Skip to main content
27 May 2025

Why the Farm Is So Good for Children

Are you in the middle of a holiday or just enjoying a day off and looking for something fun to do with your child? Then consider visiting a farm. Whether you live in a city or a village, there’s almost always a petting zoo or a farm campsite nearby. And it’s not just fun — it’s also educational and surprisingly relaxing. Fresh air, animals, open space — it’s exactly what many children (and parents) need. That’s also why it’s becoming more and more popular. Take a look around and see if there’s a farm near you that’s especially designed for kids to play and meet the animals.

Outdoors and surrounded by animals

By taking children to the farm from a young age, they come into contact with nature in a playful way. Their senses are fully engaged: the sound of mooing cows, the smell of fresh hay, and the feel of a soft sheep’s fleece — it all happens at once. And did you know that being outside is actually healthy too? Running around in the fresh air, soaking up some vitamin D, and just getting away from screens and the hustle of everyday life. More and more families are even choosing to spend a few days camping on a farm. Children literally sleep between the animals — something they’ll never forget. For farms, this is also a great way to offer something extra to their guests. Think of a play area or leasing a small tractor for kids to sit on or ride. Not only does it look great, it also makes the stay more interactive and affordable for the farmer, since you don’t have to invest a large amount all at once.

Why animals are so valuable for children

Animals have a magical effect on children. They teach respect and care, but also patience and responsibility. A child who gives a goat a handful of hay or gently strokes a rabbit learns how to treat something delicate. Many children even build a strong emotional bond with an animal, which helps them grow emotionally.

For farmers who want to open up their farm more to kids or visitors, it’s smart to consider adding something attractive like a second-hand tractor. You can use it for short rides or as an educational feature on the farm. It’s usually much cheaper than buying a new one — and it brings tons of fun and nostalgic joy to both young and old.

Fun and learning go hand in hand

There are all kinds of children’s farms. Some are mainly for looking at animals, while others are super interactive. Think about bottle-feeding lambs, feeding chickens, or simply cuddling a goat. There are often playgrounds or fun activities too, like a scavenger hunt or a campfire night.

It’s a break from the rush — just being together, exploring, and getting dirty the way it should be.

Share this page

Farm life is this much fun

At FarmCamps, it’s all about being outdoors, cuddling the animals and enjoying time together. There’s always something happening on our farms, from milking cows to horse riding and roasting marshmallows by the campfire. See how much fun farm life can be!

More stories from the farm

26 February 2026
Why padel is the ideal family activity during your camping trip

The charm of camping on a farm often lies in the peace, the space and the connection to the outdoors. Yet Padelgids notices that modern families do not want to spend their entire holiday lying in the grass; there is a growing need for action and activity close to the tent. While children enjoy themselves during the day with the animals and playing in the hay barn, parents and teenagers often look for a sporty outlet to complete the day. It is therefore no coincidence that more and more holidaymakers bring their rackets or search for a court near the farm campsite to let off steam for an hour. 

26 February 2026
Farm holiday in summer: choose your perfect setting

A farm holiday in summer is for many families the perfect way to spend time outdoors together, take care of animals and truly enjoy quality time. No crowded resorts or busy promenades, but space, freedom and children playing outside until late in the evening. Yet not every farm holiday is the same. Some farms are located near the beach, others right in the middle of the forest. Some have a swimming pool, while others focus on the active farm experience. 

24 February 2026
Summer holiday with a toddler or preschooler in the Netherlands: how to choose a relaxed break at FarmCamps

A summer holiday with a toddler in the Netherlands is very different from travelling with older children. Toddlers need routine, safety and a calm environment. They can become overstimulated quickly and often still need a daytime nap.

Parents searching for a summer holiday with a toddler in the Netherlands are therefore not just looking for a fun destination, but for a child friendly setting where everyone can relax.

At FarmCamps we understand that. Our farms are small scale, safe and designed especially for families with young children. This creates the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. 

19 February 2026
Sheep shearing: how does it work and when is it done?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Counting sheep before bedtime is something we all know. But did you know that at FarmCamps Mariekerke you can not only count sheep, but also help with shearing them? At this cosy sheep dairy farm near the Zeeland coast, Farmer Rutger will teach you all about sheep shearing. A unique experience for children (and parents!) you won’t forget anytime soon. 

13 February 2026
Holiday tips with children: what to do during the holidays

Holidaying with children is wonderful. No school, no sports clubs, no alarm clock. But by day two you’ll often hear the question: “What are we going to do today?” Kids get bored faster than you can say “ice cream”. And honestly? Parents want a holiday too. Not a full-time entertainer job. That’s why you’ll find a list of 30 holiday tips with children here: ideas for days out, at home activities, rainproof options and low-budget fun. Practical, easy to apply and suitable for different ages. And here’s a little spoiler: being outdoors and spending time in nature is almost always the golden solution to holiday boredom.  

05 February 2026
We’ve been nominated for the Shopping Awards 🎉

Great news: FarmCamps has been nominated for the Shopping Awards in the Travel category 🎉 An award for websites that excel in online usability – and that’s exactly what we work on every single day.

Because booking a holiday should be one thing above all: fun.

No hassle. No stress. Just… chickens 🐔😉

The Shopping Awards are annual awards for the best online shops in the Netherlands. Good to know: for the public awards, your vote really matters. No less than 50% of the final score comes from the public. 

04 February 2026
Luxury camping and the art of the perfect holiday cocktail

At FarmCamps, they understand that modern holidaymakers are looking for an authentic connection with nature without sacrificing comfort. The concept of farm glamping combines agricultural education with high-quality recreation, involving families directly in the daily activities on the farmyard. The experience of cocktailtjes.nl shows that this active form of relaxation supports mental calm and helps bridge the gap between city and countryside. While children learn the basics of livestock farming and play freely around the farm, parents can truly unwind in a lovely setting while enjoying one or more cocktails. Kids happy, you relaxed. 

04 February 2026
From the busy city to the calm of the countryside

Getting away from the daily hustle and bustle and sinking your wellies deep into the mud – that’s what a farm holiday is all about. While city life keeps you constantly switched on, the countryside encourages you to slow down and enjoy nature. The kids play outside all day, while you take it easy with a cup of coffee in the sun – kids happy, you relaxed.

03 February 2026
Adventurous outdoor life for the whole family in Southern Norway

A farm holiday stands for freedom, muddy wellies and learning where our food comes from. For families who love this kind of down-to-earth holiday, a trip to Kristiansand in Norway is a fantastic next step. Here you combine the charm of outdoor living with spectacular scenery. Instead of cows in Dutch fields, you’ll spot moose in vast forests and crabs in the sea. The principle remains the same: nature is the biggest and most beautiful playground there is. 

03 February 2026
Farm life, Italian style

Anyone who loves camping on a farm and the outdoor life will feel right at home in the south of Italy. The region of Puglia is known for its agricultural character, but with a Mediterranean twist. Instead of cows in the fields, you’ll find endless landscapes of olive groves and vineyards. Staying at an agriturismo or a masseria (a historic farmhouse) is the perfect way to experience this rural lifestyle. Children can play freely in nature while you enjoy the peace, space and tranquillity. 

Read more about our farms

Loading...