Activities Dealing With Farm Animals

Activities dealing with farm animals are available for all ages. Some events occur outdoors on farms or ranches and give participants an opportunity to sample country life. Certain farm animal activities for children occur in grocery store parking lots, malls or at schools. Regardless of the participant's age or the type of activity, the association with animals is usually very rewarding.

  1. Petting Zoos

    • Children love to get up close with farm animals.

      A favorite animal activity for young children is petting zoos. Some petting zoos are stationary and people travel to a farm to enjoy them. Others are mobile and travel to parties, elementary schools and fairs. Types of animals in petting zoos vary, but they usually have goats, sheep, pigs, a calf and a donkey or pony. Children are often allowed to feed the animals.

    Rodeos

    • Barrel racing is a popular rodeo event.

      Rodeos are contests between people and animals. Horses and bulls are bred and raised to perform and they enjoy throwing a rider as much as the rider has fun trying to stay astride the animal. Calves are used for various types of adult roping events and in calf scrambles for young children. Rodeo careers are begun by children in the mutton-busting event where they try to ride sheep. Other adult events are steer wrestling and barrel racing.

    Horse-Drawn Vehicles

    • Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a nice activity in the winter.

      Horse-drawn vehicles provide entertainment for people of all ages. Newly-weds enjoy romantic carriage rides down city streets. Evening rides on a wagon filled with hay are popular with middle and high school students. In the winter, horse-drawn sleigh rides are enjoyed.

    Greased Pig Races

    • A greased-pig race is hard to win.

      A popular sport at county fairs, town festivals and other celebrations is greased-pig races. Contestants position themselves on a starting line and several greased pigs are turned loose in a large enclosure. The objective of the contest is to be the first person to catch a pig and get it across the finish line.

    Trail Rides

    • Trail rides through wilderness areas are very popular.

      People purchase horses strictly for trail ride use. Clubs organize rides through wilderness areas and from one town to another. Participants travel in buggies, wagons and horseback. A popular attraction at dude ranches is trail rides where the ranch furnishes the horses.