Lookout Farm, South Natick, MA

Let me begin by saying that my visit here was several years ago, and since then the operation has been revamped and changed it's name from "Marino Lookout Farm" to "Lookout Farm."
The train that runs through the orchards is a delight for the kids. You can board/reboard however many times you like - getting off to pick a particular variety of pear or apple and then hopping back on the next time a shuttle comes by.
At the end of the train ride is a playground including a tree house, hay bale maze, and a bee house with plexiglass viewing windows. They offer other attractions, such as a petting zoo, seasonally. The petting zoo was open at the time of our visit, but little can be drawn from so far back.
In short, this is on my list of places to return to, and we had a WONDERFUL time the first time around. If anything, I suspect that the grounds have been improved.

Lookout Farm

McCray's Farm and Creamery, South Hadley, MA

McCray's has improved it's petting zoo since my last visit, but still straddles the fence between ramshackle charm and dilapidated mess. My previous visit there was so unpleasant that it kept me away for several years. The animals had been groomed fairly recently and looked somewhat healthier than last time, but the smell was still overpowering (in relation to other farms and petting zoos). The beginning of the petting zoo path is well maintained, but the further you go, the grosser it becomes. The duck pond was adorned with lots of trash, as well as the adorable baby duck pictured above. They've removed the dirty but fun "castle" that used to be there. The pig was nowhere to be seen, but his sty was still the stinkiest pen. One of the best parts of the outdoor area is an old tractor planted in the ground for kids to ride. My boys spent more time on that tractor than anywhere else. So, McCray's is a mixed bag.

The store/restaurant is very clean and very cute, with murals painted all around. Cones of animal feed are 3/$1. Most of the patrons that we saw had brought their own bags of stale bread or vegetables, which the animals were eager to gobble.

The restrooms can be accessed from outside and were clean.

The real reason to visit McCray's is for the hayrides in the fall. They have a super scary one for adults, which I have been on and it really was scary! (Well, disclaimer: I can't even tolerate previews for horror movies). They have a more tame version for kids. The lines are often long but these are great rides. Next time I visit here, it'll be for that reason. In a couple years probably, when my kids are ready.

McCray's website.

Stone Soup Farm, Belchertown, MA

On Jackson St. in Belchertown, across from the DPW, lies the Stone Soup Farm and the Belchertown Community Gardens. Inside the barn are the fresh vegetables picked that day, which you can purchase for great prices. Last summer our kids discovered how refreshing it can be to bite into a juicy cucumber and eat it whole, when you are walking miles and miles through hot summer evenings, in a fruitless effort to jiggle a sibling out of your mother.
There are some chickens running around, and plenty of cattle to view from afar, but there weren't any other animals there at that time. We enjoyed walking along the edge of the community gardens, looking at what individual farmers had done with their plots.

CISA

Austin Brothers Valley Farm, Belchertown, MA

Austin Farm is a working farm, so it is not open to the public on a regular basis. However, this fall they plan to have a pumpkin patch, so you can get your pumpkin right here in Belchertown, if that happens to be where you live! They also had an Easter Egg Hunt this year - you can see pictures on the farm blog.

The Farm has been in the Austin Family for generations, and they are truly a farming family. On the day of my visit I watched Mama Farmer corral and feed the ponies, pushing Baby Farmer in her stroller; with a lead or a bucket in her other hand. Girl Farmer explained to my sons that her chore was to clean the fresh eggs and put them in containers. Girl and my boys happily romped all over the mulch pile, scenic road, playground equipment, chicken coops, and open fields.

All of the animals here were well cared for. A working farm is not particularly scenic up close, but having visited a few, it is clear to see when the land is loved. This land is loved.

Austin Farm has a shop that is open year round where you can purchase grass fed meats, including beef and pork. You can also find their booth at the Belchertown Farmer's Market (Thursdays from 2PM-7PM on the Belchertown Common).

Austin Brothers Valley Farm

Outlook Farm, Westhampton, MA

Outlook Farm was holding a special event on the day of our visit. Activities included a water balloon toss, free ice cream, face painting, tissue paper flowers. The shop is a deli/convenience/small grocer and a restaurant. Westhampton is quite rural, so this is a store-of -all-trades. Quite charming!

I was able to pick up a few plants for my garden at GREAT prices. This is not a regular spot I would take my kids, but I will definitely visit again anytime they are holding a family event like the one I attended yesterday.

Outlook Farm

Long Hollow Bison Farm, Hadley, MA

Long Hollow Bison Farm is not a regular destination for families, but they hold special events and seasonal events. I've been here on a couple of occasions for hayrides, but not for several years, in all honesty.
The farm is located on Rt. 9 in Hadley. Heading from Amherst to Northampton the farm is on your right, about half a mile past the malls.
The farm has been subject to a degree of debate because a lot of the land was sold to Lowe's for a big new store, which they are building right now, so if your kids like construction vehicles, that's a good reason to stop here in and of itself!

Cold Springs Orchard, Belchertown, MA

The views are pastoral and relaxing, the apples are crisp and fresh, the prices are reasonable. Pick your own or buy them at the orchard store. I like to purchase the large bags of seconds in the autumn for pies and crisps. Squash is also available in autumn - gourds, pumpkins and other eating squashes.

The store is open seasonally.

Further down Sabin St. you might see sheep, llamas, and cows. In the evening hours look for bobcats and coyotes.

Cold Spring Orchard

Red Gate Farm, Buckland, MA

This is an educational farm and as such it offers quite a few programs. We attended a regular Saturday afternoon event, during which children are taught to feed and water various farm animals. These included sheep, goats, bison, and chickens. They carry the hay, operate the water pump, and reach under hens to retrieve eggs. They also had the special treat of holding lambs, only a few weeks old, in their arms. The program leader, Jen, was really comfortable directing the kids in their tasks and knew our kids' names by the end of the hour.

Red Gate Farm

Flayvors of Cook Farm, Hadley, MA

This is a long-operating family farm. They offer lunches, ice cream, and other dairy products for sale in a little store/restaurant. Across the parking lot you can walk up to a pen of cows and say hi. There are usually a few chickens clucking around as well as a cat or so.

Inside, a large restroom is exceptionally clean. The staff here have been so friendly each time I've gone in. I have often stopped just to let the kids see the cows, but have made purchases on occasion as well and I've always been pleased with the quality of the items.

This is not a petting zoo. There is an electric fence adjacent to the viewing area - it is well marked but obviously your children will not care. It is muddy and smelly - it's a farm!

Flayvors of Cook Farm

Hitchcock Center, Amherst, MA

Near the Larch Hill Reservation and the Bramble Hill Farm, this low brown building houses a gem of a nature center. Not only a great selection of books for browsing (borrowing if you are a member), but a live turle, goldfish, stick bugs, madagascar hissing cockroaches, millipedes, and more. Stuffed (as in, taxidermically) animals surround you, animal-themed puzzled, puppets and toys abound. There's a clean restroom there. It is a small space. The storytime at 11 on Tuesdays is fantastic and includes a nature walk. The walk is usually well under one mile and geared toward the group on any particular day. It is guided and the children are engaged in nature study- finding tracks, buds or birds' nests.
Hitchcock Center
Hitchcock Center History

Bramble Hill Farm

UMass Barns, Hadley, MA

The public schedule for the barns is limited. The first Saturday of each month is the only time you are allowed to visit. Parking is in a large dirt lot. A footbridge leads over a muddy ditch, but it's in disrepair. You don't have to take the footbridge, but your kids may not be able to resist it. There are a few shady spots.

Three main barns house livestock, horses, and Mounted Police horses (this one usually closed to the public). A larger exposition building behind the main barns is open at times.
The Livestock Classic , an event held here each year, is a terrific opportunity to see the compound.
During this event you'll find food for sale from a couple of carts, many friendly animals and animal keepers, a small animal area (rabbits, gerbils..), tons of child oriented crafts. We really had a wonderful time at this event.

The Hadley Farm

Fish Hatchery, Belchertown, MA

For 25 cents you can buy your kids a handful of fish food. I usually give them an empty Dunkin' Donuts bag that I have hanging around in the car, but of course that will not work for you unless you are also a slob. It's helpful for them to have a container, is my point.
Rainbow Trout swarm to the surface at each nugget of food. It's fun. Often you will see Herons, Eagles, and plenty of hawks and gulls. During part of the year the holding tanks are covered with nets to keep the birds out, but you can still see and feed the fish.
This is a relatively quick activity - don't plan to spend the day! We are usually in and out in under one hour. Sometimes we go in the really cold weather and spend 15 minutes. It is only a quarter, after all.
Biggest surprise about this place: It does NOT smell. Seriously. A faint odor sometimes, but not fishy.
Parking is free.
There are no restrooms.
Sunderland Hatchery (my post)
Massachusetts Fish Hatcheries

Hyland Orchard, Sturbridge, MA

Hyland Orchard has something for everyone. Pioneer Brewing company owns this orchard; you can purchase a delicious beer for a reasonable price. Caveat: only one or two beers are on tap outside, but you can purchase different varieties inside. Wagon and hayrides are available during various seasons to U-Pick areas of the property.
The playground is fenced in and is an amalgam of those large plastic play structures that are usually purchased for home use. The petting zoo has some of the cleanest and happiest animals (if not the most exotic) at any petting zoo I've been to. Animal food is available in $1 bags, or in 25 cent handfuls from a dispenser. Human food is available also, but the selection is rather thin - hot dogs and popcorn is the general idea. We have brought snacks with us most times.
A very large pavillion contains the vending areas, picnic table seating, and a stage for musical acts. The music is free. Parking is free. Restrooms are clean enough but there are only two real bathrooms, and they are located inside. There are a couple of porta potties on the grounds, but I have no idea how they are because I don't go in those.
A large lawn forms the center of the outdoor activity, with animals on one side and the pavillion on the other. There are several shade trees. The grass is very nice, too - we have always had a really fun time here. There is so much room for the kids to play and run around.

Hyland Orchards
Pioneer Brewery
Old Sturbridge Village

Randall's Farm, Ludlow MA

This market is a grocery, a greenhouse, and ice cream stop (Elsie's Creamery). In the greenhouse section kids can watch koi in a pond as well as a friendly frog who likes to hang out there.

If you are shopping the nursery, you may use a little red wagon to drag around either purchases or your kids.
Randall's is best right around Halloween. Not only can you get a pumpkin of every shape,size and color, there are numerous other attractions. A large corn maze (a bit expensive), a smaller hay bale maze (free), wagon rides, and lots of other kid activities including animals to pet. Inside you can get a great cup of coffee, delicious baked goods, or if you are in the mood to buy a lunch, an awesome sandwich.

We have always been impressed with the quality of the plants, the food, and the displays in the greenhouse. It is clear that the management and staff here care about the jobs they do.

There is plenty of parking here, except during the very busiest weekend of pumpkin season, where overflow parking is relegated to fields in the back.
There is one, clean and spacious, restroom.

Randall's Farm

Winterberry Farm, Leverett, MA

The farm is not open to the public on a daily basis. They have a few annual events, including camps for kids a bit older than mine. We are looking forward to participating in them at some point.

We've attended sheep-shearing at Winterberry Farm for a few years now. It is an intimate and special place. You will be guests in a home, not spectators at a show. Jim and Jill, the owners of this lovely wooded farm, are gracious hosts. They live very deliberately along with nature, and invite the public to share their perspective and the joy that they take in the land.

Fiber sales are a big part of the operation at Winterberry Farm. They have different types of wool in various stages of processing that are available for sale.

On shearing day you will have the special experience of watching many sheep sheared, kindly, mere feet away from where you sit on a bale of hay. The experienced shearers explain what they are doing. Kids are invited to ask questions, and are even allowed to touch the pregnant ewes.

The farm is filled with smaller animals - no horses and cows here. Many angora rabbits, sheep and goats, farm dogs and chickens. And some darn big turkeys.

You may use the restroom in the home - remember this is a private home!

Ready to eat food is available for sale on shearing day and at certain other times. Meat in raw form is also for sale.

Winterberry Farm