Activity Farms, Apple Orchards, and Petting Zoos Around Lake Geneva
Quick answer: For animals, go to Safari Lake Geneva (drive-through, reservations required, open through Oct 31) or Animal Gardens Petting Zoo on Highway 50 (weekends through October). For horseback rides, book Dan Patch Stables at the Grand Geneva entrance.
In fall, Pearce’s Farm Stand is the closest corn maze and pumpkin stop, and Royal Oak Farm in Harvard, Illinois, has a free petting zoo next to its U-pick orchard.
The farms around Lake Geneva split into 2 kinds: animal farms that run spring through fall, and harvest farms that come alive from September through October. This guide covers both and tells you which ones are worth the drive.
Which farm should you pick?
Lake Geneva activity farms at a glance
| Farm | Town | Drive | Best for | 2026 season | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva | 10 min | Drive-through animals | May 1 to Oct 31 | $19.95 to $26.95 |
| Animal Gardens | Hwy. 50, Delavan | 10 min | Petting zoo, pony rides | Weekends through Oct | $20 (ages 3+) |
| Dan Patch Stables | Grand Geneva | 5 min | Trail rides | Daily by reservation | Call |
| Green Meadows | East Troy | 35 min | Hands-on farm, hayrides | Tue to Sun | $15.75 |
| Jerry Smith Farm | Kenosha | 45 min | Pumpkins, petting zoo | Sept 12 to Nov 1 | $10.95 to $19.95 |
| Pearce’s Farm Stand | Walworth | 15 min | Corn maze, pumpkins | Daily to Oct 31 | Free entry |
| Royal Oak Farm | Harvard, IL | 25 min | U-pick apples, petting zoo | Daily to Oct 31 | Free entry; $12 U-pick |
| The Elegant Farmer | Mukwonago | 35 min | U-pick, hayrides, pony rides | Weekends to Oct 25 | Free entry |
Animal farms and petting zoos
Ranked by how close they are and how much animal time you get for the money.
1. Safari Lake Geneva
Reservations requiredWith kidsA family-owned drive-through park where the animals come right up to your car for feed. It’s the best farm stop on a cold or wet day, since nobody has to get out.
Tip: Online reservations are required. October weekends are the last of the season, so book a few days out.
2. Animal Gardens Petting Zoo
Petting zooPony ridesA 40-acre farm at The Dancing Horses Theatre with 16 exotic species and more than 40 hay-eating animals. The $20 ticket covers feed, a train ride and the playground. Pony rides are free for kids 12 and under (80 lbs max), and under 2 get in free.
Tip: It’s also open select weekdays in fall: Oct 1, 7, 21 and 28 in 2026. The $50 package adds the horse show and a backstage tour.
3. Dan Patch Stables
HorsebackBook aheadThe closest horseback riding to downtown. Guided 45-minute trail rides leave hourly by reservation, and there are pony rides, a petting farm and a haunted hayride in October.
Tip: Fall weekends often fill a week in advance. Call before you go for prices and rider limits.
4. Green Meadows Petting Farm
Hands-onNo reservationsA working farm that’s been hosting visitors since 1964. Kids get into the pens with the animals, then ride the hay wagon and the ponies. In fall there’s a corn maze and pumpkins.
Tip: Arrive before 2 p.m. if you want pony rides and hayrides.
5. Jerry Smith Farm
PumpkinsPetting zooThe biggest fall setup on this list: a 6-acre corn maze, more than 40 pumpkin varieties, a petting zoo and hayrides. Weekday activity hours start at 4 p.m.; weekends open at 10 a.m.
Tip: Dogs aren’t allowed during peak fall season (service animals excepted). Pet days return Oct 31 and Nov 1.
Fall activity farms
Pearce’s Farm Stand
Closest corn mazeFree entryA 4-generation farm with produce, a bakery, pumpkins, a corn maze and hayrides, about 15 minutes west of downtown. The concession stand runs weekends 11 to 5.
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Free petting zooU-pick applesParking, the petting zoo, playground, barns, gift shop and bakery are all free in fall. U-pick is $12 per person age 4 and up, with a 1/4-peck bag. Weekends add a carousel and kids’ train.
Tip: Leave pets at home. Last entry is 1 hour before close.
The Elegant Farmer
HayridesTrain ridesFree admission, then pay as you go: U-pick apples ($15 to $45), corn maze ($7), hayrides ($5 to $7) and pony rides ($10). The East Troy Railroad runs trains to the farm on Harvest Fest weekends.
Richardson Adventure Farm
Giant corn mazeBilled as the world’s largest corn maze, with U-pick pumpkins and rides. It’s about 30 minutes south and stays open late on weekends, so it works as an evening stop.
Orchards to add to a farm day
Full 2026 hours, prices and U-pick details are on the apple orchards and pumpkin patches guide. The short version:
5 orchards near Lake Geneva
Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
Apples, pumpkins and fruit wine on a farm in the same family since 1848.
Hafs Road Orchard
About 7 miles east of Lake Geneva. Smaller crop and shorter season in 2026, so go early.
Munster Orchard
U-pick at $1.75 a pound, 75+ varieties, free admission and 2 pumpkin patches.
Brightonwoods Orchard
150+ varieties, pre-picked, with trails and a 2-story treehouse.
Harvest Time Orchards
U-pick on 12 acres, fresh donuts and giant pumpkins in October.
Farms by season
Fall (September and October)
Everything on this page is open. Weekends from late September through mid-October are the busiest of the year, so go on a weekday if you can.
After Oct 31, Safari Lake Geneva, Pearce’s and Royal Oak close for the year. Jerry Smith and Richardson run through Nov 1.
Summer (June to August)
Safari Lake Geneva, Dan Patch Stables and Green Meadows are the go-to animal stops. Pearce’s opens its farm stand in mid-June for sweet corn and berries.
Winter and spring
Most farms close. The Elegant Farmer’s market stays open year-round, and Richardson sells Christmas trees starting the day after Thanksgiving. Safari Lake Geneva reopens May 1.
Best by category
| Category | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall animal stop | Animal Gardens | Feed, train and pony rides in 1 ticket |
| Best in bad weather | Safari Lake Geneva | Stay in the car |
| Best horseback | Dan Patch Stables | 5 minutes from downtown |
| Best hands-on farm | Green Meadows | Into the pens with the animals |
| Best free | Royal Oak petting zoo | No charge to visit in fall |
| Best corn maze | Richardson Adventure Farm | Biggest by far |
| Closest pumpkins | Pearce’s Farm Stand | 15 minutes, free entry |
What to check before you go
Reservations. Safari Lake Geneva requires them. Dan Patch trail rides need them on fall weekends.
Pet rules. Most farms don’t allow pets in fall. Service animals are the usual exception.
Weather. Hayrides and pony rides stop in heavy rain. Check the farm’s social page the morning you go.
Shoes. Barnyards and corn mazes are muddy after rain. Wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind ruining.
If you’re moving here
The farms are a reminder that Walworth County is still mostly countryside. Hobby farms, horse properties and homes on acreage sit 10 to 30 minutes from Geneva Lake, around Lyons, Elkhorn, Spring Prairie and East Troy.
Frequently asked questions
Are there petting zoos near Lake Geneva?
Yes. Animal Gardens Petting Zoo on Highway 50 between Delavan and Lake Geneva is the closest, open weekends through October for $20 (ages 3 and up). Green Meadows Petting Farm in East Troy, Royal Oak Farm in Harvard, Illinois, and Jerry Smith Farm in Kenosha also have petting zoos.
Do you need reservations for Safari Lake Geneva?
Yes. Safari Lake Geneva requires online reservations. It’s open May 1 to Oct 31, and admission runs $19.95 to $26.95.
Where can you go horseback riding near Lake Geneva?
Dan Patch Stables at the Grand Geneva entrance runs 45-minute guided trail rides by reservation, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fall weekends often book a week ahead.
What farms near Lake Geneva are open in October?
Safari Lake Geneva, Animal Gardens (weekends), Dan Patch Stables, Green Meadows, Pearce’s Farm Stand, Royal Oak Farm, The Elegant Farmer (weekends through Oct 25), Jerry Smith Farm and Richardson Adventure Farm.
Which farm near Lake Geneva has pony rides?
Animal Gardens includes free pony rides for kids 12 and under (80 lbs max) with admission. Green Meadows, Dan Patch Stables and The Elegant Farmer ($10) also offer pony rides.
Is there a free farm to visit near Lake Geneva?
In fall, Royal Oak Farm in Harvard, Illinois, has free parking, petting zoo, playground and barns. Pearce’s Farm Stand and The Elegant Farmer are free to enter, with paid activities.
What can you do with kids at a farm near Lake Geneva on a rainy day?
Safari Lake Geneva is the best bet, since you stay in your car. Many farm bakeries and stores stay open in light rain, but hayrides and pony rides usually stop.
What are the best apple orchards near Lake Geneva?
Royal Oak Farm for U-pick with free extras, Munster Orchard for low-cost U-pick, Hafs Road for pre-picked apples close to town, and Apple Barn for apples plus wine. See the full orchards and pumpkin patches guide for 2026 hours.
More ideas: things to do with kids in Lake Geneva, fall activities, fall scenic drives, farmers markets and stands and the East Troy community guide.
Want room for your own animals?
Kim and Joel Reyenga with eXp Realty cover Geneva Lake and the farm country around it, from lake-area homes to horse properties and acreage near Elkhorn, Lyons and East Troy.
Search Geneva Lake properties Equal Housing Opportunity. Reyenga Team, eXp Realty.