About Befriend the Barnyard at Appleton Farms

Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbit Violet, Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred, dairy cows Gray, Jasmine and their calves Gigi and Joanie, and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique.

Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard learning experience that allows you and your family to approach our barnyard buddies under the guidance of a professional farm-based educator. You will get to meet our animals while learning about livestock, our barn buildings and some farm history.

Activities might include:

• Feeding the Angora rabbits and carding or spinning wool
• Collecting eggs from the chicken coop
• Brushing the goats in their pasture
• Observing the the cows in their pasture
• Collecting treats from the garden for our animals

Note: These activities may change depending on: participation group size/age, season, weather, and the mood/temperament of our animals.

This program is for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult and tickets must be purchased for adults & children over 2 years old. Be sure to wear sneakers or other closed-toe shoes when you join us in the barnyard! Please note: You must purchase a ticket to participate in this event intended to engage children and families.

Pre-registration is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• Program Refunds/Cancellations: In the event that a program is cancelled due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible by email and issue you a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation. If you cannot attend a program as planned, contact appletonfarms@thetrustees.org at least 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund or transfer to another date/class. Refunds and/or class transfers will not be granted for registration cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program. There are no refunds for missed classes. Appleton Farms reserves the right to change program locations, schedules, or instructors when necessary. 
• Where to park: When you arrive at the farm, go right at the fork at the Welcome House (towards Farmhouse, Carriage Barn & Offices) and park in the lot next to the white Farmhouse / Farm Offices. Overflow parking is located along the drive leading up to the farmhouse between the trees before you cross the 4-way bridge intersection. Please be mindful of roped off areas and no-parking signs.  The event will meet at the Carriage Barn, which is across the stone paddock in the grey building.
• Membership Lookup: Click here to find your membership number.
• Need to see an existing order? Click here to see your current orders.
• The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of its properties implies consent. See the full policy at thetrustees.org/photovideo
• Buy out a class/private events: Have a group that wants to take a class or program together? We have options to buy out our classes and/or create private events. Email appletonfarms@thetrustees.org for more information. 
• While you’re here: Don’t forget to stop by our seasonal wood-fired pizza oven open weekends Spring- Fall and visit the Farm Store Tuesday- Sunday 10am-4pm

All are welcome at Appleton Farms, we are excited to host you!

Register