I have seen some cute things in my day, but other than my kids and this tiny marmoset that can fit around your finger, there is nothing on this earth cuter than a baby lamb bleating for its mother. Not one darned thing. The weather has been perfect for a day trip out to the Howell Living History Farm and my kids and I absolutely love this place. We went to the spring bee keeping demonstration last year. While my 9 year old niece was really able to stay focused and enjoy the program, my then four year old, was more interested in running and seeing the baby animals and watching the horse drawn wagons.
The farm has been operating since the 1730’s and now exists as an example of an operating farm in NJ from 1890-1910. If you have ever wondered why it seems that cows constantly lactate or if chickens ovulate every day, this is the place to get your answers. If you arrive early enough one of the farmers may even let you collect eggs. The programs and demonstrations on the farm start as early as January with ice harvesting where visitors can learn to chop and shave ice, beekeeping and potato planting going on this month, sheep shearing in May and the popcorn harvest and cider making in the fall. Click here to view the full calendar.
Most people assume that the farming practiced back in 1890 would obviously be organic, and I for one was surprised to learn that it was not! Natural farming-yes organic farming-no. If you are interested the farmers will explain the differences to you and or you can read the article “The Myth of our Organic Past” here.
Spring Highlights:
- Bee keepers talks
- Watching the baby animals frolic on the pasture
- Riding the horse drawn wagon on the dirt road through the stream and learning about spelt oat wheat and corn planting
- Watching the any of the 25 agricultural field operations demonstrated by the interns using the enormous draft horses and oxen.
- Watching and tasting the butter making
- Potato planting
- Sheep shearing
There is NO ADMISSION FEE for the farm but they do charge for some of the things, such as the horse drawn wagon rides and crafts. Click here for visitor information or here for school class field trip information. For more places in this area of NJ that my kids love as well as the best place to buy chili peppers on the planet click here.
This farm is an absolute treasure and I look forward to bringing my children back in the fall and the winter. I have been many farms in my life but the Howell Living History Farm is my absolute favorite. Bring a picnic and sit at there picnic tables or drive up to near by Lambertville or New Hope for lunch.
If you worry that your child would not enjoy this farm because all they are interested in electronic devices, my advice is to grab the cell phone, I-thing, gaming toy etc. from them right now, throw it in the garbage and don’t look back. Go out and enjoy something you can actually feel, touch and experience with your family!
Love this post, Holly. I am so taking my kids here.
Reminds me of the old Waterloo Village that used to be out on Route 80 somewhere. Used to take the kids there about 15 years ago, when they were tots.
Tudlow,
I was thinking you would dig this place.
The farm is so laid back and large. There is no pressure to run from one place to the next it all feels so natural. They take such pride in being educational and take time to answer questions.
Roo, I have been thinking about Waterloo village and taking the kids. Thanks for the reminder.
A great experience loved it. Hope other farmsteads can learn from them. One such up and coming one called Hoff-Vannatta farmstead is having problems with personal and their keeping things above board. Just saying!