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Don’t Miss The Adorable Moo Moo Cho Choo Train And Tractor Tours Around This Charming Boonton Farm

Picture this: goats strutting across elevated ramps above your head while bunnies dart between your feet, and in the distance, an actual zebra waits eagerly for its next carrot snack.

This family-run petting farm just outside Boonton Township delivers something rare in Northern New Jersey—an authentic, unpretentious farm experience where kids can get genuinely muddy, parents can actually relax, and the animals steal the show every single time.

Open seasonally from May through October, Brookhollow’s Barnyard has been welcoming families for years with its charming mix of traditional farm animals and unexpected surprises. You’ll find everything from horses and donkeys to alpacas and peacocks roaming the grounds.

The farm transforms with the seasons too, offering pumpkin picking in fall and a spectacular Christmas light show that runs from late November through February.

Animal Encounters That’ll Have Your Kids Begging To Return

The Walk-Through Feeding Experience: The main attraction here is simple but utterly captivating. You grab a colorful plastic bucket or cup filled with fresh carrot slices and a small shovel, then wander through the farm feeding eager animals at every turn.

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The bucket becomes yours to keep forever, and you can refill it for just a dollar on future visits—a brilliant touch that has families coming back season after season.

Those Scene-Stealing Goats: Watch these competitive characters jostle and climb for position whenever food appears. They scale ramps and structures overhead, creating hilarious photo opportunities as they literally look down on you from their perches.

Their antics provide endless entertainment, especially when multiple goats compete for the same shovel of carrots.

The Zebra That Surprises Everyone: Yes, an actual zebra lives here alongside the traditional farm crew. This unexpected resident consistently surprises first-time visitors and has become one of the farm’s most photographed attractions.

The zebra shares space with llamas, alpacas, mules, horses, donkeys, sheep, geese, ducks, chickens, pigs, and baby animals including adorable piglets and bunnies.

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Baby Animal Season: Time your visit right during spring and you might encounter the farm’s youngest residents—fuzzy chicks, tiny piglets, fluffy bunnies, and newborn lambs. The Easter season brings special photoshoot opportunities where you can pose with and hold these precious babies, but sessions sell out fast when announced in January.

The Rides & Play Areas Kids Can’t Get Enough Of

Moo Moo Cho Choo Train: This open-air kiddie train features a genuine Thomas the Tank Engine pulling cow-print cars through the flower gardens.

The five-minute ride runs regularly throughout the day—roughly every 30 minutes on weekends and every 45 minutes on weekdays. The train fits up to 15 passengers and costs just three dollars per person.

Tractor Tours Around The Property: Climb aboard for a leisurely 10-15 minute ride around the entire farm property. These tractor rides offer a perfect breather for parents while kids take in pastoral views and spot animals from a different vantage point.

The rides operate until 1pm on weekdays and 4:30pm on weekends, though they may pause during peak summer heat.

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Victorian Playhouses & Themed Sandboxes: Three giant sandboxes dot the property, each with its own character—a train shed, corn cabin, and kitchen house.

You’ll also discover charming Victorian-style playhouses perfect for imaginative play. Four large wooden play structures shaped like a firetruck, train, bulldozer, and Noah’s ark provide climbing and exploring opportunities.

The Layout That Lets Kids Roam: Unlike crowded playgrounds, this farm gives children room to safely run between attractions while parents can hang back and supervise from a distance. Families frequently meet here for playdates because the space allows kids to explore at their own pace without constant hovering.

The Atmosphere & Setting

Pure Dirt Paths & Real Farm Vibes: Forget pristine, manicured grounds—this is an authentic working farm with dirt paths everywhere. Come prepared for messy fun and wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. The gravel paths handle strollers surprisingly well, making the farm accessible for families with little ones in wheeled transport.

That Paved Parking Lot Advantage: Unlike most farms where you’re trudging through mud before you even start, Brookhollow’s offers a paved parking lot right up front. This seemingly small detail makes arrival and departure significantly easier, especially when managing strollers, diaper bags, and excited toddlers.

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Shaded Seating Throughout: Multiple benches and picnic tables provide rest spots where you can pause for snacks or just watch the kids play. Since the farm doesn’t sell food on-site, bringing your own lunch or snacks is not only allowed but encouraged. Just remember—those carrots are exclusively for the animals.

Wide Open Spaces: The farm feels surprisingly spacious without being overwhelming. You’re close enough to Route 287 for easy access, yet the property itself feels tucked away and peaceful. The surrounding trees and open fields create a serene backdrop that photographs beautifully regardless of the season.

What Else You Should Know

The Pricing Is Genuinely Reasonable: Admission runs just $6.50 per person, with kids under two entering free. A feeding cup costs around five dollars and becomes a permanent souvenir, while refills are only a dollar.

The train and tractor rides are three dollars each. For a full day of entertainment, you’re looking at roughly $15-20 per person total—exceptionally affordable compared to other family attractions.

Those Porta-Potties: Be aware the farm doesn’t have traditional restrooms, just a couple of porta-potties located at different spots on the property. Plan bathroom breaks accordingly, especially with young children.

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Perfect For The Under-10 Crowd: While animal lovers of any age will find joy here, the farm specifically shines for kids aged six and under. Older children who adore animals will still have a blast, but the activities and scale cater beautifully to toddlers and preschoolers.

Birthday Parties Worth Considering: Party packages start at $275 for up to 30 guests and include 15 carrot cups for feeding. You bring the decorations, cake, and food while the farm provides the animals, play areas, and ride access.

With two party locations—a pavilion near the entrance and a party barn at the pumpkin patch—you can host an unforgettable celebration without the typical venue headaches.

Special Events Throughout The Year: Beyond daily operations, watch for goat yoga sessions, week-long summer camps, Easter egg hunts with baby animal cuddles, fall pumpkin picking, and that dazzling Christmas light show. Popular events sell out quickly, so check their Facebook and Instagram for announcements.

Best Times To Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer a more relaxed experience. Weekend afternoons get busier but maintain that less-crowded feel compared to major attractions. The farm closes during thunderstorms and excessive heat, so check their social media before heading out on questionable weather days.

Seasonal Hours To Remember: The farm operates Tuesday through Sunday from May 1st through October 31st. Weekday hours run 10am-2:30pm, while weekends extend until 5pm. They’re closed Mondays during the season.

Note that while pumpkin picking and Christmas tree activities happen off-season, the animals aren’t present during the December tree farm period.


Brookhollow’s Barnyard
📍 301 Rockaway Valley Rd, Boonton Township, NJ 07005

Writer: Danny Russo
Click to read bio

I grew up on the Jersey Shore and now call Asbury Park home. Generally I write about local news and events, and local attractions around the state.