Easter is one of those holidays that brings families together for fun, laughter, and great memories. But, let’s be honest—sometimes dads like me can feel like we’re just there to carry the snack bags and take pictures. This year, I decided to shake things up. Instead of the usual backyard egg hunt or brunch at the local diner, I took the family on an Easter adventure to one of California's amazing farms. Spoiler alert: it was unforgettable.
From petting zoos to egg hunts on sprawling fields, California farms offer the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and quality time with the family. And as a dad, I discovered there’s more to enjoy than I expected. For any dads out there wondering how they can turn their Easter into an exciting day out, here’s the lowdown on my experience.
Why Visit a Farm for Easter?
Before I dive into the highlights of our trip, let me explain why heading to a farm is such a great idea for Easter. First of all, it’s a chance to break away from the usual routine. Sure, Easter at home is nice, but spending it outdoors surrounded by animals, fresh air, and rolling fields gives the day a wholesome, adventurous vibe. It’s also a win for the kids—watching their faces light up while feeding goats or running around a wide-open space is priceless.
But here’s the kicker I wasn’t expecting: there’s plenty for dads to enjoy, too. From delicious local eats to unique activities, I had just as much fun as the kids.
Our Farm Adventure Highlights
Here are some of my favorite moments and activities from the day. If you’re thinking of planning a similar trip, you’llwant to keep these in mind.
- Egg Hunts with a Twist
- I thought I’d seen it all when it came to Easter egg hunts, but the farm we visited had a creative spin. Instead of justhiding plastic eggs, they had “golden eggs” hidden in tricky spots, each with cool prizes like free farm-fresh produce or tickets to future events. It became less about the kids finding eggs and more about me trying to spot a golden one before they did. Spoiler: I didn’t win, but I had a blast trying!
- Petting Zoo Fun
- You can’t go to a farm and not visit the petting zoo. Watching my kids squeal with excitement while brushing a miniature pony or feeding a llama was endearing. But what surprised me was how much I enjoyed it, too. There’ssomething calming about hanging out with animals—even if the goats kept trying to nibble on my shoelaces.
- Tractor Rides
- Dads, let me tell you: there’s something deeply satisfying about climbing onto a tractor. The farm offered tractor rides around their fields, and not only did it give me a rare moment to sit back and relax, but the tour guide’s stories about the farm’s history were genuinely interesting.
- Farm-Fresh Eats
- I didn’t expect to leave the farm craving more food, but wow—the meals were incredible. We grabbed lunch at their outdoor café, and everything was made with ingredients grown right there on the farm. Even the burgers were topped with veggies so fresh they practically crunched with every bite. And don’t even get me started on the homemade pies.
- Hands-On Activities
- One of the coolest parts of the day was participating in a “spring planting” workshop. The farm hosts short, hands-on activities where families can learn how to plant seasonal veggies. It was super casual and laid-back, but I have toadmit, I felt pretty accomplished walking away with a small pot of sprouting carrots. The kids loved it too—though they were mostly interested in playing with the dirt.
- Easter Crafts
- For anyone with younger kids, Easter crafts are a lifesaver. The farm had a crafting station where my kids could decorate paper bunny ears and paint wooden eggs while I sipped some locally brewed coffee. It gave them something creative to do and gave me a moment to recharge before the next activity.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
After spending the day exploring, I picked up a few tips that might help other dads plan their Easter farm adventures:
- Arrive Early
- Trust me, you’ll want to beat the crowds. We got there right as the farm opened, and it made a huge difference. The egg hunt was less chaotic, and we had plenty of time to enjoy all the activities without feeling rushed.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes
- Farms are big, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. I made the rookie mistake of wearing sneakers that weren’t broken in yet, and my feet were not happy by the end of the day.
- Pack for the Weather
- California weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring. I made sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and light jackets for everyone, which came in handy when the morning started off chilly but warmed up by lunchtime.
- Let the Kids Lead
- One mistake I almost made was trying to stick to a strict schedule of activities. But letting the kids decide what they wanted to do next made the day feel more relaxed and fun for everyone.
- Stock Up on Souvenirs
- Many farms have little gift shops selling everything from homemade jams to locally roasted coffee. I grabbed a jar of honey that we’ve been drizzling on everything since we got home—it’s a sweet reminder of the day.
Why Dads Will Love It
If you’re on the fence about heading to a farm for Easter, let me say this: it’s not just for the kids. Sure, the little ones will have the time of their lives, but there’s plenty for dads to enjoy, too. From the satisfaction of mastering a planting workshop to indulging in farm-fresh food, there’s a surprising amount of things that make the day special for us, too.
Plus, spending the day outdoors, away from screens and distractions, was a refreshing change. I found myself more present and engaged with my family, which made the experience even more rewarding. By the time we loaded the car to head home, everyone was tired, happy, and full of stories to tell.
Final Thoughts
Easter at a California farm was a game-changer for our family. It turned what could’ve been just another holiday into a day full of excitement, learning, and connection. Whether it was hunting for golden eggs, petting animals, or enjoying a meal made with care, every moment felt like a little adventure.
So if you’re a dad looking for a way to make this Easter extra special, consider ditching the usual routine and heading to a local farm. Trust me—it’s worth it. You might even leave with a jar of honey and a new appreciation for tractors!
