Ranch-like Setting for Kids?

I'm not sure how they feel about young children, but Adopt-a-foal is a non-profit "ranch" that takes in abused or abandoned mares who either are pregnant or have foals and they're ALWAYS looking for volunteers to help in LOTS of ways. Dan & Marion started it and still run it today. They're near where the Renissance Festival is held - in Magnolia. If you're interested in driving that far - contact me back and I'll get you their address and phone number.

Hi M.-

I'm sure this is not exactly what you are looking for but there is The Oil Ranch in Hockley. It's more of an amusement type place but they do have pony rides, a petting zoo with goats and chickens to feed and have a cow milking station where you learn to milk the cow. There is a hayride that goes out into the field and the cattle all come up to the wagon to be fed by hand by the kids.

The kids would not learn about the hard work of ranch life, but would see and touch the animals upclose.

Good luck finding what you are looking for,
K.

http://www.oilranch.com/index.php

I'm not aware of any working farms / ranches that will allow outside people in, besides, there is a huge liability for someone allowing children to be around animals, equipment, etc that are not part of the working surroundings.

Do your children have pets? Guineas, hamsters, rabbits, etc? If not, you might want to start small with this concept and see how it goes. Some kids are animal kids and others are not.

If it turns out your kids are into animals, check you deed restrictions and see what animals are / are not allowed. You might be able to expand your animal kingdom to include rescued animals.

Another place to check - an animal rescue shelter. They might allow children in your age group on site to keep care for the rescued animals.

I was going to mention the Oil Ranch, but saw that someone already did. However, I thought I would pass this information along on a new adventure park being built outside/near Tomball called Grand Texas.

http://www.grandtx.com

It is slated to be finished by Spring 2010 and its theme is based around everything Texas.

http://www.grandtx.com/About_Us_M6HT.html

We can't wait to see this place!!

The Oil Ranch in the meantime would be a great place to take your kiddos!!

Your children are still young, but I know in high school the kids can participate in FFA, raising an animal, even if they don't live on a farm - I'm not sure how that works, but I've heard of kids doing that. You might call your local high school and ask to talk to the FFA sponsor, and maybe they could help. When I was a kid (a long time ago ;) we had 4-H, which also allowed grade schoolers this opportunity. Another possibility, maybe you could call Texas A&M, & talk to someone in their agriculture education dept., and possibly they have some contacts that would allow kids to come on a Saturday and volunteer on their ranch/farm. Or call the Houston Rodeo office, for ideas. I wish my kids had this opportunity as well, I had a grandmother who lived on a farm, and that was an experience I appreciate now, but unfortunately fewer kids are having that opportunity.