👨‍👩‍👧🐑 Family weekend on a farm: animals, playgrounds, safety

A farm weekend is a way to spend time together without rushing: in the morning — goats and collecting eggs, in the afternoon — forest trails or the lake, in the evening — baked buns and board games. To ensure that your trip goes smoothly, it is important to choose the right farm in advance, understand the format of contact with animals, think through meals and a rain plan, and also check the details of safety and insurance. Below is a detailed checklist and practical tips for parents.

🧭 Which farms are suitable for children

When choosing a farm, focus not only on ‘cute goats,’ but also on the infrastructure: the location of the house, playgrounds, the format of the bathroom and kitchen, access and the ‘last mile,’ as well as age restrictions for participating in activities. There are several types of farms:

• Dairy/cheese. Often there are tastings, a ‘cheese’ shop and a warm kitchen for guests. Contact with animals is scheduled and supervised.
• Sheep/goat farms. In spring — kids and lambs, in summer — pastures and trails. Children must be accompanied by the owner.
• Berry/garden. In summer — pick your own berries, compotes and jams. An excellent option for toddlers: space, swings, picnics.
• Mixed (cottages + mini-farm). Small farms with a shop, 2-3 types of animals and glamping facilities nearby.

Important things to clarify in advance:

(1) where is the playground and is there soft ground cover, (2) how far is the toilet/shower from the cottage, (3) are prams accessible (step-free, slope), (4) whether there are ‘quiet hours’, (5) how contact with animals is organised (age/schedule/accompaniment).

🐾 Contact with animals: joy and rules

Children want to pet and feed ‘everyone at once,’ but a farm is a workplace, and animals are not an attraction. Golden rules:

• Only with the owner. Feeding/petting — on schedule and under supervision.
• Clean hands and shoes. Wash your hands after visiting the pen and again before eating. Keep your shoes separate from your bedroom.
• Keep dogs on a leash. Especially near sheep and goats. Do not let your pet into the house or on the furniture.
• Close the gate. This is for the safety of the roads and the animals themselves.
• Do not feed them ‘by hand’. Even ‘useful’ grass can be harmful. Only feed them food from the owner.

🌿 Allergies and contacts

Inform in advance about food and contact allergies: dairy, nuts, gluten, wool, hay, dust. Request separate cutting boards/utensils, a separate knife for gluten-free baking, and information about the breakfast ingredients. For children with allergies, keep wipes and hand spray on hand to reduce the risk of cross-contact after feeding.

🍳 Kitchen and food: what's really on the farm

Breakfast can take many forms: from a ‘farmer's’ breakfast with cheese, yoghurt, eggs and fresh bread to self-catering in your cottage. Check whether breakfast is included, serving times, early departure, children's portions, high chairs/bottle warmers, microwaves/blenders, as well as where to store food and whether you can buy fresh eggs/milk at the shop.

Kitchen in the cottage. This is usually a mini-kitchen with a stove, a set of dishes, a refrigerator, a kettle, and a coffee maker. If you plan to cook a lot, check the size of the refrigerator and whether there is an oven. There is often a barbecue area outside — agree on the rules for using the barbecue and cleaning up in advance.

🌧️ Bad weather: how to spend a stress-free day

Rain on the farm is not a reason to be sad, but an opportunity for indoor activities: baking and tasting, master classes, group games, reading on the warm terrace. The ‘five pockets’ rule works well with children: two active activities, one creative activity, one tasty break and one “quiet” block.

• Active: mini-quest around the territory, searching for leaves/pebbles, ‘photo safari’ with a phone.
• Creative: jam/cookies, drawing, herbarium collection.
• Quiet: reading, puzzles, board games, cartoons with a blanket.
• Tasty: cheese/jam tasting, hot chocolate.

🛡️ Insurance, safety and ‘quiet hours’

Insurance. Check that your policy covers active recreation (walks, light master classes, kayaking) and clarify the procedure for seeking medical assistance. It is convenient to have a paper copy of the policy and a list of contacts in your phone offline.

Minimum first aid kit. Plasters, antiseptic, insect repellent, age-appropriate fever reducer, antihistamine (as agreed with your doctor), thermometer, baby cream, elastic bandage. If your child has any special medications, bring a supply and keep them in a dry place.

Quiet hours. Most farms ask that you keep quiet in the evening and early morning. Discuss the ‘whisper rule’ with your children and move evening games to a ‘home’ format.

Prams, slopes and steps. Take a photo or ask your host for a photo of the entrance, paths and steps. If there is a slope, plan your route for carrying luggage (trolley/backpack) and take a baby sling for small children.

🧳 Mini-list of ‘what to take for children’

• Waterproof jackets and shoes, a supply of socks and warm layers even in summer.
• Headlamp for going to the shower/toilet in the evening.
• Blankets/capes for evening games on the terrace.
• Favourite companions (book, toy, board game).
• Light first aid kit and hand wipes after the pen.