Top Tips for Visiting the Farm with Toddlers

The farm is one of our favourite themes for our tots is the Farm we love reading, singing, playing and crafting around the animals that we find there.

So a trip to the farm is great to go along with this.

To help make sure that they (and you) have a fun and enjoyable experience, here are some tips for farm visits with toddlers that you may find helpful.

Top Tips for Visiting Farms with Toddlers

Before you head out to the farm make sure you do your research.

Check your local listings and information that it is suitable to take toddlers too. Lots of walking, very muddy or very few animals can make for a miserable trip for you all.

Once you’ve decided where to go then it’s time to have fun following our tips for making a farm trip great for everyone.

Prepare For the Weather 

Make sure that you take a look at the weather before you visit.

Just because it’s sunny now, doesn’t mean there won’t be light sprinkles later on throughout the day. Be sure to pack raincoats or an umbrella and leave them in the car just in case. 

Or if you’re visiting in the evening, your kids will thank you if they have a sweater to throw on when it cools off.

Dressing in layers is a great option when you’re visiting mid-morning through mid-afternoon especially if you are heading out to see the baby animals in the spring.

Dress Them in Play Clothes

There’s a pretty good chance that your children are going to get dirty while visiting a farm.

If they don’t, it’s because they didn’t have enough fun.

Make sure that you dress them in clothes that are old and that you’re not worried about getting covered in mud.

Pack Plenty of Water and Sunscreen

It’s always good to be prepared.

Visiting a farm doesn’t provide a whole lot of protection from the elements, so don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and enough water for everyone.

Although there maybe a cafe you can save some money bringing snacks and drinks yourself.

It’s Not a Buffet 

There may be fruit trees at the farm that are luring your little Adam or Eve in for a bite.

Make sure that you teach your toddlers ahead of time not to be picking up fruit and eating it without paying.

Remember that this is the farmer’s income and that they should be considerate of that.

The same goes for you too mom and dad! 

Check out our Guide to Visiting the Orchard with Preschoolers and Toddlers for more ideas what to do in the fruit season.

Give Your Toddler Freedom 

Farms that are kid-friendly typically provide a fenced-in experience for little people.

Allow your son or daughter to run around and explore (without getting into too much mischief).

They’ll be much more curious and fascinated during their visit if you’re not holding their hand the whole time. 

Bring Cash

Pretty much any farm that you visit has food, baked goods, and other neat things that you can buy and do like a trip on the tractor, but some of them don’t take credit or debit cards.

Remember to bring cash so you aren’t missing out.

The cafes in our experience are well worth spending money on and buy and extra to take home as well.

Keep Those Paws Clean 

It’s also a great idea to bring hand sanitizer along when you visit.

Your toddler and you will be petting farm animals that may have bacteria and other germs that you don’t want on your hands.

As soon as they are done petting the animals, encourage them to wash their hands. 

You may find that the farm provides handwashing stations with this is especially true of farms that are geared towards families and school visiting.

Farm Activities To do When you Return

• Printable Farm Animals Dominoes to play with toddlers and preschoolers
• Egg carton sheep and lamb craft for toddlers
• DIY Farm Animal Math Game

More Tips for Visiting Places with Toddlers

The farm is just one of the great outings you can take with your toddlers check out our top tips for other places to visit and enjoy together.

• Tips for visiting the zoo
• Enjoy the beach with our Top Tips for Toddlers and you at the beach.
• Make the most of the library and encourage a love of books with our Tips for Visiting the Library with Toddlers.