A farm can be such a great place to take your children on a day out, it is a great experience for all the family and you are guaranteed to have lots of fun with your kids. Teaching a child about nature, animals and more, farms are a fun, but educational experience. Even if you live in a big city, there are plenty of places that you can visit either in the city itself or just beyond. These are the best child friendly farms to take your children to surrounding the London area.
Standalone Farm has lots of animals and you will be able to meet cows, sheep, chickens and ducks. There are a few more unusual ones too with alpacas having a place in this farmyard. Kids are encouraged to get up close and say hello, or stroke a few fluffy heads. They can even take part in pony grooming and regular feeding, or watch and learn with a milking demonstration. It’s a great way to get hands on and hopping on the train from Biggleswade to Kings Cross is easy.
Mudchute Park and Farm has a reputation as one of the best farms in London and it is one of Europe’s largest city farms at over 32 acres. Originally a piece of derelict land created during the last century from the spoil of construction from dredging Millwall Dock, it was due to be redeveloped in the 1970s, but a successful local campaign secured it as the “People’s Park”. With more than 100 animals including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas, there’s a lot to see and do. There’s also a petting zoo, so you can get up close to the animals, and a duck pond. The farm is free to enter (although a donation is always welcome) and it has a lovely on-site café, so it’s easy to make a day trip of it.
Newham City Farm is run by the local authority and is one of London’s longest established city farms. The farm provides the local community with free access to animals, in a countryside oasis which offers a unique learning experience. There’s an opportunity to meet many rare breeds and learn about all kinds of farm animal. It’s home to a large collection of farmyard favourites like cows, horses and sheep, as well as some less familiar alpacas, birds of prey and turkeys. Children can also enjoy getting up close and personal to smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. There’s an orchard, a children’s play area, a play barn and picnic benches. You can support the farm by buying some of its produce like freshly laid eggs, honey from their bees and you can even buy manure for the garden.
Mead Open Farm is a great place to meet furry friends and join in with daily animal activities including bottle feeding lambs, pony grooming, and stroking rabbits and guinea pigs. Outside, children will enjoy the the High Ropes Course and Rock Climbing. There’s plenty more outdoor fun including Crazy Golf, Jumping Pillows, Go-Karts and Tractor Rides. For rainy days, the farm has Shaggy’s huge Indoor PlayWorld. There’s a onsite cafe too, so you can get some refreshments.