It’s not uncommon to see a goat climbing on a roof at Brookhollow’s Barnyard, and that’s just one of the things that makes this family-run farm in Boonton so fun. My family and I have been going to Brookhollow for years, and my kids beg us to go and visit at least a few times a year. And no wonder, since this gem of a farm has cute animals, playgrounds, and sandboxes to fill an entire day. Ready to check it out? Read on for a fun family day on the farm, and for more animal fun, check out one of the petting zoos near you. (feature photo credit: Joelle Speranza)
What To Do At Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Get up close with farm animals
The most popular attraction is the walk-through feeding farm, where you buy a cup or bucket of sliced carrots to shovel-feed the animals. The cup or bucket is yours to keep and is a souvenir you can bring back on your next visit to refill—because once you go to Brookhollow’s, you’ll be planning your return. Of course, my kids have their favorite animals to feed and pet. They laugh at the goats because they constantly compete for the food we give them and always want to be near the majestic horses. We’re fans of the donkey and the alpacas, along with cute baby animals, including chicks, pigs, and bunnies. You can also see sheep, geese, ducks, a llama, and mules, and don’t miss the zebra, a unique addition to the farm crew at Brookhollow’s Barnyard.
Take a train ride
Another fave my kids are always asking about is the tractor ride. Farmer Tina (whom everyone knows by name) and Farmer John, on the weekends, drive guests around the farm to take in the views. It’s also an excellent opportunity for parents to take a breather for a few minutes. After the tractor ride, my kids hop on the open-air kiddie Moo Moo Cho Choo Train with a Thomas the Tank engine and red and cow print cars to tour the flower gardens and grounds. Both rides are $3 per person, and while the kids take the train, there are several places for parents to sit and relax while their children go on these rides, including benches, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.
Burn energy in the play area
Throughout the farm, you can make a pit stop to play at one of the three sandboxes with a train shed, a corn cabin, a kitchen house, and a few gorgeous Victorian-style playhouses. Brookhollow also has four big wooden playsets, including a firetruck, train, bulldozer, and ark. We often meet up for playdates with our friends here, and the kids love running around from attraction to attraction. There’s less of a crowd than at a park, and the kids can safely play while the parents hang back.
Celebrate everything at Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Brookhollow’s is also an ideal place to host a kid’s birthday party. Because they are home to alpacas, pigs, horses, peacocks, chickens, and bunnies, it’s a fun day for kids and adults who only need to bring food, decorations, cake, and favors. The play areas and the animals, as well as train and tractor rides, make for a fantastic and memorable party. There are two spots for parties—a pavilion near the admission building and a party barn (located at the pumpkin patch). They reserve the party barn for hoedowns and larger events.
For holidays, especially Easter, Brookhollow hosts an egg hunt and allows photoshoots with baby goats, bunnies, and lambs. It’s one of the most popular events and tends to sell out once sessions are announced around January because everyone wants to cuddle these cuties. We have done photoshoots with baby animals a few times, and my kids love holding the cute baby animals on their laps. Brookhollow’s Barnyard also offers pumpkin picking. During the holiday season, Brookhollow has a Christmas light show that typically starts around Black Friday and runs until February, weather dependent.
Pack a snack and make a day at Brookhollow’s Barnyard
Food isn’t sold on the premises, so eat before you come or bring food for a snack (just don’t share with your furry new friends). Over the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunblock, too. And don’t forget baby wipes or a change of clothes because this tends to be a day of messy fun. There’s no grass, and since it’s pure dirt, wear old shoes that can get dirty or shoes you can easily wash.
The farm is open from May 1 to October 31 on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 AM to 5 PM (the farm will close for thunderstorms or excessive heat). There are no online reservations or ticket sales—you purchase tickets in person on the day you visit for $6.50 per person; 2 and under are free. During the season, look for special events like goat yoga and summer camp. Off-season, check the website for opening times and dates for pumpkin picking and other special events, including the Christmas tree light show.
Visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram for more information.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard
301 Rockaway Valley Road
Boonton, NJ 07005
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