Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A short drive north of Orlando sits a small family farm where the star attraction is a mellow capybara named Pumpkin who happily accepts belly rubs while munching snacks. This is not a giant theme park with long lines and pricey tickets.
It is a quiet roadside stop where kids cuddle baby bunnies, feed goats, and get face to face with a Scottish Highland cow. The prices stay reasonable, the animals are clearly well loved, and most people driving past have no idea it exists.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what you can do there, and the practical details that make a visit worth the trip.
Where to Find This Roadside Animal Haven
Tucked along a busy stretch of highway, Violette Hill Hay Farm sits at 5505 N Orange Blossom Trail in Mt Dora, Florida. The location is easy to reach and sits right on the roadside, which is exactly how many people first spot it while driving by.
Mt Dora is a well known day trip town north of Orlando, so pairing the farm with a stroll around the area makes for a full outing. Several people mention discovering the place on their way back from town after seeing the sign.
The farm carries a strong 4.8 star reputation across more than a hundred reviews, which is impressive for such a small operation. It is a family owned business, and that personal touch shows in how the animals are cared for.
Because it sits close to Orlando yet feels a world away from crowded attractions, it lands squarely in the sweet spot for a value minded day trip. Few travelers know it is here, and that quiet quality is part of the charm.
Meet Pumpkin, the Capybara Who Steals the Show
Say hello to Pumpkin, the gentle capybara who has quietly become the reason most people make the drive. She is calm, sweet, and remarkably relaxed around guests, often stretching out for belly rubs while snacking away.
Spending time with her tends to feel soothing and heartwarming, and families walk away with big smiles. The staff clearly spoil her, and her care shows in how content she appears during encounters.
Guests who have visited other capybara cafes point out that Pumpkin gets some of the best treatment around, from her snacks to her overall condition. She is docile enough that people of all ages can safely interact with her.
The capybara experience is the standout draw here, and it lives up to the buzz. Meeting her often becomes the highlight of an entire trip through Central Florida.
Spice and the Younger Capybara Crew
Pumpkin is not the only capybara wandering the property. A younger companion named Spice joins her, and together the pair make the encounter feel even more special.
Some visits let you spend a private 45 minute session with two young capybaras, feeding them and simply relaxing in their company. People have described petting them until they drift off to sleep, which is about as tender a moment as a farm can offer.
The younger animals bring a playful energy that balances Pumpkin’s laid back personality. Guests often arrive expecting one capybara and leave delighted that they got to meet more than one.
Learning about how these creatures live and behave is part of the fun, since the guides share plenty of details during the visit. The combination of hands on time and education makes the capybara portion memorable for both kids and adults.
The Scottish Highland Cow and Its Baby Coo
Around one corner of the pasture stands one of the farm’s most photogenic residents, a Scottish Highland cow. With a shaggy coat and long horns, this fellow named Kristoff draws plenty of attention.
An adorable baby Highland calf shares the space, adding an extra dose of charm for anyone who loves fluffy farm animals. Guests can pet and feed the cows during their tour, which makes for a close encounter you rarely get elsewhere.
The owners have noted plans to add more shade structures so their Highland cattle stay comfortable in the Florida climate. That responsiveness reflects how seriously they take the animals’ well being.
Getting near a Highland cow is a rare treat this far south, and it rounds out the variety of creatures on the property. Between the big cow and the tiny calf, this stop tends to earn a lot of happy photos.
Baby Bunnies You Can Actually Cuddle
Few things win over young visitors faster than the bunnies here. Kids get to hold soft baby rabbits, and the excitement on their faces says everything.
Guests are handed lettuce to feed the bunnies, turning a simple visit into a hands on adventure. A nine year old on one trip was thrilled just watching all the rabbits hop around.
The bunnies show up again and again in guest stories, usually alongside words like cute and cuddly. They are gentle enough for small hands, which makes them a favorite corner of the farm.
Cuddling a baby bunny is the kind of small joy that sticks with families long after they leave. It is one of those low key experiences that turns a quick stop into a real memory.
Feeding the Goats and Their Playful Antics
Goats bring a burst of energy to the farm, and feeding them is a highlight for many families. Guests receive feed to hand out, and the goats eagerly line up for their share.
Baby goats occasionally join the mix, and some lucky guests have been invited to feed them personally. Their curious, bouncy nature keeps kids laughing and engaged.
Petting and feeding these animals is included in the general admission experience, so goats become part of nearly every visit. They rank among the most mentioned animals people enjoy here.
The goat pen delivers exactly the kind of interactive fun that makes petting farms special. It is a reliable crowd pleaser for the youngest members of the family.
Donkeys, a Pony, and a Whole Cast of Characters
Beyond the headliners, the farm is home to a lively supporting cast. A chatty, sweet donkey named Dominic greets guests, and a striking pony rounds out the larger animals.
On the far side of the property, the donkey and pony share their own space, giving visitors a reason to explore the full grounds. People describe the donkey as friendly and talkative, which adds personality to the tour.
Chickens, ducks, birds, pigs, sheep, and cats also call the farm home, so there is always another animal around the next corner. Each one has a name and a story the guides love to share.
The sheer variety means no two areas feel the same as you wander. It is a compact property packed with characters worth meeting.
Paint Your Own Pumpkin and Seasonal Fun
Pumpkins pop up often at Violette Hill, and not just the capybara named after them. The farm leans into seasonal charm with pumpkin themed activities that add another layer to a visit.
Painting your own pumpkin is exactly the kind of creative, hands on touch that turns a farm stop into a full afternoon. It gives kids a keepsake to take home along with their animal memories.
Combining animal encounters with a craft makes the outing feel like more than a quick photo op. Families get both cuddle time and a chance to slow down and create something.
Seasonal offerings like this keep the farm feeling fresh and fun throughout the year. It is a thoughtful extra that fits the farm’s playful, family friendly spirit.
The Knowledgeable Guides Who Bring It All Together
What elevates a visit here is the team leading the way. Guides such as Wayne, Ray, and Sophia are known for spending generous time with guests and answering every question thrown at them.
They share detailed information about the capybaras and the rest of the animals, turning the visit into a genuine learning experience. Sophia in particular is remembered for naming every animal and offering thorough descriptions during tours.
The owners, including a kind woman named Dawn, are hands on and welcoming, and their passion for the animals is obvious. That warmth shapes the whole atmosphere of the place.
Guests repeatedly note how much they learned and how patient the staff were with curious kids. The people running this farm are as much a draw as the animals themselves.
A Family Owned Spot With Cozy Petting Areas
Everything about Violette Hill points back to its family owned roots. The people you meet are genuinely lovely, and that personal care threads through the entire experience.
Cozy indoor and outdoor petting areas give guests comfortable spots to spend time with the animals. Whether you prefer shade or open air, there is a place to settle in and relax.
The relaxed, unhurried vibe suits families, couples on a day date, and even solo travelers looking for something different. Many describe it as a genuinely enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Supporting a small local business adds to the good feeling of a visit. It is the kind of place people root for and return to year after year.
Hours, Prices, and How to Plan Your Visit
Planning ahead helps you make the most of the trip. General admission runs about $15 per person, with children under 4 free, and the capybara encounter requires an additional ticket around $30.
Compared with other capybara experiences, the pricing here is considered a strong value, especially since sessions run longer than the quick 20 to 30 minute visits found elsewhere. Encounters can last up to 45 minutes.
The farm is open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, and Monday from 11 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Booking tickets ahead is smart, since availability for the capybara encounter can be limited. A little planning ensures you get your time with Pumpkin.
Why This Little Farm Wins Hearts
People drive as far as two hours to reach this farm, and many say they will return every single year. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the experience.
The animals are healthy, well cared for, and clearly comfortable with their caregivers, which puts guests at ease. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something to love here.
Like any small operation, there have been growing pains, and the owners have openly acknowledged plans to improve shade and facilities as they expand. Their willingness to listen and adapt shows real commitment.
For a close to home, affordable, and genuinely quirky outing near Orlando, Violette Hill Hay Farm delivers more than most travelers expect. Meet Pumpkin, paint a pumpkin, and you will likely leave already planning your next trip back.
