In this tour you’ll have the barnyard to yourself and with the help of your tour guide, you’ll brush cows, meet the horses and donkeys, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, pet goats, and sheep, give pigs tummy rubs, and so much more. Being at The Gentle Barn is like walking through a giant storybook where you’ll hear the animals’ stories of resilience and learn what they teach us about forgiveness, unconditional love, and living in the moment. You are sure to fall in love with animals more deeply than ever before.

This tour follows the same format and description of the Family Tour but is intended for a larger group of adults only from mixed households as part of an organized group activity. This tour is perfect for a company team building activity.

Try something new and different, have your next party at The Gentle Barn. Not just for kids, our parties are great for ages 6 to adult! Listen to an engaging presentation about the animals, then hug the cows, meet the horses and donkeys, give the pigs tummy rubs, hold the chickens, cuddle the turkeys, pat the goats and sheep, and so much more. Once you and your party have worked up an appetite, loving animals, have a meal and cake on our picnic tables. Out of respect for the animals, we ask that your meal and cake be vegan. Our staff are happy to give you recommendations if needed.

You’ll have the barnyard to yourself as your guide you will get insight and stories of the barnyard that can only be told the best by them. You’ll brush cows, meet the horses and donkeys, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, pet goats, and sheep, give pigs tummy rubs, and so much more. Being at The Gentle Barn is like walking through a giant storybook where you’ll hear the animals’ stories of resilience and learn what they teach us about forgiveness, unconditional love, and living in the moment. You are sure to fall in love with animals more deeply than ever before.

You'll have the barnyard to yourself as the founder of The Gentle Barn, Ellie Laks gives insight and stories of the barnyard that can only be told the best by them. You’ll brush cows, meet horses and donkeys, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, pet goats, and sheep, give pigs tummy rubs, and so much more. Being at The Gentle Barn is like walking through a giant storybook where you’ll hear the animals’ stories of resilience and learn what they teach us about forgiveness, unconditional love, and living in the moment. You are sure to fall in love with animals more deeply than ever before.

Reservation for our Founder's Tour is handled offline.

Live too far away from The Gentle Barn to visit in person? No worries, we have virtual tours where you can meet the animals, hear their stories, and get to know them. Perfect for any animal lover, family, or classroom where you can ask questions and learn about animals in a deeper way than ever before. Meet our rescued horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, llamas, and emu. Learn their names, witness their larger-than-life personalities, fall in love, and feel like you are here with us.

We teach the children a wide variety of things, including what animals eat, where they sleep, how they have families, why roosters crow, why pigs love mud, why goats chew, and how each species communicates through body language. Here at The Gentle Barn, kids gain an understanding of animals, see how much we all have in common, and get to expand their empathy for all living beings.

Students discover how animals communicate, what they need to thrive, and how their lives are affected by human choices. Activities like brushing horses, connecting with cows, and interacting with pigs, goats, and turkeys help children build emotional awareness, practice kindness, and see the interconnectedness of all living beings and the planet we share.

We offer a calm, sensory-aware environment where children and teens with disabilities can explore at their own pace. Visits focus on gentle interactions with our animals, providing a nonjudgmental space for social-emotional learning, confidence building, and joy. Whether practicing communication through animal body language or simply being present with a cow or a horse, students experience deep connection and trust. Staff and volunteers work closely with educators and caregivers to meet each group’s unique needs.

We welcome youth-focused organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other community groups for engaging, hands-on visits. These experiences offer a chance to connect with rescued farmed animals in a meaningful way, while encouraging empathy, cooperation, and respect for all living beings. Through guided activities like grooming animals, observing their behaviors, and learning their stories, participants gain a deeper understanding of kindness, responsibility, and our connection to the natural world.

Cow Hug Therapy® offers a unique opportunity to relax and find grounding in the presence of our gentle cows. By simply resting against their large, warm bodies, participants experience a sense of calm and connection. This therapy can help individuals dealing with anxiety, grief, or loneliness. Sessions last one hour and are designed to promote relaxation and emotional well-being.

Equine therapy focuses on building confidence and leadership through interactions with horses. Participants learn to connect with horses by observing body language, building trust, and practicing leadership skills. Each session, lasting an hour, offers valuable insights into personal strength, courage, and communication. This therapy is ideal for individuals looking to grow their leadership skills or who are seeking personal empowerment.

Barnyard therapy provides a calming environment where individuals can connect with a variety of animals, including chickens, turkeys, goats, pigs, and more. This therapy is designed to help participants experience joy and healing through gentle interactions with animals that have overcome trauma themselves. Barnyard therapy is an hour-long session and is suitable for anyone seeking relaxation, connection, or a lighthearted escape.