With the weather finally warming up, many families will be planning days out - and farms and petting zoos are always a hit with children.

Here in Worcestershire, we’re lucky to have a number of places on our doorstep where children can encounter farm animals and more exotic creatures.

We’ve rounded up a few of them for you here.

Little Owl Farm

This educational farm park is based near Ombersley and features animals including meerkats, foxes, rhea, pheasants and reindeer.

Children can get hands-on in the petting barn, where you’ll find rabbits, guinea pigs and, depending on when you visit, newly-hatched chicks.

There’s also a soft play, go karts, bouncing pillows, tractor rides, sheep racing and more.

Cob House Country Park

The Cob House in Wichenford is free to walk around and happens to be home to the first two reindeer to have been born in Worcestershire.

The country park, which boasts The Mayfly cafe and an outdoor play area, also has alpacas, goats, pigs and chickens.

Fishing fans can also take advantage of the Cob House’s coarse fishing lakes.

Top Barn Farm Park

This farm park in Holt Heath is a great place to see animals including sheep, chickens, rabbits, donkeys, guinea pigs and goats and there are feed buckets available.

Youngsters will also love the willow tunnel, play areas, sandpit and coin-operated digger, while for the adults, be sure to check out the farm shop.

All Things Wild

All Things Wild is currently based in Honeybourne, near Evesham, but has plans to move to Stratford.

Until then, it provides the chance to see a huge range of animals including monkeys, kangaroos, lizards, beavers, pigs, lemurs, skunks and more right here in Worcestershire.

There are also nature trails, a lemur walk-through area and outdoor play areas.

Attwell Farm Park

Attwell Farm Park is a classic petting farm in Beoley, near Redditch. Grab a bag of animal feed and set off to meet the pigs, goats, sheep, Aberdeen Angus cattle, chickens and ducks.

Inside there’s a giant soft play, toddler play area, sandpit and cafe.