Located in the rural community of Lambertville, Howell Living History Farm has been a family-friendly favorite for many years. Open year round, and completely free (admission and parking) to enjoy, the farm offers a wide range of activities, classes, and special programs for kids and adults of all ages. From horse drawn wagons to seasonal activities and programs, children and families can spend a day on the farm learning, exploring, and connecting with nature.
Howell Living History Farm for Kids (and Adults) of All Ages
Some of the fun programs on Howell Living History Farm include tapping maple trees for syrup, sheep-sheering, potato planting, egg collecting, visiting with the animals, hay rides, corn maze and more. In addition to special events at the farm (found on their calendar of events), they offer special program days including corn mazes, school programs, and farm life programs for children of varying ages.
A Glimpse Into One of Our Fave Programs at the Farm: The Hatchery
The Hatchery is a weekday morning program for children 3-5 years old, designed as a “first-time” farm experience for little ones introducing them to animals, crops and farm living through hands-on activities that are safe, fun, and educational. Throughout this three-hour program, little ones spend time participating in several farm-related activities, including:
Chores: By taking part in daily chore routines around the farm, children learn about the needs of farm animals, equipment and products that are essential to their care, and some of the responsibilities that go along with farm work. Daily chore routines may involve a wide range of exciting duties and activities, such as collecting eggs, pumping water for work horses, shelling corn for geese, putting hay in the sheep manger, or putting straw in the calf pen.
Seasonal Activities: Springtime means the animals and crops are ready to be prepped for a new season of warm weather! Children are encouraged to celebrate the season of new beginnings by visiting baby animals, planting a garden, and even witnessing a sheep being shorn. Autumn at Howell Living History Farm is also an important season of winter prep and seasonal celebrations. Little ones can enjoy their favorite Fall activities by picking and decorating pumpkins, digging for potatoes, husking Indian corn, and making a wallow for the pigs.
Crafts: There are plenty of opportunities for kids to get creative at the farm. Children are taught how to use natural farm materials to create their own crafts, including corncobs, egg shells, wool, feathers, and more. In addition to crafty afternoons, baking and special cooking projects take place on the farm with the freshest farm-to-table ingredients that New Jersey has to offer.
Storytelling and Singing: Storytime on the farm is a learning experience like no other. Farm-related themes are used to reinforce what children have learned about animals, crops and nature through new stories, old favorites, songs, dances, hand-motions, and an array of musical lessons that can be exercised at home.
Outdoor Fun: Exploring the grounds of the farm is an activity that can be enjoyed during any season. Discover the many nooks and crannies of Howell Living History Farm by taking a family walk, playing guided games, and learning about the functions of each part of the farm.
(CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO BELOW)
How do my little ones get into the program, you ask?
The Hatchery program runs for 12 weeks: Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday from 9:15AM to 12:15PM, starting September 20, 21, and 22. One parent must join the Farm’s staff in exchange for one child’s participation in the program. No experience is necessary. Parents with two children must have another adult to cover for the second child.
Children aged 3 to 5 years (no exceptions) may participate in the program, which includes such activities as feeding and watering animals, collecting eggs, storytelling, crafts and a hayride.
Parents may enroll by attending an organizational meeting on Wednesday, August 23 or Tuesday, August 29 at 1:00PM. Meetings are intended for parents only and last about one hour, with no reservation required.
What about food/ lunch?
Visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and use picnic tables available at the visitor center throughout the week, while lunch and snacks are available for purchase during Saturday programs between 11:00AM and 3:00PM. Be sure to stop by the Gift Shop on your way out as all purchases support the farm programs.
We’re ready to go! When can we visit?
Visitors can enjoy the farm Tuesday through Friday between 10:00AM to 4:00PM, Saturday between 10:00AM to 4:00PM (from the end of January to beginning of December, except during Evening Hayrides in July), and Sundays from noon t0 4:00PM (April through November). Please note the farm is closed on Mercer County holidays, and we always recommend calling ahead due to unforeseen weather closures.
For more information, visit the Howell Living Farm website or call (609) 737-3299. The farm also updates their Facebook page with photos and more information.
