Activities for Kids

Pick of the Crop: 7 Farms You Must Visit This Summer

From traditional farms complete with veggies, chickens and pigs, to farms that boast a little more carnival than cow, we’ve rounded up the best green acres to visit this summer.

By Allison Sutcliffe June 16, 2016

The cow says, “Moo.” The horse says, “Neigh.” And your little animal lover shouts, “Hooray!” when you plan a trip to the farm this summer. We’ve pieced together the best our area has to offer when it comes to family farms. From animal encounters and berry picking, to farms that add carnival faves alongside their wide open spaces, each one guarantees enough fresh air plus play time to tucker out your mini farm hand by the end of the day.

Mary Olson Farm

Take a walk back in history at the Mary Olson Farm in Kent. Mary Olson is an historical site, restored to its original late 1800’s glory, and it’s free to roam on summer weekends. You can stroll around the hundred-year-old orchard (which doubles as a perfect picnic spot) or read through the interpretive signs you’ll find scattered around the property. They tell the history of the Olson family and give an inside peek to the award-winning restoration process that brought the farm’s seven buildings back to life. While you’re there, we’re sure you’ll meet up with Libby and Annabelle, the two cows (as friendly as puppies) who live on the property, and you’ll probably bump into caretakers, Julie and Sam, who open the farmhouse for tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. when the farm is open. Drop in with the kiddos to see what life on a Washington state farm was like back at the turn of the century!

During the summer season, the farm is hopping with special programs that you should definitely work into your visit. A honeybee lecture is scheduled for 1 p.m. on July 23rd and there’s no required registration. Bring your hive down to the farm to learn about these super important bees. Or spend the day listening to poetry and music at Poets on the Farm, Aug. 27 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. And if you’re in need of a parent’s only day date plan, the Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival, Sept. 10 from noon until 6 p.m., might be the itinerary you’ve been looking for. Beer and indie artists down on the farm sounds pitch perfect!

Mary Olson Farm
28728 Green River Rd. S.E.
Kent, Wa 98030
253-288-7433
Online: wrvmuseum.org

Dates: June 25-Aug. 28
Hours: Weekends, noon-5 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $5/Adults; $2/Kids

photo: White River Valley Museum

Have you visited any of these farms? Which one is your family’s favorite? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Allison Sutcliffe