A farm stay might not be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list—but there are lots of reasons to plan one.
Spending a few days on a working farm gets your kids outside, teaches them about animals and food, and even gives grownups a chance to relax, rejuvenate and embrace the free-range lifestyle. Spring is the perfect time for a farm stay as there are newborn calves to feed, lambs to cuddle, eggs to collect, and all sorts of new experiences to try.
While some farm stays are more rustic, others are downright luxurious. From California to Tennessee, we’ve rounded up some of the best in the U.S. to inspire your next getaway.
It’s the perfect trip to do with extended family or friends as your kids will have playmates to keep them entertained.
The Inn at East Hill Farm
New Hampshire
The Inn at East Hill Farm offers an authentic and interactive farm experience, plus an action-packed activity schedule that includes arts and crafts, campfire s’mores, and more. The New Hampshire farm, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, can accommodate up to 140 guests in a variety of rooms ranging from rustic cabins to comfortable three-bedroom units. Rise and shine to a family-style breakfast in the dining room before your excited brood whizzes off to the chicken coop to collect eggs, milk a cow, feed the goats or try horseback riding. Older kids are free to roam while you relax and even have a massage. There’s also a small indoor pool. east-hill-farm.com
Blackberry Farm
Tennessee
This luxurious Relais & Châteaux resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains takes the traditional farm-stay to another level. Offering an indulgent experience for both parents and kids, Blackberry Farm, has a superb farm-to-table restaurant, a spa, cooking classes, wine tastings, and yoga. Kids can enjoy endless adventures of their own at Camp Blackberry, which has an array of exciting activities like animal care and art classes for younger ones. Tweens and teens aged ten and up can enjoy more in-depth experiences with the Youth Discovery program. blackberryfarm.com
Liberty Hill Farm & Inn
Vermont
Located in the quiet Vermont countryside, Liberty Hill is a working farm and charming seven-room B&B that provides a serene escape for families wanting to get away from it all. The whole family can help with farm chores, including milking cows—they have around 270—and bottle-feeding newborn calves. You’ll also find all sorts of other fun activities like swimming, hiking, mountain biking and berry picking. libertyhillfarm.com
Verdant View Farm
Pennsylvania
To get true insight into farming life, head to Verdant View Farm, a working farm in Lancaster County. You’ll tour the property, learn all about the farming process and have plenty of opportunities to play with goats and get involved with chores such as milking a cow, feeding newborn calves, and collecting eggs. You can even pick sunflowers from their five-acre flower field. Activities on the fourth-generation homestead are often unstructured during your stay, which means you can explore the farm at whim. verdantview.com
Morning Song Farm
California
Alongside traditional hands-on farm activities like cuddling goats and feeding chickens, Morning Song Farm, located in northern San Diego County, offers one-of-a-kind private experiences such as making hand-churned ice cream, cheese or jam, as well as painting and mosaic classes. The 20-acre subtropical farm is also home to a pair of friendly llamas, a herd of miniature Nigerian dairy goats and some peacocks. It is certified organic and offers a variety of accommodation options, such as a safari tent and a two-bedroom bungalow, which both come with hot tubs. morningsongfarm.com
Gooserosa Bed & Breakfast Farm Stay
Washington
There’s no need to skimp on comfort at Gooserosa Bed & Breakfast Farm Stay in Skagit Valley, an hour from Seattle. You’ll stay in the Nest Carriage House, an open-floor-plan apartment that sleeps up to six and comes with a full kitchen. Wake up in time to see the beautiful sunrise over Mt Baker, eat fresh eggs from the farm for breakfast and pick any fruit and vegetables you wish. Kids can roam around the small farm and feed the chickens and goats. You can expect a warm welcome from the owners who might light an outdoor fire or supply hot toddies or hot chocolate. There are plenty of sights, attractions, and hiking trails should you wish to explore the area. airbnb.com
