Amesbury • Newburyport • Salisbury • Newbury • West Newbury • Rowley • Ipswich • Merrimac • Manchester-by-the-Sea • Rockport • Hamilton • Wenham • Gloucester • Essex • Beverly • Danvers
Looking for the best farms for kids on the North Shore? From petting animals and playgrounds to pick-your-own fruit and seasonal festivals, these farms offer unforgettable family experiences close to home.
🐓 AMESBURY
🍎 Cider Hill Farm
📍 45 Fern Ave, Amesbury
A must-visit destination for families!
- Goats, chickens & barnyard fun
- Giant sandbox, trike yard & play areas
- Pick-your-own fruit (berries, apples, flowers)
- Cider donuts, treats & seasonal events
👉 Kids can explore, play, and even “drive” farm trikes while visiting animals
🐄 IPSWICH / HAMILTON / WENHAM
🌿 Appleton Farms (The Trustees)
📍 Ipswich / Hamilton
One of the oldest working farms in the country with tons for kids:
- Goats, chickens, bunnies in the barnyard
- Mud kitchen + hands-on garden exploration
- Miles of trails and open fields
- Family programs, camps & seasonal events
👉 A perfect mix of education, animals, and outdoor adventure
🐐 DANVERS
🌽 Connors Farm
📍 30 Valley Rd, Danvers
A North Shore favorite for full-day farm fun:
- Farm animals & play areas
- Pick-your-own fruits & pumpkins
- Hayrides, corn maze & jumping pads
- Seasonal festivals and attractions
👉 A high-energy farm experience kids absolutely love
🐑 NEWBURY / WEST NEWBURY / ROWLEY
🌾 Tendercrop Farm at Cider Hill / Rowley Area Options
📍 Rowley / Newbury area
While more of a farm market, families enjoy:
- Farm animals (seasonal)
- Ice cream & fresh food
- Casual farm visits for younger kids
👉 Great for a quick, low-key farm stop
🐄 Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm (Trustees)
📍 Newbury
- Wide open fields for running & picnics
- Seasonal events and reenactments
- Farm setting with historic buildings
👉 Best for space to explore + seasonal family events
🐓 GLOUCESTER / ROCKPORT / ESSEX / MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA
🌊 Russell Orchards Farm Store & Winery
📍 Ipswich (great for Cape Ann families!)
Worth the short drive from coastal towns:
- Pick-your-own fruit
- Chickens & farm atmosphere
- Bakery, cider donuts & winery
👉 A great farm + treat stop combo
🐐 BEVERLY
🌿 Long Hill (Trustees Gardens & Farm Programs)
📍 Beverly
- Gardens, nature play & trails
- Family programs and seasonal events
- Occasional farm/nature-based activities
👉 Perfect for nature-loving families
🐄 Ipswich
🌽 Marini Farm Stand
📍 Ipswich (easy access from Salisbury/Merrimac)
- Seasonal animals and displays
- Pick-your-own produce
- Fun fall attractions
👉 A classic North Shore farm experience
🌟 WHAT MAKES THESE FARMS GREAT FOR KIDS?
✔️ Hands-on animal experiences
✔️ Play areas (sandbox, trikes, climbing)
✔️ Seasonal events (berries, apples, pumpkins)
✔️ Open space to run, explore, and learn
💡 TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
✔️ Check farm hours—many are seasonal
✔️ Bring boots or sneakers (it gets muddy!)
✔️ Go early for smaller crowds
✔️ Pack snacks—or plan to enjoy farm treats!
✨ FINAL THOUGHTS
The North Shore is filled with incredible farms where kids can:
🐐 Meet animals
🍓 Pick fresh fruit
🌱 Explore nature
💛 Make unforgettable family memories
Whether you’re planning a quick morning outing or a full farm day, there’s something for every family right here in your community.
