Hundreds of farms around the UK open their gates to families every year. Some have special open days, and others have specific attractions, such as petting zoos, ice cream parlours, tractor rides, and hands-on experiences so children can understand what it is like to live on a farm.
Here are just a few of the farming attractions here in Wales, as examples.
If you have never taken your children to a farm, then we really think you should. Not only will you have a lot of fun as a family, but there are some educational reasons as to why a day on the farm is good for your kids.
#1: Your children will learn where food comes from
Okay, so if you have very young children, you might want to be careful here. Letting your child know that the pig he has just petted will one day be a sausage might not go down too well. However, as an educational experience, this might be something you explain to older children, especially if they assume all foods are born in the freezer compartment of your local supermarket. And if your children have been hesitant to eat their greens, they might get more of an appreciation for vegetables once they have seen how they are grown. Of course, they might also turn vegetarian once they hear the fate of poor old Daisy the cow and Percy the pig, so get ready to make room in your refrigerator for a few more veggies!
#2: Your children will learn how to take care of animals
From washing and grooming to sheltering and hoof trimming, there are all kinds of things farmers have to do to care for and protect their animals, so there are lessons here for your children, especially if they have pets of their own. They will learn about the varying needs of each type of animal, including how they should and shouldn’t be touched, and on the types of foods and shelter needed to care for each one. It might encourage your children to be kinder to Tiddles the cat and Rover the dog at home, and they might also be more inclined to help you look after the needs of your pets instead of just terrorising them!
#3: Your children will get to experience Mother Nature
Especially for those of you living in urban environments, your children might not get many opportunities to enjoy the countryside. But considering many farms are based in rural areas, your children will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the world around them, giving them the chance to receive some fresh air and freedom away from town and city streets. They will be able to get hands on with trees and woodland flowers, pick fruits and eat new foods, and pet and play with animals that may be unfamiliar to them. In doing so, they will learn new things about how the world works, how things are grown, and more about nature’s life cycles (sorry Percy pig).
Here are some other activities to teach your children about nature.
Finally
There are bound to be loads of other educational experiences for your children on the farm, and because they will be out in the fresh air picking fruit, playing with animals, and hitchhiking rides on tractors, it won’t feel like school to them. If there are any farms near you then, you might consider making a day of it with your family.