Donkey River Farm in Liberty, SC is a guided animal cuddle experience run by a real Upstate family on a beautiful working farm. In this article, we cover what it’s like to visit, which animals you’ll meet, how to book a session, why cuddling farm animals is genuinely good for you (science says so!), and an honest mom review from a family who has been there.
If you are looking for an adorable escape from reality, Donkey River Farm in Liberty, SC might just become your family’s new favorite spot. We took our crew out for a cuddle session and honestly? We left happier than when we showed up. Between the giant fluffy bunnies, the majestic Highland cows that had me asking what hair products they used, and the sweet animals waiting to meet you in the meadow, this place is pure magic for families of any age. Yes, even teenagers love it. We brought teenagers. They loved every single second of it.
Quick Facts: Donkey River Farm
- Location: Liberty, South Carolina (Upstate SC)
- Type: Guided animal cuddle farm and working family farm
- Ages: All ages welcome; kids 4 and under free for the farm tour
- Session length: 30 minutes per guided session
- Pricing: Farm Tour with Goat and Bunny Encounter: $12/person; Donkey Cuddles from $40; Highland Cow Cuddles from $50
- Reservations: Required. Book at donkeyriverfarm.com
- Best for: Families, couples, teens, adults, all ages
In This Article
- What Is Donkey River Farm?
- The Animals You’ll Meet
- The Cuddle Sessions: What to Expect
- Science Says: Cuddling Farm Animals Is Actually Good for You
- Farm Events and What’s Coming
- Honest Mom Review
- Plan Your Visit to Donkey River Farm
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Donkey River Farm?
Donkey River Farm is a family farm tucked into the rolling hills of Liberty, South Carolina, right in the heart of the Upstate. It’s owned and operated by Morgan and Kyle, along with their four kids, who have built something really special out here: a place where visitors can slow down, breathe, and just be with animals.
Morgan is the scientist of the operation, a former college instructor with a master’s degree in Molecular Biology and a bachelor’s in Animal Science, so when she tells you something about how the animals work and what they need, she actually knows what she’s talking about. Kyle, meanwhile, is the builder of the duo and is constantly working on new additions to make the farm experience even better for visitors. Together, they have built a place that feels rooted in genuine love for what they do.
The whole farm runs on a philosophy of slowing down, connecting with nature, and letting animals do what animals do best: make you feel better about everything. Whether you have a toddler who loves bunnies or a teenager who needs a break from screens, this farm delivers.
The Animals You’ll Meet
OK, let’s talk about the real stars of the show. Because wow, they are cute.
Our absolute favorites were the big fluffy bunnies (we’re talking seriously giant, seriously snuggly bunnies), the Highland cows with their long swooshy hair and the most gentle eyes you’ve ever seen, and the baby doll sheep. Like, these sheep look like literal teddy bears but in sheep form and are oh-so-cute! Every animal here is calm, well-socialized, and completely comfortable with people, which makes the whole experience feel easy and natural, even for kids who might be nervous around animals at first.
The donkeys on the farm will absolutely charm you. They are so gentle and follow you around. The goats are typical goats – mischievous, curious, and friendly. All the animals have clearly been raised with care and attention, and it shows.
The Cuddle Sessions: What to Expect
Donkey River Farm offers three main visit experiences, all by reservation only. Here’s what you need to know:
- Farm Tour with Goat and Bunny Encounter: $12 per person, kids 4 and under are free. Walk the farm, meet the herd, and get hands-on time with the goats and bunnies. This is the perfect intro visit for families, especially if you have little ones who just need to meet all the animals.
- Donkey Cuddles: $40 for up to 2 guests, or $60 for a family of up to 5. Spend 30 minutes with the gentle donkeys in the shaded cuddle meadow. You’ll brush them, feed them, and just hang out. It’s as peaceful and restorative as it sounds. Add a feed cup for $5.
- Highland Cow Cuddles: $50 for up to 2 guests, or $70 for a family of up to 5. Same vibe as the donkey session, just with the Highland cows. Honestly, this might be the most photo-worthy session on the farm. Add a feed cup for $5.
There is also a handwashing station on site, which is a very good thing when you’re spending quality time with animals. All visitors sign the SC Agritourism Liability Waiver before the session begins.
Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so book as soon as you can.
Tip: Book your session at donkeyriverfarm.com as soon as you know your date. Weekend spots fill up quickly, especially during school breaks and holidays.
Science Says: Cuddling Farm Animals Is Actually Good for You
Here’s the thing: it’s not just a fun afternoon out. Research backs up what you’ll feel the moment you step into that meadow and put your hands on a Highland cow or a giant bunny.
A 2024 study published in PLOS ONE found that people who spent even a short time interacting with farm animals experienced a 25% reduction in anxiety, compared to a 13% reduction in people who simply went for a walk in a botanical garden. Animals > gardens. The researchers concluded that the hands-on experience of being with animals creates something beyond what nature alone can offer.
An earlier controlled experiment published in the journal Anxiety, Stress, and Coping found that petting an animal specifically reduced state anxiety, and the effect applied to people regardless of whether they considered themselves animal lovers. The real-animal contact was what made the difference, not just the act of petting something soft.
In other words, leaving the farm happier than when you arrived isn’t just a feeling. It’s biology. So booking that Highland cow session? Basically self-care.
Farm Events and What’s Coming
Beyond the regular cuddle sessions, Donkey River Farm hosts events throughout the year where visitors can enjoy live music, ice cream, and time with the animals. The best way to stay in the loop is to follow the farm on social media and sign up for their email list on their website so you get early booking links, event updates, and discounts straight to your inbox.
Kyle is also actively building out new experiences on the farm like gem mining, so there is always something new on the horizon. A farm store is coming soon, which means this already great day trip is about to get even better.
Looking for something extra special? The farm also offers field trips for schools and groups starting at $10 per person, a mobile petting zoo they can bring to your event, and private events including birthday parties starting at $250. If you have been searching for a truly unique birthday venue, consider this your sign.
Honest Mom Review
I walked away from Donkey River Farm genuinely happy. Not just “that was a fun afternoon” happy, but lighter. The farm is immaculately clean, and the animals clearly get the best care. Everything about the way Morgan and Kyle run this place tells you they are in it for the love of it, not as a side hustle. You can feel the difference.
The experience is absolutely great for any age. I brought teens, and they absolutely loved it. We had such a blast with all the animals and learning about the farm from Morgan and Kyle. That’s the magic of slowing down and being with animals: it works on everyone.
The animals are the clear highlight. The bunnies are gigantic and irresistible. The Highland cows are gentle giants. The baby doll sheep are just crazy cute. But beyond the animals themselves, the whole atmosphere of the farm is calm and unhurried. There is no rush, no chaos, no overwhelming crowd. It is exactly the kind of experience that is hard to find and impossible to forget.
Plan Your Visit to Donkey River Farm
Donkey River Farm is located in Liberty, South Carolina, approximately 35 minutes from downtown Greenville. All sessions are by reservation only. Book your spot at donkeyriverfarm.com. Address is 1576 Greenville Hwy, Liberty, SC 29657. Park at the blue shed.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Wear closed-toe shoes. It is a working farm.
- All sessions are guided and family-friendly.
- A signed SC Agritourism Liability Waiver is required for all participants.
- Kids 4 and under are free for the Farm Tour with Goat and Bunny Encounter.
- Spots fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Book ahead.
- Sign up for the farm email list at donkeyriverfarm.com to get early booking access and event updates.
More Farm and Animal Fun Near Greenville
More farm adventures in the Upstate: Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm in Fountain Inn, SC
Animals and ice cream in one spot: Ice Cream, Animals, and Fun at Famoda Farm near Greenville
Baby goats and homesteading fun in Travelers Rest: Double Blessing Farm: The Quaint Family Farm You Must See
Frequently Asked Questions About Donkey River Farm
Do I need a reservation to visit Donkey River Farm?
Yes. All sessions at Donkey River Farm are by reservation only. Spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays, so book your visit as early as possible at donkeyriverfarm.com.
How much does a visit to Donkey River Farm cost?
Pricing depends on the session you choose. The Farm Tour with Goat and Bunny Encounter is $12 per person, with kids 4 and under free. Donkey Cuddle sessions start at $40 for up to 2 guests and $60 for a family of up to 5. Highland Cow Cuddle sessions start at $50 for up to 2 guests and $70 for a family of up to 5. Feed cup add-ons are $5 each.
Is Donkey River Farm good for teenagers, or just little kids?
It is genuinely great for every age. Teenagers enjoy it just as much as the little ones. The farm also offers couple-friendly experiences, making it a fun and unusual outing for adults too. Science even backs up why it feels so good for everyone: interacting with animals significantly reduces anxiety and lifts mood.
Where is Donkey River Farm located?
Donkey River Farm is located in Liberty, South Carolina, in the Upstate, approximately 35 minutes from downtown Greenville. Address is 1576 Greenville Hwy, Liberty, SC 29657.
Does Donkey River Farm offer field trips or birthday parties?
Yes! The farm offers guided field trips for schools and groups starting at $10 per person, birthday party packages starting at $250, and a mobile petting zoo experience they can bring to your event. Contact the farm through donkeyriverfarm.com for details and availability.
How do I stay updated on farm events at Donkey River Farm?
The best way is to follow the farm on social media and sign up for their email list at donkeyriverfarm.com. Subscribers get early booking links, event announcements, and exclusive discounts. The farm hosts events throughout the year including live music, ice cream, and animal time.
