a farm visit with a canoe or tubing trip on the Hocking River for a full day of outdoor adventure.

Private Farm Tours in the Off-Season

Fox’s High Rock Farm offers private farm tours from November through March for families and groups who want to visit outside the regular season. These tours include a side-by-side ride around the property and a close-up look at the animals in their winter routine. It is a completely different experience from a summer visit — quieter, more personal, and a great option for birthday parties, small group outings, or a unique holiday activity.

Private tours are available by reservation. Visit foxshighrockfarm.com/private-tours.html for details and booking information.

A Petting Zoo Worth the Drive

Columbus families have no shortage of weekend activity options, but few of them deliver the warmth, authenticity, and hands-on fun that Fox’s High Rock Farm offers. With friendly animals you can actually hold and brush, a gem mining station that keeps every age group entertained, and a family-run atmosphere that makes you feel like a guest rather than a ticket number, it is easy to see why this farm has earned a near-perfect five-star rating on Google.

The drive from Columbus takes under an hour. The memories last a lot longer.

Plan your visit today. Check hours, directions, and details at foxshighrockfarm.com. For questions, call the farm at (740) 370-0800.