Are you looking for fun and interactive experiences for kids around Johannesburg? We’ve compiled a list of touch farms that are educational and include interactions with farm animals in a safe environment. From a lovely day out at a Magaliesberg based farm to The Bunny Hop Haven, closer to the city, here are our top picks.
The Bunny Hop Haven
The Bunny Hop Haven is a stone’s throw away from Linksfield at The Observatory Club. As their name suggests, they provide a sanctuary for rescued exotic pets and small farm animals. Something unique to the haven is that there are plenty of bunnies living in harmony. This outing provides a great opportunity for young minds to learn about fur pets. But that’s not all, your kids will be able to interact with and feed Tortoises, Goats and Ducks among other animals.
Details: 072 817 5968 | info@bunnyhop.org.za | 59 Frederick Street, Observatory.
Tres Jolie Restaurant and Kids Party Venue
Suitable for children from Preschool to Primary School, a day outing at the Ruimsig located animal touch farm will allow children to interact with and learn more about farm animals. Not forgetting their animal feed farm, which has proven to be a hit with visitors! Patrons are encouraged to bring their your own Carrots and Lettuce. However, visitors can purchase a packet of feed from the venue. You’ll be able to feed the Donkey, Horse, Sheep, Goats, Chickens, Ducks, Guinea Pigs and even Emus! It makes for a great family outing too as Tres Joelie has a country restaurant. Weekend visits to the restaurant gives you access to face painting, sand art, free carousel rides and more, free of charge. Read all about their offering here.
Details: 011 794 2473 | info@tresjolie.co.za | Plot 22, Peter Road, Ruimsig between Honeydew and Peter Road.
Crazy Kids Farmyard
If you’re looking for a new place to entertain your kids in the Randburg area, then this is it! Let the young ones stretch their legs at the sandpit, trampoline, jungle gyms and bike track. Furthermore, there are also some farm animals that they can feed and pet including; Bunnies, Guinea Pigs, Emu, Potbelly Pigs, a Pony and Chickens! All that running around is bound to leave them tired, there is an on site snack shop available on weekends. Day visitors are welcome to bring in a picnic basket. However, all beverages must be bought from their shop, including water bottles. Read more here.
Details: 082 389 9153 | crazykidzfarmyard@gmail.com | 9 Daniel Street, Randburg.
Donkey Dairy
A bit of a drive from the city, this Magaliesberg based farm is definitely a one-of-a-kind! They’ve been operating since 2012 and their dream is to preserve a rare bloodline of blue eyed spotted donkeys They produce Donkey milk and guests can enjoy some farmyard fun and bottle feed their foals. So, if you’re looking for an authentic farm experience and looking forward to some fresh farm air pay them a visit. Some of the other animals your children will have the opportunity to interact with include; miniature spotted Donkeys, miniature Horses, Chickens, Suri Alpacas and much more. Read more about this unique farm experience here.
Details: 072 262 5369 | info@thedonkeydairy.com | Portion 23 of the farm Boschfontein Magaliesburg.
Barnyard Kids
Barnyard Kids is a family run party venue and touch venue, that was inspired by their two sons and their love for animals! Let your kids run wild outdoor in nature at a touch farm that has lots of playground equipment. The touch farm allows your child to interact with plenty of animals under staff supervision. Additionally, visitors will be able to see Eyore the Donkey and her Pony friend, Lizzie as well as Beauty the Cows, a herd of Sheep to name a few. Be sure to visit Barnyard Kids for a fun learning experience in the middle of the city and for their Pony rides, which are bound to be a hit with your little ones!
Details: 011 024 6062 | info@barnyardkids.co.za | 51 Donovan Street, Glen Austin, Midrand
The Farm Corner
Another Midrand located touch farm gem is The Farm Corner. The farm provides stimulating and educational animal farm experiences for both school groups and kids parties. Additionally, if preferred, they can bring the farm experience to you! Whether you would like to make use of them for a Primary School or Nursery School visit or a children’s party, they provide a great alternative. Should you visit their home base, then you will be able to get an educational lesson of farm animals, feed and interact with the animals and enjoy a Pony ride. View their packages and services here.
Details: 076 569 0038 | info@thefarmcorner.co.za | 51 Donovan Street, Glen Austin, Midrand.
Rietvlei Zoo Farm
Besides their MTB Trails and picnic area, Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton is home to a touch farm facility. At the facility, children can feed the farmyard animals, view the Birds in the Bird Aviary and can play on the jungle gyms. Furthermore, visitors to the farm, can also enjoy a Pony ride, tractor ride, and train ride. You are encouraged to bring a picnic blankets, camping chairs, tables and gazebos along to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors! Or enjoy a tasty meal at one of the on site eateries. View their pricelist here.
Details: 079 041 1488 | info@rietvleifarm.co.za | 101 Swartkoppies Road, R554, South of Johannesburg
Asher’s Farm Sanctuary
Based in Boschkop, Pretoria East, Asher’s Farm Sanctuary uses a sustainable and compassionate approach to deal with factory farming. Their beautiful sanctuary is home to rescued Cows, Chickens, Horses, Pigs and other farm animals. Be sure to visit their Vegan restaurant, Asher’s Corner Café, for a wholesome and sustainably made meal. Because the animals at the sanctuary have been rescued, the Non Profit Organization relies heavily on donations. Find out how you can get involved by clicking here.
Details: 083 784 5554 | info@ashersfarmsanctuary.org | Plot 37, Tweedragt Pretoria
Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary
Are you looking for a unique touch farm experience? Rest ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary in Ruimsig is home to 130 donkeys (and counting). According to their website, “they don’t breed, re-home, work or ride the donkeys. here they can just rest…” Pay a visit to the sanctuary with your family and if you feel moved by the work done at the establishment, get involved by adopting a donkey. Read more here. Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for their regular outdoor movie nights and markets.
Details: 084 611 0089 | lloreen@resturass.co.za | 753 Cypress road, Zonnehoeve AH, Ruimsig.
If you enjoyed reading this Animal Touch Farms article, be sure to view our family-friendly activities that you can enjoy in the month ahead here.
