Fair Oaks Farms : A Farm Adventure to Wow your Family
Ever wondered how your breakfast gets to your table every morning? I mean, sure, you are generally the one doing the grocery shopping and the cooking of the food that nourishes your family. But where does it come from? Also, how do you explain this process to your kids?
***Disclaimer- My family and I were provided free entry to Fair Oaks Farms in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
You could always let them grow up thinking that the grocery store is what feeds them day in and day out. Or, you can step off the beaten path, (or just take a quick exit off of I-65 in Indiana) and immerse you and your family in a day of learning and fun on the farm at Fair Oaks Farms in Jasper County, IN.
After making a visit with my own family earlier this summer, I am excited share all of the experiences we were able to partake in on the farm. Ready to find out what sets this family adventure apart from your local family farm experience?
A Family Friendly Farm Layout
Upon pulling up to Fair Oaks Farms, one of the first things I realized was how family friendly this location is! With stroller access available to just about anything the farm has to offer, moms can breathe easy.
Adding to the family friendliness, the staff at Fair Oaks are both helpful and knowledgeable about the operations of the farm. Whether you are curious to the number of pigs born on the farm each day, or just need to know the location of the nearest bathroom, the staff are ready and willing to help with a smile on their face.
Also, looking around the property I quickly noticed that the farm was much cleaner than one might expect for a farm. With the main animal attractions available by bus ride, the grounds are free of any animal surprises you may expect when visiting the farm. Once you do visit the barns, you will note that even those areas are very clean for being home to farm animals. This paired with a major lack of general garbage on the grounds made me feel great about letting the kids learn and explore throughout the area.
Food Options for all Budgets
One of the most important things to consider when we travel out with our little’s is food. Never fear, the food options at Fair Oaks Farms do not disappoint.
For those families trying to make a cost-friendly day trip who are hoping to not spend money on food, I have great news. Since the parking lot is very central to the farm activities, it would be totally doable to pack a cooler for the day and do lunch and snacks from the car if need be. While I would never suggest skipping the amazing, dairy-fresh ice cream, for the mom on a budget, this tidbit can be a huge lifesaver!
Looking for a quick lunch without worrying about your kids having to sit through the meal? The Cowfé on site is the place to be! Serving breakfast, lunch, and just about any cheese you can think of farm fresh, you will not leave this café hungry or dissatisfied. Plus, remember that ice cream I was talking about? You will totally find it here alongside the Starbucks you have been needing since your coffee disappeared 3 hours ago.
The Farmhouse Restaurant is the place to be for a sit down dinner with the family, or even a date night with the hubs! While we were not in the area for dinner, I did have a minute to check out the menu for The Farmhouse which boasted dishes that made my mouth water, and desserts that left me wishing my plans for the evening were expendable. Word around the farm is that this location draws a crowd, so be sure to call ahead and get your reservation in if you plan to join them for dinner!
Opportunities to get Up Close and Personal
Growing up on a farm, I wondered what Fair Oaks would have that would wow me alongside the kids, and I can honestly say, I was stunned by their adventures!
The Dairy Adventure
A short bus ride from the main farm will take you on site to one of the many dairy operations owned by Fair Oaks. During your ride (on a climate controlled bus mind you) audio is played educating you on the dairy operation, and day to day life on the farm. Upon arriving at the barn, my kids were stunned by the adorable baby dairy cows that lined the outer edge. On the bus, we were able to drive straight into the barn and observe the mama cows in their barn home, eating, relaxing, and having a great time.
Further into the tour, the bus pulled over and we were able to enter the milking parlor. Here, I was blown away by the automated carousel that the cows have been trained to use that helps to expedite the milking process. From there, you can actually see the milk tanks being filled and the milk being pasteurized right under your fingers as it travels down through the pipe system to the tanks. Then, it is back on the bus for one last glimpse of the dairy before headed back to the farm!
Once you arrive back at the farm, be sure to check out the birthing barn. During our time on the farm, we were able to witness not one, but two baby calves being born in this barn! With their stoplight indicator set up outside of the barn, it is simple to know if a cow is in active labor and if a baby is on the way. This way, you know if it is time for you and your squirmy 2-year-old to see the action, or if there is still time to see something else first.
The Pig Adventure
Once arriving back to the farm, it is onto another bus to ship off for the pig barns to learn about the life of a pig! By far, this was Ellie and I’s favorite part of the day, as there was so much to see and learn!
Upon arriving at the pig barns, you are left to your own devices to explore at your family’s pace. This is amazing news, especially for families with little ones who want to get down to explore on their own! From seeing a baby pig be born, to performing a swine ultrasound, these barns are full of experiences for you and your babies. Plus, the barns were constructed in a way that even your smaller children can get in on the action and explore what is happening in the barns below them without having to be held.
That my friends, is a win-win.
Upon arriving back at the pig exploration center on the main farm, get ready for some major excitement on the ropes course! This course will take your kiddo up multiple levels of rope obstacles in an activity that will test their tolerance of heights and your blood pressure. Don’t worry though mom, the staff are trained to ensure your child is completely safe while they are exploring, and they also ensure the rules are followed to a “T”.
Not looking to let your kiddo get up that high? Check out the Redwood Treehouse complete with your favorite pig, Peppa on the Telly inside!
The Crops Adventure
No matter what you do, do not pass up this adventure just for the sake of time. With the world population growing at the rate it is, crop production education is more important now than it has ever been. The Crops Adventure make learning fun for kids and adults alike through multiple learning stations.
From today’s farming to the farming of the future, you and your kids will learn about the agricultural world both above and below ground in this one-of-a-kind adventure. Videos, plants, games, and even a slide await your family to help demonstrate the life of a crop.
While there is so much to do and see in this adventure, it was also a great place to wind down for a few minutes for my family. Since the adventure is going at your own pace, we were able to leisurely stroll through the many activities. This allowed Brendan to have a blast playing and learning, while Ellie partook in a much-needed nap. By the time we finished, Brendan had become a butterfly, loaded corn into a grain elevator, and caught multiple virtual raindrops!
Other Notable Opportunities on the Farm
Mooville
While the village of Mooville was not open during our visit, we did get to see several of the activities this attraction boasts! From trains and tractor rides to a jumping pillow (you HAVE to see this one!) your kids can have a blast playing on this awesome attraction. Open weather permitting from Memorial Day to Labor Day, make sure you stop in and watch it make your kiddos day!
Gift Shop Goodies
One of my favorite places on the farm was the Fair Oaks gift shop! Alongside your usual coffee mugs and t-shirts, this gift shop also hosts a candy shop and a cheese shop! (Imagine that, cheese at a dairy farm?)
For the sake of a good review, I sampled both the cheese and the chocolates and was left very, very happy. (Because we all know that I totally would not have been eating both of these if I was not reviewed them. No, I would never do that. :p)
Special Events
Before heading out to Fair Oaks, be sure to check out the special events calendar on their website! The Farmhouse Restaurant mentioned above often hosts live bands, plus, there always seems to be some kind of special event going on at the farm! From kite festivals to their famous “Cowtoberfest” there is an event for everyone! Check out the calendar here to see what is coming up around your visit!
Birthday Parties
Out of ideas for what to do for your kiddo’s birthday party this year? Let the farm take care of your party planning by hosting it at Fair Oaks! Find out more information on getting your planning started by clicking here.
Specials
At different times during the year, Fair Oaks offers some pretty sweet discounts and specials that are sure to save your wallet! Make sure to check back to the website regularly to see what specials they have going on during your visit!
**Hint hint, want to save some major bucks, hop on over to the site here and see how you can visit for a full year for the price of one days admission!**
Well Mama’s, now that you have the low down on the farm, it is time to start planning your own families trip! Check out the Fair Oaks website here to get admission information and pricing and schedule your own trip to the farm today. Hope you have as much fun on the farm as we did!
Have you been to Fair Oaks in the past? Let me know your favorite part of the farm below! Looking for a different kind of family adventure? Check out another of my family’s summer excursions here!
