FunKidsActivities
Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary

Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary

8420 N County Rd 650 E, Brownsburg, IN 46112, USA

Overview

Category:Petting Zoos
Location:Indianapolis, IN

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary stands out for its highly interactive and affectionate animal encounters, allowing visitors to pet many free-roaming pigs, goats, and donkeys. It's a sanctuary dedicated to the exceptional care and welfare of over 300 diverse rescue animals, from pigs with their own furnished 'bedrooms' to donkeys, goats, sheep, turkeys, and peacocks. The experience is enhanced by a consistently praised team of kind, knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are passionate about their mission.

Key Highlights

  • Kids loved it, especially the opportunity to pet almost all the pigs, a couple goats, and donkeys.
  • Most pigs are free-roaming (walking around) and described as very friendly.
  • Home to over 300 diverse rescue animals, including pigs, donkeys (a particular crowd favorite), goats, sheep, turkeys, and peacocks.
  • Animals are exceptionally well-cared for and loved, with unique features like 'cute little bedrooms' for some pigs complete with actual furniture.
  • Staff and volunteers are consistently praised for being kind, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the animals.
  • Visitors have the option to bring their own carrots and apples to feed the animals.
  • Free range access to tour the entire farm, allowing for extensive exploration.

Standout Features

  • Highly interactive animal encounters: direct petting opportunities with friendly, free-roaming pigs, goats, and donkeys.
  • Extensive collection of over 300 diverse rescue animals, offering a variety of species beyond just pigs.
  • Dedicated and knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are readily available to answer questions and enhance the visitor experience.
  • Two gift shops located on the farm for souvenirs and supporting the rescue mission.
  • Unique animal welfare practices, such as specially furnished 'bedrooms' for pigs, highlighting their commitment to animal care.
  • Ability for visitors to bring their own carrots and apples for animal feeding.
  • Full access to tour the entire farm grounds at leisure.

Perfect For

Ideal for school-aged children, with a 7-year-old specifically mentioned as loving the experience.
Highly recommended for 'families' and 'animal lovers' of all ages, implying broad appeal due to the interactive nature of the animal encounters.

Ideal For

Families seeking a highly interactive and educational animal experience.
Animal lovers and those passionate about animal rescue and welfare.
A day trip with school-aged children (e.g., 7 years and up) who enjoy direct animal interaction.
Individuals or groups looking for a unique farm experience, potentially including special events like farm yoga (as mentioned in a review).
People who appreciate supporting a mission-driven organization with high standards of animal care.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • **CHECK AHEAD:** Always call or check their Facebook page for current limited hours and seasonal operation before visiting.
  • **DRESS APPROPRIATELY:** Wear boots or old tennis shoes, and explicitly avoid sandals, due to the farm environment.
  • **PLAN FOR SUN:** Bring sunscreen and an umbrella or hat, as it can get 'super hot' on nice days with potentially limited shade.
  • **BE AWARE OF FEES:** Expect a $10 per person donation/charge (all ages), as this may not be clearly posted on their website.
  • **BRING ANIMAL TREATS:** Consider bringing your own carrots and apples to feed the animals directly, as this option is available.

Things to Consider

  • The $10 per person charge (for all ages) is not consistently posted or clearly visible on the website, which can lead to unexpected costs for visitors.
  • Bathroom facilities consist of porta-potties.
  • Operations have limited hours and are seasonal, requiring visitors to check Facebook or call ahead before planning a visit.
  • Can get 'super hot' on nice days, suggesting a lack of ample shaded areas.

Price & Value

There is a $10 donation/charge per person for all ages. This fee is mentioned as not always clearly posted on the website. Reviewers implicitly consider it a good value, expressing satisfaction with the experience and planning return visits or group trips, indicating they feel the cost supports a worthy cause and provides a quality experience.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
  • The bathroom option is a porta-potty, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
  • The 'free range to tour the entire farm' implies varying terrain which may not be fully accessible for all.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Visitors are explicitly allowed and encouraged to bring their own carrots and apples to feed the animals.
  • No information is provided regarding outside human food or drinks, or food sales for humans on-site (beyond items in gift shops).

🚗Parking Info

  • Parking is not explicitly detailed but no issues were reported, suggesting easy and available on-site parking at the farm location.

👥Crowd Levels

  • No explicit mentions of overcrowding or crowd-related issues. The overall sentiment suggests a pleasant and manageable visitor experience, implying crowd levels are not a significant concern based on these reviews.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Staff are 'everywhere' to answer questions and are described as very friendly, which can contribute to a sense of safety and guidance during animal interactions.
  • Animals are consistently described as 'sweet,' 'well cared for,' and 'friendly,' suggesting good temperament and health management.
  • No specific formal safety features such as first aid stations, security personnel, or entrance/exit tracking are mentioned.

When to Avoid

  • Arriving without checking current operating hours and seasonal availability.
  • Visiting on a very hot day without adequate sun protection (sunscreen, hat, umbrella).
  • Wearing open-toed shoes (sandals) or new/nice footwear.
  • Assuming the entry is free; there is a $10 per person charge.
  • Expectation of traditional indoor restroom facilities (only porta-potties available).

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

Private Tour

$150

Duration: 1 hour

Private visit around the sanctuary for up to 6 people.

Includes:
  • Tour of the sanctuary

Patio Rental for Small Gathering/Event

$125 (rental fee) + $15 per guest

Duration: 2 hour block

Rent the patio for birthday, bridal shower, or baby shower.

Includes:
  • Patio space with picnic tables and umbrellas
  • 30-minute farm sanctuary tour for each guest

Yoga Session (Pig, Farm, Kitty, Goat Yoga)

$25 per person

Duration: 1 hour (for Serenity, Sunflowers, and Sunsets)

Beginner yoga session with animals. Specific animals depend on the event (pigs, goats, chickens, cats).

Includes:
  • Yoga session
  • Farm visit (after some sessions)

Date Night at the Farm

$15 per person

Duration: 3 hours (e.g., 6pm-9pm)

Evening outing with sanctuary tour, General Store access, and food vendors.

Includes:
  • Sanctuary tour to meet animals
  • Access to The Back Forty (general store, vendors)
  • Food/drinks available from vendors (That Vegan Joint, Fig's Farm, The Wandering Bee)
Ages: Adults (geared more towards, but everyone welcome with ticket)

Watermelon Wednesday

Ticketed event (price not specified)

Duration: 2 hours (6pm-8pm)

An evening event where guests can visit and feed animals from fence lines. Limited tickets available.

Includes:
  • Access to front side of sanctuary
  • Visiting with goats, donkeys, chickens, turkey, pigs
  • General store access

Ride for the Pigs

$25 per bike, $10 per additional rider

Charitable bike ride benefiting the pigs. Scenic route concluding at Lebanon Post 113.

Includes:
  • T-shirt (per bike)
  • Coffee and pastries at registration

Our Table Chef's Experience

Details at provided link (not specified in content)

Duration: 4 hours (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

Exclusive chef's table experience with an entirely plant-based meal hosted by Chef Logan McMahan.

Includes:
  • Plant-based meal

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Fall Break on the Farm (Oct 17, 2025)

Friday, October 17, 2025 (11:00 AM - 2:30 PM)

$10 per person (including children of all ages) for self-guided tours; $5 per person for hayrides ($5 adults, $3 kids during Oct 23/24 event); $1 per stem for U-PICK flowers; Mums $8 each or 3 for $20; $5 donation per group for Kitty Cottage.

Self-guided tours, animal interaction, mum-raiser, U-PICK flowers, General Store, Kitty Cottage open, hay rides with pumpkin feeding. Only select parts of the farm open on Oct 23/24 due to volunteer shortage.

Pig Yoga (Oct 18, 2025)

Saturday, October 18, 2025 (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

$25 per person

Beginners yoga session in the field amongst friendly pigs, taught by Chris Ozminkowski. Bring your own mat. Farm open until 2:30pm after yoga for guests to visit pigs. Takes place rain or shine (moves inside barn if bad weather).

Fall Break on the Farm (Oct 23 & 24, 2025)

Thursday, October 23, 2025 (11:00 AM - 2:30 PM) and Friday, October 24, 2025 (11:00 AM - 2:30 PM)

$10 per person (including children of all ages); Hay rides $5 for adults, $3 for kids; Mums 2 for $12; Pumpkins $8-$15 (regular), $5-$15 (specialty); $5 donation per group for Kitty Cuddle Cottage.

Self-guided tours of select parts of the farm, interaction with pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys. General Store, U-PICK flower garden (limited blooms), pumpkins, mums, mixed patio pots, hay rides, Kitty Cuddle Cottage open.

Date Night at the Farm (Oct 25, 2025)

Saturday, October 25, 2025 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

$15 per person (tickets must be purchased in advance)

Evening tour of the sanctuary to meet animals. Access to The Back Forty with General Store (gifts, cold drinks, snacks), That Vegan Joint, and Fig's Farm (vegan baked goods). Geared towards adults.

Date Night on the Farm (Sep 26, 2025)

Friday, September 26, 2025 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

$15 per person (tickets must be purchased in advance)

Evening tour of the sanctuary. Access to The Back Forty with General Store (gifts, cold drinks, snacks), and That Vegan Joint. Geared towards adults.

🍎Food Policy

  • Outside food is welcome, but must be plant-based in respect of the farm animals.
  • Approved snacks to bring for pigs (during Valenswine and Watermelon Wednesday events): Carrots, apples, cucumbers, whole melons, Cheerios, animal crackers, unsalted peanuts, grapes, strawberries.

🛡️Safety Policy

  • OA is a rescue and sanctuary, not a 'petting zoo'; calm, gentle petting is welcomed.
  • Running and screaming through the barn is prohibited to avoid frightening animals.
  • Number one rule: Respect the animals.
  • Younger children should be carried throughout the barn to prevent being stepped on.
  • Strollers or wagons are not permitted as they are a safety hazard to animals and tend to scare residents.
  • Dogs are not allowed to be walked through the farm.

📅Booking Policy

  • General visiting (self-guided tours) does not require reservations.
  • Tickets for special events must be purchased in advance.
  • For field trips, fill out the provided form on the 'Visit' page.
  • For private tours, send an email to oinkingacres@gmail.com.
  • For patio rental, send a message to inquire.

🚗Parking Information

  • Gravel lot parking (mums moved to garden to free up space)
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 15, 2025

Photos

Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary photo 1
Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary photo 2
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Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary photo 6

What People Say

What's Great

  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 5 reviews)
  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Jessica Claypool

Jessica Claypool

6 months ago

My husband and I needed something to do today. I looked up animal sanctuaries and this place popped up! All I can say is I can't wait to go back! The animals were so sweet, well cared for the staff was so kind. Everyone was very knowledgeable about the animals, the little store was cute and we just had the most amazing time! Please go here and bring your families and especially your animal lovers! It's heaven on earth!!!

Ash

Ash

5 months ago

Lovely animal sanctuary located north of Brownsburg, IN. $10 donation per person (all ages). Limited hours and Seasonal. Call or check Facebook before planning your visit. Gift shops available. Bathroom option is porta-potty. Option to bring your own carrots & apples to give to the animals. My 7yo loved it. We came for the pigs, but the donkeys stole the show. They told us they have over 300 animals. We were impressed with the visit and plan to take a group back in the spring!

Rebecca Terry

Rebecca Terry

10 months ago

I love this rescue so much. They really love and take care of their animals. We went to a farm yoga event and fell in love with all the pigs and goats. There are two stores located on the farm and you have free range to tour the entire farm. They have cute little bedrooms for some of the pigs and have actual furniture, and it cracked me up. The amount of care, patience, and money they put into this place is incredible. I would love to volunteer here.

Max Bromberg

Max Bromberg

10 months ago

Everyone should check out this AMAZING sanctuary!! The volunteers who run the place are so knowledgeable and the animals are adorable! There’s not just pigs either, they have rescue donkeys, goats, sheep, turkeys, and even peacocks!! I will be coming back at every opportunity to support such a wonderful mission. One suggestion, bring an umbrella and pack your sunscreen because on a nice day it gets super hot!

Brecquelyn Burkhammer

Brecquelyn Burkhammer

7 months ago

My kids loved this so much! You can pet almost all the pigs also a couple goats and donkeys. Most of the pigs are running (walking around) free and are very friendly. Staff everywhere to answer questions and are also very friendly. There's also a couple little gift shops. Wear boots or old tennis shoes NOT sandles. There was a $10 charge per person that isn't really posted anywhere on the website that I saw. Was planning on donating anyway but if you were going to show up thinking it's free, it is not.

Contact Information

8420 N County Rd 650 E, Brownsburg, IN 46112, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 AM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.9
Total Reviews186
Recent Reviews5