Anderson & Girls Orchards 2024: Exciting, free petting zoo with surprises around every corner
Family fun at Anderson & Girls Orchards
The free petting zoo and the collection of fun things to do in this local Family farm is unlike anything we have seen anywhere else.
Animal lovers – and Fall Activities Enthusiasts – love Anderson & Girls Orchards.
Anderson & Girls Orchards is located in Stanton, Michigan, about an hour northeast of Grand Rapids.
Anderson & Girls Orchards
What started as a small group of five goats and two Jersey calves has now grown to over 140 animals – plus fantastic homemade donuts and apple cider.
It’s not every day you get to feed parakeets, pet baby goats, watch sloths, and eat donuts and apple cider. But at Anderson and Girls, you can.
Read on to learn all about what to expect when you visit Anderson & Girls Orchards.
Activities at Anderson & Girls Orchards
Huge, free petting zoo at Anderson & Girls
If you are looking for a Petting zoo in West Michigan, this place should be on your list!
Anderson & Girls Orchards began with just a few goats and calves, but has now grown to over 140 animals and 14 different species of birds.
Let that sink in. This is the largest FREE petting zoo we know of.
During your visit you will see cockatoos, sloths, goats, porcupines, camels, yaks, reindeer and more.
Feeding the goats with the pulley system is really fun! (*Grain for feeding the animals can be purchased optionally.)
The sloths
Anderson & Girls’ now has four adorable sloths! The youngest baby sloth was born in June 2023.
Opening hours of the petting zoo
From May to October the petting zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In November and December, visits are also possible until 5 p.m.
Spring opening hours are from March 22nd to April, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Camel rides, parakeet and wallaby walks
On Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 – 16:00 guests can also choose between the following:
– Camel riding ($5)
– Feeding the parrots (1 USD/stock)
– or go for a walk with wallabies (free)
(Prices 2024)
Play area
In the middle of the petting zoo there is a large play area, which can also be used free of charge.
There is a giant slide, swings, a train to ride on and even pony rides.
The ice cream parlor at Anderson & Girls Orchards
Take a break from all the farm fun and grab a treat at the Sweet Shoppe.
Ice cream, floats, flurries, sundaes – and plenty of lunch options – take your pick!
Opening hours of the ice cream parlor in 2024
22 March – April: 11am – 5pm
May – October 11am – 6pm
Farmers market and gift shop
Don’t forget to visit the farmers market and gift shop. Anderson & Girls offers the best of West Michigan’s local produce.
The season begins in June with strawberries, in August with peaches and in September with apples and pears.
Find a cool gift for family, friends or yourself in the gift shop. Choose from toys, logo items, mugs, farmhouse decor, clothing, seasonal decorations and flavored coffee.
PLUS: You’ll find a wide selection of jams and cheeses. Local honey and maple syrup are delivered fresh from surrounding farms.
Autumn traders market
If you want to stop by on a very special day, be sure to stop by Anderson & Girls on September 28, 2024, the day of their dealership extravaganza.
Not only can you pet all of the cute farm animals, but you can also shop at local businesses! Over 40 vendors will spend the day at the farm from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Donuts and apple cider
Don’t miss the homemade donuts and apple cider at Anderson and Girls Orchards. Locals love the molasses cookies too!
The bakery is full of donuts, cakes, specialty breads, brownies and cookies.
Delicious donuts include blueberry donuts (with or without frosting) and apple donuts. You can choose from apple donuts with no frosting, with cinnamon and sugar, with white powdered sugar, and with caramel frosting.
The Cider Mill opens the week before Labor Day weekend and will be in operation through December 1. In addition to regular cider, you can also get cider slushies upon request.
If you have special requests, please call in advance.
Hay wagon rides
The Buckets fall List is not complete without a hayride. Anderson & Girls is offering wagon rides to their pumpkin patch from September 21, 2024 through October.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the orchard as you drive.
Wagon rides take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $5 per person (2024 prices).
Pumpkin patch
As you check off items on your fall wish list, check off “a visit to a pumpkin patch.” You can book a free hayride to their pumpkin patch to round out your visit to Anderson and Girls Orchards.
Search the pumpkin patch for the most beautiful color, shape and size for your jack-o-lantern or harvest decoration.
Whether you’re looking for traditional pumpkins or these fun, unique pumpkin varieties, they have them all!
The price for pumpkins and cucurbits depends on the weight.
Anderson & Girls Orchards opening hours and location
2985 N Sheridan Rd, Stanton, MI 48888
Opening hours are subject to change – please call to confirm:
(989) 831- 4228
Petting zoo and souvenir shop – opening hours in autumn
(Open seven days a week)
22 March – April: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May – September: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October – December: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Feeding birds, walking with wallabies, riding camels
Saturday & Sunday: 12 – 16 o’clock
Opening hours of the ice cream parlor
22 March – April: 11am – 5pm
May – October: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
All-in-one destination for family fun
Whether you’re looking for a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch or an apple cider mill, Anderson & Girls Orchard has it all!
The mix of farmhouse fun and charm makes the orchard a must-visit place, promising surprises and delicious treats around every corner.
Let us know what you like best!
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