It’s baby animal season and we couldn’t be happier
Okay, we’ll admit it, while early blooms are refreshing and promising, baby animals are our favorite thing about spring. If you’re in the same boat, you may wonder where on the North Fork you can visit to put your best “baby voice” to good use and sometimes even get a snuggle session with sweet, baby animals. Lucky for you, we have a list!
Harbes Family Farm, Mattituck
Opening this weekend on Saturday, April 20, Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck features its beloved Barnyard Adventure, where visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing goats, sheep, pigs, bunnies, ducks, and chickens. Don’t forget to buy a bag of animal feed at the check-in barn to feed the sheep and goats. And if you really want to celebrate the season of baby animals, mark your calendar for Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27) for Harbes’ Baby Animal Festival where attendees will enjoy seeing the baby goats, lambs, bunnies, and chicks in addition to live music in the courtyard each day from 1 to 5 p.m. featuring Robin Sidor, Matt Taylor, and Evan & James. From April 20 through late fall, Harbes Family Farm will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The cost of admission to Harbes Barnyard Adventure varies but is required for persons ages 3+. More details and tickets here.
Catapano Dairy Farm, Peconic
Did someone say goat cuddling?! Yep, you heard right. On Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Catapano Dairy Farm hosts baby goat cuddling sessions where participants can snuggle baby goats and learn about goat care. The cost for a 30-minute session is $15 per person, “cuddlers” must be ages 3 and up, and adult supervision is required. Visit Catapano Dairy Farm’s website for more details and email catapanodairy@gmail.com to book your cuddling session.
The Little Red Barn, Jamesport
Get your fill of baby animal time at The Little Red Barn’s Family Fun Hours. There, you and your crew will enjoy a private, hands-on experience learning about the 40-acre farm, and enjoying time with the bunnies, kid goats, baby piglets, chicks, and ponies. All attendees are welcome to brush and decorate the ponies and children (65 lbs and under) are invited for a pony ride. Family Fun Hours cost $100/hour and include up to four children, $25 for each additional child, no charge for adults. Additional time and picnic table rentals are available at an additional cost. For more details, call or text Kate at 631-566-1690.
Goodale Farms, Aquebogue
With over 10 baby goats and a young lamb prancing around their farm enclosure visible from Main Road, it’s nearly impossible to drive past Goodale Farms without pulling over for a visit. There, you’ll not only get to pet baby goats eager for ear rubs through the fencing, but also see other animals as well, including cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and more. Farm grounds are open from dawn until dusk and the self-service farmstand is open 24/7.
8 Hands Farm, Cutchogue
Meet the new lambs of 8 Hands Farm Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every half hour. The cost is $10 per person and viewing sessions are open to people of all ages. While you won’t get to snuggle these lambs, you’ll get to watch them jump and play in their environment. No reservation required, simply visit the farm during viewing hours.
While visiting these farms, it’s important to keep in mind that baby animals are, well, babies and need to be handled cautiously and gently AKA if you have a wild child, it might be best to visit these animals from afar.