A family visit to a farm to meet the animals is the perfect place for kids to blow off a little steam and see some critters up close and personal. Maryland has over two million acres of farmland, which amounts to 32% of the total land in the state. If you haven’t taken your littles to a farm, it’s time to see what’s going on with all that farmland. Leave your dogs at home and remember to dress appropriately. There’s a good chance that you will get dirty.
Baugher’s
Admission: No Fee
Address: 1015 Baugher Road, Westminster, Maryland 21158.
Phone: 410-857-0111
Website: baughers.com
Baugher’s Petting Zoo started with a few farm animals in 1987. Now visitors can walk in the pasture where the most friendly farm animals roam around at will. Small bags of feed are available for purchase so that kids can enjoy sharing with barnyard friends. A few animals are behind fences with educational signs where you can learn more about their behavior. Two playground sets are nearby so that human kids can get their wiggles out before visiting the animals. There is no admission fee.
Baugher’s Orchards, on over 200 acres, grows strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples and pumpkins for u-pick customers. Two markets also sell fresh fruit and vegetables and the restaurant serves country style meals including homemade soups and ice cream.
Clark’s Elioak Farm
Admission: $8/person; Free for infants under 12 months
Address: 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
Phone: 410-730-4049
Website: clarklandfarm.com
It’s hard to imagine but you can find a productive farm that has been in use for over 200 years, a petting farm, sustainably produced vegetables and animals, and storybook park all in one place, Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City. This is a one-stop day of fun where kids can pet a variety of farm animals and then visit the 3 Bears House or see the Old Woman’s Shoe. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade of the trees, or buy a snack from the Castle Store.
They are open every day but Monday. Tuesday – Friday from 10am – 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5:30pm. Admission is $8/person. Infants under 12 months are free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or once you arrive. The Cow Train, Pony Rides and Enchanted Express Train Ride are an additional fee.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Admission: $16/person admission
Address: 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville, MD 21754
Phone: 301-865-9203
Website: greenmeadowsevents.com
Hands-on experience with more than 200 animals. Learn how to feed the animals with food provided by the farm. Large play area with slides. A souvenir and concession stand are onsite and outside food is allowed for picnics. Daytime farm visits available Wednesday – Sunday between 10am and 3pm. $16/person admission. Hint: go to their website in advance for a $3 discount.
Kinder Farm Park
Admission: $6/vehicle
Address: 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville
Phone: 410-222-6115
Website: aacounty.org
Kinder Farm Park is part of the Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks system. It’s 288 acres of a former working farm surrounded by a paved path perfect for walking
or biking with the littles. Displays in the Visitor Center show tools and implements that were previously used on the farm. A large playground continues with the farm theme.
Members of the Kinder Farm Park 4-H Livestock Club own and care for the farm animals that are kept at the park. Visitors can walk through the barn and go up to fences to observe the animals.
Milburn’s Orchards
Admission: Admission is $3/person ages 2-59; 0-23mos & 60+ are free.
Address: 1495 Appleton Road, Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410-398–1349
Website: milburnorchards.com
Milburn Orchards has been growing apples for 113 years. Now their Pick-Your-Own fields include cherries, blueberries, apples, peaches, blackberries, raspberries and grapes. Their farm market, opening June 3, sells fresh produce, jams and jellies and other locally made and sourced deliciousness.
Kids can enjoy the Big BackYard at Milburn Orchards, a large play area with unique things to climb and play on. There is a Groundhog Hill and Tractor Tower for jumping and crawling. The barnyard occupants that are out for the day are open for visits. Leave time for ice cream and lunch on the deck. Hours are Mon-Sat 8am-6pm & Sun
10am-5pm.
Here are the dates for the summer harvest parties & pancake breakfasts:
• Very Cherry Harvest Party June 18
• Blastin’ Blueberry Harvest Party July 9
• Blackberry Bash Harvest Party July 23
• Peach Party Weekend August 6
• Rockin’ Raspberry Harvest Party August 20
South Mountain Creamery
Admission: No fee
Address: 8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown, MD
Phone: 844-762-6455
Website: southmountaincreamery.com
Learn how milk, ice cream and eggs go from the farm to your table with a tour. It takes 3,300 acres to raise 600 cattle and over 16,000 chickens. A $5 booklet available in Karen’s Kountry Store provides the details for the self-guided tour that takes visitors through the process. Cows are milked every afternoon beginning at 1:30pm. After you’ve toured the farm, take a few minutes to sit at one of the picnic tables and enjoy some freshly made ice cream available at Karen’s Kountry Store.
Book your date to help bottle-feed the babies, which is done every day at 4pm, $7.50 for each bottle holder. Sunday to Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.