You want fun… we got fun!
I recently sent out a holler for fun places to go to learn about farming. Following my recent post on farm camps, I asked and found out… there’s a whole lot more farming fun to be had! I really want to share as many as I can so that you have some nearby choices no matter where you live. In the interest of space, though, any comments or summaries were kept quite brief. You can click on the name, though, to be directed to their website to learn more.
Also, I was lucky to find a book by Marcia Passos Duffy on farm stays in New England. She has given me permission to print a few of her tips.
Check out her book, “Farm Stays - Northern New England. Your Guide to an Unforgettable Farm Vacation.” Here are a few excerpts:
- Bring clothing appropriate for farm life. Working farms are alive with sounds, smells (not always pleasant), character and a daily routine that is very different from life in the city or the suburbs. Since much of a farm is outdoors, prepare for all weather conditions. Make sure you bring rain boots, a coat, vest, and an extra layer of clothing. You (or your kids) will certainly get into mud or manure, so dress yourself and kids appropriately.
- If there are farm animals around, ask your children to use some restraint in approaching them. While the farm animals are probably used to having guests – particularly children – around, explain to your children that they do still need to give the animals time to explore the new people (look at your, sniff you, etc.) before they are touched.
- How will my children react to farm life?Many farms welcome children and allow them to participate in farm life: from collecting eggs to milking cows. These working farms will give your children a chance to experience events – such as a calf being born – which are impossible to duplicate on any other vacation. But be aware that not all children will like bieng on the farm and some toddlers can be frightened of animals (such as cows which are very large in real life.). You will also need to keep your eye on your children since some farms are not toddler-friendly.
AL
Landmark Park (Dothan) – an 1890s living history farm. It offers farm animal feedings on weekdays, living history demonstrations of sheep shearing, blacksmithing, etc. Also offers summer and spring camps for kids ages 4 – 10 years.
CA
Underwood Family Farm (Moorpark) – provides educational seminars and summer day camps for kids from 1st – 4th grades.
Chaffin Family Orchards(Oroville) – fieldtrips and farm tours are available by appointment.
Veggielution (San Jose) – eight week youth program open for high school aged kids in the spring.
CO
Sunflower Farm (Longmont) – summer camp for ages 3 -10 yrs., three days a week for 3.5 hours. There is also a year-round “sprouthouse” program for kids ages 2-6 yrs. Can be half day or full day.
ME
Farm Camp (Portland and Wiscasset) – summer day camp for ages of 4-12 yrs. Can choose a 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day program.
MI
Simple Times Farm (Grand Blanc) – summer day camp for ages 6-14.
NH
The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (Bedford) – summer camp for kids from 4-11 years, counselor in training for ages 15, 16. One hour farm tours also available.
Remick Country Doctor Farm (Tamworth) – educational programs for kids in grades K – 12. Camps during winter and spring breaks, as well as daytime summer camps offered for ages 5-12.
New Hampshire Farm Museum (Milton) – day camps for kids ages 8 – high school. One-day events also available for large groups.
Charmingfare Farm (Candia) – Summer Day Camp for 5 – 17 year olds. The farm has a petting zoo and many other animals to see and is also open to the public every day from May-Oct., and on weekends from Nov. – April.
NJ
HealthBarn USA (Wyckoff) -Summer Day Camp for kids ages 5 – 12. Kids learn to plant, harvest, and help prepare healthy foods. Weekly afternoon program (1x/week for five or ten weeks) for ages 3 – 5.
NY
Sprout Creek Farm (Poughkeepsie) – day programs for kids ages 6 – 11. Overnight programs for girls ages 10-12. A five-day overnight program for girls 13 – 14, and a 10-day overnight program for girls 15-16.
Critz Farms (Cazenovia) – tours of 2 hours or less are given on specific seasonal topics, aimed at elementary aged kids.
Frost Valley YMCA (Claryville) – offers two-week Teen Adventure Camp, Equestrian Camp, Sleepover Camp, and Family Camp. Also offers a one-week “try it” camp where you can spend only one week at either of these camps - available for first time campers.
RI
Casey Farm Camps (Saunderstown) – Summer Day Camp for ages 5 – 11 years.
SC
Ovis Hill Farms (Timmonsville) – customizable group activities and tours for grades pre-K – secondary school.
Middleton Place (Middleton) - a Spend the Day Package allows adults and kids to learn about history and nature on a Carriage Tour, rice cultivation with an African American Focus Tour, wildlife on a Nature Walk, and garden design and horticulture on a Garden Overview Tour. 6 and under are free.
VA
Owen Farm (Danville ) – day camp open for kids from ages 5 -14. Kids care for animals, ride horses, and work the fields. Lunch is provided. Daily seasonal tours also available.
If you know of places I’ve missed, feel free to use the comment section to expand the list.
Photo credit: mlive.com
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A real B&B horse farm stay. Bring your dog, cat horse and kids. May-June special dogs stay free.