If there’s one thing this girl loves, it’s a well-executed theme! So for a recent “Family Fun Faith Day,” I planned out a trip to Clark’s Elioak Farm in conjunction with visiting a new local farmer’s market and reading the Bible story of the shepherd and the missing sheep.
I had been to Clark’s Farm in Ellicott City once before when James was younger, so it was exciting to go back with both boys and the hubby. This place is absolutely fantastic for little ones! As you pull into the parking lot, a giant castle entrance greets you with a dragon and Rapunzel perched on top. This is just a taste of the magical fairy-tale pieces you’ll see all throughout the farm. Most of the storybook items came from a park in Ellicott City called The Enchanted Forest, closed since the 1990s. They have since been relocated and restored at Clark’s Farm.
There are a couple different playgrounds to choose from with whimsical slides like the one inside the Old Woman’s Shoe, and other attractions to climb on. Everywhere you look there’s a little house or scene from a beloved childhood storybook. The boys were so cute peeking inside the Three Little Bear’s house to see Goldilocks asleep in the bed, walking on the Little Toot boat anchored in the pond, and sitting on Papa Bear’s lap.
As if all that isn’t cool enough, there is an entire petting farm with baby goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, sheep, a cow, donkey and even an ostrich. There are pony rides, hayrides and little cow train rides. We didn’t even get time to check out the Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze with even more storybook characters.
We packed a lunch and had various covered picnic areas to choose from. When the boys were done, they could hang out in a covered, fenced-in play area with lots of ride-on and push toys, trucks and cars for toddlers to play with. It’s a nice spot to escape the sun and keep your toddler entertained for a bit.
On the weekday morning we went, it wasn’t crowded though a couple school groups came through. Special events are offered on weekends such as gem mining and teddy bear picnics, and egg hunts and other specials are offered on holidays. In the fall, there’s a pumpkin patch, Halloween parade and Punkin Chunkin. They also have produce, eggs and meats available for purchase throughout the season.
Admission is $6 per person and kids younger than 12 months are free. Additional activities like the pony rides, hayrides or cow train cost $2 per person. The farm is open Tuesday-Sunday for the spring and summer season. For details visit the Clark’s Farm website.
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Mandy Watts is a stay-at-home mom who lives in Crownsville with her husband, Justin, who runs their family business, and their two sons, 3-year-old James and 1-year-old Luke.
