Alright folks, gather ’round the digital campfire. Wanted to share what went down this weekend at Golden Hills Farm. Been hearing about it for ages, figured it was finally time to pack up the kids and see what all the fuss was about.
So Sunday morning, we threw some snacks and water bottles in the back – you know how it is – and hit the road. Took longer than we thought, kid in the backseat asking “are we there yet?” every five minutes. Typical.
The Initial Meet & Greet
Finally pulled into the farm place. First thing that hits you? That smell. Kinda earthy, kinda animal… honestly not unpleasant! Paid for our tickets right at this little wooden booth. Friendly lady handed us a map, looked like a treasure hunt chart my kid would draw.
Walked straight past the entrance and boom. There they were. Huge pile of hay bales right there with these giant, gentle-looking horses just chilling nearby. Seriously big fellas, but super calm. Kids were wide-eyed. “Can we pet them mom?” Why not? Walked over slowly, let them sniff our hands first – felt kinda funny, like big warm vacuum cleaners on your palm. Kids stroked their necks, super soft coat.
Diving Deeper with the Animals
Next, followed the noise. Found the goats. Absolute chaos zone! Little ones jumping on anything they could – rocks, platforms, each other! Their bleating was constant, this weird high-pitched “maaaa” sound. Funniest bit? The feeding area. For a few bucks, you get these little cups full of pellets. Hold one out and wham! They practically mug you for it. Goats shoving their heads through the fence, tongues hanging out. Kids were shrieking and laughing, pellets flying everywhere. Hands got covered in goat slobber. Used half the hand sanitizer I brought.
Surprises Around Every Corner
Map said something about pigs? Yeah. Found them snoozing in a muddy pit. Big ones just laying there like hairy pink rocks. One grunted and rolled over, mud splashing everywhere. Kids thought that was hilarious. “Oink!” from my youngest. Real original.
Then we came across chickens just pecking around free-range style. Lots of different kinds – some with fluffy feet, some all speckled, brown ones, white ones. Found some ducks hanging out near a muddy pond too, quacking away like they were having an argument.
The sheep! Oh, the sheep were in a big open field. Saw the farmer actually shearing one right in front of us. Fluffy pile of wool building up next to him. Sheep looked kinda stunned after, standing there all naked and confused. Felt kinda sorry for it, but interesting to see.
Family Fun Stuff
Wasn’t just watching. They had this little area set up with things for kids to do.
- Corn Pit: Big box filled with… corn kernels? Kids dived in like it was a pool, throwing kernels everywhere. Found them in shoes later.
- Little Tractor Ride: Small tractor pulling these carts shaped like barrels. Kids got to ride around a small track. Looked goofy as heck but they waved like royalty.
- Pumpkin Patch Walk: Wasn’t picking season yet, but could walk through where the pumpkins are growing. Big green leaves everywhere. Kid pointed excitedly at every tiny green pumpkin bud.
Heading Home
Finished the loop, probably saw more than I listed – rabbits in hutches, noisy geese. Bought some fresh honey sticks and eggs at the little farm store on the way out.
Kids were bouncing off the walls telling grandma about the goats stealing their food and the naked sheep. Car ride home? Dead silent. They were out. Worth every sticky finger and muddy boot print on my car seats.
Just real, messy, good-old-fashioned farm stuff. Smells and all. My shoes might never be the same. Shoulda worn the old boots. You live you learn.