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Explore the
Children's Farmyard at the Majestic Barn of Shelburne Farms
 The
1,400 landscaped acres of Shelburne Farms located on the Shelburne Pennisula in the
Champlain Valley of western Vermont offer a
scenic backdrop for families to explore the Children's
Farmyard. Hop on the wagon and ride from
the Welcome Center, through the lane lined with giant
poplars or take the 3/4 mile walking trail through
woodlands and meadows to the majestic 19th Century Farm
Barn. The driver
gives a brief history lesson when you arrive.
You can ride the wagon back again or enjoy the walking trail, weather
permitting and turn around just before you enter the forest
for another fabulous view of the Farm Barn. The
wagon ride is included with general admission. Guided
tours of the property are also available. Shelburne
Farms was turned into a non-profit organization in 1972
by the descendents of William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt
Webb. The Webbs established the farm as a model
agricultural estate in the late 19th century. Interesting
enough, when the property was purchased it was all fields.
30,000 trees were planted on the property as part of the
planned landscape by the famed designer of Central Park in
New York City. The
south wing of the Farm Barn houses the Children's
Farmyard. Here children can visit the farm animals in
the barn including sheep, chickens, a calf and rabbits, to
name a few. Brown Swiss Cows used in the dairy
operation on the farm provide children with an opportunity
to try their hand at milking. Children
are encouraged to visit the enclosed chicken pen, collect
some eggs and weigh them on the antique egg scale. The
chickens are accustomed to children in the enclosure. Activities
throughout the Children's Farmyard delight and educate
visitors about the animals in the farmyard. Cheesemaking
is demonstrated in the center section of the Farm
Barn. Over 125 Brown Swiss Cows are milked twice a day
to produce the Shelburne Farm's award-winning cheddar
cheese. Children can step up to the window and watch
as workers turn the milk into curds and whey. The
process continues with the whey drained into underground
tanks for use as fertilizer. The
curds are then packed and pressed with the cheese eventually
being aged for 6 months to 3 years. Visitors
can sample various aged cheeses and purchase farm products
at the cheesemaking facility. The
Children's Farmyard and Cheesemaking are open from Mid May
to Mid October, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A
visit to the Welcome Center, which is open year round offers
products produced on the farm, including cheddar cheese,
Vermont maple syrup and children's books. A slide
presentation detailing the history of the farm is shown to
educate and entertain visitors. Admission
and tour tickets are sold here from Mid May to Mid October. The
Shelburne Farms Children's Farmyard offers families an
educational look at farm animals in a majestic setting.
To contact Shelburne Farms or for more information go to Vermont Family
Attractions. For information on Hotels and Resorts
in Vermont go to Vermont Hotels and
Resorts. For information on Ski Resorts in
Vermont go to Vermont Ski Resorts.
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