A day with fluffy friends is a day well spent! And in Patterson, Putnam County, Pied Piper Pony Rides and Petting Zoos is the place to be.

The family-owned business of more than two decades offers unique opportunities with farm animals!

"This is a little different because all of our animals are hand-raised, the baby goats and sheep are all bottle-fed so they have no flight instinct, that's why you can walk up to the sheep," says Melanie Pien, owner of Pied Piper Pony Rides and Petting Zoos.

And you're actually encouraged to get up close and personal with them.

"I think it's important for the kids to see the animals, be able to treat them with respect, you know, learn how to handle them and be gentle with them," says Pien.

Whether it's a birthday party or a private tour, these happy animals WILL be the sunshine to your road trip where you can take some time get to know each one of them! "Every animal is part of the family, they all have names, they all get along, they all live together, you know and so it's just like a big family atmosphere," adds Pien

Pet them, play with them and feed them,  before the big pull -- the pony ride! Staff will take you on the ride of your life -- on a little pony.  "Where else are you going to pet animals like this? Where else are you going to bottle feed a lamb? Where else are you going to get all these animals to yourself?! You know? You don't really have to share it's just you guys and that's special."

When you make a reservation, you can get your own hands-on experience.