A camel in New Jersey is already enough to make you do a double take.
Then you find out his name is Charlie.
That somehow makes the whole thing even better.
Charlie is one of the more unexpected residents at a family farm filled with animals that can turn an ordinary visit into a full afternoon of pointing, laughing, and saying, “Wait, they have WHAT?”
Camels have a certain talent for looking mildly unimpressed by everything around them, and Charlie appears to have mastered the role. Long lashes.
Long legs. Big personality.
He is not exactly the animal most people expect to meet on a local farm trip.
And yet there he is, calmly stealing attention.
Forget the usual barnyard lineup. Sometimes the star of the farm has a hump and a name you will remember.
Meet Charlie, the Gentle Giant Everyone Asks About
Honestly, nothing prepares you for that first look at Charlie. He is tall, calm, and somehow both goofy and graceful at the same time.
His long neck stretches toward visitors like he already knows who brought snacks.
Charlie the Camel is the most famous resident at Carm’s Farm, and it is easy to see why. Guests can feed him, which turns a simple petting zoo visit into something kids talk about for weeks.
Watching those big lips gently grab a carrot slice is oddly satisfying.
Here is a fun fact to share with little ones. Camels store fat in their humps, not water, which helps them go long stretches without food in the desert.
Charlie clearly does not need that skill here, since snacks arrive all day long.
My advice is simple. Visit Charlie early before the crowd builds, so your kids get plenty of up-close time.
Keep your hand flat when feeding, and let him take the food at his own pace.
He is patient, and you should be too. The payoff is a memory that sticks.
A Petting Zoo That Feels More Like a Small Zoo
Kangaroos in New Jersey? Yes, really.
That was the moment the size of this animal lineup truly hit me.
The list of animals here is long and wonderfully random. You will find goats, horses, mini cows, Texas Longhorns, Jersey cows, mini horses, mini donkeys, pigs, sheep, bison, alpacas, and llamas.
Then the birds show up too, with emus, turkeys, guinea hens, ducks, chickens, and showy peacocks strutting around.
And then there are the zebras. Their stripes look almost painted on, and kids usually stop in their tracks to stare.
It is a lot to take in during one afternoon.
Each animal has its own personality. Some love attention and crowd the fence, while others, like the bison and cows, may prefer a bit of space.
Give the shy ones room and they often warm up on their own terms. Plan to walk slowly through the whole loop.
Rushing means missing small, funny moments, like a goat climbing for a better view or a peacock suddenly fanning its tail.
Bring comfy shoes, because you will want to see everyone.
Carrots, Kale, and Happy Little Mouths
Feeding time is the heartbeat of the whole visit. Grab a cup of carrot slices or some kale, and suddenly every animal is your new best friend.
Many of the animals can be fed this way, which makes the experience hands-on instead of just looking through a fence. Small kids light up when a soft nose bumps their palm.
Older kids enjoy figuring out which animals are the greediest. Spoiler alert, the goats usually win.
A clever tip for nervous little ones is to use a clothespin to hold the carrot. That way they can still feed the animals without touching any mouths, which is a nice confidence booster for first-timers.
Pace your snack supply. It is tempting to hand out everything at the first pen, but there are so many animals ahead, including Charlie waiting patiently.
Hand washing stations are spread around the farm, and you will be glad to have them. Animal slobber is part of the fun, but a quick rinse before lunch is a smart move for everyone.
Clean hands, happy belly. That is the rule.
Bunny Pen Bliss
If you want to see pure joy, watch a toddler step into a pen full of bunnies. The giggles start almost instantly.
The bunny area is one of the most loved spots on the farm. Guests can go inside the enclosure, sit among the rabbits, and offer them carrots.
Little paws hop closer, noses twitch, and ears flop around in the cutest way possible.
Rabbits are calm when you are calm. Teach kids to sit low, move slowly, and keep their voices soft.
A bunny that feels safe is far more likely to come right up for a snack.
Here is a fun bit of trivia. Rabbits have teeth that never stop growing, so chewing on crunchy foods like carrots helps keep them healthy.
This spot works great for younger children who might feel a bit unsure around bigger animals like horses or bison. Everything here is small, soft, and friendly.
Bring your camera, since the photos practically take themselves. A child surrounded by rabbits is the kind of picture that ends up framed on a fridge for years.
All Aboard the Barrel Train
Some rides are thrilling. The barrel train is the opposite, and that is exactly its charm.
Kids climb into cut-out barrels hooked together like train cars, then roll along paths that wind around the farm. It is slow, bumpy in a fun way, and gives everyone a fresh view of the animals and fields.
Toddlers especially love it, and parents enjoy a short break from walking.
The ride doubles as a mini tour. Riding first can be a clever way to scout the farm and decide which animals to visit later.
Little hands wave at goats, horses, and anything else that moves. Do not be surprised if your kids ask to go again right after they hop off.
The train tends to become a favorite, and many families make it a must-do every visit.
For the best experience, go during a quieter part of the day. Weekday afternoons can feel more relaxed, since the farm opens at 11 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends.
Wave to the camels as you pass. They might not wave back, but it still counts.
Zip Lines, Apple Cannons, and a Human Hamster Wheel
Animals are only half the story. The other half is pure, wild-energy fun for kids who need to burn off steam.
Start with the zip line, a big hit with adventurous kids. Next comes the apple cannon game, where players launch apples toward targets.
It sounds silly, and it absolutely is, which is exactly why it is so popular with older kids and adults alike.
Then there is the human hamster wheel. Yes, you read that right.
Kids climb inside and run to make it spin, and the laughing never seems to stop.
Small bikes give little riders another way to zoom around. Antique cars and tractors are scattered about for climbing and photos too.
This area is great for families with mixed ages. While a toddler watches, an older sibling can aim apples or race the wheel.
A quick tip from the planning side of things is to mix active play with calm animal time. Bouncing between the two keeps kids from crashing early, so the whole family can stay longer and enjoy more.
Digging for Treasure in the Gem Mine and Sand Pit
Ever watched a kid strike gold? Gem mining gets surprisingly close to that feeling.
Children pour bags of sand into a screen, rinse it in running water, and watch colorful stones appear. Each find gets a gasp.
It is a calm, focused activity that feels like a real treasure hunt, and kids usually leave with a little bag of shiny prizes.
Gem mining also sneaks in some learning. Ask kids about the colors and shapes they find, and you may spark a new interest in rocks and minerals.
Nearby, the sand pit is a dream for little diggers. It is big, it is clean, and it is perfect for building, scooping, and just sitting in the sun.
This corner of the farm is a smart stop when energy runs low. Parents can rest at a nearby picnic table while kids stay busy.
Pack a small towel or wipes in your bag. Sand has a way of following kids home, tucked into shoes, pockets, and somehow even hair.
Consider it a souvenir.
Fall Magic With a Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Autumn turns the farm into something extra cozy. The air cools down, the colors warm up, and suddenly everyone wants a pumpkin.
During fall, a pumpkin patch opens up, and it is a favorite spot for family photos. Kids hunt for the roundest, biggest, or weirdest pumpkin they can find.
Some go tiny, some go giant, and every choice is the right one.
Then comes the corn maze, available seasonally. Wandering through tall stalks, taking wrong turns, and laughing your way back out is classic fall fun.
Visiting in the fall is a good way to pair animal time with seasonal traditions. Charlie and friends are still there to greet you, so you get the best of both worlds.
Dress in layers, since mornings can be chilly and afternoons can feel warm in the sun.
Good shoes help too, because pumpkin patches and corn rows can get muddy after rain. Plan for plenty of picture stops, and maybe bring a wagon or strong arms for carrying your prized pumpkin back to the car.
Planning a Smooth Day on the Farm
A little planning goes a long way here. The farm is big, and you will want enough time to enjoy it without rushing.
The petting zoo is open from mid-March through December 31. Hours run 11 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends.
Weekend visits often include live music, which adds a cheerful soundtrack to your day.
Free on-site parking makes arriving easy. Bathrooms and hand washing stations are available throughout the property.
Hungry? Food is sold on site, and picnic tables give everyone a spot to rest.
You can sit back, snack, and watch kids play in the sand nearby.
Leave pets at home, since only service animals are allowed. This keeps the farm animals calm and safe.
Sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes are your best friends on warm days. Above all, save your last carrots for a final goodbye to Charlie.
You can find Carm’s Farm at 296 County Rd 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722, an easy country escape in New Jersey that is well worth the drive.
