Autumn has arrived. Summer lovers may be a little sad to see the warm weather go, while autumn fans have been eagerly waiting for cooler days. One thing is certain, though: the season when every weekend is fully booked is finally over, making it the perfect time for a spontaneous getaway.
Whether you’re travelling with children or enjoying a romantic break for two, animals have a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face. So, where can you meet some furry and feathered friends this autumn? Here are a few zoos and farms worth visiting.
Kallaste Tourism Farm Experience Farm – a countryside escape full of activities
Kallaste Tourism Farm Experience Farm is a great place to get up close with Cameroon goats, rabbits, chickens, roosters, geese, cats and a friendly little dog named Cha-Cha. Visitors can feed the farm animals with fresh grass, dandelions, ground elder or fresh plant-based treats brought from home.
There’s plenty more to do besides meeting the animals. Children can enjoy the playground, play disc golf and ball games, or even head out on a canoe trip. Come and spend a refreshing day in the countryside at Kallaste. The farm is about an hour’s drive from Tallinn, and it is also easily accessible by bus.
Meet and pet alpacas at Alpakafarm
Near Pärnu, in Tori Municipality, adorable alpacas are ready to welcome visitors. From September until the end of May, Alpakafarm is open on weekends from 12:00 to 15:00. You can take photos with the alpacas, give them a gentle pat or feed them carrot slices purchased from the farm shop.
And alpacas are not the only residents here. You’ll also meet pygmy goats, miniature sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, llamas and plenty of other fascinating animals and birds.
Before leaving, you can pick up alpaca wool yarn or knitted items as a lovely souvenir.
Ranna Rantšo – home to around 500 animals and birds
Located about an hour’s drive from both Pärnu and Haapsalu, Ranna Rantšo is a dream destination for animal lovers. Around 500 animals and birds live here, many of them friendly, curious and eager for attention and treats. Children can even take some of the smaller animals for a walk.
Ranna Rantšo also offers horseback rides by the sea, making it a wonderful place to experience authentic countryside life.
Pony rides at Poni Zimba Animal Park
Near Tartu, in Luunja Municipality, you’ll find Poni Zimba Animal Park, a must-visit for anyone who loves horses and ponies. Children can enjoy pony rides and carriage rides.
The park is also home to donkeys, Scottish Highland cattle, alpacas, goats, rabbits and various farm birds.
There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained, and the park is also conveniently accessible by bus from Tartu.
Discover the residents of Tallinn Zoo
When did you last visit Tallinn Zoo? If you can’t remember, it might be time to go again. There is always something new to discover, and the zoo is a wonderful place to see a wide variety of animals while spending a fun day with family or someone special.
Watch polar bears swimming underwater, explore the tropical rainforest or visit Tiger Valley. Younger visitors will also enjoy the Children’s Zoo, where they can meet and pet domestic animals.
Polli Zoo and nearby attractions
Polli Zoo is located around 40 km from Tallinn and is well worth the trip, especially as there are plenty of other attractions nearby. Just across the road you’ll find the famous Tuhala Witch’s Well, while the surrounding hiking trails offer a chance to discover the area’s distinctive karst landscape.
Nearby, Viskla Swing Park features around one hundred different swings, while Paunküla Wellness Centre offers disc golf, hiking trails and the chance to rent pedal boats and rowing boats. There is plenty to turn your visit into a full day out.
At Polli Zoo itself, visitors can meet a variety of friendly animals and birds, including horses, goats, rabbits and peacocks. You can feed the animals, and with a little luck, even enjoy a horse or pony ride. Children can also have fun on the playground and trampoline.