Spring usually signals that it’s officially farm season, when the fruits and veggies ripen and animals make their first appearances for the year. With social distancing in place, animals have made some makeshift plans. And we all know that animals seem to make everything better, even momentarily. Luckily, families can still enjoy a visit with farm animals at one of these udder-ly awesome drive-through experiences that will get little ones smiling (kids and animals). Now get mooooovin.
Brookhollow’s Barnyard is back up and running after a brief hiatus. Every non-rainy day, they open their drive through to see the farm animals, and let you throw carrots out of your car window to feed them. If your kids can’t get enough, the farm is also offering generic or personalized animal birthday messages for a small fee. Tickets open up at 10 am for the following day, and sell out in minutes so snag yours quickly. (Brookhollow’s Barnyard, 301 Rockaway Valley Rd., Boonton. Open daily from 9 am-5 pm, $10.66)
Skylands Stadium (home of the annual Christmas light show) transformed its grounds into an animal farm drive-thru. Goats, sheep, alpacas, horses and more farm animals are ready for visits and hungry for carrots, so BYOB (bring your own bag). You can roll down the window but be sure to remain in your car at all times. (Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta. Open through May 31, 11 am-5 pm, $20 per car cash only)
Space Farms Zoo & Museum is opening their zoo as a drive-through this year, bringing their spectacular animals to a car window near you. Home to tigers and bears and everything in between, the zoo is bringing an animal adventure to you. (Space Farms Zoo & Museum, 218 County Road 519, Sussex, Opens May 22, 9 am-4 pm, $25)
Sutton Family Farm is mainly open for local food pickup, such as fresh veggies and dairy products. But make a day out of it and bring the kids along for a scenic drive and fun view of the cows – grown and baby – in the front fields. (Sutton Family Farm, 110 Farmersville Rd., Califon
