Grand Canyon Deer Farm
A unique petting zoo where you can feed and interact with a herd of deer, plus encounter other fascinating animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Deer are hungriest & most active
Grand Canyon Deer Farm
Best Time
Deer are hungriest & most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique petting zoo where you can feed and interact with a herd of deer, plus encounter other fascinating animals.
"This was a HIGHLIGHT of the trip! Perfect for families, the deers are the cutest."
🎯 Arrive Early for Feeding
Feed the deer before 10 AM for the best, most interactive experience. They're hungrier then!
💰 Buy the Buckle of Food
Get the larger food container (buckle) for better value and more feeding time than small cups.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Deer Feeding
Deer Pens
Get up close and personal, feeding a herd of gentle deer right from your hands. A truly memorable experience!
Diverse Animal Encounters
Various Habitats
Beyond deer, meet wallabies, llamas, bison, peacocks, a zebra, and even a talking cockatoo!
Piebald Deer Sighting
Deer Pens
Spot unique piebald deer, a rare and beautiful sight that will amaze you.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Feed the Deer Early!
Prepare for Close Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Feeding
Feed the deer before 10 AM for the best, most interactive experience. They're hungrier then!
💰 Buy the Buckle of Food
Get the larger food container (buckle) for better value and more feeding time than small cups.
👕 Prepare for Messy Fun
Deer can be pushy! Expect them to swarm and pull at your clothes. Embrace the fun!
🚶♀️ Circle Around the Pen
If the front gate is overwhelming, walk around the pen for a less intense feeding experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Feeding
Feed the deer before 10 AM for the best, most interactive experience. They're hungrier then!
💰 Buy the Buckle of Food
Get the larger food container (buckle) for better value and more feeding time than small cups.
👕 Prepare for Messy Fun
Deer can be pushy! Expect them to swarm and pull at your clothes. Embrace the fun!
🚶♀️ Circle Around the Pen
If the front gate is overwhelming, walk around the pen for a less intense feeding experience.
☀️ Animals Rest in Heat
On warm days, other animals might be resting. Focus on the deer for maximum interaction.
🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures
Browse the cozy gift shop for unique souvenirs after your animal encounters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Grand Canyon Deer Farm for its unique and interactive animal encounters, especially the deer feeding. The variety of other animals and the friendly staff are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some find the deer's eagerness for food overwhelming, but most agree it's a fun, messy, and memorable experience, particularly for families.
"Such a fun time! They do know that you are the food giver so you can get overwhelmed quite quickly when you first walk in to the deer pen. It helped circling around and walking away from the front gate. We had so much fun feeding, petting, and walking with the deer. It was a little warm when we went so a lot of the other animals were resting while we walked. If you want a good family time this is something to go try!"
Brittany Roland
"¡This was a HIGHLIGHT of the trip!
Perfect for families , the deers are the cutest stubborn to get their food ! Be prepared for them to pull your clothes , get your hands messy and arrive before 10 am because they get full ! And they are much more fun when hungry 😍
Get the buckle ! It’s 20 usd but has much more food than the cups ."
María Fernanda Hernández Jiménez
"This is a must-see for anyone who has kids or just loves animals. Located east of Williams, Arizona, off the I40, this place is open daily for everyone to enjoy. Recommend getting there early so you can have the place to yourself with all the wildlife before the crowds arrive. However, weekdays are not too bad but not on the weekends. Plan of spending at 90 minutes to fully experience the up-close, personal interaction with the animals. They also have a good-size gift shop, which is where you can buy your tickets. We also recommend buying the large container of food for the deer, rather than the small cup. You are not allowed to bring in any food from the outside to prevent harm to the animals. The entire staff here are some of the bests you will find around Williams, so friendly, helpful and all have a love for animals. There is plenty of free parking in front of the farm, so, head on out and bring the kids, they will love this place."
Thomas B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Canyon Deer Farm is located east of Williams, Arizona, off I-40. It's a convenient stop on the way to the Grand Canyon. There is plenty of free parking available in front of the farm.
Yes, it's generally easy to find, situated off a main route. Many visitors stop here as part of their journey to or from the Grand Canyon.
Williams is accessible by car via I-40. Flagstaff is the nearest major airport, about an hour's drive away. The Grand Canyon Railway also departs from Williams.
Yes, Williams is known as the 'Gateway to the Grand Canyon' and is on historic Route 66. Bearizona Wildlife Park is another popular attraction nearby.
Absolutely! It's a perfect stop for road trips, especially for families traveling to or from the Grand Canyon. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but one TikTok mentioned an interactive experience for $16 per person. It's recommended to check their official website or call for the most current pricing.
Tickets are typically purchased at the gift shop upon arrival. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid long lines.
The deer farm is generally open daily. It's best to confirm their current hours of operation before your visit, as they can change seasonally.
No, you are not allowed to bring outside food to prevent harm to the animals. All food for feeding must be purchased at the farm.
Yes, there is a fee for the deer food. You can purchase cups or a larger container (buckle) for feeding.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides numerous deer, you can see wallabies, llamas, bison, peacocks, porcupines, goats, zonkeys, a zebra, and a talking cockatoo.
Most visitors find that 90 minutes to a couple of hours is sufficient to fully experience the farm and interact with the animals.
Yes, it's a fantastic place for families with children. Kids love feeding and interacting with the animals.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing. Consider clothes you don't mind getting a little messy, as the deer can be enthusiastic feeders.
Yes, you can walk into the deer pens and have a very close, personal interaction, including feeding them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The farm has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks. For a full meal, the nearby town of Williams has several restaurants, including the highly-rated Pine Country Restaurant for pie.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to assume outside food is not permitted, especially since you can't bring food for the animals. It's safer to dine in Williams.
Williams offers various dining options. Pine Country Restaurant is famous for its pies, and there are other diners and cafes along Route 66.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The close encounters with the animals, especially the deer, make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Mornings, especially before the crowds arrive, offer softer light and more active animals. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful.
Yes, you can take photos while feeding or interacting with the animals. Just be mindful of the animals' comfort and safety.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional photography or videography might require special arrangements, so it's best to inquire if you have specific needs.
Expect close-ups of deer eating from your hand, playful interactions, and unique shots of other animals like llamas and peacocks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a change of clothes as the deer can be quite enthusiastic feeders, leading to some messy fun. The staff are known for being friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere for families. It's a perfect stop to break up a longer drive to or from the Grand Canyon, providing a memorable and educational experience for younger travelers.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
You can easily spend an hour or two here, enjoying the unique animal encounters without significantly impacting your travel schedule. It's a great way to add a memorable and interactive element to your journey. Whether you're heading to the Grand Canyon or exploring Route 66, this farm offers a delightful break with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to connect with nature.
+1❤️ Animal Lovers
+1 Beyond the deer, the farm hosts a diverse collection of animals, including wallabies, llamas, bison, and even a zebra, offering a rich wildlife viewing experience. The farm's dedication to rescuing animals adds another layer of appreciation for animal lovers. The close interactions and the chance to learn about different species make it a fulfilling destination for anyone who enjoys wildlife.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deer Feeding Experience
+2It's important to be prepared for this enthusiastic reception. As one review mentioned, the deer 'know that you are the food giver so you can get overwhelmed quite quickly.' To manage this, it's advised to circle around the pen and move away from the main entrance if the swarm becomes too intense. The best time to experience this is in the morning, before 10 AM, when the deer are hungriest and most receptive to feeding.
While the deer are the stars, the farm also emphasizes the importance of animal welfare. Newborn deer are sometimes sequestered for their safety, and visitors are reminded not to bring outside food to protect the animals' health. The staff are noted for their friendliness and love for animals, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Beyond the Deer: Other Animals
Some of the more unique residents include a zebra and a camel, adding an exotic flair to the farm. There's also a talking cockatoo, Mozart, who can entertain visitors with his vocal abilities.
This variety makes the deer farm a well-rounded destination, especially for families. It offers a chance to see and learn about different species in a relatively contained and accessible environment. The close-up nature of the farm allows for memorable encounters with all its inhabitants, not just the deer.
Location and Road Trip Appeal
Williams itself is a charming town steeped in Route 66 history, offering a nostalgic atmosphere that complements the journey. Many visitors find the deer farm to be a delightful and unexpected highlight of their trip, breaking up the drive and providing a fun, interactive experience.
The farm's appeal extends beyond just families; it's a place that can bring joy to anyone who appreciates animals and unique travel experiences. +1Its inclusion on routes to the Grand Canyon means it's often a spontaneous stop, but one that leaves a lasting positive impression. The combination of its convenient location, the unique animal encounters, and the friendly atmosphere makes it a must-visit for many exploring Northern Arizona.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit