Need an excuse to get out of the house? Bring your tiny farmer to the Blandford Farm for this farm-themed version of our popular Nature Buds program! Each program will be hosted by a Blandford Farmer and will feature a barnyard tour, a story, and an activity, all geared towards our youngest visitors. There will also be some time for self-guided play in the farm playscape. New farm themes each week.
This program is designed for children ages 1-4 and their caregivers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Older children are welcome but should be prepared for the slower pace of this program. Children under 12 months are free, but registration is required for all participants. Program will run rain, snow, or shine, so dress for the weather!
Notes: Pre-registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome; if dropping in the day of, please call our front desk at (616) 735-6240 to check program capacity. Check-in starts at the Blandford Farm 10 minutes before the listed start time. Look for our staff person in the farmyard space between the large red animal barn and the barn playscape. The first 15 people to check-in are guaranteed spots; more spots may be available on a first come first serve basis. Program registration fee covers all day admission to Blandford Nature Center (includes trails, Visitors Center, Wildlife Education Center, etc).
Member Child: $5
Member Caregiver: Free (registration still required)
Non-Member Child: $8
Non-Member Caregiver: $3 (price of admission)
Infants Under 12 months: Free (registration still required)
Staff may take card payments or exact change.
Each registered child is required to have a registered adult accompany them for this program.
Please note there are NO BATHROOMS AT THE FARM from November to March and only port-a-potties available from April to October. The nearest full-service bathrooms are at the Blandford Visitor Center, a 10-15 minute walk or 2 minute drive away.
Please Note: This program will take place mainly outdoors. Crafts may be done indoors depending on weather conditions including rain or wind.
COVID-19 Information: As of January 1, 2023, face coverings are not required while participating in programs indoors or outdoors at Blandford. Blandford will continue to monitor local COVID rates and reserves the right to reinstate masking requirements for staff, general visitors, and program participants of all ages, regardless of vaccination status, if community health concerns arise. Blandford will notify program participants if this policy changes before a scheduled program takes place. Participants should not attend a program if they show any signs of infectious illness, including cough, fever, headache, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea.
