MomsTribute
Three-cheers for Ardenwood! Hands-down, this place is wins first prize; it is awesome, and I hand-select this as one of the best places to visit for busy moms with children looking for animal interaction.
Ardenwood Historic Farm is a working farm in Fremont, California. What is quite remarkable about this venue is the way it is tucked away within an urban area. It is located adjacent to the freeway, and yet it feels so remote at the same time. At this farm, you feel a million miles removed from anything city-like, and yet, as you depart, you jump right back into civilization. It’s strangely wonderful!
Ardenwood Historic Farm transports you back to a time when agriculture was the backbone of the community. The farm, which dates back to the 1850s, showcases the rich agricultural heritage of the region, providing a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Adults will enjoy the Patterson House, a stunning Victorian mansion, that serves as a centerpiece of the property. A guided tour of this beautifully restored mansion is offered on most days, and it’s quite educational. My children were too squirrely for this part of the visit, but I enjoyed it immensely.
The part of the visit the children will enjoy most is the animals! This farm is loaded with all kinds of farm animals, and you can get quite close to them. Some of the animals you may expect to see are sheep, goats, pigs, cattle and chickens. We were laughing as chickens ran by while we were walking around on the property. These aren’t ordinary chickens! These are free roaming chickens, and they are a kick! If you plan your visit appropriately, there are scheduled times of animal interactions, such as feeding the barnyard animals, getting to know the chickens, and learning about the cows and rabbits. Children will be able to try their hand at preparing farm foods, in true working-style.
Another exciting part of the visit includes the train, which runs from the entrance to the opposite side of the farm. There’s nothing super-unique about this train, but it is a train nevertheless, and we all know children love trains! It is also a nice form of transportation for returning to your car at the end of the day, especially when everyone’s legs are all tuckered out.
The train is an open-air cart with long benches. The ride from one station to the other is pretty quick, but it allows for everyone to see the farm from a different perspective. The fact that visitors are sitting at an elevation, allows for a birds-eye view of the property. For children, it is a guaranteed talking-point for the rest of the day!
The farm is typically open every day except Monday. Because it is a working farm, the farm may have other days of closure or abbreviated days.
Timing your visit with specific educational opportunities for your children will add more to your visit there.
The cost of entry is reasonable. There are different fees for adults, seniors, and children. All are under $10 per person.
· Pets are not allowed
· Be prepared that there is a lot of walking, and it is not always on sturdy ground. This is important to note if you plan to visit with elderly individuals or people unsteady on their feet.
· This location can get super hot in the summertime. I would recommend planning a trip for a cooler day so that it’s a little bit more comfortable.
· Bring water and snacks. There is a café on the property, but it is only open on the weekends and has limited options. There is nothing like a hungry child to derail a trip, so make sure you are prepared. There is a picnic area, so a great idea is to pack a proper lunch for your visiting group!
· Restrooms: There are restrooms on the property, but they are spread out. I would suggest studying the map and being aware of where these are so you can prepare yourself and your young ones so there aren’t any “emergencies.”
What is really fun is timing your visit for different times of the year. Ardenwood Historic Farm hosts a range of seasonal events and programs that celebrate the agricultural heritage of the region. From harvest festivals and pumpkin patches to holiday celebrations and educational workshops, there's always something exciting happening at the farm.
Because Ardenwood Historic Farm is a working farm, you will see tons of farm equipment and many crops. Halloween is particularly fun, as there are lots of pumpkins, hayrides, and family-filled activities.
For city folks, the farm experience is truly exhilarating. My children loved running around and getting a chance to interact with the animals. Most of all, it was just fun to get out of the go-go-go pace of city life and do something new and different. Even though this farm sits right next to a major freeway, it’s completely unnoticeable while you are on the farm itself. This location is a great place to get away without being too far away. It’s easy to conquer this as a day-trip. Ardenwood is such a special experience for everyone. We will be going back soon!
Laura D
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