Horseback Rides, Interactions, and Petting Zoo
Overview
We provide a controlled environment for safe horseback riding for kids and beginners, and a petting zoo. We have a 24,440 sqft equestrian center with a spectacular view of Mississippi river sunsets. Our location is wonderful, with nature all around us.
Our horses are calm and happy in this place. They love to be petted and groomed. The goats, pigs, and chickens are friendly, and will eat out of your hands. Rub the pigs belly, scratch the goat, feed meal worms to the chickens, and watch the smiles grow on your family's faces. The ducks provide comical quacking as they waddle around the property. The pigs grunt as they come and go. The miniature horse is absolutely wonderful with kids and can carry up to a 50 lb rider. We move along at your kids' pace.
Nobody else has rental apartments overlooking an indoor horseback riding arena, where you can see the animals and beautiful scenery right outside your windows.
What's Included
- Horse tack and horse. Helmets are also provided.
Meeting Location
2689 South River Road
Galena, IL 61036, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Slow and controlled horseback rides. We start slow and we end slow. Wrangler Roger leads the horse and riders take turns one at a time. Folks not riding can walk alongside, take pictures, lead the mini horse, and pet the other animals before, during, and after the rides. Focus is on kids, but we also give rides to beginner adults. (200 lb. max for horse rides, 50 lb. max for mini-horse rides). We have friendly horses, mini horse, goats, mini pigs, guinea pigs, dogs, chickens, ducks, and a kitty. Safety is first priority, followed closely by fun. We operate rain or shine in our 60’ x 160’ indoor riding arena, outdoor riding arena or in pastures surrounding our 24,440 sqft facility. Hand feed chickens, goats, and mini pigs. Watch the ducks splash in the water. Walk among a herd of friendly horses.
We also have overnight rental apartments inside the equestrian center.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Horseback Rides, Interactions, and Petting Zoo?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-142125P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Flyover in Chicago
The Flyover experience takes 30 minutes from beginning to end. First, on-the-ground stories connect you with the spirit of the Windy City. Then, you’ll discover...
$28
Bird Tours across Chicago
With over 10 years of birding, Wayne can not only identify birds out in the wild through sight, but also through their many calls! Interested...
$60
Discover the streets of Lincoln Park, Chicago, and the Magnificent Lake Front on a high-quality electric bike rental from E-Z Rider Bike Shop. Our e-bikes...
$85
Join us for the most memorable experience you will have while visiting Chicago! For runners from around the world, this is definitely a “bucket list”...
$44
The Flyover experience takes 30 minutes from beginning to end. First, on-the-ground stories connect you with the spirit of the Windy City. Then, you’ll discover...
$28
With over 10 years of birding, Wayne can not only identify birds out in the wild through sight, but also through their many calls! Interested...
$60
Discover the streets of Lincoln Park, Chicago, and the Magnificent Lake Front on a high-quality electric bike rental from E-Z Rider Bike Shop. Our e-bikes...
$85
Join us for the most memorable experience you will have while visiting Chicago! For runners from around the world, this is definitely a “bucket list”...
$44
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to...
$45
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years...
$45
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities....
$49
Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich...
$28
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to...
$45
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years...
$45
Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities....
$49
Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich...
$28
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- Horse tack and horse. Helmets are also provided.
The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Horseback Rides, Interactions, and Petting Zoo is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Horseback Rides, Interactions, and Petting Zoo will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Horse tack and horse. Helmets are also provided.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
