We love to experience the diverse cultures of each corner of the United States, and New England has some of the best “farm hopping” anyone could ask for – specifically the farms in southern NH. New Hampshire has a rich agricultural history, and the farms in southern NH are committed to preserving the beauty of a rural lifestyle. 

Visiting farms is super fun for families any time of year, and as teachers – we’ve taking several school groups on field trips to local farms during our careers. It’s a real treat for kids to visit an authentic working farm, enjoy wagon rides and pony rides and visit with some friendly animals. Children soak up any kind of new adventure, but taking farm tours where there is an opportunity to interact with farm animals like baby goats or walk nature trails is a treasured experience for kids.

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Farms are enjoyable all year long!

Spring

The birds and the bees are in full bloom in the spring and many baby animals are part of the display at local farms in New England. And who doesn’t want to see baby goats? 

Summer

Fresh cut flowers, fresh eggs, grass fed beef, and other fresh produce including homemade soups, greenhouse vegetables, sweet corn, and green beans will be plentiful. 

Fall

The most magical time to visit a farm would be September through late October. Many farms will have an apple orchard with several varieties of apples to pick. Picking your own apples is so organically delicious- it’s a must do! A sunflower festival or harvest festival that may have a corn maze will certainly delight the young and young at heart.  Delicious fall treats like apple cider, maple syrup and other maple products are not to be missed, so be sure to visit the farm stand or farm store while enjoying the festivities. And the fall foliage will be spectacular. 

Winter

Many farms in the New England area will enhance your visit with sleigh rides or have lots for selecting the perfect Christmas trees. You can “jingle all the way” over the river and through the wood for a magical winter adventure! 

Where to find the farms of southern NH

If you’re read any of our other blogs, you might be looking for our google map on this topic! We love maps and try to include one with each post so that when you’re traveling you can easily reference what’s nearby. Sometimes there is a gem just around the corner from where you are! 

Coppal House Farm

• Address: 118 North River Road RT 155, Lee, NH 03861
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free and Plentiful
• Accessibility: Yes

This farm hosts various seasonal events that attract visitors, particularly in the autumn for pumpkin picking, sunflower festival and other harvest-related activities.  It spans 78 acres and operates as a self-sustaining farm that raises livestock and crops. Reviewers consistently mention that Coppal House Farm is an excellent place for families, with a variety of activities available for kids

East Hill Farm

• Address: 460 Monadnock St, Troy, NH 03465
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Yes

East Hill Farm is a highly rated family-friendly destination resort that offers a traditional farm vacation experiences.  With a variety of lodging options including cottages and houses, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and sauna, tennis courts, fishing boats and outdoor activities for every season, this farm is sure to tick all the boxes for any family vacation. The real treat for the kids will be participating in farm-related activities such as collecting eggs and helping with the barn chores. 

Vernon Family Farm

• Address: 301 Piscassic Rd, Newfields, NH 03856
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Yes

Many visitors describe Vernon Family Farm as a “gem” for families. It provides a relaxing atmosphere where children can play and families can enjoy quality time together. One reviewer mentioned it felt like a “mini-vacation” because of the engaging environment and activities available. This is a working farm, with a farmers markets on site helping visitors connect with their food and environment.

Only about 20 miles away from Vernon Family Farm is another wonderful opportunity for adventure. Embark on a Portsmouth Boat Trip and soak up some history, nature and scenic coastline with a harbor cruise. Read our blog on the different options available.

Brookford Farm 

• Address: 250 W Rd, Canterbury, NH 03224
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Yes

Brookford Farm provides a welcoming atmosphere for families to connect with nature, engage in agricultural activities, and enjoy quality time together while supporting sustainable farming practices. Sunflower Soirée, live music, yoga sessions, Cow Parade and corn maze are the biggest draw for families. One thing we really appreciate is the “PYO” organic raspberries. One for my tastebuds and one for my basket makes the picking a delicious reward!

Types of Farms

As road scholars, we always appreciate an opportunity to learn something new and the farms in southern NH are the perfect place to pile on the knowledge.  Farms can be categorized in various ways based on their primary activities, size, ownership, and production methods. Here are definitions for different types of farms:

• Family Farm– Local farms are predominantly owned and operated by families, often passed down through generations. They account for about 98% of U.S. farms.
• Dairy Farm– Dairy farms specialize in the production of milk from animals like cows, goats, or sheep. The milk can be sold directly or processed into various dairy products such as cheese and butter. Some dairy farms will sell raw milk, which has incredible health benefits.
• Livestock Farms– These farms focus on raising animals for meat, wool, or other products.
• Mixed Farms– Mixed farms engage in both crop production and livestock raising, which are always a whole choice for school groups and families.
• U-Pick Farms-These farms allow customers to pick their own fruits or vegetables directly from the fields, often focusing on seasonal crops.
• Hobby Farms– Hobby farms are small farms that primarily run for personal enjoyment rather than profit. 
• Certified Organic Farms– Organic farms adhere to strict guidelines that prohibit synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, emphasizing natural growing practices to produce certified organic produce.

Each type of farm plays a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of southern New Hampshire. New Hampshire Farms Network is a collaborative initiative that aims to promote and support local agriculture in New Hampshire. This state has a proud history of agriculture and the New Hampshire Farms Network plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the state’s rich agricultural heritage and sustainable farming practices of the area.