Grab your dungarees it’s time to book a farm stay with your little chicks. We’ve got the (hoe)down on local farms welcoming visitors, whether you’re looking to feed animals and pick veggies, bathe in fields of lavender or even overnight at a cheese farm. Here’s where to turn your farm dreams into a reality—at least for a weekend!

White Lotus Farm

farmstay in WA
Brittany Kelley

The Experience: Seventy acres of serenity is what you’ll find at White Lotus Farm & Inn, just over the Hood Canal Bridge. Established in 2017 by owners Niall and Natalie, farm animals are the big draw for kids here. They’ll make fast friends with the sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks and Cue, the farm llama. When it comes to navigating the space, look to Niall, who gives tours and explains the farm’s “beyond organic” practices. There’s a good chance he’ll also invite the kids to help feed the animals and look for eggs.

The Stay: The Farmhouse Suite is where you'll stay. It's got its own private entrance and a door that leads to a shared fire pit, garden and food forest. The kitchenette’s hot plate, microwave and mini fridge mean you can keep food fresh and do a bit of cooking if you’d like. Check out the cute chalkboard door to see what’s happening on the farm or around town. And of course, each stay includes fresh eggs and a homemade loaf of bread (depending on Natalie’s baking schedule).

Insider tip: Check out nearby Finnriver Farm & Cidery. We’re sure your kids will love finding Mike Mulligan’s Steam Shovel, Mary Anne who lives between the two farms.

Farm stay bonus: Mix summer camp for the kids into your stay when you sign them up for a session at CedarRoot Folk School. They play. You play. Everyone wins!

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $125/night
Reservations: airbnb.com

3723 Beaver Valley Rd.
Port Ludlow, WA
Online: whitelotusfarmandinn.com

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

YummyPictures via yelp

The Experience: Surround yourself in a sea of lavender when you stay at this sent-sational property. Relaxing is an easy option on this working farm where families can pick their own lavender, explore the distillery and gather fresh herbs from the garden for dinner. The orchard out back provides fresh fruit in the summer, and the chickens and ducks will keep your kiddos entertained (hint: they'll also provide fresh eggs for your breakfasts). Plus, with Sol Duc Hot Springs and Dungeness Spit just a short drive away, there's plenty to do.

The Stay: You’ll have the three-bedroom house all to yourselves. It’s fully equipped for family living, with plenty of space both inside and out. The best part’s gotta be the ice cream store that scoops up Elevated Ice Cream’s legendary lavender flavors—seven in all. Settle in to enjoy yours on the porch swing.

Insider tip: The farm’s lavender is in bloom from around the third week of June through the Sequim Lavender Weekend in July.

Farm stay bonus: Pets are a go for an additional $100 fee.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: Starting at $240/night; 2-night minimum
Reservations: resnexus.com

180 Bell Bottom Rd.
Sequim, WA
Online: purplehazelavender.com

Nettles Farm

Dan S. via yelp

The Experience: If you’re looking for a farm with a mellow, positive vibe this is it. If you’re looking for a farm that’s a foodie paradise, this is also it. With a beach just down the way and chickens who love to be fed by kids as much as they enjoy entertaining them, families can easily spend time together here. We think your kids will love the outdoor pizza ovens best. Owner Riley even puts together gourmet pizza kits (we're talking homemade sourdough dough, red sauce and fermented black garlic) so you’ve got an excuse to use them. If a late summer stay is in the works, Nettles Farm boasts the best blackberries around (no joke—people travel long distances just to pick them). 

The Stay: Families have two options to choose from at this out-of-the-way spot. Rent the Farmhouse or the Farmhouse Suite. It’s either side of the main house, and both feature top-notch gourmet kitchens so you can live out your MasterChef dreams. You’ll find lots of outdoor living and cooking space with both. Plus, there’s a wood-fired sauna that’s big enough for eight, so you and the kids can warm up Oaken-style.

Insider tip: If all this gourmet cooking has piqued your curiosity about the nearby Willows Inn, plan a parents-only dinner (sorry no kids allowed). Riley can connect you with a local sitter.

Farm stay bonus: If you and your little fish are curious about sustainable commercial salmon fishing, talk to Riley. As the Executive Director of the Salish Center for Sustainable Fishing, he takes people out on tours of the reefnet gear from late July through Oct. 1.

Sleeps: 6
Cost:
starting at $199/night
Reservations: nettlesfarm.com/rooms/

4300 Matia View Dr.
Lumi Island, WA
Online: nettlesfarm.com

Gooserosa B&B

farmstay for families
airbnb.com

The Experience: We’ve got three words for you—Skagit. Valley. Farm. This quintessential farm has got it all. Twenty-two chickens and roosters roaming the property, and a duck named Sage who answers (with a sweet quack) when kids call her name. Families will find seasonal flowers and veggies available to pick and fields for sports, challenge coursing and general play that’ll wear your little farmers out. Plan picnics right on site, or explore local restaurants when hunger strikes (word on the street is that local favorite Whidbey Island Bagel Company will soon call Mt. Vernon home). They even have a pack ‘n’ play if you need one.

The Stay: The Nest is a spacious spot that works especially well for families. You won’t feel like your kids are under foot, and the kitchen has everything you need to settle in, cook what you pick and even enjoy your morning espresso. The loft is stocked with books and games, but you won’t find a TV here. Another bonus of farm living. Bring your bikes and keep them in the garage downstairs.

Insider tip: A field of tulips and daffodils is planted right behind the property. It’s Technicolor spring viewing at its best!

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $120/night
Reservations: airbnb.com

18225 Best Rd.
Mt. Vernon, WA
206-359-0810
Online: thegooserosa.com

Pebble Cove Farm

The Experience: If you’re looking for a little bit of B&B with your agrotourism, Pebble Cove Farm is what you need. Set on a serene spot on Orcas Island, it mixes modern amenities with the benefits of living alongside sanctuary animals and being steps from a bountiful u-pick garden. How you spend the day here is up to you—rent kayaks to explore, row out to Skull Island, play on the playground, nap in the hammock or dream about roasting s’mores 'round the fire pit that night.

The Stay: Families will get that home away from home feel at The Cottage, a freestanding, one-room building that sleeps up to four guests. The kitchenette includes a two-burner cooktop, microwave and fridge, so cooking your own meals is definitely doable. The Family Suite, part of the main building, is another great option when you’re traveling with kids. It’s one bedroom, plus a living space with a sleeper couch and a small cooking area that includes a mini fridge, single burner and a microwave.

Sleeps: 4
Cost: starting at $250/night; 3-night minimum
Reservations: pebblecovefarm.com/accommodations/

3341 Deer Harbor Rd.
Eastsound, WA
360-622-6460
Online: pebblecovefarm.com

Monteillet Cheese Farm

monteilletcheese.com

The Experience: Just outside Walla Walla, you’ll find Monteillet Cheese Farm and The Gite (it’s French for "holiday home"). This 32-acre farm, nestled along the Touchet River, is a great spot for families to play in the spring or summer. Baby animals are all the rage in the spring. Piglets, chicks, ducklings and kids (the goat kind) make roaming the property exciting. And summer brings river soaks and fishing. It’s also the milking season—the perfect time to see the farm in full swing.

The Stay: The Gite is yours during this farm stay. It’s a three-bedroom cottage (renting all rooms changes the price) that capitalizes on its old-world charm. You’ll find a cast iron clawfoot tub in the bathroom and the kitchen range is a fully functional antique. Expect a fridge stocked with fresh goodies from the farm like eggs, butter, milk and of course, cheese.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: starting at $250/night; 2-night minimum

109 Ward Rd.
Dayton, WA
509-876-1429
Online: monteilletcheese.com

—Allison Sutcliffe

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You should be proud—you braved another Chicago winter. And, it was a brutal one. Your reward is the flurry of new activities the change of seasons brings. Nature walks, outdoor art displays, new museum exhibits. Put on your shades and your favorite tee (but layer it with a fleece. . . this is the windiest of cities, after all) and get out there. Here are just a few ways to say “well, hello there!” to spring.

Astrographics at Art on theMart

Art on theMART

Beginning Apr. 1, Art on theMART is presenting Astrographics in collaboration with Adler Planetarium. The outdoor show on the facade of Merchandise Mart will explore ways in which humans conceptualize their universe and how that has changed over time. It will consist of four movements (Earth, Other Worlds, Stars and Beyond) which will transport the viewer from Earth to other planets and stars, then out to deeper and more speculative realms. 

Spring Nature Walk at Peggy Notebaert

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is definitely a favorite museum among Chicagoans, but they've been closed for an extended period due to COVID. If you're missing them, register your family for a guided nature walk through the museum's outdoor exhibits. You'll learn about the plants and animals that call the museum's grounds home. From grasses to trees to bugs and birds, you never know what you'll see! Nature walks scheduled for Mar. 30, Apr. 1 & Apr. 3.

Fanciful Fish in Greektown

Greektown Chicago invites Chicagoans to take a stroll down Halsted St. to view Fanciful Fish, an outdoor sculpture exhibit with 21 artworks. The exhibit was created by a diverse group of Chicago artists and celebrates Greek culture, from mythological gods and seaside vistas to the Greek language. 

Immersive Van Gogh at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago

Immersive Van Gogh

Chicago's must-see art exhibition this season is Immersive Van Gogh. The experience invites audiences to step inside the iconic works of the post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. 

Interactive Fun at WNDR Museum

exhibits and activities in chicago, chicago museums, museums for kids in chicago, immersive museum in chicago, wndr museum, fun museums in chicago
WNDR Museum

The ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience, WNDR Museum, has reopened with new interactive art, touchless experiences and enhanced safety measures. Prioritizing joy, curiosity and creativity, the reimaged experience features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios locally and globally. 

Virtual Sleepover with Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd's virtual sleepover introduces kids to the aquarium's impressive world of aquatic animals, with a special emphasis on tropical adaptations. The whole family will experience up-close animal encounters, play games, participate in activities and watch a live feeding in the Caribbean Reef over breakfast. Sleepovers are available Mar. 19, Apr. 9 & May 8.

Marvel Super Heroes Exhibit at MSI

Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science & Industry's Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes celebrates Marvel history with more than 300 artifacts, including original comic book pages, sculptures, interactive displays and costumes and props from Marvel's blockbuster films. Visitors to the Museum can learn about the origin of iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, Hulk and Captain Marvel and see how they have evolved alongside society over the past 80 years. 

Visit a Reopened Great America

Florence G. via Yelp

Six Flags is the Midwest's largest theme park featuring over 45 thrilling rides, shows and attractions. When the park reopens on Apr. 24 with COVID safety protocols in place, your family can feel the thrill of pulse-pounding coasters or have a chill day on gentle rides geared toward the tots. 

Tee Up at Mini-Golf

iStock

Hit a hole-in-one by going clubbin' with the family at Topgolf Naperville and Wood Dale. Kill two birds with one—improve your golf game while also showing your kids just how amazing you are with a club in hand. If you prefer your game miniaturized, check out one of these mini courses for kitschy fun.

Take a Hike

iStock

You could hang in the urban jungle all year round and never run out of things to do, but how about adding fresh air, unforgettable scenery and facetime with critters in their natural habitat to the mix? Lace up your boots and hit these favorite hiking spots no matter the temps. Tip: Spring is the absolute best time to visit Starved Rock to see their waterfalls in action.

Dinos Everywhere & Virtual 5K with Brookfield Zoo

Nearly 45 animatronic dinosaurs that are BIGGER and BADDER than any dinos you've ever met are visiting Brookfield Zoo. Dinos Everywhere features acres of earth-shakers, including the largest—argentinosaurus—that was estimated to measure more than 100 feet in length and weigh up to 110 tons. 

Brookfield Zoo is hosting their first-ever Virtual 5K Spring Run/Walk. Get outside and enjoy the warm weather and glorious colors of spring. You choose the time and place—take a hike in a forest preserve, jog along a waterfront trail or stroll through a neighborhood. Each runner will receive a numbered bib and commemorative swag with registration.

Jo Jo Shake Bar's Candyland

Jo Jo's Shake Bar is even sweeter than normal with the launch of Jo Jo's Candyland. In this immersive dining experience, you'll experience over-the-top shakes, biggie hot chocolates, signature cocktails and delicious diner fare. 

 

— Maria Chambers

Featured photo courtesy of Maria Chambers

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28 Farm Stays Every Family Should Experience

Editor’s Note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. At the time of press, the destinations below were taking reservations. Stay safe!

Got “getaway” on your mind? Consider a rural retreat for the ultimate socially-distant family vacation. Rural farm stays offer a resort-like experience off-grid. Your kids will enjoy a host of activities — like hiking, fishing, feeding farm animals and more — free of the peopley part of an actual resort. Scroll down for our places to bunk with cows, sheep and bison.

Trinity Bison Farm

Subhasiah Dutta via Unsplash

Buffalo truly roam on this private 72-acre little piece of heaven. You can watch the sunrise over the Smoky Mountains or cheer on the herd of buffalo as they come in for their morning oats. You might even get to enjoy a hot cup of coffee on one of the decks of the gorgeous log cabins. Located in Clyde, North Carolina, the property is a quick drive from Asheville (25 miles) – Maggie Valley and Waynesville are only 12 miles away. Your family will love all the local fun if you want to leave the farm. But there’s no need. You’ll have everything you need right there. Want to take work or school on the road? Trinity Bison Ranch has got you covered with a strong wi-fi connection.

408 Harriet Ln
Clyde, NC
828-550-0960
Online: trinitybisonranch.com

PandA Homestead

Toddlin' Across America

The owners of this beautiful homestead are passionate about the animals they raise, the food they grow and the relaxing getaway they provide. Their organic farm houses rabbits, chickens, pigs, turkeys, goats and an adorable 2-bedroom cottage with everything you need for a fun family vacation. Your kids will love feeding their goats and chickens. PandA Homestead offers the possibility to see how food is raised and grown and how it is all possible without using heavy machinery and chemicals. Grab your camera because the newest Virginia LOVE sign is on their beautiful farmland. It is such a fun photo op. 23332 Felton Dr. Capron, VA 434-658-0516 Online: pandahomestead.com

Verdant View Farm

toddler picking eggs from a green basket inside a nesting box
Toddlin' Across America

Conveniently located in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country, Verdant View Farm is the perfect setting for your family to explore a family-owned farm, interact with farm animals, enjoy local hospitality, and taste homegrown foods. Join in on some seriously fun morning chores – milk a cow, feed a calf and venture inside the chicken coop. Play fetch with the farm border collie, cuddle adorable kittens, stroll around the farm, or relax while watching the cows graze in the pasture. Wave to the train engineer as the Strasburg Rail Road passes through the farm fields. Or, get your own tickets to ride a real steam engine. Overnight accommodations include a farm-to-table breakfast, featuring homegrown and locally sourced foods. 429 Strasburg Rd. Paradise, PA 717-687-7353 Online: verdantview.com

Rocky Acre Farm

two children holding two chickens
Toddlin' Across America

The owners of Rocky Acre Farm have seamlessly run a bed-and-breakfast style experience alongside a working farm for over 50 years. Rooms are clean and well-equipped, with most having bunk beds and queen beds together so families can share quarters. The farm attracts visitors who often make this their home away from home, coming year after year (and some multiple times a year). Breakfasts are homemade and hearty and often include pancakes, waffles, fresh farm eggs, sausage, homemade jams and baked treats. Kids will enjoy getting hands-on experience collecting eggs, tending to baby calves, and helping with basic farm chores. Other amenities include an onsite playground and hayrides.

COVID-19 Update: Additional tables have been added to outdoor areas to allow for social distancing while dining. There is also gloves and hand sanitizer located on the farm.

1020 Pinkerton Rd.
Mount Joy, PA
717-653-4449
Online: rockyacre.com

Willet Ponds Farm

Kelly Forrister via Unsplash

Feed the flock of chickens, gather eggs, swim and fish in the ponds, hike, and wake to the rooster’s crow (if that happens before your little ones wake up). Willet Ponds Farm offers clean accommodations for your vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. More than a place to stay: an Appalachian farm experience. It’s all about the farm, and the peaceful, educational experience your family will have together. Interact with a few farm animal favorites: Josephine the pot-bellied pig, Penelope the long-eared donkey, several horses and some very friendly dogs. Treat yourself to the simple joys in life down on this 100-acre farm.

1595 Willett Miller Rd.
Todd, NC 
Online: willetpondsfarm.com

Belle Meade Farm

iStock

The owners of this sustainable farm (think free range animals) affectionately call the Belle Meade a holistic retreat. Set on nearly 140 acres, you are sure to find an activity to capture the heart and mind of each and every person in your brood. There is an outdoor pool for little ones, an old fashioned swimming pond with a floating deck and rope swing for the bigger kids and a hot tub for moms and dads. For those wishing to get their hands dirty, you can help tend to pigs, horses, cattle, chicken and rabbits. Nearby you’ll find hiking and canoeing in Shenandoah National Park. Breakfast, which is included with room reservations, is made from locally sourced foods and farm fresh ingredients. Rates for single rooms start at $160; there are four guest rooms in the main house. A separate cottage rents for $210 a night.

353 F.T. Valley Rd.
Sperryville, VA
540-987-9748
Online: bellemeade.net

Mountain Quest Inn

Mona N. via Yelp

This West Virginia Inn offers the opportunity to roam 450 acres, 150 of which are utilized as a farm. You and your kids will discover horses, llamas and cattle. A gentle hike up the mountain gives visitor’s a chance to gaze down on a fresh, green valley, which is a refreshing sight for those used to the congestion and development of the DC metro area. Other outdoor activities include biking, trout fishing, and star gazing. For those struggling to completely unplug, the onsite community center offers movies, books and arcade games. Room reservations include a breakfast buffet and start at $129.

303 Mountain Quest Ln.
Marlinton, WV
304-799-7267
Online: mountainquestinn.com

Allegheny Mountain Institute

Sugar Sweet Farm via Yelp

This farm is home to chickens, cows and bees. School aged kids will enjoy the hands-on workshops offered (almost) every Wednesday at this Highland County farm. Guests can learn about a range of topics, like beekeeping, seed saving, mushroom cultivating and more. The Institute suggests a Tuesday and Wednesday evening stay for those wishing to attend a workshop. Classes are an additional small fee and include meals. A continental breakfast is included; guests who stay midweek are also welcome to participate in family style meals at no additional charge. The property’s lodge, which accommodates up to 8 people, can be rented for $250 a night. Rooms can also be rented individually.

2599 Bear Mountain Rd.
Hightown, VA
540-468-2300
Online: alleghenymountaininstitute.org

Berriedale Farms

Wernerdetjen via Pixabay

Berriedale holds an unusual title. It’s the only farm in the United States that is protected by both land and breed conservation. You’ll find The George Washington National Forest to the east of this little hamlet and the Highland Wildlife Management Area to the west. The farm itself is home to heritage cattle, which means these cows are on the brink of going extinct. Berriedale is a great place for kids to learn about the importance of breed diversity in our agriculture system. It’s also ideal for families that want to “get away from it all.” You won’t get cell reception here. Or have access to a television. The log cabin accommodations are rustic (but they do have electricity).

10245 Cowpasture River Rd.
Williamsville, VA
540-925-2308
Online: berriedalefarms.com

Oakland Green Bed and Breakfast

Pixabay

This working cattle farm is just an hour west of DC, in Loudoun County. Built nearly 300 years ago, this rural retreat boasts over 200 acres to explore. Spend your summer days playing lawn games, exploring the gardens, taking a dip in the swimming pool or fishing in the pond. While there isn’t a lot of hands-on opportunities at Oakland, nearby JK Community Farm, which provides organic food for children, families and seniors in need through donations to hunger relief organizations and shelters, offers those interested in hands-on farm work a chance to volunteer. Guests can rent the oldest section of the house, Log House Suite (starting at $125).

19192 Oakland Green Rd.
Lincoln, VA
Online: oaklandgreen.com

—Angelica Lynne Kajiwara and Meghan Meyers

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Thinking about your next family vacation? Traveling is a great way to see the world and learn new things, but it can also be an opportunity to help others. More and more organizations are offering volunteer vacation trips, and they can always use extra sets of hands—even little ones! From faraway places to trips in the states and even one great option that requires you to just pack a few extra items, here are our picks for the best volunteer vacations to take with kids.

Proyecto Asis via Flickr

International Volunteer HQ

If international travel is in your future, you’ll definitely want to check out this resource that offers insight on some of the best programs suited for the ages and abilities of your children while also accommodating your travel desires. International Volunteer HG has a safe and family-friendly volunteer program in over 45 destinations that offer home-stay accommodations (as opposed to dormitory-style) allowing families more privacy and ease. Living in a homestay is a unique experience, as your family can enjoy living alongside a local family while learning about their culture, cuisine and traditions.

International Volunteer HQ offers volunteer programs for families with children under the age of 18 in Indonesia, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Peru and Tanzania as well as a few other opportunities in Argentina and Bali.

Learn More: volunteerhq.org

Helpx

If your family has some extra elbow grease to spare, Helpx just might be the key to open an entirely different vacation trip altogether. The online service lists many organic farms, non-organic farms, farm stays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who offer free short-term accommodations and sometimes even meals in exchange for a little work during the day. They operate worldwide including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe. Work responsibilities can be anything from light housework to feeding barnyard animals and basic yard work to bricklaying. Helpers often live with the host family and are expected to join in and offer a helping hand with day-to-day activities. You can expect to work anywhere from two to six hours a day depending on the host.

Some extra benefits of using Helpx may include opportunities for free internet use, horse riding, kayaking, bike riding, local sight-seeing trips, etc. To help make a perfect match, it is advised that you offer a description of your family and any skills that you possess such as building, carpentry, landscaping, working with animals or an ability to care for and ride horses.

Learn More: helpx.net

Give the Kids the World via Flickr

Give Kids the World Village

If you are planning a trip to Disneyworld this year, you might want to plan to spend an extra day serving at perhaps the second happiest place on earth. Give Kids the World is an 84-acre nonprofit resort that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children (and their families) who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses. Volunteering here is fairly easy as most people don’t consider what they do here actual work, but a chance to help may a child’s day or week special. You have to be at least 12-years-old to help, but you won’t find opportunities like this anywhere else. Depending on your age, you’ll serve as a ride operator, become a train conductor, perform on the stage, become a character and many other opportunities that anyone can do like:

  • Greeting families at the airport, train station or at the resort
  • Help serve families with meals at the many restaurants or room service
  • Help with office tasks, helping families find information and more
  • Serve as an attendant at one of the play areas or the pool
  • Helps with arts and crafts
  • Perform in a show or become a costumed character
  • Become a ride operator

Learn More: gktw.org/volunteer

Hands Up Holidays

Hands Up Holidays provides “luxury family trips that give back” the combines “sightseeing with serving.” It’s a hybrid of a travel agency that books luxurious hotels for your family while also setting up opportunities where you can get your hands dirty and serve together. It’s a pretty cool concept that has won numerous awards, and they guarantee that you and your family will love your getaway. Unlike other programs, there's a lot less research that you need to do—their consultants will arrange everything. Of course, the tradeoff is that the accommodations aren’t free. The types of volunteering tasks needed include helping build homes, become reading partners to children, help with wildlife conservation and giving young entrepreneurs business advice, etc.

Learn more: handsupholidays.com

Sandals

Sandals Reading Road Trip

Here’s a cool idea: Guests (ages 8 & up) who stay at the Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts can take part in a two-hour program that will take you to one of the primary schools in Saint Lucia, Antigua, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos or Jamaica for Sandal Foundations’ Reading Road Trip. During your time you’ll engage small groups of children in active reading strategies. Don’t worry, you won’t just be thrown in there expected to know everything. Facilitators will be on hand to guide you on how to engage and encourage the children during your visit.

Another great way to help while there is to pack along a couple of new or gently-used children’s books that can be donated to the school’s library and leave a little of yourself there as well. Reading Road Trips are offered every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. when schools are in session, September through mid-June.

Learn More: sandalsfoundation.org

Beach Corps

Bridging the gap between an incredible vacation and opportunities to connect with local nonprofit charities is the goal of Beach Corps who are big fans of families coming together to make a difference. As long as your children are old enough to listen to instructions and won’t wander off on their own, they are qualified to come onboard. There are lots of activities that are suitable for your kids: from sharing English to coming together and put on a show to simply picking up litter on the beach. Beach Corps says that worthy nonprofit causes put the focus on empowerment, not begging. You can book your trip by activity or by nonprofit partner too.

Learn More: beachcorps.com

 

Workaway

Workaway

Workaway is similar to other programs that help out host families a few hours a day in exchange for food and accommodation. Not all hosts welcome families, but with a list of over 30,000 active hosts in over 180 countries, chances are good that you can someplace to go. Workaway is sort of a dating site matching up hosts with “Workawayers.” Each listing includes months available for booking, a description of the hosts and their interests, the type of help needed, information on the cultural exchange and learning opportunities, the languages they speak and accommodation information. The site also gives a host rating, feedback from previous guests, an estimate on how well the hosts respond to inquiries, etc. Opportunities range from just a few days to a few months and the sky is the limit on the type of work that is required. Start by choosing the country you’d like to visit, type the word “family” in the search bar and make a match!

Learn More: workaway.info

Global Family Travels

Global Family Travels helps families to “learn, serve and immerse” during their vacations helping to build cultural bridges while also giving a helping hand. These learning tours offer a mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects. Many of the trips offered include opportunities to stay with a local family or cooking a meal with the hosts. Destinations include Africa, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Galapagos, India, Nepal, Nicaragua and Peru among others.

Learn More: globalfamilytravels.com

Pack with a Purpose

Pack with a Purpose

One of the easiest ways to help others and have a big impact on their communities is to leave just a little space in your luggage to pack much-needed supplies. Since 2010, Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken over 281,417 pounds of supplies meeting essential needs in over 60 countries. Pack with a Purpose works with many organizations around the world in the areas of education, health, child welfare, animal welfare and socioeconomic development. And you can pick the organization that you would like your supplies to go to as well. Examples of the things you can donate and pack include 400 pencils, five deflated soccer balls and one inflation device, a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, 500 Band-Aids, animal supplies, etc.

Learn More: packforapurpose.org

Travel for Good

Don’t know where to go to help serve? Travelocity offers a service that lists numerous places across the country that are looking for short-term help on a regular basis. So whether you plan to visit the San Diego Zoo or take in a baseball game at Wrigley Stadium in Chicago, there just might be a place where you can help pack lunches, help at a dog shelter or in other ways you would never be able to do at home. They also offer a blog with topics on how to volunteer while on vacation and at the time of this writing, they also offering a special promo code where the company will give you $25 off your next hotel stay and give $25 to the Red Cross—a win-win!

Areas listed with places to help include: Chicago, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orange County, Orlando, New Orleans, New York, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

Learn More: travelocity.com

—Jeffrey Totey

 

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Are you looking for a chance to swap your New York City Slicker attire in favor of some overalls and mud boots? Gather the family and head to a nearby farm and experience some fresh air, fresh food, and a chance to work and rest hard. These farms are just a stone’s throw away from the city, and they welcome family visitors, whether they want to help out in the workload or just relax and enjoy country life for just a little while. Read on for our favorite farm stays for families in and around NYC!

Big Picture Farm

Big Picture Farm via Yelp

This farmhouse isn't meant for single-family stays. Instead, it's a chance to collaborate with other families to form a group and all visit together — stays are reserved for over 16 people at a time. For a fee easily split between a few families, this trip gives you access to the entire house, complete with nine beautiful bedrooms, a yoga room, and a number of rooms with great views out.

The website calls itself "agriturismo-style boutique lodging" — in other words, you'll be getting an upscale, farm-like experience, rather than a gritty down-to-earth one. A perfect option if you have a lot of like-minded friends and want to experience the beauty of nature and fam life without having to make any sacrifices.

$720/night
1600 Peaked Mountain Road
Townshend, VT
Online: bigpicturefarm.com

Stony Creek Farmstead

Andrew via Flickr

Go off the grid at this Walton farm, where you stay at intentionally offline canvas tents with comfy wooden floors. Tents are equipped with a stove, bed, small cabinet for belongings and a flushing toilet, so you won't be entirely roughing it.

Mornings begin with cow milking, a fresh-from-the-chicken egg and the option to buy freshly made loaves of bread along with local goodies like cheese. Certain days have scheduled events, like morning tours and brick oven pizza nights. Staying here requires a minimum of two nights, but discounts are available for staying even more nights.

$305/night on weekends (Fri-Sun), $345/night weekdays
1738 Freer Hollow Road
Walton, NY
Online: stonycreekfarmstead.com

Catskills Hull-O Farms

Hull-O Farms via Facebook

For a real farm experience, visit Hull-O Farms, where visitors can take part in everyday activities around the farm. Watch or help the farmers go through their daily tasks and meet the animals, like cows, lambs, chickens and even kittens (which the kids are sure to love). Kids are allowed to (and encouraged to!) feed and help care for the animals under supervision of the friendly staff. There's something to do any time of the day!

Other activities include fishing, hayrides, nightly campfires and more. Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy home-cooked, locally sourced meals.

There are a number of options for accommodations, from private rooms to a more communal experience. This year the farm is celebrating 25 years of being a farmstay, so you can snag special offers through their newsletter. (We went! Read our full review here!)

Inquire for price
10 Cochrane Road
Durham, NY
Online: hull-o.com

Better Farm

Better Farm

Looking for a longer stay? Better Farm has the option for a longer-term reservation for anyone who wants to stay more than a few days. Book a cozy private room or cabin for a summer month (or two!) and enjoy the gorgeous views of this 65-acre sustainable solar-powered organic farm and animal sanctuary. (Winter stays are available here as well!)

While you can take part in typical farm activities here, another big draw is the art-centric environment. Workshops, events, galleries, and performances mean you can enjoy some art in an idyllic location.

$50-$120/night; $35/night for loft spaces
31060 Cottage Hill Road
Redwood, NY
Online: betterfarm.org

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Michael W. via Flickr

Although it's no longer actually located in Woodstock, this spot is a great getaway if you're looking for a more "boutique" farm experience. Opening in April 2019, the Grey Barn offers visitors brand new, modern accommodations with private terraces and beautiful common space. As a bonus, each booking comes with a vegan breakfast made from local ingredients and a private tour of the grounds.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the sanctuary's 150 acres and get to know its 350+ resident animals. Proceeds from the room fee go into maintaining the sanctuary and continuing its nonprofit rescue and outreach work.

Each room has a maximum of two people, so be aware that larger families will need to book multiple rooms.

$250/night
2 Rescue Road
High Falls, NY
Online: thegraybarn.org

Catskill Farm Animal Sanctuary

Jessica L. via Yelp

Stay with nearly 300 rescued animals at the Catskill Farm animal sanctuary by booking a room or suite at the Homestead. This pre-Civil War house has been renovated with eco-friendly methods and materials but keeps its unique look and style. Stays include a vegan breakfast, seasonal tours, and plenty of space and activities to keep anyone busy.

Many farm animals make the sanctuary their home, from cows and horses to chickens and pigs. Every rescued animal has background information available about it on the sanctuary's website, so you can truly get to know the story of every critter you come across.

This location is dog-friendly (for well-behaved dogs!) but your furry friend won't be allowed to visit the rescued animals with you. As a Homestead visitor, though, you'll have the freedom to wander the grounds of the sanctuary without an accompanying tour guide, a privilege which day guests don't get!

$135-$295/night
316 Old Stage Road
Saugerties, NY
Online: casanctuary.org

East Hill Farm

East Hill Farm

Welcome to East Hill, where you can stay at one of the 65 rooms, all of which have private bathrooms and are pet-friendly! This is one of the more active stays, with a huge variety of activities happening every day. Children's programs, night-time family-friendly events, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, paddleboats and so much more will keep you and the little ones busy. You'll also find some more unique activities, like massage/reflexology and dodgeball.

Of course, there are also farm animals and activities to enjoy, like horseback riding, wagon rides and egg collecting.

Rates are per person and include 3 meals. Children get discounted rates, and kids under two stay free!

$148-$170/person per night
460 Monadnock Street
Troy, NH
Online: east-hill-farm.com

Verdant View

Ellen T. via Yelp

Start the day at Verdant View Farm at 8:30 with the farm's crew for a home-grown breakfast, then choose your adventure for the day. You can choose to stay on the grounds and play with the animals, including the farm's animals and friendly border collie, pygmy goats, bunnies, calves and chickens. All visitors are welcome to join in and help out with the daily farm tasks.

You can also choose to explore the surrounding area, which is located in the middle of Amish country. Visit museums, restaurants, local markets and attractions and more.

$99-$199/night, with additional fees for more than 2-4 guests (depending on the room)
429 Strasburg Rd.
Paradise, PA
Online: verdantview.com

Kinderhook Farm

Kinderhook Farm

Visit this farm in the summer and fall for a quaint farmstay experience on a working farm. There's no WiFi or television, so be prepared to experience the environment as it's meant to be! Help out on the farm or relax in a hammock then take a dip in the cottage pond. Farm activities include feeding the animals, egg collecting and joining the cows and sheep on the pasture. There are also plenty of books, board games, and outdoor activity equipment available to borrow.

The accommodations are less like a hotel and more like renting out a vacation house, including a fully stocked kitchen and outdoor barbeque. This location is very child-friendly — cribs, high chairs, baby pool, stroller and other child goodies are available for the farm's youngest visitors.

$300-$350/night
1958 Co Road 21
Valatie, NY
Online: kinderhookfarm.com

—Yuliya Geikhman

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If berry picking is on your spring bucket list, then it’s time to head north to the Temecula Berry Company and start your family adventure. This family-friendly spot is now open for the season, and it’s the only blueberry farm in San Diego County. Grab your camera and get ready to pick! The Berry Company is ready to welcome hungry kiddos (and parents) with u-pick action and fun on the farm.

About the Berry Picking
Temecula Berry Company is run by the father and son team, Ray and Mike Graesser, who planted 10 acres of southern highbush blueberries. Kids love wandering through the rows of bushes picking big, ripe, tasty blueberries to fill their buckets. Parents love blueberries because the fruit is high in anti-oxidants, a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K, and are a great snack for kids.

The u-pick blueberries are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The cost for picking berries is $5 per pint, with one bucket of blueberries equaling approximately two pints. Be sure to bring cash or a check; the farm does not accept credit cards.

Beyond the U-Pick
Plan to attend one of the special events such as story time and meet-and-greet with the animals. Every afternoon features a fun chick and pig show that kids love. Before you visit, check out the event calendar to find out what’s happening on the farm. Muffin Mondays take place each week when it’s all about blueberry muffins. On Tuesdays you can catch Nana’s Story Time at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. On Friday evenings, the farm stays open late for Friday Night movies at 8 p.m. (beginning May 27). Be sure to bring a chair if you plan on sitting to watch the flicks.

If you get hungry for something other than berries, you can pick up a jar of raw honey, a blueberry loaf or blueberry jam at the farm. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, but know that there are not picnic grounds at the Berry Company. So it’s best to bring your own chairs or be okay eating on the ground.

What to Do With the Berries
If you end up with more berries than you know what to do with, you may want to try some of the delicious recipes on the Temecula Berry Company website. You can make blueberry jam, blueberry ice cream, or healthy blueberry smoothies.

Hot Tips

  • Don’t forget closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen, and water. If it’s going to be a hot day, plan to arrive early or late in the day, especially if you have little kids since there is little shade.
  • If you’re looking for a keepsake from your visit (besides the blueberries), pick up a blueberry-scented soy candle.
  • Don’t wait too long to visit Temecula Berry Company. Once the blueberries are gone – usually by the end of June – the u-pick season is closed until next year.

39700 Cantrell Rd.
Temecula Ca 92591
951-225-5552
Online: temeculaberryco.com

Have you visited the Temecula Berry Company? What are your tips for a great blueberry picking adventure?

— Leah Singer