Around 750 rescued animals share one patch of South Jersey, and many of them wander right up to you. Goats, donkeys, peacocks, and geese roam loose instead of waiting behind fences.
The gate costs nothing on open days. Donations are welcome, and a small bucket of feed turns you into the most popular person in the paddock.
I like how plainly this place works. Horses, some off the racetrack, stroll the grounds.
Cats lounge in a screened catio, and some are ready for adoption.
New Jersey has plenty of farms with hayrides and pumpkin patches. I can’t imagine many where a cow might politely follow you for a carrot.
So who’s ready to meet a donkey with no sense of personal space?
A Sanctuary Where the Animals Run the Show
Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary sits in Mays Landing, a short hop inland in South Jersey. It’s an animal rescue first, and a place to visit second.
That order matters. The animals here are residents, not performers, and most of them came looking for a second chance.
Owner Laurie has described caring for about 750 animals on the property. That’s a staggering number of mouths, hooves, and beaks for one sanctuary to look after.
Many of them roam freely across the grounds. Others stay in pens when their needs call for it, so you’ll see both arrangements during a walk.
The mix is wonderfully broad. Horses, cows, goats, donkeys, pigs, alpacas, turkeys, geese, ducks, roosters, hens, peacocks, cats, and dogs all call this place home.
For New Jersey families, it’s a refreshing kind of outing. You aren’t watching animals from a distance.
You’re sharing their space, on their terms, with their curious noses pointed at your pockets.
And that’s the charm in a nutshell. A rescue doing visible good every single day, with the gates open so neighbors can see it up close.
The Story Behind a Book Club Field Trip
Laurie’s sanctuary inspired more than visits. She wrote a book called Funny Farm, and at least one book club has made the trip to see the real thing.
That’s a fun twist. Read the pages, then go meet the cast in person.
The sanctuary’s name fits its personality. With this many animals living together, odd friendships and comic moments come with the territory.
Laurie stays visible on the farm and in the community. She’s the face behind the mission, and her name pops up constantly when people talk about this rescue.
Her reach extends to individual animals too. One family’s hen found a new home here within an hour of a call, after losing her only sister.
That story says a lot about the place. Even a single small bird matters, and the caretakers make room for newcomers quickly.
Volunteers are a huge part of the operation. Staff and helpers keep feeding, cleaning, and guiding visitors around, often with a friendly word for everyone.
So when you stroll the grounds, you’re seeing years of steady work. Every content goat and dozing pig reflects people who simply refused to give up on them.
Nineteen Horses With Stories to Tell
Nineteen horses wander these grounds, and some of them once ran on the racetrack. Now their biggest job is accepting carrots and attention.
And they take that job seriously. Horses here are known for loving affection, so expect a big head to lean your way.
Size is the first thing to respect. These are massive animals, even when they’re calm and curious, so give them room and keep little ones close.
Feeding them is a highlight for many families. A toddler holding out a carrot to a former racehorse makes for one sweet scene.
The flat-palm method is your friend. Keep fingers together and let the horse do the work, which keeps the moment easy for everyone.
Watch the signs too. Some animals follow special diets and shouldn’t get treats, and the farm posts clear notices about them.
There’s something reassuring about seeing retired racers relax. They move at their own pace now, with no starting gate in sight.
If you love horses, budget extra time here. You may find yourself lingering by the paddock long after the feed bucket runs empty.
Feed Buckets and Very Persistent Fans
One small bucket of feed can turn a quiet stroll into a parade. Goats, geese, donkeys, and even a cow may decide you’re their new favorite person.
The farm sells feed in a little shop on site. Cups hold pieces of apples and carrots, plus lettuce set aside for the ducks.
A bucket can stretch for around half an hour. Pace yourself, because every animal you pass will ask for a share.
Goats deserve a warning. They’re small but surprisingly strong, and a determined one might nudge you hard just to win some petting.
Donkeys can be equally bold. More than one has been known to shadow visitors for the entire walk, hoping for one more carrot.
Most animals stay polite about it, from the tiniest rooster to the biggest cow. A brazen goose might nip, but that’s usually as dramatic as things get.
Keep an eye out for posted signs about special diets. A few residents can’t have treats, and following those notes keeps them healthy.
Honestly, being swarmed by fluffy fans is the whole point. Few New Jersey afternoons feel this lively for so little effort.
Peacocks, Pigs, and a Catio Full of Charmers
Peacocks strut around like they own the deed. Their bright feathers make them some of the most photographed residents on the farm.
They’re far from the only showstoppers. Pigs, alpacas, turkeys, roosters, and hens round out a cast that keeps every corner interesting.
Then there’s the catio. It’s a screened outdoor space where cats lounge, nap, and watch the farm drama unfold.
Here’s a bonus for animal lovers. Some of those cats are adoptable, so a visit could end with a new family member.
Plenty of residents have names and loyal fans. Eeyore, a sweet older donkey, and Yogi are among the animals people mention fondly.
Names make the place feel personal. Instead of seeing a herd, you start recognizing individuals with their own quirks and moods.
Dogs live here too, adding to the friendly chaos. Between barks, clucks, honks, and squeals, the soundtrack never really stops.
Bring a phone with plenty of storage. Between a fanned-out peacock tail and a cat curled in a sunny spot, you’ll want every picture.
Old Tractors, Fresh Eggs, and Little Extras
Kids who love machines get a surprise here. Old tractors sit around the grounds, and small visitors tend to gravitate toward them.
It’s a quirky touch that fits the farm’s laid-back style. Not every attraction needs to moo or cluck.
Hungry or thirsty? Inexpensive snacks and cold drinks are sold on site, including juice, water, soda, and sports drinks.
Fresh eggs sometimes show up for sale too. Taking home a carton from a sanctuary full of happy hens feels like a fitting souvenir.
Baked goods have also appeared on the menu of little extras. They make a nice treat after a long walk among the paddocks.
Cleanliness gets real attention. The farm offers actual hand-washing stations, which you’ll appreciate after feeding a dozen slobbery mouths.
Seating for snacks is limited on purpose. With so many animals eager to share your food, picnic tables were reduced to keep lunches safe.
So plan to eat quickly or step away from the crowds of hungry goats. Your sandwich will thank you, even if the donkeys won’t.
Festivals, Parties, and a Bright Event Barn
Birthday parties with goats as guests? That’s an option here, thanks to a barn the farm offers for events.
The space is bright and simple, with natural light and lots of wood. It’s air conditioned, which matters during a sticky New Jersey summer.
Several sliding doors open right onto the paddock. Guests can step outside and mingle with animals without wandering far from the party.
Practical features help too. There are multiple restrooms, hand-washing areas, and a small kitchenette for setting out food.
A large covered porch wraps around most of the barn. Shade and seating make it easier for guests of different ages to enjoy the day.
The farm also hosts festivals with food trucks and vendors. Those days draw big crowds, so arriving early helps with parking.
Many festival guests end up drifting toward the animals anyway. Hard to blame them when a horse is waiting for a carrot.
Every event supports a working rescue. Celebrating here means your party helps keep hay in the barns and feed in the buckets.
Muddy Shoes and Happy Kids Ahead
Leave the white sneakers at home. Mud, uneven paths, and roaming animals make sturdy, closed shoes the smart choice.
Long pants help too. You’ll be brushing against curious goats and maybe a feathery goose or two.
Families with little ones love the hands-on access. Still, very small kids can feel overwhelmed when big animals stroll right up.
Stay close and let children set the pace. Some toddlers dive in instantly, while others prefer watching from a parent’s arms.
Noise and smells come with the territory. Anyone with sensory sensitivities should plan breaks and step back when needed.
Visitors sign a waiver upon arrival. It explains the basic risks, since anything with hooves can kick and anything with a mouth can nibble.
Accessibility tends to be good for mixed groups. Guests of varied ages and abilities have managed the grounds comfortably during events.
The farm is easy to explore in about an hour. Many people stay much longer, though, once the animals start making friends.
Pack wipes, a change of socks, and patience. You’ll head home a little dusty and probably smiling.
Two Free Days a Week Worth Planning Around
Mark your calendar for Sundays and Tuesdays. Those are the public visiting days at Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, from 8 am to 4 pm.
The rest of the week, the gates stay closed. Animals and caretakers need their quieter days too.
You’ll find the farm at 6908 Railroad Blvd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. Signs leading in are easy to follow, and parking is usually ample outside festival days.
Entry is free. Donations are encouraged, and they directly support food, shelter, and care for hundreds of animals.
Feed buckets and snacks cost only a little. A family can enjoy a full outing without stretching the budget.
Want to give more? Volunteering is welcome, and it offers a closer, hands-on look at daily life on the farm.
So is it worth the trip? For anyone in New Jersey who loves animals and second chances, the answer feels pretty clear.
Wear the old shoes, grab a bucket, and say hello to Eeyore. Just watch out for that goose who thinks your pocket is a snack bar.
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