Fun family trips to working farms in Massachusetts can be a wonderful spring activity. During spring vacation, on a weekend or whenever a self declared day off comes along, why not set it aside to pack up the family and head off to an adventure that will entertain and educate the whole family. From toddlers to teens, kids will find a trip to a real farm, where real farm life is going on to be exciting and a huge change from their daily routine. If you want to educate occasionally without books try one of these fun family trips to working farms in Massachusetts.
Cod man Community Farm, Lincoln, MA You don’t have to go to Iowa to find an up and running farm that is open to visitors. As a matter of fact, Cod man Community Farm in Lincoln, MA is only about a half hour out of downtown Boston and provides a fun family trip to a work farm in Massachusetts for adults and kids alike.
The farm includes buildings that date back to the 18th Century and covers approximately 19 acres. All of the farm buildings have made their way onto the National Register of Historic Places. Until 1970 it was owned by the Cod man family and then sold to the town of Lincoln. The farm is operated by year round management team and employs additional help during the growing season. The farm produces eggs and pastured raised beef, veal, lamb and pork . Corn, hay and pumpkins are also harvested from the field here.
When you visit the farm today, kids will get a chance to get up close and personal with pigs, donkeys, cows, rabbits, sheep, even bees are on display. Families are also welcomed to check out the garden patches that are offered for community use during the growing season. For a full tour of the farm lasting an hour arrangements should be made in advance. Groups of 25 or less will be charged $35 for the full group. When the tour is finished you are welcomed to stay on the farm property as long as you wish For more information or to make arrangements for a visit call at 781-259-0456.
Drumlin Farm, Lincoln, MA Also located in Lincoln, MA is Drumlin Farm which operates as both a working farm and under the direction of the Massachusetts Audubon Society also as a Sanctuary. Much larger than Cod man Community Farm, Drumlin is spread over more than 200 acres which allows it to do its two fold job of farm and sanctuary. When you visit here plan for a very busy day because there is definitely a lot to see. Admission to Drumlin farm is free for Audubon Society Members, $6 for adult non-members and $4 for children non members and its worth every penny.
At Drumlin farms plan on seeing the animal barns and their resident pigs, cows, sheep, chicken, mules and other farm favorites. You can also spend time in the learning garden and visit wildlife exhibits. Picnics are a wonderful idea at Drumlin Farm and you can make use of the picnic area on site. If you have the energy you may want to climb to top of the sites’ own little mountain or ” drumlin” one of the highest spots in the area and commanding a great view. Kids and parents will enjoy hopping aboard the hay wagon for a ride around the farm. Because Drumlin farm is an operating farm there is something different going on everyday and each visit holds out the chance for a totally new adventure. You may want to call in advance at 781-259-2200 to get an update about ongoing farm activities to make the most of your visit.
Na tick Community Organic Farm, Na tick,MA . The goal of this community owned and operated farm is to offer open land to allow for people to grow produce for the public and to give folks a chance for hands on education about agriculture. The first European owner of the farm land that makes up the Na tick Community Farm took over the property in 1720 and worked to share and exchange his agricultural techniques with the local Indians who returned the favor sharing what they knew of the local crops already growing in the Na tick area.
Over the next two centuries the farmland passed through many hands and the land was used for orchards, vegetables, animals, flowers, chickens and other farm associated produce. Today the Community Farm continues in the pursuit of most of these farming enterprises and really is a good example of the history of farming in this area. There are special activities offered here regularly including spring programs for children but it is important to call ahead 508-655-2204 for more information.
Moon in the Pond Farm, Sheffield,MA Moon in the Pond Farm is located in a rural section of Massachusetts in the small town of Sheffield in the foothills of the Berkshires. The goal of this farm has always been two fold: to grow organic food and to educate others about farming. Owner and farmer Dominic Palumbo offers tours of this small town farm and will be happy to explain the mixture of modern technology and heritage farming
For more information and directions call at 413-229-3092
Old Footbridge Village. Centrally located in Massachusetts is a village that seems to have lost track of time. It is in fact a place where time stands till. Whenever you visit Old Footbridge Village you are in the 1830’s. Not only is this a wonderful place to get a feel for days gone by it is also a place where agriculture is very important. There are old time craft and artisan shops in Footbridge Village that are of interest but Footbridge is also an excellent spot to take children to see how food is really produced. Old Footbridge Village in some respects is a very large working farm set up so that you can have an inside look at how farming was done in the early days of our nation.
Admission at Footbridge Village is pricey . Adult admission is $20, seniors $18 and children $6 but it is a unique experience and one your family will long remember. You will find there are plenty of “residents” of Old Footbridge Village waiting to show you how farming was done back in the day and hoping to answer a question or two. For more information call at 1-800-SEE-1830.
