How to keep children busy on a farm holiday (without screens

29 January 2026 (Last updated: 29 Jan 2026 13:52)

If you're planning a farm holiday with the family, you're in for a treat. There's something magical about watching children discover the joys of outdoor life - and the best part? They'll be so busy with real-world adventures that screens won't even cross their minds.

Farm holidays are brilliant for younger children, especially. Everything feels new and exciting, from the animals to the mud (oh, the glorious mud!). Here are some tried-and-tested ideas to keep your little ones happily occupied from dawn till dusk.

Animal magic

This is often the star of the show, and for good reason. Kids can help with feeding times - chickens, lambs (seasonally), and goats are always popular. There's something special about being responsible for an animal's care, even if it's just for a day.

Meeting baby animals is an absolute highlight. There's nothing quite like capturing a toddler's face when they meet a fluffy chick or bottle-feed a lamb for the first time. Spring and early summer are peak times for this, but many farms have animal experiences year-round.

Photo taken at Hoe Grange Holidays

 

Some of our Farm Stay members offer farm tours - either on foot or on the back of a bumpy tractor - and it is a wonderful way to find out more about the history of the farm, the animals and the people who make it magical.

Photo taken at Middle Stone Farm

 

And don't underestimate the simple joy of collecting fresh eggs. The warm eggs, the excitement of finding them in the nesting boxes, carrying them carefully back in a basket - it's wonderfully simple but children absolutely love it.

Not only that, it is a wonderful conversation starter about where our food comes from.

 

Getting outside (and gloriously mucky)

Farm holidays are one of the few places where getting properly muddy is not just allowed but practically encouraged! While you will find plenty of wonderful walks on your doorstep, children will always find a way to make it fun. Whether that’s taking charge of the route, climbing trees, foraging for berries en route or scavenging (see the nature explorers section), there is never a dull moment.

Photo taken at Hoe Grange Holidays

 

Puddle jumping is a right of passage for any child on a Farm Stay holiday. From the muckiest, deepest and most spectacular puddles to the smallest and squelchiest, children seem to have an in-built puddle-navigation system and can sniff them out in no time.

Wellington boots are essential kit, obviously. Puddle jumping becomes an actual activity rather than something you're trying to prevent, and honestly? It's liberating for everyone.

Photo taken at Hoe Grange Holidays

 

Our members are old hats when it comes to family farm fun, many of whom will have raised their own families on the very same farms. Expect to find activities such as mud kitchens with old pots, pans, and wooden spoons to make "mud pies," "soup," and all sorts of potions and concoctions. Adults are actively encouraged to join in and we bet you will be transported back to your own childhoods in the process.

You will also find outdoor play areas and games to use at your leisure.

Photo taken at Upper Vobster Farm

 

Nature explorers

Staying on a farm will turn your little ones into junior naturalists with some simple activities. Farm scavenger hunts work brilliantly - many of our members will already have them set up or you could create lists of things to spot or collect, like different types of feathers, stones, leaves, or wildflowers. You could challenge them to find footprints of different animals or spot tractors and farm machinery of different colours (which leads nicely to...).

Tractor / combine spotting is surprisingly entertaining (depending on the time of year). How many tractors can they count in a day? What colours are they? Can they hear one working in the distance? You could even make a simple tally chart together.

Photo taken at Brackenborough Hall Farm

 

If there's a stream or pond on the farm, this can occupy children for ages. Throwing pebbles, watching ripples, looking for tadpoles or minnows, building little stick bridges - the simple pleasures really are the best.

Hands-on farm fun

Many farms let children help with age-appropriate jobs. Pulling vegetables from the patch, watering plants, or learning how to stack hay might sound like chores, but children love to feel useful.

Photo taken at Hoe Grange Holidays

 

Wheelbarrow rides are always a winner too. Older siblings or parents can give rides around the farm - simple, old-fashioned fun that costs nothing.

If there are wooded areas or spare hay bales around, den building can keep children entertained for hours. Throw in some old blankets and they'll create their own little hideout kingdoms.

 

Rainy day ideas

Because let's be honest, British weather being what it is, you'll probably need a Plan B at some point. And again, our members are well-equipped.

Photo taken at Brackborough Hall Farm

 

With plenty of games, books, dressing up and farm activities to choose from, you will never hear “I’m bored” on a Farm Stay holiday. Some members even provide sensory boxes to combat overwhelm, especially if you are travelling with a child with SEND.

On many Farm Stays, you will find dedicated games rooms, which families can use at their leisure and also provide a great opportunity to meet other families staying on the farm.

Others have indoor swimming pools where you can burn off some energy and play all day.

Nature crafts work well, too. Pressed flowers, leaf rubbings, painted stones, or making bug hotels from sticks and leaves. Bring along some simple craft supplies and let the farm provide the inspiration.

Photo taken at Hoe Grange Holidays

 

But, in all honesty, sometimes the most fun comes from wrapping up and getting outside, whatever the weather. As they say “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

Which brings us to our next point…

 

What to Pack

Let's talk logistics. Here's what you'll need to make the most of your farm adventure:

The absolute essentials: Wellington boots (at least one pair per child, maybe two if you've got space - they will get soaked), waterproof jackets and trousers, and old clothes you genuinely don't mind getting wet and dirty. This is not the holiday for their best outfits!

Layer up: Mornings can be chilly, afternoons surprisingly warm. Long-sleeved tops, fleeces, and comfy trousers work well. And don't forget sun protection (even in winter) - hat, suncream, and sunglasses. You'll be outside way more than usual and you will be surprised how quickly you can get caught out.

The practical bits: Spare shoes for indoors (most farm accommodations prefer you leave the wellies at the door), plastic bags galore for muddy clothes and nature treasures, baby wipes for quick clean-ups, and a basic first aid kit for scraped knees and splinters on the go (most Farm Stays will provide these in your accommodation).

The fun extras: A bug viewer or magnifying glass for examining fascinating creepy crawlies, a small bucket and net for pond dipping, a sketch pad for drawing the animals, a camera for getting snaps from the childrens’ point of view, and farm-themed bedtime books - they feel extra special when you've been living the farm life all day.

Photo taken at Brackborough Hall Farm

 

What to leave at home: Anything white, anything with complicated fastenings, clothes that need special washing, and honestly? Your expectations of staying pristine. The muddier they get, the better the holiday!

 

The Bottom Line

Farm holidays offer something screens simply can't - real experiences, real animals, real mud, and real memories. Yes, they'll get filthy. But watching your children's faces light up when they collect their first egg or meet a newborn lamb? Absolutely priceless.

So pack those wellies, embrace the chaos, and get ready for one of the best family holidays you'll ever have.