7 Great Family Friendly Farms in Metro Detroit
Story by Michelle Martin
Farms are a great place for families, and that’s especially true in summer. The warm weather brings people outdoors – not only to see the animals but also to enjoy a picnic or even some ice cream at the farm.
Metro Detroit is home to many different farms that are open to the public. From ponies and pigs to hayrides and horseshoes, here are seven great family-friendly farms that are a must-visit this summer.
Upland Hills Farm
It’s easy to spend a day at this Oxford farm, where kids can milk a cow, ride a pony and feed the ducks. The farm also offers a hayride, playground and picnic spaces. The farm is open on select Sundays from June through August and every weekend in October.
Calder Farm
This Carleton farm opened in 1946 to provide fresh dairy products – including ice cream – to local homes. Today, families can visit the farm to watch cows being milked and visit with other farm animals. The farm’s famous ice cream is also served on-site.
Hess-Hathaway Farm Park
Run by Waterford Township Parks and Recreation, Hess-Hathaway Farm Park gives children a chance to interact with farm animals such as cows and sheep as well as visit a historic barn, play horseshoes and jump in a giant ball pit. Admission to the farm, open seven days a week from mid-April through Labor Day, is free.
Bowers School Farm
Sheep, horses, cattle and goats graze the pastures of this 93-acre farm in Bloomfield Hills. In addition to meeting the animals, kids can visit the farm’s vegetable gardens and take a wagon ride. At the Farm Kitchen and Store, families can get ice cream, pizza and other locally made foods.
Maybury Farm
Northville’s Maybury Farm has been a part of the community for more than 100 years – it’s an 85-acre working farm where families can learn about animals, vegetables and flowers. Kids can milk a goat, see honey bees up close, pet the farm animals and more.
Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center
A 250-acre working farm in Ray Township, Wolcott Mill tells the stories of food and fiber while giving kids an opportunity to meet and pet animals such as cows, goats and horses. Other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, milking demonstrations and greenhouse tours.
Kensington Metropark Farm Center
This Milford farm is home to a 150-year-old restored barn, poultry house and blacksmith shop. Children can pet the animals, go on a hayride or visit a special kids’ area. The farm also features a “green building” made exclusively of natural materials, a grass maze and old-fashioned farm equipment.
