*****
$ 5 donation per person
appropriate for kids and babies of all ages
Things we love: Lot's to do, you could spend a good couple hours here (kids permitting) but don't need to to enjoy yourself. The animals are so friendly and you can actually interact with them. Your money is going to a really good cause (more about that later).
Things to consider: It is only open most Sundays from 10:00 am -2:00 pm. It is Dirty! It's a farm and you will be walking on dirt, bring your cowboy boots (we bought some for our 3 year old just so she could wear them here).
The Gentle Barn is one of our favorite places because it's close by, it's a family owned and lived in farm where you can hold chickens, brush cows, feed horses (you have to buy a bag of carrots from the little on site store) and see all kinds of other farm animals up close and personal! The animals are so friendly and have amazing stories. The Gentle Barn is just that, they rescue animals from abuse and give them a loving home.
The animals aren't the only ones who benefit, the farm is host to abused or at risk youth and special needs children as well. You feel the love when you are there. You are greeted by the owner Ellie, her adorable 3 year old, or one of the many volunteers. Then you are free to roam, let the kids run, get in the pig pen or just sit on a bench under the trees ( we usually bring a lunch and have it there) and check out the animals!
The barn also hosts birthday parties, school field trips and seasonal festivities like sledding during the Winter and Easter egg hunts in the Spring. Ellie mentioned starting a mommy and me group that would meet weekly but I am on their email list and don't think it has started.
www.gentlebarn.org
15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 252-2440
(call if the weather is questionable)