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A Visit to Muddy Paws Farm Rescue with Kids

Muddy Paws Farm Rescue is a nonprofit animal sanctuary that is dedicated to rescuing farm animals that were abused or neglected and need a new forever home. You will find a wide variety of animals on the farm. There are goats, donkeys, cattle, horses, peacocks, turkeys, geese, chickens, roosters, ducks, barn cats, dogs, and an ever-growing band of bunnies.

While we were visiting, they had a sweet and playful calf on-site, which was a big hit with our family. The goats were energetic, fun, and very into the food we purchased to feed them. The turkey was walking around gobbling to our kids' delight. The donkeys were curious and obligingly stood by the gate so we could pet them. Our daughter loved the soft little bunnies and would squeal while trying to pick one up. 

While we were there, the farm was selling treats for the animals and the kids, so we purchased both. If you arrive on a day when Muddy Paws is closed to the public, there is a parking area right next to the road and anyone can stop by and visit with the donkeys and goats in the front pasture. There are even benches to sit on.

Activities on the Southampton, NJ, Farm

In addition to feeding the animals on the farm on Sunday afternoons, Muddy Paws hosts a weekly Storytime on the Farm. During the storytime, your child will hear a farm-related story, get up close and personal with one farm animal, and be given a bucket of food and time to visit and feed the animals. Another kid-friendly event offered a few evenings a month is Family Night at the Farm, which welcomes you to bring your family and a picnic and spend an evening with the animals. 

If your kids are in school and you are looking for a social event that is adults-only, the farm hosts a weekly Coffee in the Barnyard that offers an opportunity for adults to get together while supporting a good cause. You must buy a ticket in advance for all the events they offer and be sure to check the calendar for the dates and times.

Tips and Tricks for Visiting Muddy Paws with Kids

Muddy Paws is only open for non-ticketed visits on Sunday afternoons from 12-3pm. You are expected to give a donation upon entry. I would plan to spend between 1-2 hours there visiting with and feeding the animals. There was plenty of parking when we went and it was free. A table was set up in the middle of the barnyard with treats for the animals, and they were very reasonably priced. Go inside the general store to buy snacks for the kids. 

The animals were friendly and tame, but they were animals. Watch your kids closely when they are feeding and petting them and make sure their hands are held flat so their fingers don’t get mistaken for carrots. 

As the name suggests, Muddy Farms was, well, muddy. I suggest wearing sturdy old shoes and clothes you don’t care about getting dirty. The farm animals slobber, especially when they see snacks, so wipes will come in handy. 

The farm is not all that big and there were no paved paths, so I wouldn’t suggest a stroller, but if you need one, you could make it work. Muddy Paws is a great animal-friendly venue for birthday parties. 

Know Before You Go to Muddy Paws Farm Rescue:

• The farm is open every Sunday from 12-3 pm.
• A donation is expected upon entry to the farm. Parking is free and plentiful.
• Food for the animals is available for purchase. You are not allowed to bring food in to feed the animals. 
• On days the farm is not open to the public, you can park in the small lot by the road and visit with the donkeys and goats.