Kids & Families

Drumlin Farm is built for families. Children see sheep, goats, pigs, cows and chickens in the barns, then climb into a giant hawk's nest and crawl through woodchuck tunnels on the Forest Discovery Trail. The main Farmyard Loop is paved or hard-packed and stroller-friendly. Children 2 to 12 pay $6, under-2s are free, and Mass Audubon runs toddler, family and school-vacation programs.

Nature Play Area

Halfway down the welcome hill from the Nature Center is the Nature Play Area, with a spiral stepping activity made for imaginative play. Mass Audubon says it was built by volunteers from trees that came down on the property.

Forest Discovery Trail

This 1/3-mile loop starts behind the Red Barn and the New England Wildlife Exhibit buildings. Along it:

• an over-sized bird's nest, eggs included, where kids can sit like a hawk;
• woodchuck tunnels to crawl through;
• a rhododendron tunnel and a stump jump;
• a mouse house to build;
• treasure boxes where children see what other visitors found and leave a natural treasure of their own.

Mass Audubon notes roots, rocks and a short uphill, so strollers may struggle; carry little ones or park the stroller.

The Animals

The farmyard barns and native wildlife exhibits are the main event for most families. Visitors are asked not to feed the animals; in the afternoons, farmers doing chores will answer questions. Spring brings lambs and goat kids, usually born in March. Details on the farm animals page.

The Learning Garden

In the farmyard garden, kids can smell mint, basil, oregano and sage and see how compost bins turn garden waste back into soil. Mass Audubon says it is at its best from late spring through fall.

Programs for Children

Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm calendar includes:

• Little Explorers for families with children 1 to 3;
• evening family programs such as Campfires and Critters (ages 5–13) and Family Night Hike and Owl Prowl (ages 5–12);
• school vacation week programs in February and April for Pre-K through Grade 6;
• teen programs for ages 13 to 17;
• the Community Preschool for children 3 to 5;
• Drumlin Farm Camp in summer, ages 4 to 17.

Dates and prices change; see events and programs.

Preparing Children Who Need It

Mass Audubon publishes a step-by-step photo tour (a Social Story) of a Drumlin Farm visit for children, including those with special needs. Find it on the accessibility page.

Birthday Parties

Mass Audubon rents the Bluebird Pavilion for children's birthday parties in spring and fall. See birthday parties and rentals.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: toddlers through about age 10, grandparents with strollers, a half-day outing with a picnic.

Maybe skip if: your family wants rides, a petting area with feeding, or to bring the dog; none is offered.