The Ultimate Guide to Renting Kids’ Party Pony Rides and Petting Zoos in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA

Planning a child’s birthday party is both exciting and overwhelming. With so many entertainment options available, one classic and unforgettable choice stands out: pony rides and mobile petting zoos. In the cities of Los Angeles and Orange County, California, this kid friendly activity has become a favorite for families looking to bring something truly magical to their child’s celebration. FUNFACTORYPARTIES.COM is the leader in Pony and Petting Zoo Rentals in Los Angeles and Orange County!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting kids’ party pony rides and petting zoos in Los Angeles and Orange County, highlighting city-specific options, safety tips, rental processes, and essential keywords to help you find the perfect party solution.
Why Choose Pony Rides and Petting Zoos for Kids’ Parties?
Pony rides and petting zoos offer more than just adorable animals—they provide a rich, hands-on learning experience that brings joy and excitement to children of all ages. These activities:
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Encourage empathy and curiosity
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Provide gentle, interactive fun for children
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Create picture-perfect moments
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Work for a variety of party themes (e.g., farm, cowboy, unicorn, fairytale)
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Offer safe and supervised animal encounters
Popular Cities in Los Angeles County for Pony Ride and Petting Zoo Rentals
Here are some of the most requested locations in Los Angeles County where families frequently rent mobile petting zoos and pony rides for kids’ birthday parties:
1. Los Angeles
The heart of the county, LA is full of beautiful backyards and local parks that serve as excellent venues for a pony ride or petting zoo rental. Whether you’re in Brentwood, Silver Lake, or Echo Park, there’s always a way to include live animals in your party plan.
2. Santa Monica
Families in Santa Monica love to host beachside or backyard birthday parties. A unicorn pony ride on the lawn with the ocean breeze is a huge hit for kids aged 3–10.
3. Pasadena
Pasadena offers spacious homes and quiet neighborhoods, ideal for mobile petting zoos with goats, bunnies, and even chickens.
4. Long Beach
Long Beach parents often combine pony rides with bounce houses or clowns for larger parties. Parks like El Dorado and Heartwell are frequent sites for these types of events.
5. Glendale and Burbank
These entertainment-industry-adjacent neighborhoods are great for themed parties featuring costumed ponies and friendly handlers.
Popular Orange County Cities for Pony and Petting Zoo Rentals
Orange County brings a charming suburban flavor to kids’ parties. These cities are among the top areas to rent petting zoos and pony rides:
1. Irvine
Known for its family-friendly communities, Irvine residents love combining pony rides with educational animal experiences for birthday parties and school events.
2. Anaheim
The home of Disneyland is also a great place to bring magic to your backyard. Unicorn pony rides are especially popular in this city.
3. Newport Beach
Upscale homes with big yards are perfect for pony rides and farm animals—especially popular for milestone birthdays.
4. Huntington Beach
Pony rides and beach parties? Yes, please! Huntington Beach residents often rent petting zoos for both private parties and public festivals.
5. Santa Ana
Santa Ana families love including mobile animal entertainment at school fairs, churches, and backyard parties.
What’s Included in a Typical Pony Ride Rental?
When you rent a kids’ party pony ride, here’s what you can expect:
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A trained pony handler
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One or more ponies (depending on your party size)
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Lead-line pony rides for each child
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Costumed ponies available (e.g., unicorns, cowboys, princess themes)
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Optional safety helmets
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Approx. 1–2 hours of pony rides
Keywords to note: pony ride rental Los Angeles, Orange County pony rides, unicorn pony rental, children’s birthday pony rides
What’s Included in a Mobile Petting Zoo Rental?
Mobile petting zoos bring a variety of small, friendly animals directly to your event. Animals typically include:
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Goats
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Sheep
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Ducks
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Chickens
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Rabbits
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Mini pigs
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Miniature cows or llamas (with advanced booking)
Staff is usually included to help kids interact safely with the animals.
Popular petting zoo rental keywords: mobile petting zoo Los Angeles, kids birthday petting zoo Orange County, animal party rental CA
How to Book a Pony Ride or Petting Zoo for Your Party
Booking a mobile animal attraction for your event is easier than ever. Follow these steps:
1. Choose a Reputable Company
Look for providers with:
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Licensed and insured services
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Positive reviews and references
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Clean and well-cared-for animals
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Experienced handlers
A great example is FunFactoryParties.com, which has been providing pony rides and petting zoos across California for over 25 years.
2. Select Your Package
Most companies offer several options:
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Pony rides only
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Petting zoo only
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Combo packages (pony rides + petting zoo)
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Add-ons (magicians, bounce houses, mascot characters)
3. Confirm Venue Requirements
Make sure your location allows animals (especially in public parks). You may need:
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Space for trailers to unload animals
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Fencing for the petting zoo
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Permission or a permit for city parks
4. Book Early
Weekends book up fast—especially in spring and summer. It’s best to reserve at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
Themes That Pair Well with Pony Rides and Petting Zoos
If you’re planning a themed party, pony rides and petting zoos can easily be tailored to your concept. Here are some popular kids’ party themes in Los Angeles and Orange County:
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Western/Cowboy Party – With hay bales, lasso games, and pony rides
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Unicorn/Fairytale Party – Colorfully costumed unicorn ponies
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Barnyard Bash – Goats, pigs, and chickens steal the show
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Safari Party – Include exotic animals like parrots and tortoises
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Princess Party – Add pony rides for princesses and knights
Safety Tips for Kids’ Pony Rides and Petting Zoos
Your child’s safety is always the top priority. Be sure to:
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Choose companies with insurance and experienced staff
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Provide helmets for pony rides (many providers include them)
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Supervise children during animal interactions
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Ensure kids wash hands after touching animals
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Avoid feeding animals unless supervised
Pricing Guide: How Much Do Pony Rides and Petting Zoos Cost?
Here’s a general idea of pricing in Los Angeles and Orange County:
Service | Price Range (1–2 hrs) |
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1 Pony Ride | $250 – $350 |
Unicorn Pony Ride | $300 – $400 |
Mobile Petting Zoo | $375 – $550 |
Combo Package (Pony + Zoo) | $500 – $750 |
Note: Prices may vary based on travel, party size, animal selection, and duration.
Add-on Entertainment Ideas
Want to elevate your party even more? Consider adding:
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Mascot character entertainers (Elmo, Cocomelon, Paw Patrol)
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Clowns or magicians
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Face painting
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Balloon twisting
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Bounce house rentals
These options are often available through full-service party rental companies like FunFactoryParties.com.
Testimonials from Parents in Southern California
“We booked a pony and petting zoo combo for our daughter’s birthday in Irvine. The animals were adorable, the staff was kind, and everything went smoothly. Highly recommend!”
— Karen D., Irvine, CA
“The unicorn pony ride in Santa Monica was magical! My 5-year-old was in awe. It was worth every penny.”
— Luis M., Santa Monica, CA
“Fun Factory Parties handled everything—from setup to cleanup. The petting zoo was the highlight of our Pasadena party!”
— Diana R., Pasadena, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What age is best for pony rides?
A: Pony rides are ideal for children aged 1–10, depending on the size of the pony.
Q: Do I need to provide anything?
A: Just space and access to water if possible. The rental company brings everything else.
Q: Can I book both services together?
A: Absolutely. Combo packages are the most popular and often come at a discounted rate.
Q: Do you deliver to both LA and OC?
A: Yes. Most reputable vendors, including FunFactoryParties.com, service both counties.
Conclusion: Make Your Next Kids’ Party Unforgettable
Whether you live in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Irvine, Anaheim, or anywhere in between, pony rides and petting zoos are a guaranteed way to make your child’s birthday party special. From adorable bunnies and goats to gentle ponies in costume, these experiences bring magic and joy that kids will remember for years to come.
With reliable vendors like FunFactoryParties.com, you can book stress-free and focus on what really matters—making magical memories with your little one.
? Ready to book? Visit FunFactoryParties.com or call 888-501-4FUN for pony ride and petting zoo rentals across Los Angeles County and Orange County, California!