Kids can meet and care for animals during this program at Primrose Farm
A playgroup that includes coffee with a splash of milk for the grown-ups is hardly noteworthy. A playgroup that includes coffee and a whole cow is another thing entirely.
But that’s just what parents and their children can expect when they sign up for the Coffee & Cows Playgroup, which takes place alongside the animals at Primrose Farm. The monthly offering is scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays, April 15 and May 13. Future playgroups will continue through the summer.
Geared to those ages 1 to 4, the program offers both kids and parents a chance to connect and enjoy the unique farm setting, which presents many opportunities for fun.
“We encourage parents to come out to the farm for a story time and activities, and there’s always a lot of stuff for free play,” said Alison Jones, Manager of Farm Programs and Interpretive Services.
Storytime is always animal- or farm life-themed, and activities run the gamut.
“If it’s warm, we’ll wash the cow,” said Jones in reference to a life-size cow statue. “Kids love that one.”
Another activity includes cleaning small animal figurines with soap and brushes intended for fingernails. Sensory bins filled with corn kernels, scoops and buckets provide pint-sized participants plenty of hands-on fun and a chance to flex their developing motor skills. A small barn set mirrors the real-life version, while blocks and boxes meant to house corn allow for active and imaginative play.
Arguably the highlight, however, is the barnyard tour, during which kids can get up-close and personal with many of the farm’s hooved, feathered and wooly residents.
“In April, children will have the chance to meet the farm’s baby chicks,” Jones said. “I’ll show them how we feed the chickens. If we’re giving them corn, I’ll point out the nearby cornfields.”
At other times, kids may get the chance to feed goats and, in May, meet the farm’s new lambs. Grooming goats and cows is an option for preschool-aged kids.
Those who visit the farm invariably choose an animal they enjoyed the most, but the most popular creature is one that makes Jones chuckle a little.
“Clyde, our barn cat, is the favorite,” she said of the friendly gray tabby cat. “The fact that he lives outside is really interesting to the kids. He’s super docile, and we always have to warn people not to take Clyde home because he’ll climb up into the baskets of people’s strollers.”
Bob and Doc, the farm’s two large draft horses, capture the runner-up spot.
In addition to the animals, the farm offers program participants the chance to take pictures on nearby vintage tractors, sway from an old-fashioned tire swing or walk adjacent nature trails.
“I get a lot of positive feedback about the program,” Jones said. “Several people who just stop by the farm that day see what we’re doing and want more information. Many times, I’ll see them at next month’s program.”
Registration, which is $6 for residents and $9 for non-residents, is required for children only. Snacks, such as pre-packaged crackers, for little farmers are provided. Parents are asked to bring their coffee (or beverage of choice) from home.
To register, visit www.primrosefarm.org/events.