long island game farm

I have visited the so called zoo and was HORRIFIED to say the least! The animals are in deplorable enclosures. The rides should be displayed in museums. The restrooms replaced with new ones and there is really no cooling facilities for the really hot days. There have been events when children burned their hands from the tea cup ride because of the sun reflecting on the metal wheel that spins the cup. But, most of all the animals sadden me. They are in small enclosures and are tormented by people and screaming children continuously. When last I visited the place, there was a donkey that was old, full of lumps and tired of being in that small enclosure. Imagine spending day and night in one small place! Sure, it is open for maybe 5 months, but some animals are there permanent. The real sadness is that no one else appears to see beyond the fence line. I mean, the last time there were two calves in a small SMALL enclosure and one was sick and dying the other prospering because it was the dominant one and taking all the food! No one made any complaints about that! There were two kangaroos. All of a sudden, only one remained. The other died and we don't know how. This place needs major restructuring. We do not need exotic animals. We can see them at the Bronx zoo. Simple farm animals in appropriate enclosures, with well up yo date rides and safe eating places would make this place a dream. Next time you go, look at the place. Take into consideration the animals, their living quarters and their health. Is this what you want your money to support?

Went here last summer with my two nephews. Place hasn't changed in years except for a few poorly maintained kiddie rides. It looked the same as it did 20 years ago. The place smells and is poorly maintained. I used to come here when I was a kid and enjoyed it. They used to have a train that went around the entire park but it's gone. They used to also have a lion and tiger show. There is only one place to eat and you have to eat alfresco out of cardboard boxes with flies all around. The only thing that made me give it two stars was the dog show which was very entertaining and they let your child take a photo with one of the dogs for a fee of course. If you live on Long Island, it might be better to visit the Bronx Zoo which may be a bit of a hike but has much more to do and is much better maintained.

Wow !The Long Island Game Farm is an amazing place, nestled in the woods just south of Exit 70 on the LIE. The last time I checked they were no where near the Bronx, and were certainly not trying to compete with the Bronx Zoo.'The Long Island Game Farm in Manorville is actually an amazing place that has survived the tests of time, to the best of their abilities, because they are believers, and dedicated to preserving the very foundation that the Long Island Game Farm was based upon over 40 years ago.Here on Long Island we have what ?Do we have Disney or Great Adventure ? Nascar, Formula One or 1/4 mile ? Cabela's ?No we do not, nor will we ever.We have the Game Farm, which is an educational adventure in the wilds of Long Island.There are bees and more bees and flies and more flies, all at various times. These are all elements of nature and to be expected. The Game Farm is not at fault for what nature throws our way. The Game Farm instead brings us realism and reality, to the very best of their ability, and that dedication matters here on mid Long Island where there is NOTHING !I have not been at the Game Farm in many, many years, until last weekend, yet, based upon some of the very negative reviews that I feel are unfounded, I will clear my schedule so that I may once again enjoy the magic of the Long Island Game Farm just before they close for the 2014 season. Maybe I missed something, though I think not.I may even ask about volunteer opportunities because it is very obvious that this seasonal small town mid Island operation needs financing and staffing during the off months so that they can continue to provide their MAGIC to all of us, young, and old, that appreciate the Long Island Game Farm , it's history, it's sacrifice and the magic that it has provided for generations.I AM NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE LONG ISLAND GAME FARM OTHER THAN BEING A SUPPORTER AND BELIEVER IN THEIR ALMOST HALF CENTURY SACRIFICE TO BRING US ALL THE BEST POSSIBLE, REALISTIC LEARNING ADVENTURE HERE IN MID LONG ISLAND. They will never be the Bronx Zoo, though if they had the support and funding of BIG venues I am certain that they could measure up in the eyes of the naysayers . The Long Island Game Farm is an amazing place, a place that has earned it's right in the history books, and a place that has unselfishly tried for 45 years to bring the best possible educational and entertainment values to all that walked through their gates. They are hero's in this topsey turvey, unsettled world that we live in.

It was horrible and a waste of money. The rides when they were working were death traps, my child went on the carousel and came off covered in grease. The animals looked so depressed the reptile display was a complete joke. The bathrooms require a hepatitis shot and the whole place is falling apart

Went with my 5 and 12 year old. We got there 5 minutes before they opened and yet were not the first ones in. Within an hour, the place was packed. I do recommend coming early to avoid lines on the rides. Yes, this zoo has rides! tea cup, carousel, and a train. Also the pony rides were popular and drew a crowd. We loved walking in the enclosures with the deers and goats. The kids walked next to them and feed them food and milk from a bottle…this was an experience we will never forget. Also unforgettable was the giraffe feeding. He was so close! and his tongue licked our hands when he took the food out. If you do venture to this place, do not miss the dog show. All I have to say is Whoa. I enrolled my dogs in training after seeing the amazing things their animals did. This place is a must see. The all inclusive zebra pass is a little pricey, but definitely the way to go so everything can be experienced.

I went here with my husband, daughter (17 months), and in laws. I loved that there is a petting area where the kids can mingle and even touch some of the friendly animals. This is not your average zoo with lions, elephants, hippos, etc. This is certainly a deal breaker for some, but not for us. There are rides that you the kids can ride for an extra fee (pony ride, carousel, mini teacups, train). The neatest thing for me was being so close to the giraffe. I have never been able to reach out and touch one before. He was so docile and friendly. It was a beautiful day and he kept running in and out of his little barn. My daughter was pretty obsessive over the toy balls in all of the cages. I think that all of the animals except for the tortoises had one (ha ha!). The restrooms were broken during our visit and there were porta potties that nobody in our group needed, so I can't say much about that. The absolute best thing that you must not miss is the pekes show!!! My husband and I are behavior analysts. We were truly blown away by the level of training that the animals had for this show. My in laws were very entertained by the jokes and information offered by the host, and my daughter did not take her eyes off the stage for the entire 30 minutes. It is truly an amazing show for any person and we would honestly pay the price of admission just to see this show. I read that some people had problems with horse flies. I could see how that might be a problem, but without bug spray we didn't encounter and single horsefly or mosquito. Most of the park is shaded, so it would be comfortable temperature-wise for the warmer days. There were a lot of house flies, but you get so close to these animals that I think people take it for granted. The flies are around at any other zoo, but you don't notice because you are so far away from them at other zoos. You could touch probably 1/3 of the animals in this zoo. We found all of the staff to be very friendly.

Let me start off my saying that I was a film and book critic in the entertainment industry for 13 years. I have not been to the Long Island Game Farm since I was my oldest daughter age. (She is Seven.) I also have a four year old. We have been to dozens of zoos and aquariums over the years and have experienced the good and the bad. I was hesitate to take my girls here, after looking at the prices of admission and the perks that come with each level of purchase, I thought it was to high of a price to pay for such a little zoo. I had a coupon, and the young lady that greeted us at the entrance convinced us to by the 37.00 deal for the kids and she would charge my wife and I the standard kids price plus 6.00 off. I said fine. my coupon was for only four dollars off a kids admission fee anyway. 111.56 cents was a lot. The 37.00 each deal included unlimited rides for the kids and eights tickets to be used for feedings and pony rides. You're going to have to buy tickets in the park to feed the animals anyway Here are the cons of the park:- it is a bit run down and can really use some renovations. The natural look of the place is great with the homemade log fences and all. The small trail is also nice.-. Some of the enclosures are small and old looking. (However unlike the Bronx zoo you can actually see the animals). - The bathrooms have seen better days.- An updated food stand with a new menu might bring not only a better quality of food to the place but also generate more profits to help invest in the parks future.- The rides are old and can use some updating. The Pros.- THE SHOW on the main stage was excellent. It was a dog show which featured several dogs doing tricks with a big comedy act with the trainers and a small dog that would interfere with the whole act and upstage the cast of the show. It was amazingly hilarious. Then one of the highlights is a Baboon in stage couch being pulled by a Great Dane comes out and does this comedy skit with the trainers. This one show made it worth it. I have seen plenty of shows in zoos and theme parks and this little show in this small underestimated little zoo blew some of the biggest animal shows in places like Sea World away. I loved it!- The animal feedings. Let me ask you the reader something; When is the last time you and your family feed a giraffe at a zoo? Your right, Never! Well you can feed one here. A very friendly, happy Giraffe. Also when have you really ever been able to interact, feed and enter the enclosure of a hard of deer. Never! well you can here. In fact my girls loved the fact that they were able to get up close and feed the deer. There are also a variety of farm animals that you can feed such as Lamas, sheep, pigs, goats (you can feed baby goats a bottle for $2.00) and a bunch of other animals in the farm. - Gabby the Donkey! Yes! I am giving a great big shout out to what one of the caretakers said was the most gentle, friendliest animal in the game farm. Gabby the Donkey. If I were a billionaire I would of offered the game farm a million dollars for this donkey. My girls had the biggest smile on their faces and spent most of time feeding, petting and even hugging Gabby. The personalty on this donkey was amazing. Yes! I am talking about a donkey. i was watching my oldest daughter stand there with her arm around this Donkey, talking to it like it was her best friend, and this Donkey, Gabby was just standing there, chilling out like it was my dog back at home. The personalty on this animals was something I have never experienced before. Overall, When I first walked into the place, regretting the price I paid for the four of us to get in. A place I only expected us to explore and do everything in an hour or two. A place that could not compete with the look of the Bronx Zoo. A place that needs a little TLC. I had a WONDERFUL experience. Yes! The place does smell like animals and the poop and pee that go with it. All zoos do. Yes! There are parts of the park that need some love and updating; and Yes! The place can be better. HOWEVER!!!! What other places will let you feed animals that you never thought you would feed. Have a show like no other and a Donkey with personalty. I had a great time. I encourage everyone to visit and spend the cash to put the smiles on your kids faces. The experiences they have will stay with them for a lifetime. It is little place like this that need our money, they need our help to stay a float. I can only hope this review convinces you to just go there for these small experiences and helps you look past the little things that need to be updated in the game farm. To the owners of the farm; I hope this review helps you gain more interest, I hope that whatever profits it may bring you put back into the farm. Update your bathrooms, you exhibits and rides. Make it more of a better experience than it already is and has the potential to be once again like it was so many years ago.

This place is full of horseflies! They attack your when you get food. Tables are filthy. This place could use some sprucing up-especially considering they charge you a lot of money to get in the place. I don't think this place has been updated since 1970! Run down bathroom and only one food stand which makes it impossible to get anything.BTW the horse flies eat most of your lunch anyway before you get a bite. I hope that if you decide to go you eat lunch elsewhere. Also I hope you aren't counting on going on rides because they only have one operator who operates all three rides. Oh and did I mention that you have to buy separate tickets to go on the merry go round? I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.

My five year old loved this place. We fed the giraffe, donkey, deer, llamas all from our hands. We watched the kangaroo, lemur and alligator feeding which was fun and my daughter got to ride a carousel and a spinning tea cup ride. We also did a pony ride. This place was great...small and cozy and a bit expensive ($5 pony ride and $2.50 per carousel ride and $5 for a cup of animal food) but it was cute if you are in the area.

We always love our trips to LIGF. You kinda have to know where it is, because the signage right outside the farm isn't terribly clear.The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, and it is run like a family business.When we went this week, we were told that due to the weather, the giraffes and monkeys were still "down South", so if those are animals you want to see, call ahead.It's not cheap, so look into pricing first. There may also be a coupon on their website for discounted admission.The highlight is always the goat nursery, where there is a big open grassy area where baby goats run around and you can feed them little bottles of milk.I would definitely suggest going there for a fun time.

Long Island Game Farm is a nice day out especially in Spring or Fall. There are lots of animals to see and feed. There's a great giraffe that you can see up close and personal. There are a few cute rides for the little ones including a carousel. They have picnic tables where you can have lunch. Definitely recommended.

This place is very expensive and when we went over the summer we were chased and bit by horseflies and mosquitos. They hurt. When we tried to sit and eat lunch the yellow jacket bees attacked us and anyone with food. Some of the animals are not in a space adequate for their size. All the garbage palls were full and overflowing. I love zoos and have been to many all over the country. This place was a disappointment and I wound not go back until they clean up the facility and take better care of the animals.

Having been to many zoo, I was surprised at smell in the air from the animals. The place was not clean, I needed to use my Purel bottle over and over again.

We had a nice day at the game farm with our children ages 7 and 9. We only spent $8 a person since we are Manorville residents (a July special), which was worth it. Though we had fun, I don't feel it is worth the regular cost of admission. There are many animals to see and my children enjoyed touching the deer and goats. It gets expensive to buy animal food and $2 milk bottles for the baby goats (which are finished in ten seconds). The show was cute, not great. There are three little kid rides- a tiny train, carousel, and spinning tea cups. Each ride costs extra money.They sell expensive food/ drinks, so I'd bring your own. Also, it gets busy with school field trips and camps... So you may want to call ahead. The day I went was empty, which was nice. All in all, we had a nice day since it was a promo rate... Less than a cost of movie.

We decided to take the boys to the game farm for the day. They had a blast feeding the animals, especially the giraffe and the goats. I would recommend bringing a bag lunch because the food is pricey. Also recommend going in the summer because they do not have all of the animals during the spring and fall.