Who is loving this weather?! 60 degrees in November, amazing! Anyway, sorry I’ve been mia for a week. My husband was traveling for work and I was planning a birthday party for my son. But things are calm (as calm as they can be with a toddler) now so I’m back and will try to stick to the usual 2 posts a week. Alright, now onto the post.
Abma’s Farm (700 Lawlins Ave.- Wyckoff, NJ)- I should categorize this post in the “hidden” section of the archives because this farm is not on a main street. It’s tucked in the back of a beautiful little neighborhood, however, if you enter the address into your GPS you shouldn’t have trouble finding it. Abma’s Farm is one of the only local family owned farms, has been operating for 75 years and prides itself on a “relaxed and friendly atmosphere”. You could bring an umbrella stroller but a heavier duty one would be better like a Chicco, City Mini or even a jogging stroller.
So, the highlight for the kiddies is the petting zoo (I couldn’t get a pic without children in it, sorry). There is also a market with fresh eggs, a fantastic bakery (my mother-in-law raves about their pies), greenhouse for plants (definitely check it out for the holiday season), and upon reading their site I just found out you can purchase turkey and pork as well (perfect for Thanksgiving dinner). It’s really amazing all this seamingly small family farm has to offer.
Birthday Parties: In the Spring and Summer check out their pony rides and petting zoo parties and in the winter look for their build a barnyard animal parties. Plus, in the Fall they offer the hayride parties as well.
HeathBarnUSA program- The “farm provides a natural environment to engage children and help them adopt healthy behaviors”. There is a program for all ages here starting at 3 years old! Yay! They also have a summer camp (voted (201) Magazine’s Best In Bergen), daily workshops, become a chef/farmer for the day, after school programs and much more. They even have their own blog that you can sign up for so check it out.
Gardening and Decorating classes- These vary so check out their greenhouse page.
Our experience: I’ve been here quite a few times because my son is obsessed with animals. I often pair the farm with a trip to Boulder Run to do some shopping (Um, love the Marshalls there) or have lunch at Blue Moon Cafe. This was Andrea’s first time and she thought Abma’s was really “cute”. The kids had a blast petting and feeding the animals and her daughter especially loved seeing the baby chicks. We headed over to the market and looked at some of the fall decor and bought some homemade cookies. The kids ran around a bit playing with the pumpkins and snacking on our yummy baked treats. We walked down to the check out the greenhouse which I thought could be great to buy plants during the holiday season. We let the kids play in a puddle but were quickly diverted off the “street” because we were told it was dangerous due to the tractors that came by often. Whoops! We made our way back to the car (you know how slowly you move with 2 year olds) and everyone was ready to head out. All in all it was a stress-free morning and the kids had a good time.
Comment Time!: Has anyone taken a decorating class? Has anyone been to the BarnUSA program? Have a favorite treat from the bakery? Let us know…we’re curious about your experiences.
Lot Once You're Up The Driveway- Try to Park to the Left
Petting Zoo Behind Wooden Fence- Close Parking
The Market
Pick A Pumpkin
Benches in Pumpkin Patch - Great For Snack Break
