Any animal farms to visit with kids in Sharjah?

Experiencing the joy of connecting with animals at a farm or petting zoo can be a truly enriching activity for children in Sharjah, allowing them to learn about different species, understand animal care, and even enjoy the simple delight of a gentle touch. We believe that such interactions foster empathy and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, creating lasting memories for the entire family.

Sharjah Desert Park: A Premier Destination for Animal Encounters

The Sharjah Desert Park is arguably the most comprehensive destination in the emirate for families seeking animal encounters, offering more than just a farm but an entire ecosystem dedicated to conservation and education. Within this expansive park, you will find several key attractions, with the Children’s Farm standing out as a prime spot for kids to interact with animals.

• Children’s Farm: This dedicated section within Sharjah Desert Park provides a unique opportunity for young visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of domesticated animals native to the Arabian Peninsula. Here, children can observe, pet, and sometimes even feed animals like Arabian horses, donkeys, camels, sheep, goats, and cows. There’s also a charming duck pond, adding to the rural farm atmosphere. The farm is thoughtfully designed with both indoor and outdoor sections. The indoor section often hosts educational and environmental programs, along with workshops and awareness-raising activities, teaching children about local fauna. The outdoor section is where most of the direct interaction happens. This hands-on experience is incredibly beneficial for developing children’s social and emotional skills and sparking their natural curiosity about the world around them.
• Arabia’s Wildlife Centre: While not a “farm” in the traditional sense, this impressive center within Sharjah Desert Park houses a wide array of Arabian wildlife, including endangered species like the Arabian leopard, oryx, and various birds of prey. Though direct petting is not allowed with these wild animals, the close viewing opportunities and informative displays offer a profound educational experience, complementing the farm visit by teaching children about the broader regional biodiversity.
• Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden: These additional attractions within the park further enhance the visit, providing a holistic understanding of the region’s flora and fauna, making the entire Sharjah Desert Park a full-day educational adventure.

The Sharjah Desert Park is easily accessible, located along Al Dhaid Road. It operates on specific timings, generally from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on most days, with slightly different hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Children under 12 typically enjoy free entry, making it a very accessible option for families. We advise checking the official Sharjah Desert Park pages on the Visit Sharjah website or other reliable tourism platforms for the most current timings and entry information.

Sharjah Safari Park: Immersive Wildlife, Including Farm Elements

Sharjah Safari Park, located in Al Dhaid, is a monumental wildlife project that, while primarily a safari experience for wild animals, also includes elements designed for child interaction, such as a petting zoo and a children’s farm. This is the largest safari park outside Africa, covering vast areas that replicate various African and Arabian habitats.

• Petting Zoo and Children’s Farm: Within the expansive park, there is a dedicated petting zoo where visitors, especially children, can get up close to and feed certain friendly animals. The park also features a “Children’s Farm” that allows for direct interaction with a variety of farm animals. This offers a unique blend of experiencing large safari animals from a distance and having hands-on encounters with more domesticated species.
• Diverse Animal Encounters: Beyond the petting zoo, the safari journey itself allows families to observe a wide range of animals, from giraffes and zebras to lions and antelopes, in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Educational activities, animal shows, and even camel rides are often available, making it a comprehensive animal-themed outing.

Sharjah Safari Park is a significant destination for animal lovers. Its timings are typically from 9:00 AM, with variations depending on the day and season. Ticket prices generally apply for adults and children over a certain age, with younger children often entering free. Given its scale, planning your visit in advance and checking the Sharjah Safari Park website for detailed information on zones, timings, and interactive experiences is highly recommended.

Oasis Mall Sharjah: Occasional Petting Zoo Events

While not a permanent animal farm, Oasis Mall Sharjah has periodically hosted “Eid Special Petting Zoo” events, which provide a fantastic temporary opportunity for children to interact with various friendly animals. These events, as seen during recent Eid holidays (e.g., June 2025), allowed families to cuddle llamas, goats, rabbits, ducks, and more in a safe and interactive environment. These pop-up petting zoos are often part of broader mall promotions or festive celebrations, designed to delight kids and parents alike. To find out about future petting zoo events, we suggest following the Oasis Mall Sharjah social media channels or checking their “Events” section on their official website, especially around public holidays and school breaks. These offer a convenient urban option for a quick animal encounter.

Al Bustan Zoological Center: A Focus on Conservation

Al Bustan Zoological Center in Maliha, Sharjah, is a privately owned zoo that plays a significant role in the conservation of endangered species. While it is primarily a zoological center focused on a wide array of global species (including cheetahs, lemurs, and various birds), it offers viewing opportunities for children to learn about biodiversity. It’s more of a traditional zoo experience rather than a “petting farm,” but it provides an invaluable educational insight into animal life and conservation efforts. Visiting the Al Bustan Zoological Center offers a chance to see a diverse collection of animals from around the world. As it is a private facility, checking for public access and any specific visitor guidelines via relevant tourism platforms or inquiries would be prudent.

Tips for Visiting Animal Farms with Kids

When planning a visit to an animal farm or petting zoo in Sharjah, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always check the facility’s specific rules regarding animal interaction, especially feeding, as this is usually done with specific, approved feed available on-site. Dress children in comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Carry hand sanitizers, as handwashing stations might not always be immediately available after every interaction. The best times to visit are usually during the cooler months (October to April) or during the morning hours to avoid the midday heat. These experiences not only bring joy but also instill a sense of responsibility and respect for living creatures in young hearts.This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team.