Adams Family Farm in Wilmington is the rare attraction that earns a spot on the itinerary in every season. A working, seven-generation family farm tucked off Higley Hill Road, it lets kids feed alpacas and emus in summer, bounce in a hay jump, ride a tractor-pulled wagon, and – when the snow flies – glide through the maple grove on a horse-drawn sleigh. For families staying near Mount Snow, it’s one of the most reliable hits with younger kids.
The farm has been in the Adams family for generations, and that lived-in, hands-on character is the whole appeal. This isn’t a polished theme park – it’s a real Vermont farm that opens its gates to visitors.
Meet the Animals
The heart of a summer visit is the petting area, where the animal lineup runs well past the usual goats and sheep. Expect to come face to face with horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, ducks, chickens, turkeys – and the crowd favorites, a herd of alpacas and a pair of emus. Grab a feed basket and the animals will happily make your acquaintance.
🐐 Goats, sheep, pigs, and rabbits up close
🦙 Alpacas and emus that steal the show
🐴 Belgian draft horses, the farm’s gentle giants
🐤 Ducks, chickens, and turkeys roaming the barnyard
It’s genuine, slightly muddy, hands-on farm time – the kind of unhurried hour that little kids remember long after the trip.
Wagon Rides, Bonfires, and Summer Camp
Beyond the barnyard, the farm runs a full slate of seasonal activities. In summer and fall, tractor-pulled wagon rides wind up through the maple grove, past the trout pond, and toward the top of the hill before circling back. Evening bonfire parties, sheep-herding and fiber-arts demonstrations, and a kids’ camp in July and August round out the warm-weather calendar.
The farm also offers guided horseback trail rides and a paintball course, so there’s something here for older kids and teens, not just the little ones. Many of these activities run by reservation, so it’s worth calling ahead to lock in a time and confirm what’s running the week you visit.
Winter Sleigh Rides
When winter settles in, the wagons give way to the experience the farm is most famous for – a true New England sleigh ride. Belgian draft horses pull the sleigh through the snow-covered maple grove and along the ridge to an old log cabin at the forest’s edge. Inside, you can warm up by the wood stove with a cup of hot chocolate and a vintage player piano going. The whole outing runs about an hour and a half, split between the sleigh and the cabin.
It’s a standout winter memory for ski-week families looking for one afternoon off the slopes. Reservations are essential in the busy holiday and February weeks.
Plan Your Visit
📍 15 Higley Hill Road, Wilmington, VT
🐾 Petting farm, wagon rides, sleigh rides, bonfires, paintball, and horseback riding
👧 Kids’ camp offered in July and August
📅 Hours and activities are seasonal – call ahead or check the website to confirm and reserve
Because the farm rotates its offerings with the seasons and many activities require a reservation, a quick call before you go saves disappointment – especially for the sleigh rides and summer camp, which fill up. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Mount Snow area, an easy outing from a home base like Valley View Villa.
More Family Fun in the Valley
Adams Family Farm pairs naturally with the rest of the area’s family lineup. For more time around animals, Flames Stables runs guided trail rides nearby. On a hot afternoon, the area’s swimming spots are the natural next stop, and the top things to do guide covers the rest of a family week.
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Horseback Riding at Flames Stables — Guided trail rides in Wilmington
- Top Things to Do — A full guide to the area
- Where to Swim — Lakes, beaches, and hidden spots
- Dog-Friendly Guide — Trails and tips for travelers with dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Adams Family Farm located?
Adams Family Farm is at 15 Higley Hill Road in Wilmington, VT, about a 15-minute drive from the Mount Snow area. It’s a working, seven-generation family farm open to visitors.
What animals are at the Adams Family Farm petting zoo?
The petting area includes horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, and turkeys, plus the crowd favorites – alpacas and emus. Feed baskets are available so kids can feed the animals.
Does Adams Family Farm do sleigh rides in winter?
Yes – horse-drawn sleigh rides through the maple grove are the farm’s signature winter experience, ending at a cozy log cabin with a wood stove and hot chocolate. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during holiday and February weeks.
Do you need a reservation for Adams Family Farm?
Many activities – including wagon rides, sleigh rides, horseback rides, and the kids’ camp – run by reservation, and hours change with the season. Call ahead or check their website to confirm what’s available and book your spot before you visit.
