Black bears, wolves, and a camel sharing the same attraction with friendly farm animals? That’s an unusual combination, and it makes an ordinary animal outing sound much more adventurous.
The New Hampshire farm offers visitors opportunities to observe wildlife alongside familiar domestic animals, creating an experience that appeals to families with curious children. Its collection includes species you wouldn’t normally expect to encounter during a trip to the countryside.
I like how the variety gives everyone something different to get excited about. You can watch the larger animals from designated viewing areas, discover the personalities of the farm residents, and enjoy the outdoor setting.
Children who love horses and goats might be especially intrigued by the chance to see wolves or bears. With so many different animals represented, there’s plenty to talk about afterward.
A Camel And Black Bears On The Same Farm? Yes, Really
Two humps, long eyelashes, and a calm stare make the Bactrian camel at Charmingfare Farm a total scene-stealer. You don’t expect a desert animal in the New England woods, and that surprise never really wears off.
Just down the path, American black bears add a very different kind of wow. These are the same bears that roam New Hampshire forests, but here you can see them safely from outside their enclosure.
That mix is exactly what makes this place special. Charmingfare Farm blends traditional barnyard life with North American wildlife, so one visit feels like a farm trip and a zoo trip combined.
Bears keep their own schedules, of course. Some days they lounge in plain view, and other days they nap somewhere out of sight, so patience pays off.
Kids usually want to compare the two animals right away. Which one is bigger?
Which one eats more? Those questions turn into great little science chats on the walk.
A quick tip helps here. Visit the bears early in your trip, then circle back before you leave for a second chance to spot them.
Bring a camera with a decent zoom too. Fences can make close-up photos tricky, and you’ll want proof of this odd couple.
The Wild Side Gets Wilder With Foxes, Bobcats And More
Wolves are part of the farm’s wildlife lineup, and they’re one big reason people make the drive. Still, the wild roster goes far beyond them.
Bobcats, coyotes, red foxes, porcupines, raccoons, and skunks all call the property home. Fallow deer, wood ducks, and eagle owls round out the list nicely.
Most of these animals are native to North America. That means your kids get a peek at creatures that could be living in the woods behind your own house.
Porcupines are a sneaky favorite. Their quills look scary, but watching one shuffle around is oddly charming and a little bit hilarious.
Eagle owls bring the drama with huge orange eyes. They often sit perfectly still, so challenge kids to spot one before it blinks.
Some wildlife enclosures have been closed at times, and the wolf exhibit has been one of them. Check with the farm before your trip if seeing a specific animal matters a lot to your family.
Even so, the variety makes this walk feel like a field guide come to life. Pack a small notebook and let kids check off each animal they find.
You might be surprised how fast a skunk becomes someone’s favorite. They really are cute from a safe distance.
Get Ready For Goat Kisses In The Dairy Discovery Barn
Goats have zero personal space rules, and that’s half the fun. Inside the Dairy Discovery Barn, kids can get hands-on with friendly farm animals in a dedicated petting area.
This is where the giggles usually get loudest. Little hands reach out, curious noses reach back, and somebody always ends up with a goat nibbling a sleeve.
Feeding the animals is a big part of the experience. Cups of feed are available, and the goats and sheep make it very clear they approve.
Hold the feed in a flat palm for the smallest kids. It keeps fingers safe and makes the whole thing feel less intimidating.
Hand washing stations are placed around the farm, which parents will appreciate. Use them after every round of petting, especially before snack time.
Shy kids can take things slow here. Watching from the fence for a few minutes often turns into reaching out once they see how relaxed the animals are.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Barns are barns, and goats don’t check outfits before leaning in for attention.
For many families, this barn becomes the part kids talk about all the way home. Bears are cool, but a goat sneeze is unforgettable.
Spotted Pigs, Fluffy Alpacas And A Very Long Guest List
Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs sound like a fancy British tea, but they’re actually adorable spotted hogs. You’ll find them among a seriously impressive crowd of farm animals.
Alpacas and llamas bring the fluff and the attitude. Boer goats, Nigerian miniature goats, and Babydoll sheep add plenty of cuteness to the mix.
Babydoll sheep deserve a special mention. Their round faces look like stuffed toys, and kids often can’t believe they’re real.
The barnyard keeps going with beef and dairy cattle, donkeys, and miniature horses. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, and potbelly pigs fill in any remaining gaps.
That variety makes it easy to turn the visit into a game. Ask kids which animal says what, then watch the turkeys answer for themselves.
Potbelly pigs and Old Spots pigs make a fun side-by-side comparison. One is small and round, the other is big and speckled, and both love a good snooze.
Take your time moving between pens. Animals often wander closer once the crowd thins, which means better photos and calmer moments.
By the end, kids usually have a brand new favorite animal. Don’t be shocked if it’s a llama with an unimpressed expression.
Hop Aboard For Ponies, Horses And A Tractor Train
Old logging trails wind through the woods here, and draft horses pull wagons right along them. It’s a gentle, clip-clopping trip that feels like a step back in time.
Pony rides are the star attraction for younger visitors. Kids up to 75 pounds can saddle up, so check weight limits before promising a ride.
Then there’s the tractor train, which works for every age. Grandparents, toddlers, and teens can all pile on together without anyone feeling left out.
Ride wristbands are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. If rides are a must for your crew, plan a weekend visit to make the most of them.
The horse-drawn rides stand out because of the setting. Trees, trails, and rural quiet make it feel worlds away from busy roads.
Little ones who are nervous about ponies can start with the tractor train. It’s a low-pressure way to warm up before trying something new.
Wear closed-toe shoes for any riding plans. Sandals and farm paths are rarely a winning combination.
Honestly, adults tend to enjoy the wagon ride as much as kids do. Something about horses and forest trails makes everyone slow down and smile.
Fields Still Get Plowed On This Real Working Farm
Candia was once known as Charmingfare, and the farm proudly carries that old name. It’s a sweet nod to local history that most visitors never notice.
Charmingfare Farm isn’t just a show farm either. Fields here still get plowed and planted, which gives the whole place an honest, lived-in feel.
That real-farm spirit goes beyond the animals you pet. The farm runs a livestock and vegetable CSA program for people who want local food on a regular basis.
Not sure what a CSA is? It stands for community supported agriculture, where members get shares of what the farm produces.
Pasture-raised meats and eggs are also sold here. It’s a neat way to connect the animals kids see with how farms actually feed people.
The atmosphere matches the mission. You won’t hear loud piped-in music, and the vibe leans rustic and rural instead of flashy.
That quiet setting lets you notice small things. Birds, breezes, and the occasional moo become the soundtrack of your day.
Kids may ask a lot of questions about farm life afterward. Let them, because this place makes learning feel natural instead of forced.
Spring Babies And Summer Days Are Worth Circling On Your Calendar
Baby goats, lambs, ducklings, and calves headline the spring event called Barnyard Babies and Beyond. If tiny animals melt your heart, this is your season.
Visitors can meet and pet the little ones during this event. There are also cow milking demonstrations, feeding sessions, and pony rides.
Craft sheds add a creative touch. Kids can plant seed pots or paint, which gives them something to carry home besides muddy shoes.
General Zoo Admission runs from May 9 to September 27, 2026. Hours are typically Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
You’ll find the farm at 774 High Street, Candia, NH 03034. It sits in the countryside of southern New Hampshire, an easy day trip for many families.
Summer brings longer days and full animal viewing. Morning visits tend to be cooler, which keeps both kids and animals happier.
Special themed days pop up too, like Reptile Day and Teddy Bear Picnics. Keep an eye on the farm’s calendar so you don’t miss one.
A teddy bear picnic on a working farm? That sounds like the kind of memory kids hold onto for years.
Pumpkins, Costumes And Sleigh Bells Keep The Fun Going
October turns the farm into a pumpkin-packed playground. The Pumpkin Festival brings a pumpkin patch, tractor train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, and live music.
Cow milking contests and pumpkin art add some friendly competition. Costume characters wander around, and the barnyard animals are still ready for visitors.
Children’s Trick-or-Treat events pile on even more fun. Expect horse-drawn rides, candy stops, a juggling show, a corn play area, and pumpkin decorating.
Pro tip for fall: bring the costume. Kids who show up dressed up will feel right at home among the characters.
Winter shifts the mood completely. The farm offers sleigh rides and several Christmas-themed events once the cold rolls in.
A sleigh gliding through snowy New Hampshire woods sounds like a holiday card. Here, it’s an actual seasonal tradition families can join.
Dress in warm layers for any winter outing. Hats, gloves, and waterproof boots make the difference between magical and miserable.
These seasonal events mean the farm isn’t just a summer stop. You could visit four times a year and get a totally different experience each time.
Pack A Picnic And Leave The Dog At Home
Sandwiches taste better near a barn, and Charmingfare Farm makes picnicking easy. Covered luncheon areas and plenty of open space give you lots of choices.
Don’t count on a big snack bar here. The farm skips expensive fast food, so packing your own lunch is the smart move.
Bring extra water on warm days. Walking between exhibits and rides adds up, and thirsty kids get cranky fast.
Parking is free, which is always a nice surprise. Portable bathrooms and hand washing stations are spread throughout the grounds.
Leave pets at home for this trip. Outside pets aren’t allowed, and the farm doesn’t offer kennel services.
Planning a celebration? The farm hosts birthday parties, field trips, and even weddings in its rustic setting.
Can’t make it out to Candia? A traveling petting zoo service can bring some of the farm animals to your event.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a little patience round out the packing list. With those, you’re set for a full day of animals, rides, and fresh New Hampshire air.
Just save room in the car for stories. Kids will be retelling the camel and goat moments all week.
