Right – so you’ve been in Florida for a while now and, to be honest, you’ve seen enough of the “mouse” to last a lifetime! ! You’ve probably been on every ride under the sun (and vowed that each one would be your last) and have watched every parade and show going. So what now – do you long for something a bit different? Are you tired of your younger children standing at the beginning of rides crying either because they are too short for it and therefore can’t go on, or because they make the grade but REALLY REALLY don’t want to go on (despite Daddy’s protestations of “don’t know why we bothered coming if you’re not going to go on the rides”).
Well, I have four words for those of you who recognise yourselves in this – Green Meadows Petting Farm. Located in Kissimmee along Poinciana Blvd (six miles down from the 192), this completely different Orlando experience gives you the opportunity to draw breath and get well away from multi-coloured theme parks. The farm offers an ideal opportunity for children of all ages to interact with over 300 animals – pigs, cows, horses, chickens – even a zorse (called Tigger, who is so gorgeous that I defy you not to want to take her home).
Children and adults alike are actively encouraged by the friendly and knowledgeable guides to get “up close and personal” with the animals – pony riding, milking cows, stoking pigs – and if you’ve never watched a group of children trying to catch a goose or a duck, then this is something that you shouldn’t miss out on. The competition is fierce – all the dad’s willing on their offspring to be the first to “catch the chicken”! !
The admission price also includes a ride on the Green Meadows Express Train and a tractor drawn hayride around the farm. Just don’t forget to take your hayfever medication!
So, what’s involved? To be honest, this is best aimed at children up to about 10 (so around the age that Mr Mouse deems them to be adults! ! ), although our 12 year old was extremely gracious during our visit, and although a bit disappointed that he was too tall to ride the ponies, soon regained his composure when faced with trying to catch a couple of dozen geese to impress his younger brother and sisters!
Everyone is assigned to a guided tour which lasts around two hours, but this is very easy going and you are at liberty to duck out part way through if you wish. The literature quotes the average visit as being between 2-4 hours, so there are plenty of picnic areas available for those bringing lunch with them. We (based just up the road) went after lunch and stayed until closing. There are play areas for the children and plenty of space for them just to run around and let off some excess energy.
Prices compared to the rest of Florida are more than reasonable (general admission for adults and children is USD19 per person) and if you keep your eyes out in the freebie magazines that you can pick up in all supermarkets, you may well find money off vouchers as well. Suffice to say that our party of two adults, one senior citizen and three children (under 2’s are free) came in at slightly under USD100 for something that is COMPLETELY different and a refreshing change.
So go on, you know you’re just itching to catch that goose………
Well, I have four words for those of you who recognise yourselves in this – Green Meadows Petting Farm. Located in Kissimmee along Poinciana Blvd (six miles down from the 192), this completely different Orlando experience gives you the opportunity to draw breath and get well away from multi-coloured theme parks. The farm offers an ideal opportunity for children of all ages to interact with over 300 animals – pigs, cows, horses, chickens – even a zorse (called Tigger, who is so gorgeous that I defy you not to want to take her home).
Children and adults alike are actively encouraged by the friendly and knowledgeable guides to get “up close and personal” with the animals – pony riding, milking cows, stoking pigs – and if you’ve never watched a group of children trying to catch a goose or a duck, then this is something that you shouldn’t miss out on. The competition is fierce – all the dad’s willing on their offspring to be the first to “catch the chicken”! !
The admission price also includes a ride on the Green Meadows Express Train and a tractor drawn hayride around the farm. Just don’t forget to take your hayfever medication!
So, what’s involved? To be honest, this is best aimed at children up to about 10 (so around the age that Mr Mouse deems them to be adults! ! ), although our 12 year old was extremely gracious during our visit, and although a bit disappointed that he was too tall to ride the ponies, soon regained his composure when faced with trying to catch a couple of dozen geese to impress his younger brother and sisters!
Everyone is assigned to a guided tour which lasts around two hours, but this is very easy going and you are at liberty to duck out part way through if you wish. The literature quotes the average visit as being between 2-4 hours, so there are plenty of picnic areas available for those bringing lunch with them. We (based just up the road) went after lunch and stayed until closing. There are play areas for the children and plenty of space for them just to run around and let off some excess energy.
Prices compared to the rest of Florida are more than reasonable (general admission for adults and children is USD19 per person) and if you keep your eyes out in the freebie magazines that you can pick up in all supermarkets, you may well find money off vouchers as well. Suffice to say that our party of two adults, one senior citizen and three children (under 2’s are free) came in at slightly under USD100 for something that is COMPLETELY different and a refreshing change.
So go on, you know you’re just itching to catch that goose………