Certain parts of the East End have developed a reputation for attracting “party animals.” However, the North and South Forks are also magnets for people who want to experience different kinds of animals. Farms, wildlife refuges, petting zoos and marine touch tanks give everyone from tiny tykes who adore feeding animals to folks with a newfound passion for bird watching a chance to visit with some of the East End’s other four-legged, fin-centric and winged residents. These spots provide wholesome fun for the whole family and people needing solo time in nature. From a prized petting zoo not to a historic ranch at The End, these are the best animal experiences on the North and South Forks.
A marine touch tank lets guests touch sea stars, crabs, urchins and more, and a Native Butterfly Garden outside exudes serene charm at every turn. Guests can also peep animals in their natural habitats outside, which quite literally brings some of the habitat depictions found inside to life. Ospreys, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer run wild while tree swallows provide live music.
Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200
Four new otter pups born to proud mama Flo are among the newer residents at this longstanding attraction with penguins, sharks, stingrays and snakes. The aquarium, which turns 25 in 2025, has a touch tank that welcomes tiny hands and a warm butterfly garden. Experiences include a shark dive for the not-so-faint of heart (ages 12+), selfies with sea lions and a penguin encounter. Regular events, like Easter and Mother’s Day feasts and weddings, also allow people to mark holidays and milestones amid extra-special party guests. Pro tip for regular visits: Many local libraries offer reduced-cost passes.
Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden, 663 Wading River Road, Manorville, 631-878-8653
People come for the tulips each year and return for more opportunities to interact with the barn animals like kune kune pigs, bunnies, alpacas, peacocks and chickens. Small placards identify the animals and provide insights into what they eat and what makes them tick, making it a fun educational experience. When your kids are wilder than animals, there’s plenty of playground equipment like a large wooden train and pirate ship where they can get energy out and nap on the way home. Bonus: It’s a full-family-friendly affair at Waterdrinker — dogs are also welcome.
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, 631-878-6644
Watch newborn goats quietly nurse, feed younger ones from a bottle and see where the camel and buffalo roam at this sprawling wildlife park and petting zoo founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak in Manorville. Tours include monkeying around with lemurs and wallaby encounters that don’t require going Down Under. In the summer, local (human) acts perform amid nature as part of the farm’s “Songbird Sessions.”
Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck, 631-482-7641
Harbes Family Farm has a reputation for stopping (or, perhaps more accurately, starting) traffic from Mother’s Day to pumpkin picking season. The festivals, orchard and pumpkin patches are rivaled only by the chance to meet farm animals from May through October. Say cocka-doodle-doo to chickens and roosters and ooo and aww at baby chicks, bunnies, lambs and goats. A trio of pot-bellied pigs will delight guests of all ages.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue, 631-653-4771
Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a safe haven for animals needing lifelong human care, including those with injuries. Owls, a majestic peregrine falcon, tortoises and possums are among the animals you might see in their natural surroundings. A shy but mighty hawk may also make an appearance (be sure to use indoor voices if he does — loud noises scare him). Indoors, box turtles, geckos and pythons live in their safe, home sweet homes. A butterfly garden is another way to experience creatures of the small sort. Admission is free.
Deep Hollow Ranch, 1929 Montauk Highway, Montauk, 631-668-2744
At the risk of messing with Texas: The End is home to the birthplace of the American Cowboy. While those claims are something of a legend, we do know that Deep Hollow Ranch was founded in 1658 and is the oldest continuously operating cattle ranch in the U.S. Today, guests can take pony rides, trail rides and beach rides, the latter of which take place on the white-sandy shores of Block Island Sand.
Catapano Dairy Farm, 33705 County Road 48, Peconic, 631-765-8042
Catapano churns out award-winning goat cheese. Visitors can show gratitude to the baby goats who will one day help source that delectable cheese. Each April through July, Catapano Dairy Farm lets guests ages 2 and up cuddle with baby goats on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.. Yoga at the farm is also kid-friendly in more ways than one — baby goat yoga occurs on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. as long as Mother Nature is cool with it. All humans ages 5 and up are welcome to flow through their vinyasa while little goats kid around.
This 10-acre farm and rescue has pigs, goats, exotic birds like parrots and money. Guests can feed the goats food and milk or ride a Safari train with the whole family. Guests may even find a new family member—geese, guinea pigs, chickens and turtles are all available for adoption to the right forever homes.
