Grampa's Farm

Looking for some old-fashioned, fall family fun? (Try saying that three times fast!)  Head over to Grampa's Farm!  Grampa's Farm is actually a deer farm that pulls out all the stops for a few weekends every autumn to throw a big, down-home experience especially for families who don't have their own grandpa's farms to visit.

When you get to Grampa's Farm, be sure to check in to get a map and a line-up of the day's scheduled activities.

Our first stop was the logging camp.  The kids get to stamp their initials in the wood - just like the lumberjacks used to do!  The best part is they end up with an awesome souvenir to take home with them.  My kiddo is excited to display hers in her bedroom :)

Well, the next stop OF COURSE had to be the horse ride!  Let me tell you, the trip would have been worth it for her if that was all she had gotten to do.  They even get to choose from a small, medium, or large horse to ride.  So cool!

After she rode her horse, we spent some time climbing the giant haystack...

 and playing on the tire playground. 

Lots to climb on!  There were even those fun see-saws that you can't seem to find much anymore. 

When Mommy and Daddy were ready for a change of scenery, we headed to the petting area.  There were lots of farm animals to touch and feed.  Some were caged, but some wandered freely, which was pretty fun.  My little man got a kick out of touching the sheep.

Make sure you are around for the milking demonstration.  Your kiddos may get to try their hands at it themselves!

There are also apple cider and ice cream demonstrations in the barn where you can see and explore what Grandma & Grandpa's houses and schools would have been like back in the day.  It actually really did make me feel like I stepped back into my grandparents' old house from when I was growing up.  The top hit for both my kiddos inside the barn, though, was the GIANT rocking horse.

Since the farm is only set up for this event a few weeks of the year, they bring in port-a-potties and temporary sinks.  I was pretty excited, though, to see they had a special baby care room set up in the barn.  It is a cozy (yes, cozy) little spot with a real old-school changing table, high chair, and rocking chair.  It is not always easy to find a spot to nurse the baby in places like this, and it was great to have a place to change diapers other than the ground.  Super awesome touch!

The only thing I would caution is that when we were there the lunch line was super long and slow, so plan accordingly.  One of us held our spot in line while the other took the kiddos to look at more animals.  The food was delicious though - my hubs couldn't get over how good the fries were!

All in all, we had a great time!  The kids got to do lots of things they have not had a chance to experience elsewhere.

Remember, Grampa's Farm only happens a few weeks each year, so mark your calendar!

Oh, and don't forget to take the hayride out to find that special pumpkin!!

Be sure to visit their website for dates and a complete list of the activities available.

Grampa's Farm
N2613 Norwegian Rd ~ Merrill, WI ~ (715) 536-8909
Admission: $10 per person, 2&under free