On my visit to Weir River Farm, our car will be at the top of the hill. I will cross the street to the entrance of a long, grassy path called a “chute” and I will arrive at the barnyard. The ground may be uneven so I will watch my step.

I may see the black and white cows in their pastures. I can stop along the way to read the book in the StoryWalk™ that is along the chute.

I will see a sign to help keep me safe. If I see this sign, it means safe hands, DO NOT TOUCH. This fence is electrified, and I might get a shock. 

At the bottom of the chute, I will reach the barnyard. If I haven’t signed up for a program, I may look at the animals from outside the fence. If the barnyard gate is open and a staff member greets me, I may enter the barnyard.  

When I enter the barnyard, I may notice a funny farm smell. I may see animal droppings on the ground. I may hear noises like chickens clucking, cows mooing, and sheep bleating. It is okay to see, smell and hear new things.  

To keep the animals safe, the gates or doors stay closed. Only a staff member can open them for me. I may see chickens running around the barnyard. They may make a clucking sound and flap their wings. I will have a safe body with the chickens and watch them with my eyes. I will try not to run after them. 

I will see the barn where the animals stay at night. This is where we keep their food. I will stay outside of the stalls.  

If I want to visit the red barn and the classrooms, I can leave through one of the gates on either side of the barn. The left side gate will take me to the paved path through the pasture and the right-side gate will take me to the dirt path through the parking lot.  

Along the way, I may see or hear farm equipment like tractors and trucks. 

This is the Red Barn. Inside are two classrooms and a workshop where we fix broken machines. We store hay for the animals in the big loft on the second floor. 

This is the Field of Fun. I may take a quiet break here. I can sit at a picnic table or bench or relax on the grass.