Petting Zoos Open
Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary
4.9(186)4.9 out of 5 stars, 186 reviews Indianapolis, IN
About Oinking Acres Farm & Rescue Sanctuary
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.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best 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.
Why families love it
- 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.
Insider tips
- **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.
Good to know before you go
- 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).
- Crowds
- 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.
- 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.
- Food
- Visitors are explicitly allowed and encouraged to bring their own carrots and apples to feed the animals.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- 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.
What parents say
"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!!!"
6 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!"
5 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."
10 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More petting zoos in Indianapolis
Petting Zoos Tuttle Orchards
4.7(817)4.7 out of 5 stars, 817 reviews5717 N 300 W, Greenfield
Petting Zoos Silly Safaris
4.8(187)4.8 out of 5 stars, 187 reviews12104 Southeastern Ave, Acton
Petting Zoos Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center
4.8(175)4.8 out of 5 stars, 175 reviewsSimon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis
Petting Zoos Natural Valley Ranch
4.7(141)4.7 out of 5 stars, 141 reviews6310 County Rd 350 N, Brownsburg