Tucked behind a charming ice cream and pizza shop in Delray Beach, Florida, lies one of South Florida’s most surprising family destinations. The Girls Strawberry U-Pick at 14466 S Military Trail is far more than its name suggests — it’s a full-blown adventure packed with animals, nostalgic treats, and hands-on fun.
From a petting zoo filled with goats, pigs, and exotic birds to old-fashioned candy and homemade ice cream, this place has something for every age. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this hidden gem is absolutely worth the stop.
The Hidden Petting Zoo Out Back
Nobody expects to walk through an ice cream shop and stumble into a full petting zoo — but that’s exactly what happens at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick. Hidden behind the storefront, a lush animal garden stretches out with tropical landscaping that makes the whole space feel like a secret world.
Admission is around $10 per person and is genuinely worth every penny. You’ll find goats, pigs, donkeys, swans, toucans, rabbits, mini horses, and colorful birds all waiting to meet you.
The space is kept impressively clean, and visitors consistently note that there’s no unpleasant smell despite the many animals.
Families with kids of all ages love how interactive everything feels. You’re not just looking through glass — you’re actually in the space with the animals.
It’s the kind of surprise that turns a quick errand into a two-hour adventure nobody planned for.
Goats That Steal the Show
One reviewer described a goat that would literally climb onto the bench beside you and cuddle in your lap — and honestly, that says everything about the star power of the goats here. These animals are bold, friendly, and absolutely full of personality.
Feeding the goats is one of the top highlights of any visit. You can purchase a cup of veggies at the entrance for around $5, and the goats go absolutely wild for green beans.
Watching them munch away while nudging each other for position is genuinely hilarious entertainment for kids and adults alike.
One of the coolest features is the goat bridge, a raised walkway that lets the goats stroll above your head while you feed them from below. It’s a quirky, one-of-a-kind setup that visitors rave about constantly.
Plan to spend extra time here — these goats are seriously hard to walk away from.
Baby Pigs and Bunnies Worth Every Second
Walking into a pen of baby pigs is not something most people get to do on a regular Tuesday — but at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick, it’s just another part of the experience. The piglets are tiny, round, and impossibly cute, drawing squeals of delight from kids and grown-ups alike.
The baby rabbits are another crowd favorite. Guests can actually hold them, which makes for some truly priceless photos.
One reviewer mentioned a rabbit scratched their arm slightly, so gentle handling is encouraged — but the experience itself is described as absolutely worth it.
What really stands out is how clean and well-maintained these animal areas are. Despite housing so many creatures, the space doesn’t carry the typical farm smell that might make sensitive visitors uncomfortable.
That level of care makes the whole experience feel safe, fun, and something families will genuinely want to repeat.
Parakeet Encounter That Feels Like Magic
Forget watching birds behind glass — at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick, parakeets land right on your hand. You purchase a small feeding branch for around $5, hold it out, and within seconds, brilliant little birds flutter down to perch on your fingers.
It’s the kind of moment that genuinely takes your breath away.
One seasoned visitor tip worth noting: get there early. Once the parakeets have eaten their fill, they stop coming down to greet guests.
Morning visits give you the best shot at a full, magical interaction with these colorful little creatures.
Kids who’ve never been close to a live bird before often describe this as the highlight of their entire visit. Parents love it too because it’s calm, controlled, and genuinely awe-inspiring.
The parakeet encounter alone is reason enough to make the trip to this wonderfully unexpected Delray Beach destination.
Exotic Birds Including Macaws and Toucans
Beyond the parakeets, the bird collection at this place is genuinely impressive. Macaws with brilliant feathers, toucans with their iconic oversized beaks, canaries, and other exotic species make the animal garden feel more like a tropical aviary than a farm attraction.
The canaries are a particularly special experience. Like the parakeets, you can feed them using a small branch purchase, and they’ll flutter right to you.
Visitors describe the moment as almost dreamlike — dozens of tiny yellow birds hovering around your outstretched hand in a garden setting.
For anyone who appreciates wildlife, the bird variety here is genuinely surprising for a spot tucked behind a shopping plaza. The tropical landscaping surrounding the enclosures adds to the atmosphere, making the whole area feel lush and vibrant.
Bird lovers especially tend to linger here far longer than they originally planned, snapping photos and soaking in the colors.
The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Step inside and the first thing that hits you is the vibe — this ice cream shop looks like it was pulled straight out of a 1950s small-town dream. Vintage decor, old-school candy displays, and a counter full of colorful scoops make it feel like a step back in time.
A single scoop runs about $5.95 and comes out as two generously sized scoops — a deal that surprises almost every first-time visitor. The flavors are homemade and rotating, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more creative seasonal options.
The banana split, in particular, has earned rave reviews from multiple visitors.
Whether you stop in before exploring the petting zoo or treat yourself on the way out, the ice cream here is the perfect reward for a fun-filled visit. Kids and adults both agree: it’s simple, satisfying, and made with obvious care.
A sweet ending to a sweet place.
Pizza Worth Staying For
Most people arrive at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick expecting a quick animal visit or an ice cream stop — and then they smell the pizza. The on-site pizzeria has built a surprisingly strong reputation, with visitors consistently calling it delicious and well above expectations for a farm attraction.
The pizza deal — two slices and a drink for $7.99 — is a crowd-pleaser that keeps people coming back. The Sicilian slices, thick and hearty, have earned special praise from families who weren’t even planning to eat when they arrived.
Coffee soda is available as a drink option and has become an unexpectedly beloved choice for adventurous visitors.
Grabbing a slice before heading into the petting zoo is a popular strategy among regulars. It lets you relax, soak in the quirky retro atmosphere of the shop, and fuel up before spending an hour chasing goats and hand-feeding parakeets.
Honestly, solid life advice.
Gramma’s Bakery and Sweet Treats
Tucked inside the shop alongside the ice cream and pizza is Gramma’s Bakery, a small but mighty section that has earned its own fan following. Visitors who stumble upon it often describe it as an unexpected highlight of an already surprising visit.
The rugelach has been called “freaking amazing” by more than one reviewer, and the cinnamon raisin bread is another standout that people pick up to take home. The banana split from the ice cream counter paired with a bakery treat makes for a genuinely indulgent afternoon that’s hard to beat on a Florida weekend.
Everything about Gramma’s Bakery leans into the nostalgic, homemade feel of the whole property. Nothing here tastes mass-produced or rushed.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, skipping this section would be a real mistake. Budget a few extra dollars and leave with something delicious tucked under your arm.
The Kids’ Train Ride Through the Zoo
For little ones who love trains — and honestly, which kids don’t — the miniature train ride at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick is a total highlight. The train winds through parts of the property, giving kids a moving view of the animal garden and surrounding grounds that feels genuinely exciting.
Multiple reviewers with toddlers and young children mention the train as one of the top reasons their kids wanted to come back. One mom noted her two-year-old was absolutely obsessed, and another family made the train ride a non-negotiable part of every visit to the property.
The ride is a ticketed add-on, so factor that into your budget when planning the trip. But for families with young train enthusiasts, it’s money well spent.
Watching a child’s face light up as the little locomotive chugs through a zoo full of animals is exactly the kind of memory this place specializes in creating.
Gem Mining for Little Adventurers
Buried at the back of the property alongside the petting zoo and train ride is another hands-on activity that tends to catch families off guard: gem mining. Kids get to sift through sand and water to find colorful stones and gems, which they get to keep as souvenirs from the trip.
It’s the kind of activity that appeals to kids who love digging, collecting, and discovering things. The setup is simple but effective — a trough of sand, running water, and a scoop are all you need to feel like a junior geologist for a few minutes.
Parents appreciate that it keeps kids engaged and focused while the adults catch their breath.
Like the train and animal feeding, gem mining is a ticketed add-on. Costs can add up across all the activities, so it helps to plan ahead.
But for families wanting a full day of variety, it adds a genuinely fun layer to an already packed visit.
The Nostalgic Shop Full of Candy and Toys
Walking into The Girls Strawberry U-Pick feels like stepping into a time machine aimed at the sweetest parts of childhood. The storefront is packed floor to ceiling with retro candy, nostalgic toys, and hundreds of trinkets and knick-knacks that spark instant memories for adults and wide-eyed wonder in kids.
Visitors describe spending surprising amounts of time just browsing the shelves before even making it to the ice cream counter. There are Italian dishes in the freezer section to take home, novelty candies that are hard to find anywhere else, and small souvenirs that make great keepsakes from the visit.
The atmosphere is deliberately old-timey and kitschy, which is a huge part of the charm. Nothing feels sterile or corporate here.
Every corner has something interesting to look at, and the general vibe is warm, quirky, and genuinely fun. Even without the petting zoo, the shop alone makes for a worthwhile stop in Delray Beach.
Fruit Smoothie Bar and Outdoor Seating
After feeding goats, holding rabbits, and eating pizza, sometimes you just need a cold, fruity drink and a place to sit. The fruit smoothie bar at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick delivers exactly that, with a menu of fresh blended drinks that look as vibrant as the rest of the property.
Multiple visitors have mentioned the smoothie bar looks amazing, though it’s one of those things that often gets skipped simply because there’s so much else happening. Regulars who’ve tried it tend to rave about the freshness and flavor.
It fits perfectly with the farm-fresh, tropical Florida atmosphere that defines the whole experience.
The large outdoor seating area is a great place to decompress between activities. Families can sit, eat, and watch the general chaos of kids discovering animals for the first time.
Even on busy weekends, the outdoor space gives the property enough breathing room that it never feels completely overwhelming.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for a Great Trip
A few practical tips can make the difference between a good visit and a truly great one. Arriving early is the single most consistent piece of advice from seasoned visitors — the parakeets and canaries stop engaging once they’re full, and the parking lot fills up fast on weekends.
Opening time is 10:30 AM Tuesday through Sunday, and the farm is closed on Mondays.
Budget-wise, plan for more than just entry. Animal feeding cups run about $5 each, the train and gem mining are ticketed separately, and the food is worth budgeting for too.
A family of four can realistically spend $60 to $80 for a full experience, which most visitors agree is fair for everything included.
Navigation tip: Google Maps may direct you to the wrong entrance. Head through the ice cream and pizza shop — that’s the correct way into the petting zoo.
Skip the stroller if possible, as the space can be tricky to navigate with one.