This Florida Farm’s Fall Festival Has Capybaras And Highland Cows Just 30 Minutes From Tampa

Florida has plenty of theme parks, but few family adventures begin with a capybara, a fluffy Highland cow, and a goat convinced your snack belongs to him.

Hidden in Largo, this cheerful little farm turns an ordinary afternoon into a full barnyard adventure. One moment you are cuddling a bunny, the next you are feeding friendly animals or watching a child beam during a pony ride.

Add mini golf, colorful gardens, and surprises around nearly every corner, and leaving might become the hardest part of the visit.

Who needs a roller coaster when a gentle capybara can steal the entire show?

Only about 30 minutes from Tampa, this hands-on Florida attraction feels close enough for a spontaneous outing yet different enough to become a lasting family memory. These ten highlights reveal why visitors arrive expecting a simple farm trip and leave with muddy shoes, packed camera rolls, and one important question: when can we come back?

Meet The Cuddly Capybaras

Few animals win hearts as fast as the capybaras waddling around DK Farms. As the world’s largest rodents, these gentle giants look like oversized guinea pigs with the calmest attitude you can imagine.

Visitors who book the capybara encounter get to hold and feed them, which turns into one of those “pinch me” moments you won’t forget. One family mentioned coming back twice just because their capybara meeting was that fun.

What makes them so special is their laid-back personality. They don’t rush, they don’t fuss, they simply enjoy the snacks and attention like little furry celebrities soaking up the spotlight.

Here’s a fun bit of trivia: capybaras are native to South America and love water, often chilling near ponds in the wild. At DK Farms, they get plenty of pampering and care from staff who clearly adore them.

If you’re planning a trip, ask about the capybara experience when you buy tickets, since it’s a separate add-on. It’s the kind of thing that makes an ordinary farm visit feel extraordinary and gives everyone bragging rights afterward.

Fluffy Miniature Highland Cows

Picture a cow with bangs so shaggy it looks like it just walked out of a shampoo commercial. That’s the miniature Highland cow at DK Farms, and honestly, it steals the show.

These pint-sized versions of the famous Scottish breed have thick, wooly coats and sweet faces that practically beg for a photo. Reviewers rave about the “fluffy miniature Highland cow” and the baby cows that make everyone say “aww.”

Getting up close with one feels like meeting a living teddy bear. Kids can pet them gently, and the staff keep the animals well cared for, clean, and comfortable in their spaces.

A neat fact about Highland cattle: their long hair helps them stay warm in chilly Scottish weather, though these Florida cuties clearly enjoy the sunshine instead.

If snapping the perfect farm photo is on your list, the Highland cow is your best model. Just remember that going in the enclosure for extra petting time may cost a little more.

Cooler mornings are the best time to catch them looking fresh, fluffy, and ready for their close-up.

Feeding The Friendly Goats

Goats are the undisputed rock stars of DK Farms, mentioned in reviews more than any other animal. There are tons of them, and they’re eager, funny, and always ready for a snack.

You can grab a bucket of feed and let these hungry little characters nibble right from your hand. Many families say feeding the goats is the highlight of their whole visit.

A quick word of advice from seasoned visitors: the goats get very excited about food inside the enclosure. If you’re bringing small kids, feeding from the fence can be a calmer way to enjoy them.

One reviewer laughed about a bold goat that head-butted for treats, so keeping an eye on the pushy eaters is smart. Most, though, are total sweethearts munching happily away.

Feed cups come in different sizes, and buying a bigger bucket keeps the fun going longer. The money goes straight toward caring for the animals.

Feeding time turns strangers into laughing friends as everyone dodges eager mouths. It’s messy, hilarious, and exactly the kind of hands-on farm magic families come here to find.

Pony Rides For The Little Ones

There’s something timeless about a child’s first pony ride, and DK Farms delivers that classic joy for around $10 per ride. Little ones climb aboard gentle miniature ponies while staff lead them safely around.

The ponies here aren’t just cute, they’re clever too. Several reviewers mentioned watching the ponies do tricks, which adds an extra dose of “wow” to the experience.

Watching a nervous kid break into a giant grin once they’re on the pony is priceless. It’s the sort of memory parents love capturing on camera.

These easygoing horses are patient with even the wiggliest riders. That patience comes from good care and friendly handlers who know exactly how to make first-timers feel safe.

Since pony rides are an add-on activity, plan for a little extra cost when you visit. Many families say it’s worth every penny for the smiles it brings.

Morning visits usually mean shorter lines and cooler weather, which keeps both kids and ponies happy. Pair a ride with a goat-feeding session, and you’ve got a farm afternoon the little ones will talk about for weeks.

Snuggling Bunnies In The Bunny House

Soft, fuzzy, and impossibly patient, the rabbits at DK Farms are a favorite for gentle animal lovers. The bunny house lets visitors pet and even hold these calm little furballs.

Kids who might feel shy around bigger animals often light up in the bunny area. The rabbits are described as friendly and sweet, perfect for tiny hands learning how to be gentle.

One mom shared how her daughter and friends happily hung out playing with the rabbits for a big chunk of their visit. That’s the kind of quiet, happy moment the bunny house creates.

Rabbits are surprisingly social and love company, so they seem to enjoy all the attention as much as the visitors do. The staff keep their space clean and comfortable.

If you want the best bunny time, ask a staff member how to hold them properly. Learning the right way makes the experience safer and more fun for everyone.

It’s the perfect spot to slow down between the louder attractions. Snuggling a bunny for a few minutes feels like a tiny, peaceful break in a busy day of farm adventures.

18 Holes Of Farm-Style Mini Golf

Who says mini golf and farms don’t mix? At DK Farms, you can grab a putter and tackle 18 unique holes right in the middle of all the animal fun.

Families celebrating birthdays often pair the golf with the petting zoo for a full day of activity. One couple even played mini golf during a birthday visit and loved how creative the holes were.

The course is spread across pretty grounds with landscaping, a waterfall, and koi ponds nearby. It gives the whole area a relaxed, garden-like feel that’s easy to enjoy.

Being honest, a few guests noted the course can get a little bumpy in spots. Still, plenty of visitors call it fun and a nice break between animal encounters.

Playing a round works great for teens who might otherwise feel too old for a petting zoo. It gives everyone in the family something to enjoy together.

Bundle packages often include golf with admission, which is the smart way to get the most value. Between putts, you can wander over to feed a goat or watch the ponies show off their tricks.

Gem Mining And Pedal Karts

Beyond the animals, DK Farms hides a few extra surprises that keep the excitement rolling. Gem mining lets kids sift through dirt to discover shiny stones and treasures they get to keep.

One birthday party review called gem mining “a huge hit with the kiddos,” and it’s easy to see why. There’s nothing like the thrill of finding a sparkly gem hiding in the sand.

Then there are the pedal karts, which are surprisingly fun for both kids and grown-ups. Adults have admitted to enjoying a spin around just as much as their children.

These activities give restless kids a chance to burn energy between petting sessions. It’s the kind of variety that stretches a visit into three happy hours.

One tip: some folks mentioned the pedal karts can be tricky to find, so ask a staff member to point you toward them. A quick question saves time and frustration.

Both activities usually cost a little extra, but they add real fun to the day. Mixing gem mining, pedal karts, and animal time keeps every age entertained from open to close.

A Whole Barnyard Of Animals To Meet

Capybaras and Highland cows get a lot of attention, but they’re just the beginning at DK Farms. The place is packed with creatures big and small waiting to say hello.

Wander the grounds and you’ll spot farm pigs, chickens, roosters, ducks, a donkey, and even a slow-moving tortoise. There’s also a friendly Great Pyrenees guard dog keeping watch over the whole gang.

Each animal has its own personality, and visitors love discovering favorites they didn’t expect. One reviewer circled the farm three times just to visit them all again.

The variety is what makes this small farm feel so full. You get up close and personal with animals that many people only see in books or on screens.

Staff clearly care for the animals, keeping their spaces clean and comfortable. Guests often mention how happy and healthy the creatures look.

Because the farm is compact, you won’t wear yourself out walking miles between exhibits. That makes it perfect for young children and grandparents alike.

Bring a feed bucket and you’ll have new furry and feathered friends following you around, hoping for a snack and a gentle pat.

Seasonal Festivals And Spooky Fun

DK Farms really shines when the seasons change and special events roll in. Their Easter celebration wowed families with organized egg hunts grouped by age and even a dedicated time slot for children on the spectrum.

The owners promise their spooky season is even better, teasing that fall fans will be “extra blown away.” That kind of excitement makes autumn visits something to look forward to.

These events add extra decorations, activities, and themed fun on top of the regular farm experience. Families who came for Easter said they couldn’t wait to return during the fall.

There’s also been a Dino Quest exhibit with a dinosaur meet-and-greet that little ones adored, watching it twice in a row. The farm keeps things fresh with rotating attractions.

Because Florida heat can sneak up on you, arriving early during festival days helps you beat both the crowds and the sun. Cooler mornings make everything more comfortable.

Checking the farm’s website or calling ahead helps you catch upcoming events. With capybaras, Highland cows, and holiday magic all in one spot, a festival day here feels like the ultimate family outing.

Planning Your Visit Like A Pro

A little planning goes a long way at DK Farms, and knowing the basics keeps your day smooth. The farm sits at 1750 Lake Ave SE in Largo, just a half-hour drive from Tampa.

Hours run daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, though seasonal events may shift things, so it’s smart to check before heading out. You can call ahead at 727-348-0818 with questions.

General admission starts around $10 per adult, with the smart move being to pick a higher tier package for animal encounters, golf, and enclosure access. Reviewers agree the upgrade is worth it.

Free parking is a big plus, and there are handicapped spots plus plenty of seating around the grounds. The farm even welcomed a blind visitor who loved touching the gentle animals.

Hand-washing stations are scattered throughout, which you’ll definitely use after feeding time. Clean bathrooms sit near the mini golf area too.

Because Florida gets hot fast, mornings are the coolest and least crowded time to go. Bring water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and this hidden Largo gem will reward you with a joyful, memory-filled day.