Look for unique experiences that adhere to safety standards and social distancing…while supporting local establishments!
What we did:
- Found a local Petting Zoo with hand washing and sanitizing stations
- Booked a timeslot through their website where they limited the number per group, and had 15 minute intervals between guests in each area
- Farm employees sanitized handles and feed buckets between guests
- HAD FUN and took LOTS OF PICTURES!
- Ended the day with a picnic outside to help wind down and debrief with the kids.
Finding activities that are safe, educational, a change of scenery, and FUN can be quite challenging during this crazy Pandemic. We wanted to do something that the kids would absolutely love, but that still adhered to the safety standards and social distancing. Jo found a lovely farm and petting zoo (Triple C Farm in Ancaster) nearby that had time slots for each group, a hand sanitizing and washing station at the entrance, and sanitizing areas. It was a free activity, with an option for a donation towards the farm!
Kids and animals… they are always an adorable and memorable combination! This was no different. Seeing how the toddlers faces lit up at the site of the animals they see in their books was absolutely priceless. Upon entering the farm, there was a beautiful horse paddock across from the parking area. The squeals of delight at the site of the magnificent creatures was just the beginning of their absolute joy.
After handwashing and saying hello to our guide, we were let into the Petting Zoo area… and to say it was hilarious is an understatement! We were immediately surrounded by the sweet little goats, one of whom decided my son’s socks looked like a tasty treat! A sheep casually bumped up beside me and moseyed on through our stroller maze. The mules were happily enjoying a light snack of straw and just hanging out.
The kids were admittedly a bit timid at first with all the activity. With a gentle guiding Mom hand and the mules waiting patiently for a pat, the kids soon got into the swing of things.
After our fun in the upper section of the petting zoo, we moved down to the lower portion with a few goats on our heels. The lower section was a wider space that had lots of roaming areas. There were so many different types of animals, you almost didn’t know where to look!
By this point, the kids were so brave and on a mission on their own. They were comfortable gently walking up to the animals and saying hello! Obviously, us moms were hot on their heels with safety in mind. Llamas, more goats, a pig…another mule…they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Their eyes were the size of saucers!
At the end of the Petting Zoo area, there is a gate that leads to the pond where the ducks are eagerly waiting for a snack. There is a table with hand sanitizer, and buckets of duck snacks waiting for you.
We grabbed our bucket and immediately the ducks started coming over. With our palms overflowing with feed, the ducks nibbled away! This portion was definitely a highlight for me…I have always loved ducks and feeding them up close and personally was so sweet.
They were very friendly and perhaps a bit too zealous at times…but it was certainly fun! The laughter from the kids was a fantastic way to cap the animal encounters.
The pond area itself was very peaceful and lush. My daughter even took a moment to relax and take in the sites, with the ducks just milling around her.
At the end of our hour with the animals, the kids were talking their heads off about everything they saw and were so excited. The experience was something they would talk about for weeks afterwards.
To help them wind down for the car ride home, we set up a picnic behind the parking area next to the cornfield. It was so peaceful and the perfect way to end the beautiful experience.
After one last goodbye to the horses in the paddock, we packed up the car and headed home.
The whole experience was one that I certainly would not be forgetting anytime soon. After being cooped up with the Pandemic restrictions, it was a wonderful way to get some excitement into the kids lives safely.
I don’t think we had turned out of the parking lot before all 4 of the kidlets were fast asleep.
What sort of fun outings have you found to entertain the kids? Drop a comment with your ideas!
Happy adventuring,
Mandy
This was so much fun! My son talks about going to the farm literally everyday and it has been a few weeks since we went. This may be his favorite activity that we have done ever. Highly recommend searching for a local animal sanctuary in your area. Support local and have a blast!