Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and connect with nature after the long, dark winter months, and what could be more uplifting than spending some time in the company of adorable animals? Days out that involve anything furry tend to please the whole family, from tiny toddlers to tired teens, so there’s a high chance that you’ll all have fun. Whether you’re looking to introduce little ones to their first farmyard friends or to entice your older children off the sofa with the lure of an animal encounter, York has plenty to offer. As well as general entry to York’s animal attractions, many places offer special animal experiences, where you can feed, pet or even walk alongside your favourite furry friends. Here are some fun animal experiences in and around York this spring.

Lamb feeding at Yolk Farm

Head out to Yolk Farm, in the beautiful countryside near Boroughbridge, where you can book a lamb feeding experience. We’ve done it for the past couple of years, and our kids absolutely love giving the (very enthusiastic) lambs a bottle of milk. After meeting the animals, we usually head to the award-winning farm café and tuck into something homecooked and delicious. The children love the pancakes, while the adults can’t resist something egg-based! You do need to book in advance for the lamb-feeding and it’s popular, so don’t leave it to the last minute.

Yolk Farm, Minskip Rd, Minskip, York YO51 9HY

Alpaca walking at Sheriff Alpacas

If you love alpacas – and who doesn’t – we’d highly recommend an alpaca experience at Sheriff Alpacas, just outside York. This family-run alpaca farm offers lovely alpaca-walking experiences, where you can stroll through the countryside with your very own alpaca companion! It’s impossible not to be happy when you’re leading a cute alpaca through the woods, and you’ll learn lots about these amazing creatures as well.

Sheriff Alpacas, Goodness Farm, Sheriff Hutton Rd, Strensall, York YO32 5TP

Animal experiences at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park

Always wanted to meet your favourite animal? At Askham Bryan Wildlife Park, you can! These 15-minute Mini Encounters are tailored to specific species within the Wildlife Park and they’re really good (we’ve done the armadillo one with our kids, and loved it). It’s a treat to go behind-the-scenes with an Education Conservation keeper and learn all about your favourite animal. Pre-booking is essential, so visit the website for details.

Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park, Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York YO23 3FR

Beetle Bank Farm

Family-run farm attraction, Beetle Bank Farm, is a great place to meet animals near York. There’s always the option to buy a bag of animal feed while you’re there, but during springtime you can bottle feed the lambs too. Keep an eye on the Beetle Bank Farm Facebook page for details (no pre-booking needed). While you’re there, there’s also the chance to cuddle a rabbit or guinea pig, too.

Beetle Bank Farm, Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD

Lamb feeding at Piglets Adventure Farm

There are lots of opportunities for animal encounters at Piglets Adventure Farm, from seeing brand new piglets to feeding the lovely lambs. In the covered barn, you’ll meet goats, rabbits and more! It’s all included in the ticket price, which gives you access to the brilliant play areas, indoor play barn and lots of hands-on activities.

Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST

Meet the meerkats at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

There are some next-level animal experiences on offer at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, like hanging out with polar bears! That one will set you back a few hundred pounds, though, so you might want to take a look at the more budget-friendly options, like meeting the meerkats, wallabies or lemurs. Pre-booking required.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Doncaster DN9 3QY