Great Brook Farm consists of a dairy farm and an extensive network of trails across fields, woods and pasture. Traditional farm animals, mostly cows and sheep, can be seen in and around the buildings behind the parking lot, on the other side of the pond. There is also an ice cream stand, generally open from April-May through October.

You can call in advance to check the many educational tours that take place in summer months (see "Contact Information"). These tours include barn tours and guided walks to help your kids (and you, maybe) better understand how a farm operates.

A typical visit of the farm starts with checking the animals around the main red buildings beside the parking lot, a stop at the ice cream stand, and a short walk on one of the trails nearby. If your kids like walking and can walk for at least an hour, we recommend taking the Litchfield Loop. This one-hour loop takes you through a diversified landscape of woods and fields around the farm, and starts just round the farm buildings. Check the Litchfield Loop destination for a full description.

The extensive renovation work undertaken in 2003 has unfortunately come with a new $2 daily parking charge, whether you use the main lot at the farm or the trailer lot near Lowell Street. We never like to idea to pay to enjoy nature; considering the size of the park, however, this charge can still be considered reasonable. Compared to Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, the other famous farm around Boston, Great Brook Farm remains less expensive for a family, looks more like a traditional, operating farm, and has a far larger trail network; Drumlin Farm, on the other side, features more animals and provides better access to them. In both cases, kids will certainly enjoy their visit.