TV is not life, but a Pacific Northwest farmstay is. It's a fun educational experience for parents and kids. Farm vacations can be an enchanting family adventure for anyone who has never petted a goat or plucked a cherry from a tree. Here are some vacation ideas close to home.
It's time to unplug the children from the television.
Farm holidays are quite common in Europe and Australia. They are starting to catch on in The States. And, they should. These days, everyone stays indoors almost all day. The results: Vitamin D deficiencies, obesity, boredom, and a general lack of interest in really important stuff, like what a fresh picked peach tastes like.
Vacation Ideas for a Farmstay in Washington State
The Hoh Humm Ranch:
- Phone 360-374-5337
- 171763 Hwy 101, Forks WA
- (Near the Washington Coast)
The Hoh Humm people say, “Come and enjoy farm hospitality and let our animals see your children.” Don’t be shy about calling. The Hoh Humm has cattle, goats, sheep, llamas, deer, and birds. . Room rates (with shared bathroom) start at $35 with no charge for children under 16 in the same room. This farmstay farm vacation includes a full farm breakfast at 8:00 am. No credit cards.
Dog Mountain Farm Vacation:
- Phone 425-333-0833
- 7026 Tolt Highlands Rd NE, Carnation WA
- (Near Seattle)
Families staying for 2 or more nights at Dog Mountain are invited to earn the "Official Dog Mountain Farm Young Farmer" certificate. Children of all ages will have age-appropriate chores and learn about sustainable agriculture. Typical chores: Feeding and watering horses and chickens, collecting eggs, grooming horses, planting or harvesting, fruit tree pruning, or beekeeping. Here is a photo gallery of Dog Mountain Farm and additional contact info. Rates start at $150 per night.
Elderhostel: Vacations in the Pacific Northwest
- 1-800-454-5768
- Marysville WA
- (Between Seattle and British Columbia)
Elderhostel's Back to the Farm: Nature Studies with Your Younger Child (ages 6-8). This farmstay farm vacation is $346 per person for two nights and 6 meals. Adopt a farm animal and care for it, roast marshmallows, learn astronomy, and make ice cream. This is a guided experience which includes other children and adults with which to share the experience. Read more about Elderhostel and cheap NW vacations.
Pleasant Dreams Farm:
- Phone 360-966-0132 or (cell) 360-362-2978
- 8315 Gillies Rd, Everson WA
- (Northeast of Bellingham)
At Pleasant Dreams, the Cummings family asks to please call between 6:00am – 7:00pm because “This is a farm, we need to sleep sometime!” This farm vacation haven has chickens, ducks, geese, and two Indian Green Peacocks. During spring and summer the farmers are planting gardens, harvesting, and canning. The farm has blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums, cherries, apples, walnuts, flowers and more, depending upon the time of year. Rates start at $65 and go up. Read more info about Pleasant Dreams Farm Vacations.
A Cheap Family Vacation in Oregon
Leaping Lamb Farm Stay
- Phone/Fax: 541-487-4966 / 1-877-820-6132
- 20368 Honey Grove Road, Alsea OR.
- (Near the Central Oregon Coast)
The Leaping Lamb owners say, “Walk with us around the property to meet our friendly farm animals. Want to help collect the eggs or feed the sheep?” Take a tour of White Wolf Sanctuary for an extra charge. Farm stay (self-contained cabin) 1-2 people - $125/night, additional people $25/night, children under 3 are free. Continental breakfast is included.
More articles by Christina Gregoire:
Cheap Pacific Northwest Vacations with Kids.
Cheap farm vacations are educational fun for both grandparents and grandchildren. Except for Elderhostel, there is no reason why the rest of the family can’t get involved. Moms and dads can also get outside, feed the chickens, pet the sheep, and enjoy Pacific Northwest farms.
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