Little Ranchers is a hands-on farm program created especially for our youngest ranchers!
Each one-hour session features a different animal or farm theme and gives little ones the opportunity to experience what it’s like to help care for animals at Piles Ranch.
We’ll learn a few fun, age-appropriate facts about our featured animals, practice gentle animal handling, help with real ranch chores, and spend plenty of time getting hands-on with our farm friends.
Depending on the week’s theme, Little Ranchers may get to scoop feed, carry little buckets, fill hay feeders, brush animals, gather eggs, help with water, prepare animal treats, or complete another simple ranch chore.
We’ll also incorporate a simple sensory, play or learning activity that goes along with our featured theme.
And, of course, there will be time to play in the corn pit!
Little Ranchers is intentionally designed to be simple, playful and hands-on. This isn’t a sit-down class—we want kids to learn by doing, exploring and getting a little dirty along the way!
OCTOBER THEMES:
October 14 — Pony Pals 🐴
Meet our miniature ponies and learn what it takes to care for them! Little Ranchers will learn what ponies eat, help with simple pony chores, practice grooming and brushing, and spend some hands-on time getting to know our smallest equine friends.
October 28 — Pumpkin Patch Ranchers 🎃
It’s fall on the ranch! Little Ranchers will explore pumpkins, help with simple fall ranch chores, and discover whether some of our farm animals enjoy pumpkins as much as we do. We’ll prepare a special pumpkin treat for one of our farm friends and enjoy a pumpkin-themed sensory, play or learning activity. Feel free to let your little one dress up!
PRICING:
$15 per child
One accompanying adult is included with each child’s registration.
Additional adults: $5 each
Little Ranchers is best suited for toddlers and preschool-aged children, although older siblings are welcome to attend.
OTHER NOTES:
Please wear closed-toe, farm-appropriate shoes and clothing that can get dirty.
Little Ranchers is an interactive farm program, so activities may vary depending on the animals, weather and what needs to be done around the ranch that day.
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled session.
Animal availability and interaction are always dependent on the health, needs and wellbeing of our animals.
EVENT REQUIREMENTS:
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
No pets.
Closed-toe shoes are required for all guests.
All guests must complete a Piles Ranch liability waiver before participating.
Please follow all posted and verbal animal-safety instructions.
Little Ranchers is held rain or shine unless hazardous weather makes it unsafe to operate.
FACILITIES:
Piles Ranch is a working farm. Activities may take place outdoors or in covered farm areas, and our facilities are not climate controlled. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Expect uneven ground, dirt, mud and normal farm conditions.
Handwashing/hand-sanitizing facilities are available after animal interactions.
REGISTRATION POLICIES:
Space is limited and advance registration is required.
All registrations are final and non-refundable.
If Piles Ranch cancels a session due to hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions, registered guests may choose to apply their balance toward another Piles Ranch event or receive a refund.
