If you’ve ever wanted to get close to some of the Garden State’s most adorable, fuzzy animals, you’re in luck. Alpacas are known not only for their soft fleece but also for 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. September 26 is National Alpaca Day, but any day is a great day to visit these cuties.Â
2021 Bentz Rd., Wall
732-861-1385
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.Â
44 Willow Ave., Peapack
908-625-4110
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.Â
67 Victory Rd., Howell
732-938-4185
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.Â
73 Mackenzie Rd., Hampton
908-938-3113
Education comes first 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.
1307 Baptist Church Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY
914-962-2110
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, even though the farm is open throughout the year.
196 State Park Rd., Blairstown
908-543-4804
When Gary and Christine Milcheck purchased their dream home in 2019, it just happened to come with several alpacas and a llama named Stella. They decided to share their new farm pets with the public by doing fun and educational farm tours. They also established a farm store where they sell products made from the alpaca wool.
Hidden Hill Farm
690 Woodbury Glassboro Rd., Sewell
856-381-6238
This farm is jam-packed with alpacas, mini cows, sheep, goats, horses, mini donkeys and llamas that you can give lots of love. Special dates have been announced for goat yoga sessions. You can also sign up for goat feeding and cuddle time.
Hidden Spring Lavender and Alpaca FarmÂ
890 Route 601, Skillman
609-558-7034
Their beautiful lavender fields are a summer must-see, but while there you can also feed and pet their alpacas. If you want to walk an alpaca, you can sign up in advance for halter training on Saturdays, where you’ll get 15 minutes of one-on-one time with a cute alpaca.
521 Rte. 47 South, Cape May
609-889-4957
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.
131 Navy Ln., Marlton
856-335-5799
If you’re ready for adventure, alpaca your bags … Adventures on the farm include an Alpaca Designer Picnic, Walk-a-paca, Build-a-Bailey (where you make a stuffed doll to take home), Build a Bird Nest Ball, Fireside at the Farm (complete with s’mores) and Party With a Paca off-site. It’ll be lots of fun hanging with the crias (baby alpacas).
Out of Sight Alpacas
416 Wells Mills Rd., Waretown
609-384-1840
If you crave exercise, alpaca hikes are held every Saturday and Sunday morning at this breeding facility. Stop in the gift shop after to pick up yarn, rugs, hats, gloves and other items made with their wool. Special events include yoga with alpacas – and emus, too.
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.
1148 Somers Point Rd., Egg Harbor
609-760-8566
Farm owners Mike and Sheri von Fischer take pride in raising their healthy, happy herd and invite everyone to meet their gentle and kind alpacas. They love to educate guests and also have some alpacas for sale – currently, only two are left on the farm. Don’t forget to check out their fleece store. There are self-guided tours available, as well as private and group tours. Â
61 White Pine Rd., Chesterfield
609-947-8269
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. They also offer offsite presentations for school groups, fiber arts clubs, etc.
- Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.
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