ZooArkansas, US

Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo

The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo offers a wonderfully unique wildlife encounter.

About

The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo offers a wonderfully unique wildlife encounter.

Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a cherished, old-school attraction that promises a truly hands-on animal experience. Opened in 1902, it stands as the oldest continuously operating attraction in Hot Springs, offering a nostalgic glimpse into classic Americana. It’s a place where visitors can engage directly with wildlife, from holding a baby alligator to feeding friendly farm animals, making it much more than a typical zoo. This family-friendly venue is renowned for its interactive exhibits and commitment to providing memorable moments for all ages.

Beyond its impressive collection of over 130 alligators, the farm boasts a diverse array of creatures. The petting zoo is home to adorable pygmy goats, playful rabbits, emus, sheep, and miniature donkeys, all eager for a treat. Other captivating residents include wolves, monkeys, raccoons, cougars (mountain lions), loggerhead turtles, alligator snapping turtles, wild boars, turkeys, chickens (including Silkies), and vibrant parakeets that visitors can feed. Don't miss the famed "merman skeleton" exhibit, a quirky roadside artifact, or the historical marker commemorating Babe Ruth's legendary home run that supposedly landed in an alligator pit across the street.

A visit here is an interactive journey that blends education with entertainment, creating lasting memories. The personal, hands-on feel sets it apart from larger, more modern attractions, fostering a genuine connection between visitors and the animal kingdom. Whether you're watching a live alligator feeding show, marveling at the sheer number of alligators, or simply enjoying the charm of the petting zoo, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo offers an unforgettable and authentically Arkansan adventure. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo has a rich history dating back to 1902 when it was founded by H.L. Campbell. Initially known as the "Hot Springs Gator Farm," it was established to provide an additional tourist attraction beyond the city's famous thermal baths. In its early days, the farm was a commercial enterprise, raising alligators for their hides and selling live specimens to other parks and zoos, and was even one of the first to use incubators for alligator eggs. Over the decades, ownership changed hands before the Bridges family acquired it in 1947, officially renaming it the Arkansas Alligator Farm. Under their stewardship, the attraction expanded significantly, adding a gift shop, monkeys, raccoons, loggerhead turtles, and eventually the beloved petting zoo area. Today, the farm remains family-operated by Jamie Bridges and the next generation, maintaining its unique charm and interactive focus that has delighted visitors for over a century.

What to do here

Participate in animal feedings, watch educational demonstrations, explore the various animal habitats, and enjoy the unique historical artifacts within the farm.

Seasonal info

During warmer months, alligators are more active and visible in their outdoor ponds. In cooler weather (October to March), they eat less and are often housed in heated indoor areas, grouped by age.

Accessibility

The venue is noted as handicap accessible.

Don't miss

Holding a Baby Alligator

A signature interactive experience available all year.

Live Alligator Feeding Shows

Witness dozens of alligators in action during scheduled shows, typically Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12:00 PM from May to mid-October.

Petting Zoo

Interact with and feed pygmy goats, rabbits, emus, sheep, and miniature donkeys.

Parakeet Aviary

Purchase feed and interact with numerous parakeets.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

American Sweetgum

White Tailed Deer

Northern Mockingbird

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Bring a Camera

** With so many interactive opportunities, especially holding baby alligators and feeding petting zoo animals, you'll want to capture the memories.

Buy Animal Feed

For a truly interactive experience, purchase small cups of feed for the petting zoo animals, parakeets, and even baby alligators.

Check Feeding Show Schedule

If seeing the live alligator feeding is a priority, plan your visit for a Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday at noon, specifically between May and October.

Dress Comfortably

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds, and consider sunscreen or a hat during warmer months as some areas are outdoors.

Explore the Gift Shop

Before you leave, browse the gift shop for unique alligator-themed souvenirs and memorabilia.

Look for Discounts

Check their website or local tourism guides for potential coupons or military/senior discounts.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, visitors to the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo have the unique opportunity to hold a baby alligator. This is a popular and memorable interactive experience offered year-round.
: In addition to a large population of alligators, the farm features a diverse petting zoo with pygmy goats, rabbits, ducks, emus, sheep, and miniature donkeys. Other animals include wolves, various primates (monkeys, lemurs), raccoons, cougars (mountain lions), loggerhead and alligator snapping turtles, peacocks, wild boars, turkeys, chickens, and parakeets.
: Yes, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo hosts exciting live alligator feeding shows during the warmer months, typically from May through mid-October. These shows usually take place on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12:00 PM and provide an educational insight into alligator behavior.