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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.

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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!

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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. 

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Read more about our farms

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