About Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms

Every day brings a full list of barnyard chores to keep our farmyard friends happy and healthy—so let’s get to work!

Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program. Grab your muck boots and farm together as a family! Help care for our rabbits, goats, cows, chickens, and ducks while pitching in with real farm tasks like mucking and bedding stalls, feeding animals, collecting and washing eggs, scrubbing buckets, filling hay feeders, restocking from the hayloft, gathering shavings, tending garden beds, planting seeds, and more.

This is a fully immersive, hands-on experience where both kids and adults jump in and get their hands dirty. No two days are the same—activities shift based on the farm’s needs, weather, animal moods, and group size. We keep things flexible so everyone can jump in where it makes sense—whether you’re a seasoned helper or just young (or young at heart!) and eager to try something new.

What to know:

• Wear closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots recommended)
• Dress for the weather—we farm rain or shine! We always recommend layers!
• Programs are only canceled in extreme weather (you’ll be notified by email if so)

Who it’s for: Best suited for children ages 3+ alongside their adults—especially those who aren’t afraid to get a little muddy and want a real taste of farm life.

Tickets required for both children and adults. This is not a drop-off program, adults are required to accompany children.

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, Education Farmyard, Camp & 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 group will meet at the Carriage barn across the stone paddock.
• 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 visit the Farm Store open daily Tuesday- Sunday

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