Leave the stress of everyday life behind when you go onto Majestic Meadow Alpaca Farm’s 20 acres of open pastures, where you are free to roam and visit their alpacas and other animals.

Majestic Meadows has over 70 alpacas, llamas, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, miniature potbellied pigs, and highland miniature cows. But that’s not all! They also have three types of goats, three types of sheep, kangaroos and wallabies, turkeys, ducks, two types of camels, sulcatta tortoises, capybaras, and Flemish giant rabbits! They often introduce new animals, such as otters. If you want to keep up to date with their new babies, visit their Facebook page.

You can get a close-up experience with the animals by hand-feeding them. Grain is for sale at the boutique.

They even offer special programs like Become a Jr Farmer for the Day and Alpaca & Goat Yoga.

The boutique has unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs that you will love. They have socks, hats, scarves, clothing, and blankets made from alpaca fibers, some from right there on the farm. They also have home goods, beauty items, and toys, like Alpaca-opoly.

Where is Majestic Meadows Located?

• Address: 4195 Abbeyville Road, Medina, Ohio 44256
• Phone: 330-725-2977 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

More Things to Do in Ohio

If you are in northeast Ohio in October, take a wagon ride out to pick your own pumpkin at Kingsway Pumpkin Farm. At any time of year, you can check out Indian Mounds in Ohio, or try out the wineries in the area at Cork and Tap Excursions.

Check out more local gems in Ohio – Yutzy’s Farm Market, Remember When Tea Room, The Pearl Dublin, Lofts Coffee Company and Roastery, and Groovy Plants Ranch.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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About Young’s Dairy

The history of Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm begins when the red barn was built in 1869. The 60-acre farm was bought just after the end of WWII, and for around ten years after the purchase of the farm, the family farmed the land. It was in 1958 that the family decided to sell Jersey milk to the public.

Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm has something for everyone. Whether this is visiting the animals, enjoying some sports, or having a meal with drinks, there is something here that will keep everyone entertained all day long. Below are some of the things that you could soon be enjoying at Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm.

Spring Events

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Egg Hunt is very popular with children who love to participate. The events are split into age groups:

• 2:00 pm – Ages 4 and Under
• 2:20 pm – Ages 5 to 7
• 2:40 pm – Ages 8 to 10

This event is free of charge and goes ahead regardless of weather conditions.

Memorial Day Weekend

The Memorial Day weekend is great fun with carnival rides available. The Carnival typically runs at the following times:

• Thursday & Friday: 3 pm – 10 pm
• Saturday: 12 pm – 11 pm
• Sunday & Monday: 12 pm – 10 pm

Please call ahead or visit the website to find out the prices.

Summer Events

Independence Day Family Value Week

Some activities included with the wristband are Moovers & Shakers, batting cages, Wagon Farm Ride, and Cowvin’s Fast Slide. The wristbands are good for a full day of entertainment. Please enquire on the website or phone for prices.

Labor Day Family Value Weekend

The Labor Day Family Value Weekend is a great time to visit the farm. Once again, the wristband is good for all day, and there are plenty of activities to choose from such as Cowvin’s fast slide, Cowvin’s corny maze, Wagon ride, plus a whole lot more. Please enquire ahead of time on the website or by phone for prices.

Fall Events

Wool Gathering

The Wool Gathering takes place in mid-September. Wool-bearing animals such as Angora rabbits, llamas, alpacas, and cashmere goats will be on show for the guests. 

In this event, there is a demonstration of how to shear the animals. Admission to this event is free of charge, and there are a lot of vendors from Ohio.

Cowvin’s Corny Maze

This tricky maze that covers 3.5 acres with over one mile of path is open daily from early August to early November. Can you conquer the maze? At the end is a fun playground for the kids to enjoy.

• Check out our article about Cowvin’s Corny Maze!

Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm has acres of pumpkin patches. The pumpkins that can be picked range from fairly small to huge!

Pumpkin Picking is typically available at the farm between mid-September and late October. Be sure to check the website and social media for up-to-date information. 

Purchase a pumpkin ticket from the store and then get on the wagon, which takes you out onto the fields. You will need to check the website in advance for the cost of this activity.

Winter Events

There are various winter events here. We are only listing one, so be sure to check the website for other events such as Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees

There is a 30-acre site where the Christmas trees are grown. You can select and cut down your own tree, then the staff will wrap it and load it for you. This event is by reservation only. Reservation slots open in September.

Please note that the above events are just a taste of the events that Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm holds. Check out their ‘Cowlendar of Events‘ for more information.

Food and Drink

Young’s Dairy Ice Cream

Delicious ice cream made fresh on the farm using the farm’s own ingredients. The ice cream made here is really smooth. It is made slowly, which makes it taste a lot richer. The ice cream flavors change frequently.

Young’s Dairy Cheese

Cheese is also a big staple of the farm. Some of the cheeses produced are Cheddar, Italian, Garlic, Dill, and Basil Cheddar.

Young’s Dairy Store

The Store is a restaurant offering meals and snacks, including Burgers, Fries, Sandwiches, Breakfasts, and salads. You can also order online and pick it up to-go.

More Activities

There is always so much going on at Young’s Dairy! Here are some more activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Cowtherine’s Carousel

Cowtherine’s Carousel includes six Jersey Cows, one pig, one goat, one rooster, and 21 horses, each decorated to represent Young’s ice cream flavors.

More Family Fun

• On-site cheese and ice cream production. There are windows available so you can see people working
• A private party/meeting room for birthdays and small events
• A Farmstead Cheese shop selling Young’s branded memorabilia and other treats
• Indoor seating that accommodates more than 250 people
• An outdoor “Cow Patty-O” with another 250 seats for Guests. This opens on a seasonal basis

Where is Young’s Dairy Located?

• Address: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
• Phone: 937-325-0629 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Young’s Dairy

Let’s Visit Young’s Dairy!

Have you visited Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm? We’d love to hear all about your experience – what time of year did you visit? What events or activities did you partake in while you were there? What’s your favorite Young’s ice cream flavor? Let us know in the comments below!

If you have a sweet tooth and can’t get enough of ice cream, have a peek at our post dedicated to Ohio Ice Cream Shops!

Do you know about all the things to do in Yellow Springs, Ohio? Let us know if your favorites made our list!

Typically, from June onwards, Molnar Farms opens its doors for seasonal fun!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Map of Zoos in Ohio

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is a popular visitor location with some hands-on experiences, like feeding the giraffes. There is a museum and activities such as a train ride and ziplining.

This zoo holds a Christmas lights show each year called ‘Lights Before Christmas‘, starting mid-November until the end of December.

• Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio 43609
• Phone: 419-385-5721 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

African Safari Wildlife Park

Visitors can either walk or drive around the African Safari Wildlife Park. The animals seen on the drive-through are mainly different from those walking around the park. Visitors can feed some of the animals. Find out more details on their website before you visit.

• Address: 267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
• Phone: 800-521-2660 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Akron Zoo

Akron Zoo has beautiful gardens for visitors to walk around, containing over 7,200 plants and shrubs. There is also an amphitheater for educational talks and demonstrations.

This zoo has a Christmas lights display called ‘Wild Lights‘, running throughout December.

• Address: 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, Ohio 44307
• Phone: 330-375-2550 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Lagoon Deer Park

Lagoon Deer Park has a petting zoo where the animals have free range in a large area, so interaction with the animals is encouraged. If you feed the animals, there is a good chance they will follow you around the park!

Fishing without a license is available on the four lagoons in the park. The ponds are stocked with rainbow trout, bullheads, channel cat, white bass, carp, largemouth, rock bass, bluegill, crappies, perch, muskies, and northern pike. There are also weekend night fishing opportunities.

• Address: 1012 Martins Point Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
• Phone: 419-684-5701 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the oldest establishments in Ohio. This Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the entire United States. This is also a huge place that covers over 550 acres of land. There are over 10,000 individual animals that call this zoo their home. The Zookeepers also give talks that guests are encouraged to join.

Columbus Zoo has a Christmas lights show called ‘Wildlights‘, starting late November until early January.

• Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, Ohio 43065
• Phone: 614-645-3400 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

This is a great zoo that offers other activities such as a train, a 4D theater, and a zip line. It covers over 180 acres of land and is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

This zoo is divided into different zones. For example, in the wilderness zone, you will be able to see bears, wolves, reindeer, and other animals that live in the wilderness. In other areas of the zoo, there are animals like big cats and elephants.

Visitors can walk or drive through the Christmas light show, called ‘Winter Wild Lights‘, starting mid-November until the end of December.

• Address: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
• Phone: 216-661-6500 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the top wildlife places to visit in the entire United States. There are over 2,000 animals and over 3,000 plants and shrubs that call this home. Ohio’s most famous zoo resident lives here – Fiona the hippo. Born prematurely, the whole world watched her survive against all odds!

The zoo puts a lot of emphasis on exhibits. Some of the exhibits that run in this Zoo include Cat Canyon, Hippo Cove, Penguin Point, and the African Habitat.

The Reptile House has been granted National Historical Landmark status. After seeing the animals in the zoo, you can also take a walk around the grounds, and there are activities for the kids as well, such as the outdoor train ride and the carousel.

The ‘PNC Festival of Lights‘ runs from mid-November to early January at the Cincinnati Zoo.

• Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
• Phone: 513-281-4700 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Let’s Visit Zoos In Ohio!

Which is your favorite Ohio zoo? Did it make our list, or would you like it added? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

If you love zoos, a great day out for both adults and kids is a visit to Petting Farms in Ohio, or visit some of the Covered Bridges in Ohio.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

The post Zoos In Ohio appeared first on Visit Ohio Today.

About Freshwater Farms

Freshwater Farms is a family-run fish hatchery specializing in Rainbow Trout, stocking fish for your home pond, and White Sturgeon.

The farm is free to visit, and there are many activities, including the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival that is held over three Saturdays in September each year.

Both guided and self-guided tours are available. The water features you see around the farm have been designed by Ben Smith, son of Dr. Dave Smith, the farm owner. Fountains are available for sale at Freshwater Farms.

Visit Freshwater Farms

In the Fish Barn, visitors will find thousands of stocking fish, a sturgeon petting zoo, toads, salamanders, turtles, ducks, and more!

At the outdoor rainbow trout exhibit, throwing a handful of feed into the water will cause a ‘feeding frenzy’ – the kids love it! (You will need quarters for the feed dispenser.)

Visitors can learn about fish care and how to maintain a healthy pond, as well as buy all the fish and equipment necessary, including pond fountains, diffusers, water treatment supplies, aquatic plants, and much more.

The retail store offers more fresh trout products than anywhere else in the state. There is also a selection of locally made specialty foods such as honey, jams, syrups, and more. You will also find a diverse selection of wines in the store.

There are some picnic areas, and the smoked trout products are ready to eat, so be prepared to enjoy the freshest trout ever!

A map of the farm is available online.

Here is a short video of a ‘Feeding Frenzy’:

Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival

Freshwater Farms hosts the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival on the first three Saturdays of September each year. This festival celebrates the harvest of freshwater shrimp. There is an array of shrimp dishes visitors can enjoy while watching live music, browsing the vendors, and getting involved in the family fun and activities.

Where is Freshwater Farms Located?

• Address: 2624 N U.S. Highway 68, Urbana, Ohio 43078
• Phone: 937-652-3701 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Freshwater Farms

Let’s Go to Freshwater Farms!

Have you visited Freshwater Farms? What was your favorite thing to do while you were there? We would love to hear all about your trip! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you love animals and farms, we highly recommend a visit to Marmon Valley Farms – a great visit for the whole family!

Here are some other farms that welcome visitors: Walker Farms, Molnar Farms, Leeds Farm.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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About Marmon Valley Farms

Marmon Valley Farms is a farm located just west of central Ohio in Zanesfield. It has over 150 horses and is open to the public. The farm specializes in trail rides through the beautiful wooded area surrounding the farm. 

In addition to the horses and ponies, the farm also has many other animals that you can visit. They even have a silo slide and some outdoor family fun activities where the kids can climb. 

The farm is also a wildly popular place for school field trips. Our family has personally attended a few school field trips there, and we enjoyed our visits!

For a day outing, you can book your trail ride, visit the animals, play in the play barn, test your skills at the rope bridge, and enjoy lunch in their picnic area!

Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Horseback Riding

Marmon Valley Farms has over 150 highly trained horses and ponies, and horseback riding is their specialty. The riding stable is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday. The farm prides itself on providing safe horseback riding for all ages. 

If you are looking to book a trail ride at Marmon Valley Farms, we suggest that you book online. The trail rides have become very popular.

Expect to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Logan County when on a trail ride! The trail rides lead into the hilly woods that surround the farm. You will not forget this trail ride! Riders must be at least six years old, and there is a weight limit of 250 pounds maximum per rider. 

Pony Rides

Pony rides are also available for riders aged two and older.  The parents of the children will be instructed on how to lead the pony for the child. Be warned that the pony arena may be muddy. Reservations are recommended for this activity as well. Pony rides are typically 20 minutes. 

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Horse Riding Lessons

If you want to learn how to ride a horse, Marmon Valley Farms provides riding lessons. In fact, they have been teaching riding lessons for over fifty years. Both English and Western lessons are available for ages six to adult. The instructors are ready to help you gain new horse riding skills and level up in horsemanship.

Adopt a Horse

If you are a frequent rider at the farm and have a favorite horse, you can participate in the “Adopt a Horse program”. The adoption package comes in either 3-month or 6-month adoption periods.  It allows the rider to enjoy riding and grooming the horse without the extra responsibilities of ownership. 

With the Adopt-a-Horse program, you can groom the horse on Sundays. You get either 8 or 16 (1-hour-long) trail passes, a trading card of your horse, a certificate for the Marmon Valley Farms store, and an adoption certificate.

Marmon Valley Farms Video – History of the Farm

Camps at Marmon Valley Farms

Marmon Valley Farms is a popular summer camp destination among central Ohio youth. Campers can expect the theme of “Faith, Friends, and Farm.” Fun activities, as well as relationships, provide the means and opportunities to share and lead young people to Jesus Christ. 

Throughout the summer camp at Marmon Valley Farms, campers will have one-to-one interaction with staff as well as Bible lessons and structured devotional activities to help grow in their faith. 

Campers are never left unsupervised. They move to and from all activities with their cabin group and at least one camp counselor or instructor. All activities, such as games, snack time, and even free time, are closely monitored by the summer camp staff. 

Marmon Valley Farms is a member of the CCCA, which is the Christian Camping and Conference Association. The Marmon Valley Farms Horsemanship Directors are also certified instructors through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). 

Camp staff are typically college-aged young adults who have committed to the entire summer serving at the camp. The camp staff are carefully screened and selected to make sure they align with the camp’s beliefs. For more information about the camps at Marmon Valley Farms, visit here.

Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Country Christmas at Marmon Valley Farms

Marmon Valley Farms is open year-round, and Christmas is especially lovely here. If you want a family-friendly activity that captures the spirit of Christmas, you have got to spend an evening at Marmon Valley Farms during the Country Christmas event. 

Country Christmas is a unique hayride that literally brings you right into the story of Jesus’s birth. You will “be there” and see when Mary and Joseph travel in search of an Inn. You will “be there” when the shepherds relive the news of the birth and more. Be a part of the entire story. 

Country Christmas at Marmon Valley Farms is a 45-minute wagon ride production. It includes five mini-stories that depict events recorded in the Bible about the birth of Jesus. After the wagon ride, you can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies as you enjoy more activities and live music. Be sure to visit all the animals and take part in the pony rides! 

Where is Marmon Valley Farms Located?

• Address: 7754 OH-292 S, Zanesfield, Ohio 43360
• Phone: 937-593-8000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Marmon Valley Farms

Let’s Go to Marmon Valley Farms

Have you been to Marmon Valley Farms? We want to hear about your experience! Drop us a comment below telling us about your visit to Marmon Valley Farms!

If you love horseback riding or would like to try it for the first time, check out these articles: Hocking Hills Horseback Riding, Horseback Riding in Ohio, and Spotted Horse Ranch.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

The post Marmon Valley Farms appeared first on Visit Ohio Today.