Petting zoo and waterfowl park with seasonal pumpkins; no 2026 dates or pricing published.
Swan Creek Farm Petting Zoo & Waterfowl Park is primarily an animal-encounter destination, with pumpkins as a seasonal add-on rather than the core activity. This is an important distinction: you’re coming for the animals and birds, and the pumpkin patch is a secondary offering.
The farm lists both a petting zoo and a waterfowl park. A petting zoo typically features farm animals like goats, sheep, rabbits, and chickens—animals hands-on friendly for kids. A waterfowl park is usually a pond or enclosed area with ducks, geese, and other water birds for viewing and (sometimes) hand-feeding. Combined, these make for a full animal experience.
Petting zoos require direct animal contact—kids touching and feeding animals—which is the appeal for young children but also a hygiene consideration. Hand sanitizer or wipes are essential, especially after petting animals and before eating. Bring your own to ensure availability.
Animals in petting zoos can bite, scratch, or kick, especially if handled roughly or if kids corner them. Most farms have rules about gentle handling and supervision. Ask when you call whether there are age minimums or whether toddlers need adult accompaniment for certain animals.
If the farm has a pond or waterside area for waterfowl, it’s usually a calmer, observation-focused experience than the petting zoo. Kids can watch ducks and geese, throw feed if the farm allows it, and listen to bird sounds. This can be soothing for overwhelmed toddlers or a nice break in the day. Some farms have walking paths around the water; others have viewing areas from a distance.
Monticello is in Lawrence County, in the Jackson region of central Mississippi. October weather here is mild and comfortable—daytime highs typically in the 65–75 degree range, with lower humidity than the coast. This makes outdoor time with animals genuinely pleasant, unlike steamy summer months.
The area is rural but not isolated; Monticello is about 35 miles south of Jackson. Fall color is modest in central Mississippi, but scattered maples and gum trees will show some orange and red.
Since hours, opening dates, and pricing were not available, contact joythurman50@gmail.com or visit the website (swancreekfarms.com) to confirm:
Ask specifically about age restrictions, animal handling rules, and whether any animals are temporarily unavailable due to illness or seasonal care.
Pumpkins are listed as available, but this farm’s strength is animal interaction. Pre-picked pumpkins are likely available for selection, but u-pick fields are not mentioned. If pumpkins are your main goal, a dedicated patch may be a better use of time. If your kids love animals and pumpkins are a fun add-on, this is an excellent fit.
The petting zoo experience is usually most enjoyable for kids ages 2–8; older kids often lose interest once the novelty of animal touching wears off.
September through October; call to confirm 2026 opening and closing dates.
2–3 hours
Quiet weekdays; busy weekends, especially among families with young kids.
Farm parking; details not confirmed.
Contact the farm for current accessibility information.
You want u-pick pumpkins or a corn maze; you need guaranteed hours and entry cost.
The farm lists a petting zoo and waterfowl park, so expect farm animals and birds. Call joythurman50@gmail.com to ask which animals are currently on-site and whether interaction is hands-on or observation-only.
Young kids can spend 1–2 hours if they're engaged. The farm lists multiple attractions (petting zoo, waterfowl park, pumpkins), so plan 2–3 hours total.
Pricing structure was not listed. Call to confirm whether it's a flat gate fee, per-person charge, or something else.
Petting zoos usually have strict rules about outside food or treating the animals. Call ahead to ask about feed policies and whether they provide food to give the animals.
2026 dates had not been published when we last checked. Check with the farm before driving out.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
14 Joy Dr, Monticello, MS 39663, in Lawrence County. It is one of 6 patches we track in Jackson Region.
We track 6 patches in Jackson Region. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
What sets it apart locally: it has farm animals, which most Jackson Region patches on our list do not.
One caveat worth repeating: this farm had not published its 2026 dates when we last checked, while 0 of the 6 patches we track in Jackson Region had. Treat any date you see elsewhere as last year's until the farm confirms it.
There are 3 other patches we track in Lawrence County. All Jackson Region patches →
swancreekfarms.com · pumpkinpatchesandmore.org
Checked August 2026.