Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo

Located at 489 Chapman Boulevard in Manorville, New York, the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo is one of Long Island’s best-known family animal attractions. The roughly 26-acre property is home to more than 100 animals and blends a children’s zoo, wildlife park, and educational destination. Visitors come for animal exhibits, feeding opportunities, seasonal programs, and hands-on experiences, with many animals having been rescued, rehabilitated, or responsibly re-homed. Since schedules and encounter offerings can change, it is best to check current details before visiting.

History and Timeline

1958 inspiration – A 1958 Saturday Evening Post cover by Norman Rockwell depicting a children’s zoo inspired Stanley Novak and his wife Diane to imagine a similar place on Long Island.
1969 – The Novaks purchased a 26-acre hay and cattle farm property in Manorville and began building family-oriented attractions and animal areas, including Bambiland, Storyland, and Old MacDonald’s Farm.
Spring 1970 – The Long Island Game Farm opened and is widely described as the first zoo on Long Island, with about 125 animals. Early residents included buffalo, camels, chimpanzees, deer, goats, lambs, and exotic birds.
1970s – Llamaland, a sea-lion show, and the park’s first mechanical ride, a merry-go-round, were added during the decade, followed by the Animal Wonderland Theater.
1980s–1990s – The grounds expanded with additional attractions, including a train that once circled the property, show spaces, and family activity areas.
1999–2001 – After founder Stanley Novak’s death in 1999, Diane Novak and daughter Susan continued the family operation. After Susan’s passing in 2001, Melinda Novak returned to run the park full-time, with a greater emphasis on animals, nature, and education.
Recent years – The Game Farm has continued to update exhibits, accessibility features, and programming. Its Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability supports educational, environmental, and community-focused initiatives, while grant-backed improvements have included trail and amphitheater work.

Goats in a fenced pen at Long Island Game Farm — A group of goats roam freely inside a fenced pen, some grazing on patches of grass while others play or rest in the sun. In the background, visitors observe the goats from behind the fence, adding to the interactive farm experience. Guests can expect a rustic, family-friendly atmosphere with hands-on encounters typical of a petting zoo environment. File photo: Patrick Hatt, licensed.

Animals & Exhibits

Animal residents can change over time, but the Game Farm is known for a mix of domestic favorites and exotic species. Visitors often see:

Capybaras – A popular highlight at the park, often featured in special encounters and other interactive programs.
Wallabies and kangaroos – Marsupials that are frequently included in educational talks and select guest experiences.
Camels – Long a signature part of the park’s animal collection and a memorable stop for families.
Alpacas, llamas, and miniature donkeys – Friendly hoofed animals that fit the park’s farm-meets-zoo character.
American bison – Large North American grazers that add a classic wildlife-park feel to the grounds.
Tortoises, emus, lemurs, foxes, birds, and barnyard animals – Additional residents may include goats, sheep, peacocks, reptiles, and other species commonly seen around the park.

Welcome sign and giraffe statue at Long Island Game Farm — This photo, taken on July 30, 2023, shows a welcoming spot at the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park in Manorville, NY. A friendly giraffe statue peeks out playfully from behind lush greenery, creating a whimsical and inviting scene. In front, a wooden sign reads: “Welcome to the Long Island Game Farm. Time to slow down and enjoy nature.” File photo: Jaclyn Vernace, licensed.

Experiences and Programs

The farm is especially popular for its interactive activities. Many of these are offered for an added fee and may require advance reservations, waivers, age minimums, or separate admission.

Animal encounters – Special sessions may feature capybaras, wallabies, ponies, or other animals, depending on the season and staff schedule.
VIP tours – Private or small-group experiences can provide behind-the-scenes access and a more in-depth introduction to the animals and their care.
Zookeeper chats and feedings – Staff-led presentations help visitors learn about behavior, habitat, enrichment, and conservation in a family-friendly format.
Pony rides and pony programs – Offered on select days for younger visitors, typically with separate rules and height or weight guidelines.
Capybara Yoga and specialty events – The park has become known for creative add-on programs that combine animal interaction with wellness or seasonal themes.
Camp Zoo, school visits, and educational programs – Seasonal camps and group offerings introduce children to wildlife, animal care, and nature-based learning.

Newer Features and Ongoing Improvements

Woodland Trail – A newer paved nature walk gives guests a quieter place to stroll and is designed to be friendlier for wheelchairs and strollers than some of the older rustic paths.
Amphitheater and accessibility upgrades – Recent planning and grant-supported work have focused on improving show spaces, seating areas, and easier access around portions of the grounds.
Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability – The park’s nonprofit arm supports educational, cultural, wellness, and fundraising events tied to animal care and conservation outreach.

Seasonal Schedule & Special Events

The Game Farm’s operating calendar changes during the year. Summer generally brings the broadest public schedule, while winter and shoulder seasons may have reduced days, limited hours, or encounter-only availability. The park also hosts rotating special events, so the exact lineup can vary from season to season.

Winter – Public access may be limited to select weekends, school-break periods, or pre-booked specialty experiences.
Spring – Weekend openings typically expand around spring break, Easter season, and warmer-weather programming.
Summer – This is usually the busiest season, with daily or near-daily visiting hours, more animal talks, and the widest selection of encounters and family programs.
Fall – Hours often remain strong on weekends, with occasional discounts, themed days, and school-year field trip activity.
Holiday season – December weekends may include festive family programming such as seasonal photo opportunities, crafts, or special character visits.

Visiting Information

Hours and tickets – Hours vary by season, holidays, and weather. Admission levels, encounter pricing, and age policies may also change. Before heading out, check the official Long Island Game Farm website for the current calendar, rates, and reservation details.
Amenities – Visitors can typically expect free parking, restrooms, snack options, and a gift or souvenir area. Amenities may be more limited on slower-season days.
Accessibility – Much of the park is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, especially newer paved sections such as the Woodland Trail, though some older areas may still have uneven or rustic surfaces.
Animal-feeding and guest policies – Guests should feed animals only with approved food sold on site and follow all posted safety instructions. Pets are generally not permitted, except for working service animals. Rules on coolers, outside food, balloons, scooters, and similar items may be updated, so check ahead if you have questions.

Tips for Visitors

Plan ahead – Reserve popular encounters or VIP experiences early if they are part of your visit, especially on weekends and during summer.
Dress for an outdoor day – Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for sun, wind, or muddy patches depending on the season.
Build in extra time – Between animal talks, feeding stations, and quieter paths like the Woodland Trail, many families end up staying longer than expected.
Use good animal-contact hygiene – Supervise children closely, follow staff directions, and wash hands after touching animals or visiting feeding areas.
Check weather before leaving – Rain, storms, or extreme heat can affect daily operations, encounter availability, and show schedules.

Long Island Game Farm

The Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo has been welcoming families since 1970 and remains a distinctive animal attraction for visitors across Long Island. Its mix of zoo animals, barnyard favorites, educational programming, and interactive encounters gives the park a character that feels different from a larger metropolitan zoo. Whether you are visiting with young children, looking for a memorable animal encounter, or simply want a relaxed outdoor stop in the Manorville area, the Game Farm continues to offer a family-friendly way to slow down and enjoy nature.