My lifestyle has not allowed me to explore my farming daydreams, so my toddler and I are satisfied visiting local farms for now. I've heard a lot of positive things about Argos Farm from neighbors and friends but never made the trip. Months ago I put a reminder in my calendar to attend their Blueberry Festival. We love Blueberries in this house!
Nestled in Ocean County-- not far from Popcorn Park Zoo-- you come across sprawling Argos Farm. There is plenty of parking right on site, but note that even with a close spot, you are doing a LOT of walking here. Strollers are welcome, but maybe bring the jogger to help you manage the terrain. You ARE on a farm after all. Also-- lather up the sunscreen. We are on the fair-er side and I knew the farm would be pretty sunny. I made sure we had sunscreen on before leaving and then applied once more about an hour into the farm trip-- because I can't ever be too sure when it comes to our pale Irish skin!
The farm isn't just about blueberries. It is filled with lots of games and fun for the kiddos. There's a huge potato sack slide on a hill, there's a football/basketball game, there's a spot for corn angels (think snow angels, but with corn kernels), pony rides, a petting zoo area, checkerboards, an obstacle course, zipline and MORE. Plenty to do for all ages! There were groups of adults and groups of families enjoying the Blueberry Festival when we were there.
After walking in, we decided that we wanted to go feed the animals first. We brought our cup of feed back to where the donkeys, sheep and goats were hanging out (all the way across the farm to the left of the barn). Most of the animals feed from makeshift chutes into their pens... so my little guy used up his whole cup on a single hungry sheep. We had to go by more animal food inside the barn to share food with some other animals.
Also in the barn, you purchase the little blueberry crates to go pick your fill of this delicious fruit. Blueberry picking is super easy and my toddler loved walking up to the bushes and finding which ones he wanted to take home. Just remember, after you pick the berries you DO need to carry them everywhere until you leave. We don't use our stroller anymore so I tucked them into my backpack. Next time I'd grab a ziploc bag so they don't roll around in there as much!
Inside the farm you purchase your blueberry crates, food for the animals and other treats. There is even a sizable gift shop and bakery with all sorts of trinkets and fun little treasures. The back room of the farm is decorated in twinkle lights and has large tables to sit and eat your snacks from the fudge table or the nearby burger stand. There are also bathrooms in this area. The farm is pretty much all in open sun so having a nice and cool shady break in this barn area was pretty perfect (there was air conditioning in here!). I noted that this inside room probably makes a really sweet venue for rustic party themes!
Argos has lots of great photo spots scattered thru the property (smart for them! It is basically free advertising on social media) and they seem to know the value of an insta-worthy experience. One of the cutest areas is by Silo Sips, their little coffee hut that makes blueberry coffees and fantastic blueberry smoothies served with a blueberry donut on top. On a hot day, it was perfect to sip a smoothie and munch a donut at the covered tables while we listened to the live music coming from an area that they likely use for weddings and special events (my guess-- since the grounds there were so lush and had an awning on a raised platform).
After sharing our smoothie, we played on the wooden tractor and walked over to slide down the HUGE slide built on the hill (while sitting on a potato sack). My son and I did that together-- seemed a little too high and fast for him to go solo. We did our best at the football toss game and by then my little man was hot and tired and definitely ready for a nap so we decided to head back to the car. We spent about 2 hours on property and it was plenty of time for us to explore everything we wanted to do.
Visiting the farm wasn't cheap. You pay to get on property and additional amounts to feed the animals, have a pony ride and of course for any food, drinks and treats. Jacob and I spent about $50 on our visit there but I didn't blink an eye at it though. I love supporting local small businesses---especially ones that can provide us with fresh blueberries! Definitely purchase your tickets online to save a bit of money since tickets at the door are a bit more.
Argos farm also offers a sunflower festival and a fall festival. I can tell you right now that I hope to attend them both! There is so much the farm has to offer my kiddo and I can munch a blueberry donut and imagine that the horse over there is mine. Totally my speed.
For more info check out ARGOSFARM.com