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 animals and enjoying time together. There’s always something to do on our farms: from milking cows to horse riding and roasting marshmallows by the campfire. Discover how much fun a farm stay can be and experience real farm life! 

More stories from the farm

22 April 2026
Why children love life on the farm

In a world where screens often dominate, many parents long for a place where children can play outside carefree again. A day out is fun, but truly immersing yourself in farm life is an experience a child will never forget. Anyone looking for inspiration for unique family moments on Uitmetkinderen.nl will quickly discover the irresistible charm of the countryside. Here, freedom is not a buzzword, but something you feel the moment you step out of the car and the scent of fresh hay greets you.

14 April 2026
King’s Day 2026 at FarmCamps: celebrate it your way

King’s Day at FarmCamps is usually one big orange celebration. Think fun games on the farmyard, kids with painted faces and, of course, traditional cookie biting between the cows and chickens.

But this year, things are just a little different.

31 March 2026
The new FarmCamps season 2026: what’s new

A new season means new adventures on the farm. And in 2026 we’ve added even more to make your stay more fun, comfortable and full of surprises. From new tents to special baby news and improvements on the farms, there’s plenty to look forward to.

12 March 2026
Sleep wonderfully during a luxury camping holiday

Camping in a large safari tent instantly gives you the ultimate outdoor feeling combined with the comfort of home. A good night’s sleep is essential for a fun and relaxing family holiday. At FarmCamps you sleep wonderfully in the unique beds on the farm during your stay, while many parents look for practical tips and inspiration for home on platforms such as petitpuk.com. With a few smart choices you can quickly turn any sleeping spot into a cosy place to truly unwind. 

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

Why choose a farm holiday? A farm holiday is becoming the perfect way for more and more families to spend their summer. Instead of crowded holiday parks, parents consciously choose a summer holiday with children in the Netherlands where space, nature and outdoor living take centre stage. No packed entertainment programmes or long queues at the pool, but go-karting around the yard, feeding the animals in the morning and roasting marshmallows by the campfire in the evening. 

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. 

Read more about our farms

Loading...