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.
Located in Stanton, MI, Anderson & Girls Orchards is about an hour northeast of Grand Rapids.
Anderson & Girls Orchards
2985 N Sheridan Rd, Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831- 4228
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.
Read on to learn all about what you can expect when you visit Anderson & Girls Orchards.
Things to do at Anderson & Girls
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, 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.)
Camel Rides, Parakeets & Wallaby Walks
On Saturdays & Sundays, guests can also opt for
– camel rides ($5)
– feeding the parakeets ($1/stick)
– or walking with wallabies (free) from noon – 4 PM.
(2023 pricing)
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
Ice cream, floats, flurries, sundaes – and a whole host of lunch options – take your pick!
2023 Ice Cream Shop Hours
March 24-April: 11 AM – 5 PM
May – October 11 AM-6 PM
The Sloths
Anderson & Girls’ two sloths, Adam and Eve, had a baby in March 2022! If you’re lucky, you’ll see the little sloth on your visit.
Petting Zoo Hours
From May through October, the petting zoo is open seven days a week from 9 AM – 6 PM.
You can also visit in November and December until 5 PM.
The farm is closed from January-April.
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.
The season starts in June with strawberries, peaches in August, and apples and pears in September.
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.
PLUS you’ll find a great variety of jams and cheeses. Local honey and maple syrup are delivered fresh from area farms.
Visit the ice cream shop for a sweet treat, full meal, or snack.
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 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. Anderson & Girls offers wagon rides out to their pumpkin patch in September and October.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the orchard as you ride.
The wagon rides run from 11AM – 2PM Saturdays and Sundays. The cost is $3 per person (2022 pricing.)
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
Hours subject to change – call to confirm:
(989) 831- 4228
Petting Zoo and Gift Shop Fall Hours
(Open seven days a week)
MAY TO OCTOBERÂ 9AM-6PM
NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 9AM-5PM
Ice Cream Shop Hours
APRIL 11AM-5PM
MAY TO OCTOBER 11AM-6PM
Feeding Birds, Walking with Wallabies, Camel Rides
SATURDAY noon-4PM
SUNDAY noon-4PM
love this place and enjoy watching the kids have a fun time. Love their cider and donuts.