Must-Do Things for Kids at the PA Farm Show
Whether you’ve got a budding farmer, an animal lover, or a kid who just wants to eat their weight in maple cotton candy, the Farm Show has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate kid-approved to-do list, complete with butterflies, goats, and all the squeals of delight you can handle.
🐐 Snuggle Some Goats
No Farm Show trip is complete without a visit to the goat pens. These adorable, floppy-eared friends are always ready for a head scratch or a selfie. Just watch out—they’re professional snack thieves. If you’ve got a granola bar sticking out of your pocket, it’s fair game. Bonus tip: Goats are totally judgment-free when it comes to your "farmer chic" outfit—mud-stained sneakers and all.
🦋 Feed the Butterflies
The butterfly tent is pure magic. Armed with a tiny paintbrush dipped in nectar, your kids will feel like Disney princesses as butterflies land on their arms. Pro tip: This activity is cash-only, so don’t get caught like me, begging a stranger in line for $10 and promising them $20 on Venmo. (Shoutout to that kind stranger—your $10 was worth every flutter.)
🐄 Visit the Calving Corner
Who doesn’t love baby animals? At the Calving Corner, you might catch a live birth or see a wobbly newborn calf taking its first steps. It’s educational and adorable, but prepare for awkward questions about “where babies come from.” Spoiler: The real answer is not “Amazon Prime.”
🦆 Explore the Waterfowl Habitat
This hidden gem is a favorite for bird-loving kids. Ducks, geese, and other feathered friends splash and quack their way through this mini wetland habitat. Bonus: It’s a quieter spot if you need a breather from the crowds. Double bonus: You can pretend you’re narrating a nature documentary. "Here we see the majestic mallard, gliding gracefully... and stealing popcorn from a toddler."
🚜 Climb on the Tractors
The tractors are like a jungle gym for kids who love all things big and mechanical. Let them climb, press buttons, and pretend they’re plowing fields. It’s also an excellent photo op—future farmers of America, unite! Just be prepared for your kid to insist on driving home in a combine harvester.
🎠 Ride the Carousel
This isn’t your average merry-go-round. The Farm Show carousel is surprisingly fast, which is either thrilling or mildly terrifying, depending on your stomach’s tolerance. Don’t worry; the kids will love it. You? Maybe pack some Dramamine and a backup plan for lunch if spinning isn’t your thing.
🐖 Say Hello to the Piglets
Stop by to see the mama pigs and their tiny, squealing babies. Warning: Your kids might ask if you can take one home. (Spoiler: You can’t. But you’ll want to.) Pro tip: If you think your toddler’s tantrum is loud, wait until you hear a piglet who’s not getting enough attention.
🎨 Crafty Fun at the Kids’ Zone
Located in the Maclay Street Lobby, this area is a lifesaver for parents. It’s packed with interactive games, coloring, and hands-on activities to keep little ones entertained. Plus, it’s close to the diaper-changing and nursing stations—a win-win! Also, it’s the perfect spot to "accidentally" get glue and glitter stuck in your kid's hair, so you can skip bath time later.
🌽 Sample Fresh PA Foods
Introduce your kids to the joys of locally sourced food. From honey sticks to apple slices and everything in between, there are plenty of free samples to keep little tummies happy. Just remind your kids that 47 samples of cheese is not a substitute for lunch, no matter how much they argue otherwise.
🐴 Watch the Horse Competitions
From barrel racing to jumping, the horse arena is a spectacle of speed and skill. Even if your kids aren’t horse enthusiasts, they’ll be wowed by the action. Bonus: It’s a great chance to practice your "Yeehaw!" without judgment.
🎭 Don’t Miss the Tractor Square Dancing
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: tractors performing synchronized square dance routines. It’s hilarious, loud, and absolutely unforgettable. Pro tip: Be prepared for your kids to ask if they can make the family minivan do this. The answer is no.
💡 Pro Tips for Making the Most of the Must-Do List
- Check the Schedule: Some activities, like the butterfly feeding and horse competitions, run at specific times. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. (And remember, a missed butterfly tent is not the end of the world—it just feels like it in the moment.)
- Be Flexible: It’s easy to get sidetracked by adorable animals or unexpected fun. Embrace the detours! Just don’t forget which goat pen you left your stroller by—it’s not their fault it looks like a snack cart.
- Capture the Memories: Snap photos of your kids snuggling goats, feeding butterflies, or climbing tractors. These will be the moments you cherish (and the ones you show their future prom date).
And Most Importantly...
Let your kids lead the way. The Farm Show is about exploration and discovery, so let them soak it all in—even if it means spending 45 minutes staring at a chicken. 🐓✨
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Disclaimer: While the genius and humor are mostly mine, I did enlist ChatGPT for minor edits and revisions. Why? Because AI doesn’t roll its eyes at my puns, argue about Oxford commas, or leave red pen marks all over my drafts. So, if you find any unnaturally perfect phrasing or oddly placed semicolons, you know who to thank! 😉
