If you’ve ever wanted to get up close to some of the Garden’s State’s most adorable, fuzzy animals, you’re in luck. Alpacas are known not only for their soft fleece but also their big, expressive eyes and their friendly and curious personalities. We’ve found a bunch of alpaca farms that are sure to make a memorable experience for you and your kids.
2021 Bentz Rd., Wall
732-861-1385
Free/Saturdays
Learn how to knit and spin fleece at the farm’s store where the owners’ daughters teach guests the skills to make beautiful warm cardigans and scarves. The family-owned farm also offers farm tours, so the kids can cozy up to the sociable animals. They are currently closed but are slated to reopen in September.
44 Willow Ave., Peapack
908-625-4110
$12
Whether you go during an open weekend or sign the family up for a private tour, you’re sure to leave the farm with plenty of alpaca selfies and fun facts from guides. Kids can grab some alpaca food and feed the fuzzy guys while getting up close to their sweet faces. You can even sponsor or adopt an alpaca. The farm is open on weekends and reservations are required.
67 Victory Rd., Howell
732-938-4185
Free, additional fee for large groups
Contact for more info on prices
Pet the soft, welcoming animals, tour their pasture, pick up a fleece hat and toy with the idea of adopting one of Cedar Lane’s alpacas. These nuggets are pampered and living their best life, which means the kids are sure to have fun. They are temporarily closed and are slated to reopen in the fall.
2660 Allaire Rd., Wall
732-890-1024
Contact for info on prices
You can host a family party on the 14 acres of farmland or just relax with Rose, Iris and Blue Bell, the friendly herd of alpacas. Either way, you won’t want to miss out on the beautiful fleece apparel items for sale at the farm store. Parents can shop around while the kids explore the farm and interact with the big-eyed, fuzzy brood. Open Sat. 11am-4pm, kids’ tickets are $2 and adults’ are $5.
73 Mackenzie Rd., Hampton
908-938-3113
Contact for more info on prices
Education comes first here at the farm, where the owners are dedicated to teaching parents and kids about the alpaca community. Young ones get a chance to engage with the alpacas and tour their home. Emelise also has a boutique offering home decor, clothing and toys. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a visit. They are closed for the summer, and slated to reopen in the fall.
1307 Baptist Church Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY
914-962-2110
Contact for more info on prices
Take a photo with the alpacas, learn how to use energy as a healing technique for people and animals and take a tour of the farm. There are workshops on animal communication, where you can learn how to connect better with animals, and fresh produce for purchase. The scenic pasture makes for the perfect little getaway without having to go too far. Make an appointment before you go.
Hidden Springs Lavender and Alpaca Farm
890 Route 601, Skillman, NJ 08558
609-558-7034
Their beautiful lavender fields are a summer must-see, but while there you can also feed and pet their alpacas. The farm is free to visit during business hours on weekends (except during special events). If you want to walk an alpaca, you can sign up in advance for halter training on Saturdays and Sundays, where you’ll get 15 minutes of one-on-one time with a cute alpaca for $20.
521 Rte. 47 South, Cape May
609-889-4957
Free admission/private tours $25-$30
During open farm days you can feed the alpacas carrots across the fence, plus ask guides any questions you might have about the ‘pacas. If you choose to do a private tour, you’ll have a chance to cozy up to these affectionate animals and actually go inside the padlock where you can feed and interact with them.
164 East Ridge Rd. Warwick, NY
845-258-0851
Learn about the history of alpacas and the differences between different breeds, then go for a walking tour of the farm and check out the alpacas, chickens and ducks roaming the area. You’ll learn about the fleece markets and end the tour in the gift shop, where you can see how fleece gets loomed and woven together. Alpaca tours are only by appointment. Call for more information.
1148 Somers Point Rd., Egg Harbor
609-760-8566
Contact for info on prices
Farm owners Mike and Sheri von Fischer take pride in raising their healthy, happy herd of alpacas and invite everyone to meet their gentle and kind alpacas. They love to educate guests and also have some alpacas for sale. Don’t forget to check out their fleece store. There are self-guided tours available, as well as private and group tours. Call ahead to find out costs and information on booking and reservations.
61 White Pine Rd., Chesterfield
609-947-8269
Contact for info on prices
Call to arrange an appointment to take part in a fleece spinning class or to stroll through the farm and admire the herd of alpacas as they play. There’ll also be alpaca yarn, fleece and other products for sale that make the perfect souvenir.