Hahndorf Farm Barn at Hahndorf, South Australia – Review
Enjoy an overload of cuteness at the Hahndorf Farm Barn, which, uniquely, blends a children’s farmyard with a wildlife park.
by Carla Caruso
For a slice of farm life, close to the city, the Hahndorf Farm Barn is the place to be.
There’s just something about getting up close and personal with animals that makes the kids light up and keeps them entertained for hours. The only challenge, as always, is trying to drag them away at the end.
We started our relaxed Sunday at a cow-milking show in the barn at 11am (this daily session repeats at 2.30pm). Here, the kids had the chance to see a majestic dairy cow wander in and even have a try at milking her.
My boys skipped the last part, though, as they were too keen to get outside and feed the other animals with the feed bags they’d grabbed. The animals outdoors include sheep, kangaroos, donkeys, deer (hello, Rudolph), goats, emus, peacocks, camels, ducks, and chickens.
Pony rides also run from 11.30am-2.30pm (weather permitting) – on weekends, and public/school holidays – and are just $5 each. Kids must be aged between 2-12.
Tractor rides are available, as well, on weekends and run regularly from 11.30am-2.30pm. The rides are $5 each too, and your whole crew can usually fit on one ride.
There’s also a playground and sandpit for the littlies to enjoy – with stunning valley views.
At 12.30pm, we headed back into the barn for the reptile show, which runs during weekends and public/school holidays. The informative, half-hour presentation offers a show-and-tell of various lizards and pythons. Afterwards, the boys had the opportunity to pet the reptiles and have snaps with them.
Later, the twins enjoyed exploring the barn further, where all the baby animals live. They loved getting to cuddle baby rabbits and guinea pigs, hold baby chicks, and check out more reptiles inside the glass enclosures.
At the kiosk, we fueled up with hot drinks and snacks. If you really want to make a day of it, though, you can bring along a picnic or enjoy a barbecue in the undercover picnic/BBQ area. The farm barn also hosts parties.
Really taken a liking to farm life? You can buy guinea pigs, lambs, and chickens (season depending) while there too. So much fun!
What we like about it
- The spot’s a unique blend of a children’s farmyard and wildlife park, not far from the city
- It’s so hands on – kids can hold, touch and feed most animals in safety and at their own comfort level
- It’s fun and educational
- There are sinks and disinfectant gel readily available, so everyone can wash their hands in between animal handling
- You can be spontaneous about making a trip up there – bookings aren’t required for regular family/individual admissions
- Birthday party options are available
Things to consider
- Ensure kids (and you) wear farm-appropriate clothing as things can get a little mucky – think gum boots, jackets, and trousers. Also remember, the weather can be cooler and windier in the hills.
- The pony rides are only for kids aged 2-12 years.
Coffee and food options nearby
The kiosk serves up food and drink on-site. Or you can BYO fare and use its sheltered picnic/BBQ area. Hahndorf’s quaint main street is nearby too, with an array of eateries on offer.
Cost
The Farm Barn offer individual day passes and family passes – click here for current pricing
Location
Click here for all the Best Playgrounds for Toddlers
See our Top Parks & Playgrounds Around Adelaide here
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Farm Barn website.
What: Hahndorf Farm Barn Review
When: Open 10am-4pm daily (except 24-26 December)
Where: 2282 Mount Barker Road | Hahndorf, South Australia
Who: All ages
All photos by James Elsby for Play & Go Adelaide 2020
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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