10 Great Farms Near Philly with Family Entertainment

Old MacDonald might have his own song, but he could never compete with these farms near Philly that feature plenty of family-oriented entertainment right alongside the tractors and bales of hay.

The fall is an ideal time to visit these kid-friendly farms in the Philadelphia area. Visits with the animals are a must, and who doesn't love a sweet treat from the farm market to end the day? All of that and much more awaits families at these 10 farms — big on activities for parents and kids alike.

Read on to see at which places you’ll want to spend the entire day with your family.

Challenge yourself on the obstacle course at Hellerick's Family Farm. Photo courtesy of Hellerick's Family Farm

Philly Area Farms with Family Entertainment

1. Hellerick’s Family Farm –– Doylestown

At times, Hellerick’s feels more like an amusement park, there’s so much to see and do. Start with the aerial adventure park, where zip lines, 21 bridges and a 30-foot free-fall drop make you feel like a true daredevil. Head over to the obstacle course to take on the easy, medium, or hard challenges. The Adventure Farm covers a huge chunk of this massive property, with 45 different family-friendly games and attractions, including shooting games, tricycle rides, and haystack slides. Speaking of slides, slip on a potato sack and sail down the 100-foot corn chute slides, attempt the tractor pull, or roll around in the giant corn box. You’ll never get bored here amid the hours of entertainment.

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Race around the go-kart tracks at Johnson's Corner Farm. Photo courtesy of Johnson's Corner Farm

2. Johnson’s Corner Farm –– Medford, NJ

Crossing the bridge into neighboring New Jersey for this farm is worth the trip. The main attraction is Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm, which has a playground with two pedal go-kart tracks, climbing rocks, a space net, and splash pads in the warmer weather. Pick-your-own produce and flowers are available according to what’s in season. Hayrides and other fun activities are offered year-round. A weekly interactive Little Farmers class introduces topics to 3- to 5-year-old budding agriculturalists. 

3. Kohler Farms –– Ambler

Come feed the sheep and goats at Kohler Farms in Ambler. When you’re done, visit the farm market for some ice cream. Kohler is a low-key farm for most of the year, except for its fall programming, which offers hayrides, mazes, games, and an obstacle course.

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It's always a beautiful day (or evening) for a hayride at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of Linvilla Orchards

4. Linvilla Orchards –– Media

Clear your whole day if you want to experience everything there is to do here. Catch a trout or striped bass while fishing in Orchard Lake. Like rides? Pony rides, train rides, and hayrides are all great options. Playland Playground features giant wooden trucks, boats and tractors to climb up and down. Face painting is provided by Stacey’s Face Painting. Barnyard animals include deer, turkeys, peacocks, horses, and goats. Be sure to check out indoor mini golf, and a slate of seasonal programming that includes festivals for every season of the year. 

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Love is in the air at Maple Acres Farm. Photo courtesy of Facebook

5. Maple Acres Farm –– Plymouth Meeting

Feed the horses or visit the cows and chickens that call this farm home and that offers lots of seasonal programming. Hayrides are every first Saturday, and sometimes more frequently depending on interest. It also offers weekend crafting activities. The farm market on site sells a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as baked goods, floral arrangements and cute home wares. 

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This is a sweet way to cap off the day at Merrymead Farm. Photo courtesy of Facebook

6. Merrymead Farm –– Lansdale

It’s easy to make merry at Merrymead, a local favorite run by the same family for more than 100 years. Come see the farm animals, which include peacocks, donkeys, sheep and goats, and observe the cow milking from 3:30 to 6pm daily. Merrymead offers seasonally themed programs, and its dairy store is stocked with local raw honey, homemade jams and jellies, and 32 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, among other treats. 

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Ride off into the rainbow at a Sandy Hill Farm riding session. Photo courtesy of Facebook

7. Sandy Hill Farm –– Plymouth Meeting

This gem packs a lot of programming into less space than some other farms, but you’ll barely feel it with all there is to do. Enjoy a hayride or pony ride, or visit with the sheep, goats, and pigs among other farm animals. It has horses on the property too, and riding lessons are available. New additions for 2021 include a silo-themed mini-barn complete with a petting zoo. There’s also outdoor space with toys and playground equipment once the kids are all farmed out.

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Enjoy the kid-approved jumping pillow at Shady Brook Farm. Photo courtesy of Shady Brook Farm

8. Shady Brook Farm –– Yardley

The motto at this Yardley farm is “fun is always in season”, and we couldn’t agree more. In autumn, there’s Fall Fest; winter brings one of the best holiday light shows in the region; spring blooms with lots of Easter egg-themed fun; and summers are for festivals and U-pick. Every weekend from May through September is the Summer UnWINEd series, with live music and adult beverages for parents, and lawn games and activities for the kids. Shady Brook has animals, too — buy some grain and feed the chickens, turkeys, and sheep in the petting zoo. Grab a bite to eat at the Stone’s Throw Pub.

9. Styer Orchard –– Langhorne

Styer Orchard is a great place to spend a Saturday with the family, where a more laid-back experience guided by nature awaits. Take a free hayride out to the fields to pick your own crops according to what’s in season. Styer is pet-friendly, so Fido can tag along for the adventure.

10. Terhune Orchards –– Princeton, NJ

Terhune Orchards is home to more than 200 acres for animal feedings and playtime, with both pedal and stationary tractors for little ones. The whole family can take a hike on the half-mile trail loop through the farm pastures and woods. Seasonal festivals are spread across the calendar, including family-friendly fall weekends, and a winter festival commemorating the ancient British tradition of wassailing. DIY aircraft take to the sky during the kite festival in spring, sheep are sheared before your eyes, and don’t miss out on the bunny-inspired fun.