Family Fun at Anderson & Girls Orchards
The free petting zoo and collection of fun things to do at this local family farm is like nothing we’ve seen anywhere else.
Animal lovers – and fall activities enthusiasts – love Anderson & Girls Orchards.
What began as a small group of five goats and two Jersey calves has now grown to include over 140 animals – plus amazing homemade donuts and cider.
It’s not every day that you can mix feeding parakeets, petting baby goats, sloth-watching, and eating donuts and cider. It’s possible at Anderson and Girls, though.
Located in Stanton, MI, Anderson & Girls Orchards is about an hour northeast of Grand Rapids.
What You Can do at Anderson & Girls Orchards
Read on to learn all about what you can expect when you visit Anderson & Girls Orchards.
Giant, Free Petting Zoo at Anderson & Girls
If you’re looking for a petting zoo in West Michigan, this place should be on your list!
Anderson & Girls Orchards started off with just some goats and calves but has now grown to over 140 animals and 14 different species of birds.
Let that sink in. This is the largest FREE petting zoo that we know of.
When you visit, you’ll find cockatoos, African penguins, Asian short clawed otters, sloths, goats, porcupines, camels, yaks, reindeer, and more.
Feeding the goats with the pulley system is a blast! (*Buying grain to feed the animals is an option.)
The Sloths
Anderson & Girls’ now has adorable sloths! One of the sloth babies was born in December 2024.
Petting Zoo Hours
From May through October, the petting zoo is typically open seven days a week.
You can also visit in November and December for more limited hours.
Camel Rides, Parakeets & Wallaby Walks
On Saturdays & Sundays, guests can also opt for:
– camel rides (fee)
– feeding the parakeets (fee)
– or walking with wallabies (included)
Play Area
In the midst of the petting zoo is a large play area that’s also free to use.
It includes a giant slide, swings, a ride-on train, and even pony rides.
The Ice Cream Shop at Anderson & Girls Orchards
Take a break from all the farm fun to grab a treat at the Sweet Shoppe.
Ice cream, floats, flurries, sundaes – and a whole host of lunch options – take your pick!
Check their website for current hours and pricing.
Farm Market & Gift Shop
Don’t forget to visit the Farm Market and Gift Shop. At Anderson & Girls, they are stuffed full of the best West Michigan has to offer in homegrown fruits and vegetables.
Find a cool gift for family, friends, or yourself in the gift shop. Options include toys, logo items, mugs, farm decor, clothing, seasonal decor, and flavored coffee.
The season starts in June with strawberries, peaches in August, and apples and pears in September.
PLUS you’ll find a great variety of jams and cheeses. Local honey and maple syrup are delivered fresh from area farms.
Donuts & Cider
Don’t miss the homemade donuts and cider at Anderson and Girls Orchards. Locals also love the molasses cookies!
The bakery is filled with donuts, pies, specialty breads, brownies, and cookies.
Their mouthwatering donut options include blueberry (frosted or plain) and apple. You can opt to get your apple donuts plain, cinnamon & sugar, white powdered & caramel frosting.
The cider mill starts operating the week before Labor Day weekend and continues through December 1. You can get apple cider slushies in addition to regular cider if you’d like.
Please call ahead if there is something specific you want.
Hayrides
That fall bucket list isn’t complete without a hayride!
Hayrides around the farm start on Saturdays and Sundays in September for an additional fee. You can also sometimes catch a free wagon ride our to the pumpkin patch.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the orchard as you ride to the pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin Patch
While you’re checking off those fall bucket list items, mark off “a visit to a pumpkin patch.” You can hitch a hayride to their pumpkin patch to top off your visit to Anderson and Girls Orchards.
In the pumpkin patch, hunt around to find the best color, shape, and size for your jack-o’-lantern or harvest decorations.
Whether you’re searching for traditional pumpkins or those fun unique gourds, they have them all!
The pumpkins and gourds are reasonably priced by weight.
Anderson & Girls Orchards Hours & Location
2985 N Sheridan Rd, Stanton, MI 48888
989-831-4228
Check their website for current hours and pricing.
All-in-One Family Fun Destination
Whether you’re looking for a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, or cider mill, Anderson & Girls Orchard has it all!
The orchard’s blend of farm fun and charm makes it a must-visit spot, promising surprises and delicious treats around every corner.
Let us know your favorite part!
love this place and enjoy watching the kids have a fun time. Love their cider and donuts.