Visiting a working farm is a wonderful educational opportunity for children and a relaxing adventure for the whole family. Joppa Hill Educational Farm in Bedford, New Hampshire is a nonprofit 35 acre working farm that has been preserved for the benefit of the whole community. It is open to the public daily year-round.
Over 60 animals live on the farm-cows,chickens,pigs,goats,donkeys,ducks,rabbits and cats, Oh my! You can visit the animals in the barnyard daily between 9:00am- 4:00pm. They are cared for by volunteers and staff. You may see them grazing up in the pasture or pass by them as you walk around the property. This is not a petting zoo, but the animals are very friendly.
The walking paths and roads are mostly dirt and gravel covered. There is a Loop Trail that starts at the farm and takes you to a beaver pond through forests and fields and there is access to the Piscataquog Land Conservancy, where you can hike and snowshoe in the winter.
The educational programs and events that they offer are impressive. Whether it's storytime with the animals, summer camp, gardening classes, farm explorers—to name a few— all these programs help further their mission of sharing the rich agricultural heritage of New Hampshire with the next generation. You will find a list of programs on their website.
The farm is just a thirty-minute drive from Nashua. Joppa Hill Educational Farm is free to enter, but they do suggest a cash or Venmo donation of $5 per family. Dogs must be leashed. Stop into the farmstand while you're there. It is open daily from 9am-6pm. If you're looking for a nearby adventure for the whole family, this is the place.
