These local farms provide activities for all ages, including introductions to animals from alpacas to camels to goats (oh, my!)
By James Dupree and Natalie McCormick | Photography by Beth Mann, Jackie Dodge and John Michael Simpson
Learning doesn’t have to stop when the kids are out of school! These farms offer educational camps and classes, fun-filled family activities and opportunities for volunteer work.
Celebrity Dairy
Celebrity Dairy is an animal haven in Siler City that covers 340 sprawling acres and is home to approximately 75 goats and chickens. Guests seeking an immersive farm experience can stay on-site at the seven-room inn and become part of the farm’s daily rhythm for a few memorable days. Visitors are invited to participate in milking and feeding the goats, frolicking with the baby goats and enjoying the natural landscape.
Clare Reding, chef and barn manager at Celebrity Dairy, also hosts a dynamic two-week cooking camp for kids over the summer. Young participants dive into a world of goat chores, leisurely strolls and hands-on cooking sessions where children whip up delicious meals alongside engaging arts and crafts.
Celebrity Dairy also offers private parties and dinners, as well as luncheon tours during the week. Every third Sunday of the month, the farm hosts a gastronomic delight known as Sunday Dinner, treating guests to a five-course meal followed by a barn tour. Additionally, open barn days welcome visitors to explore the farm’s rustic charms at their leisure. “Kids can come here and run around,” Clare says. “We’re very family friendly with 300 acres that people can enjoy.”
My Little Farmer
My Little Farmer is an educational program founded in 2017 by Lindsey Schwartz. Its summer camp for ages 4 to 6 begins June 12 and runs through August at several locations throughout the Triangle. Campers get cuddle time with goats, rabbits, sheep, chickens and more. Other activities include farm chores, arts and crafts, waterplay and nature adventures.
Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm
Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm is nestled among rolling hills west of Pittsboro and offers an immersive agritourism experience for families. With a thriving herd of more than 30 alpacas, visitors can embark on a captivating “Paca Visit” either by pre-booking or on a walk-in basis. Tours delve into the heart of farm life and welcome visitors to an interactive area where they can pet the gentle giants and feed them hay.
Children are encouraged to explore the farm, interact with the friendly barn cats and enjoy the dedicated play area where games, drawing and other creative pursuits will help them remember their time with the animals. “I love sharing these animals,” says Em Stecker, co-owner of the farm. “Our mission is to bring a little more joy and light into the world through happy alpaca encounters and warm alpaca products, and we measure our success through smiles.”
Photos courtesy of Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm
Carolina Sunshine is expecting two baby alpacas to join the herd in July, making visits this summer even more memorable. The farm is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Beginnings Farm
New Beginnings Farm is a picturesque Pittsboro horse farm that gallops onto the scene as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts of all levels. New Beginnings Farm boasts several lesson programs tailored to riders of diverse abilities and ages, taught under the guidance of dynamic mother-daughter duo Meredith Philipps and Dylan Philipps.
For younger equestrians aged 8 and under, introductory sessions focus on instilling essential safety protocols and mastering the foundational principles of horseback riding. If you are ready to venture beyond the basics, longer lessons provide an immersive peek into the inner workings of the barn. Here, students not only refine their riding skills under the watchful eye of seasoned instructors but also delve into the intricacies of equine care.
New Beginnings Farm also hosts energetic summer camps. From mastering a balanced position in the saddle to delving into the nuances of horsemanship, campers are immersed in a world of equine adventure that includes horse care, tacking up, stable management and grooming. Beyond the stables, participants can unwind through arts and crafts sessions and supervised swimming.
Old Mill Farm
Old Mill Farm in south Durham is across the street from My Little Farmer and owned by Lindsey’s husband, Alec Moore. Old Mill Farm holds its summer camp for children ages 5 to 12 from June through August. Activities include feeding and caring for the animals (goats, sheep and alpacas), fishing in the pond, gardening, outdoor games and gem mining. Old Mill Farm is also open to reservations for birthdays, special events and weddings.
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge sits on a 45-acre plot where abandoned and mistreated farm animals are given a sanctuary with high-quality housing, food and medical care. The farm is open to the public for feedings with the animals, which include goats, cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys and ducks. The refuge also offers volunteer opportunities and monthly animal sponsorships.
For the Birds
Farm animals aren’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors this season! Here are some tips from Audubon North Carolina for attracting wild birds to your yard:
- Keep birds coming back to your feeders by providing a variety of quality seed and fresh water for drinking and bathing.
- Rather than removing or burning yard debris, designate a brush pile – it is more environmentally friendly and will double as a shelter for birds and other small wildlife.
- Choose native plants in a range of sizes, colors and shapes to ensure natural cover for birds’ safety.
- Pull up invasive weeds that will deter native plants’ growth.
- Maintain and clean feeders and bird baths regularly.
Consult with local experts, like Chapel Hill Wild Bird at 9515 Hwy. 15-501 N., to learn how to set up an ideal birdwatching spot in your own backyard!
