Collingwood Children’s Farm - Family Day
Melbourne contributor Kate @kateflatman and twins Macy and Arlo recently visited the Collingwood Children’s Farm and thought they'd share their experience with Busy City Kids readers. Little Miss and I loved the Collingwood Children's Farm when we lived in Melbourne, such a great place. Thank you Kate for the review and amazing pics!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Only 5km from the centre of Melbourne and nestled on a bend of the Yarra River, Collingwood Children's Farm is a not-for-profit community resource providing country experiences for city people. With seven hectares of paddocks, gardens, orchards, rustic buildings and shady trees, it’s a toddler’s paradise!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Decked out in their waterproof overalls and wellies, we had barely got out of the car when sounds of “oh oh oh, moooo” came from our little adventurers. This clearly wasn’t our first time at the Collingwood Children’s Farm! Today we were attending Family Day – which is on the first Sunday of each month – with extra fun activities scheduled for us to enjoy.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
We began our farm visit in the barn watching the cow being milked and brushed, followed by cuddles with the cute (and extremely tolerant) guinea pigs. It wasn't long before Arlo started to head off in the direction of the stables in search of the horses. Today was an extra special Family Day as we were also celebrating the horses’ birthday (which is celebrated in the southern hemisphere each year on August 1). It was such a treat getting up close to the visiting Waler Society horses, although Daddy was on the end of a friendly nudge for being too close! Hehehehe!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
After following a grey and white tabby farm cat into a horse float, Macy was stopped quickly in her tracks by the rumbling sound of a tractor entering the paddock. Tractor rides are a particular highlight of Family Day, so we all climbed up into the trailer of the bright red Massey Ferguson for a (bumpy) ride around the farm, with the two poppets waving energetically to everyone we passed!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
A wander around the rest of the farm saw us trying to spot freshly laid eggs in the chook pens, joining the geese and ducks for a widdle-waddle in the puddles, visiting Mickie the resident donkey, scaring Mummy with earthworms, watching the Berkshire pigs roll in the stinky, black mud and play in some straw.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
There were several other Family Day activities on later in the afternoon, (including a special singing of Happy Birthday in the stables, as well as an opportunity to join a farmer and feed the animals) but we opted to make a quick stop at the BBQ tent for a delicious sausage in bread (soooo good!) before heading back up the hill past the wooly sheep and home for a nap.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
It doesn't matter how many times we visit Collingwood Children’s Farm, I still love it more and more each time. We are so lucky to be able to live in an urban environment but have access to such an amazing place where Arlo and Macy can learn to care for animals and nature plus have fun playing outdoors. If you haven't been before we highly recommend visiting on Family Day, the next one will be on Sunday 4th September (which also happens to be Father’s Day, what a perfect spot to celebrate).
Our tips:
Family entry (two adults and up to four children) is $20 but ask about their family membership too. It’s a great way to save money if you plan to visit often.
Check the website for up-to-date information about daily activities such as cow milking and guinea pig cuddles.
Line up early for all scheduled activities as it can get really busy on Family Day (and weekends in general).
Nestled inside the grounds is The Farm Café, one of Melbourne’s best cafes. Serving delicious breakfast, lunch and all good things in between, seven days a week from 9am. We are particularly fond of their homemade scones and sausage rolls!
The Collingwood Children’s Farm is the perfect venue for children’s birthday parties and The Farm Café can even help with the catering.
Remember this is a working farm with hazards, so be sure to keep an eye on your little ones at all times.
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids
For more ideas on what to do with the little ones in Melbourne, checkout our Daily Spots List.