We kept hearing about the petting zoo at Queen's Park, but the distance from home made it quite the production to get out here.
We finally decided to make the trip today, and I am glad we did. It was worth the effort.
We took the skytrain to Columbia station then walked from there. I do not recommend this. Although the distance looked do-able on Google maps, I somehow completely forgot that New Westminster is a town built on a steep slope down towards the river. 25 minute walk on a hot day pushing a stroller sounds like a workout, but 25 minutes pushing a stroller uphill the whole way sounds like hell.
Our walking route took us to the opposite end of the park as the petting zoo and having never been to the park before, I had a heck of a time trying to find it. There are directional signs in the park, but not one that we passed said "petting farm"
Eventually, I spotted a sign above an archway with primary coloured letters when I was trying to find the ramp to get out of the rose garden (which I never did find) and figured that must be it.
If you've been to the Children's Farm at Beacon Hill in Victoria... this is not that.
They have the standard, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens/ducks, rabbits and peacocks.
Unlike Beacon Hill, they do not have wood chips, the goats walk on hard packed dirt. which does nothing to absorb the pee smell, so be prepared for that. Also unlike Beacon Hill, there was one lone teenage staff member struggling to stay on top of poo patrol... so watch your step.
There is no fee to enter, but there is a coin box for donations on the way out. There is no minimum donation.
There is a large, well equipped hand wash station on the way out as well.
The playground here is fantastic, so is the waterpark.
So many imaginative structures to play on for bigger kids, as well as smaller structures for toddlers.
There's plenty of shady benches to sit on.
There is also a concession where you can get slush puppies for $1.5 and washroom facilities.
In all, this is an excellent and budget friendly place to spend an afternoon with the kids. read more