As the weather becomes warmer and spring is around the corner, one of my favorite places to take the kids is to farms of all kinds to see springtime animals. With the spring, also comes the opportunity to see baby animals! This list is not extensive; instead, these are simply a few of my favorite farm animal destinations. There are farms on the South Shore, including two in Plymouth, and one in Hingham. Also in Massachusetts, North Attleborough and Middleboro made the list. For good measure, the UConn animal farm Connecticut is thrown in.
Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Farm
Close to the house, my kids can spend hours poking around the small farm at the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department on Obery Street. Operated by the sheriff’s department, this farm has a good number of animals, some of which can be fed by small hands. Goats, sheep, chickens, koi, cows, pigs, and donkeys are part of the menagerie which are often found here. For short money, the kids can grab a bag of food to feed the animals.
Plimoth Patuxet
A visit to Plimoth Patuxet, the phenomenal living history museum depicting the lives of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, includes rare species of sheep, cattle, and other domesticated animals. Although I like visiting the museum, sometimes I just want to see the animals. Driving past the main gate and heading toward the bus lot, a small herd of sheep can be seen from the road. The largest my kids nicknamed “King Ram,” as he towers over the others with his long twisted horns and, during some months, sports a thick wool coat. The Nye Barn is typically also accessible without a ticket. Next to the bus lot, walk into this barn if it is open; if not, some animals may be viewable while grazing next to it. Chickens, goats, and llamas are often found here.
*bonus Chiltonville animals
Driving through the Chiltonville section of Plymouth while visiting Plimoth Patuxet, there are other farms and animals viewable from the car. On the left-hand (north) side of Sandwich before the intersection of River Street (near Bramhall’s) at times pigs can be seen. Farther down Sandwich Street, sheep are often grazing in a field. Continuing on Sandwich Street into Old Sandwich Street, view the horses at Whips Farm. This section of Plymouth is absolutely idyllic. Turn around and head left (south) at the four-way intersection to see the horses outside at Serendipity Stables.
Weir River Farm
Heading to Hingham in the northern part of the South Shore, Weir River Farm is under the jurisdiction of the Trustees. It is a throwback to Hingham’s agricultural past as it is one of the last remaining farms in the tony town. Access the farm via Turkey Hill Road. The property is navigable via trails throughout the parcel. Although the skyline view of Boston is a close second, the main attraction here is the animals. Explore the grounds and enjoy views of horses, pigs, and sheep in the barnyard. For special events, the inner barnyard is accessible for a fee to get up close and personal with the animals.
Soule Homestead
The Soule Homestead in Middleboro is known for its special events, educational programs, and community gardens. Poke into the hen house to see the chickens. Make sure to say hi to the goats and sheep as well. During special events such as their fall festival, listen to live music or see a sheep herding presentation.
World War I Memorial Park Zoo
North Attleborough’s World War I Memorial Park is a small zoo that is a great adventure for small children. This free zoo houses mostly farm animals. Pigs, donkeys, turkeys, goats, emus, and horses as well as others including deer are here. It is part of the larger World War I Memorial Park, a wooded green space that also includes a giant slide, playground, and garden.
UConn Animal Barns
As a kid, my favorite place for a farm animal destination was the animal barns at UConn in Storrs, Connecticut. UConn shows its roots as an agricultural school with many barns, housing sheep, horses, and cows. The sheep are the most accessible. Park at the lot on Horsebarn Hill Road. Cross the street and meander in and out of the barns. Say hello to the cows and hear the baa-ing of the sheep. Even almost 40 years later, this is still my favorite farm animal destination.
From Plymouth to North Attleborough to Storrs, these farm animal destinations will please the pickiest of animal aficionados.
