Enjoy a day out with the kids as you take in the brilliant Ardenwood farm, fully equipped with a train ride, a farmhouse, and of course, animals.
- Attractions
- This farm has a lot of history to it; get a brochure as you enter and take a self-guided tour of the farm, including gardens, the main house, social areas, and farm buildings.
- The farm is fully functional, and children will be impressed by modern working tractors as well as some antique machines including a fire engine.
- Pump some water into a big rectangular pool with a antique-style hand pump.
- Feed sheep, goats, and pigs, and visit the turkeys, chickens, rabbits, and cows, with farm employees and volunteers who can tell you all about the animals and the farm's produce.
- Win an ear of popcorn popping corn for helping to tend to the animals; the corn is grown and dried right on the farm.
- Visit the farm's blacksmith, who will work with metal right in front of you. You can order a horseshoe with your name on it right there, and watch as the blacksmith works to make it.
- Go on a horse-drawn trail ride, a short distance into the farm.
- Watch a naturalist or docent deomonstrate historic craft-making and cooking techniques.
- Tour the historic house.
- Have a picnic in the big meadow by the farm's main house, or sit in the central picnic area at a table.
- Ardenwood is a very popular site for events like Independence Day, Harvest Festival, Cajun/zydeco Festival, and a Victorian Christmas. See the East Bay Regional Parks Website on Ardenwood (see "More Information" below) for more information.
- Limitations
- No dogs or bikes allowed.
- No frisbees or other large-space toys/games allowed.
- No strenuous hikes here!
- Ardenwood does not offer all of its attractions/activities every day. Visit the East Bay Regional Parks Website for Ardenwood (see "More Information" below) for a weekly calendar of events.
- Access
Most paths are wide, flat, and paved, so are handicapped accessible.
- Recommended Routes
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