Toronto pilotIndependent pass decisions for GTA families
Family farmsYork Region

Independent family visit guide

Lionel’s Farm: prices, hours and what families should know

Last verified August 15, 2026

Lionel’s is not a drop-in Playland. Families reserve either a one-hour Petting Farm visit or a shorter private pony activity, and the inclusions are different. That makes it calmer and more predictable than a festival farm, but arriving late directly reduces the booked experience.

Current price signalPetting Farm $7 per person; animal feed $5 per bagChildren under one are free. Private pony sessions use group pricing from $56.50 for up to three people; the riding child must be 65 lb or under.
2026 openingPetting Farm and pony rides operate May–November 2026 on specified daysPre-registration and prepayment are required; no walk-in admission
Family fitPetting Farm all ages; pony experience strongest for young children under 65 lbPetting Farm 1 hour; pony session 30 minutes

The direct answer

Excellent for a focused animal encounter—provided the family books the correct activity.

Lionel’s is not a drop-in Playland. Families reserve either a one-hour Petting Farm visit or a shorter private pony activity, and the inclusions are different. That makes it calmer and more predictable than a festival farm, but arriving late directly reduces the booked experience.

Strong fit

Choose it when

  • Children whose main interest is meeting and feeding farm animals
  • Small groups wanting a controlled, appointment-based experience
  • Young children under the pony’s published 65-pound rider limit
Plan around

Important cautions

  • Every visitor in the group is counted for pricing, including supervising adults
  • Pony rides are not part of the regular Petting Farm ticket
  • Reservations are prepaid and rescheduling or cancellation fees apply

What the visit includes

Know what is included before you promise children a full farm day.

01

The Petting Farm includes a one-hour visit with sheep, goats, deer, pigs, a cow, alpacas, llamas, rabbits, chickens and other animals.

02

Animal feed is an optional add-on purchased at the booth.

03

Private pony sessions include one pony shared by eligible children, a handler and a smaller animal-viewing area.

04

The large Petting Farm can be added to a pony booking on eligible dates for an extra per-person charge.

A realistic family plan

A smoother visit in three decisions.

  1. 1

    Choose Petting Farm or pony ride based on the child’s actual priority and weight before paying.

  2. 2

    Arrive at least five minutes early; the scheduled clock starts whether or not the group has checked in.

  3. 3

    Explain safe feeding before entry and buy only the number of feed bags the group can use during the hour.

Conditions that change the day

Working farms are not controlled indoor attractions.

Accessibility

The farm controls group size, which can help some visitors, but the environment remains outdoors with animals and natural surfaces. Contact Lionel’s about mobility or sensory needs before booking.

Food + facilities

Outside food, including snacks for people or animals, is not permitted during the public activities. Portable washrooms are referenced for group programs.

Weather + fields

Light rain may be accommodated, but high winds, heavy rain or lightning can trigger farm cancellation and rebooking.

For a required mobility, sensory, allergy or washroom accommodation, contact the farm before buying. Crop supply, animal access and outdoor activities can change without notice.

Price record

Seasonal numbers are snapshots—not permanent prices.

Last verified August 15, 2026

Children under one are free. Private pony sessions use group pricing from $56.50 for up to three people; the riding child must be 65 lb or under.

For families who only want animals, the $7 Petting Farm is much better value than buying a pony package and then adding the large animal area. Compare the total group price, not only the riding child.

Questions families ask

Useful answers with the conditions left in.

How much is Lionel’s Petting Farm in 2026?

$7 per person, with children under one free. Feed is $5 per bag. The visit is one hour and must be prepaid.

Can we walk in without a reservation?

No. Lionel’s requires online registration and payment before arrival.

Are pony rides included?

No. Pony rides are a separate private group activity. A Petting Farm add-on may be available for an additional fee.

What is the pony rider limit?

The published maximum is 65 pounds or 29 kilograms.

Research record

Official sources checked on August 15, 2026.

  1. 01
    2026 Petting Farm price, duration and rulesLionel’s Farm
    View source ↗
  2. 02
    2026 private pony pricing and weight ruleLionel’s Farm
    View source ↗
  3. 03
    Seasonal schedules and common questionsLionel’s Farm
    View source ↗

PASS.ca is independent and is not the venue. Prices, hours, crops and ticket rules can change after review. Confirm the final details with the official source before travelling.