Abma's Farm Market, Greenhouse, and Barnyard Petting Zoo: Wyckoff, NJ

The petting zoo at Abma's Farm is a charming slice of nature and rural life, located on a historic family farm in New Jersey, near Manhattan. Across 32 acres, a farm market, greenhouses, and the cozy Barnyard Petting Zoo coexist harmoniously. This is a place where old USA traditions meet a modern, eco-friendly approach to agriculture.

The architectural crown jewel of the farm is an authentic Dutch barn that is over 200 years old. Today, it houses a popular market where you can purchase the freshest produce grown right in these fields. Abma's Farm is famous for its natural products, including honey from its own apiary and pasture-raised meats.

The site gained particular popularity as "Bergen County’s only farm" providing a full cycle of food production. Visitors are drawn not only by the opportunity to buy farm delicacies but also by unique relaxation zones such as Bunnyville and a picturesque duck pond, making it an ideal destination for family outings away from the city noise.

To plan your visit to the farm, it is worth checking the latest information in advance. You can contact the management directly or visit their website for details on seasonal events.

Below are the main contact details for communication and navigation:

At the Barnyard Petting Zoo, visitors of all ages can interact with friendly residents: goats, sheep, alpacas, ponies, and bunnies. Children especially enjoy walking across the unique Golden Goat Bridge and playing in the special Pepper’s Play House Village. It is a wonderful opportunity to feed the animals and learn more about farm life in a fun, interactive way.

After visiting the animals, be sure to stop by the Farm Market. Here you can find fresh baked goods, homemade pies, honey, and pasture-raised meats. On Saturdays, The Barn area serves signature lemonade and freshly made donuts, while fans of fine beverages can visit the Tomasello Winery tasting room to sample local wines and ciders.

Depending on the season, the farm offers U-Pick events where you can harvest your own produce directly from the fields. Throughout the year, themed holidays take place here: meetings with the Easter Bunny in the spring, pumpkin picking in the fall, and Christmas photo sessions with Santa. It is a place where everyone will find something to enjoy—from quiet walks through the greenhouses to fun family picnics.

The petting zoo at Abma's Farm is located in the picturesque suburb of Wyckoff, approximately 25–30 kilometers from Manhattan. The drive takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic, via I-80 W or the Garden State Parkway. For visitors' convenience, free parking is available on-site.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take an NJ Transit train from Manhattan to Radburn Station (Main Line). From the station, it is most convenient to reach the farm by taxi or Uber, which takes about 10–15 minutes. There is also an option to take the NJ Transit bus No. 163 to Wyckoff, followed by a short taxi ride or a walk.

For those traveling from further away, Teterboro Airport is located just 15 kilometers from the farm. However, for families with children and those planning to shop at the farm market, driving a personal vehicle remains the most comfortable option.

The history of Abma's Farm began in the early 1900s when the family founder, Barney Abma, arrived in America at the age of 17. In the late 1920s, he and his wife Anna settled in Wyckoff on a 32-acre plot where agricultural buildings had existed since the 1790s. Since then, the farm has been managed by four generations of the family, carefully preserving long-standing traditions.

In the 1960s, the farm experienced a period of rapid development: the second generation, James and Henny, significantly expanded egg production. The number of chickens increased to 25,000, and the famous Dutch barn was used as a massive three-story chicken coop. James personally delivered fresh eggs throughout northern New Jersey, strengthening the family business's reputation.

The local barn holds particular historical value—it is one of the few remaining examples of Dutch colonial agricultural architecture in Bergen County. This structure is over 200 years old and has retained its authentic features: massive beams, a wide central driveway, and side stalls. Today, this architectural rarity has been transformed into a modern, thriving market where history meets the present day.

Today, the farm remains a unique landmark for Bergen County, being the only farm that produces vegetables, eggs, and meat all on one site. The Abma family takes pride in the fact that for five generations, they have managed to maintain honest values and an atmosphere of hospitality while serving the local community.

To fully experience the farm and its residents, most visitors need between 2 to 4 hours. This is enough time to take a leisurely stroll through the petting zoo, feed the animals, and stop by the farm market for fresh groceries.

If your visit coincides with the active harvest season (U-Pick) or if you plan to enjoy a tasting at the local winery, you should set aside half a day for the trip. Families with small children often stay longer, spending time at the playgrounds and soaking in the rural atmosphere.

The farm and petting zoo welcome guests from Monday to Saturday. Standard operating hours are from 09:00 to 17:30. Please note that the farm is always closed to the public on Sundays, as the family follows a traditional day of rest.

Operating hours for specific areas, such as The Barn (usually open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00) or the U-Pick fields, may change depending on the season and weather conditions. It is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before visiting, especially during holidays.

A visit to the farm can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the county. The surrounding area offers many options for active recreation, especially if you are traveling with family or looking for entertainment for children.

Exploring nearby locations will make your trip more fulfilling and diverse. Below is a list of notable sites located nearby: