Most Coloradans aren’t too far removed from nature. Front Range cities boast great parks and access to vast wilderness areas.
And while hiking or biking have their advantages, a trip to Sunflower Farm in Longmont offers families a chance to experience a truly rural lifestyle.
“Our intention is to give the public a taste of farm life in a real country setting,” says owner Bren Frisch, who has lived on the farm with her husband and three kids since 2000.
Beginning today and continuing every Saturday through November, Frisch and her family open the farm to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 55-acre property is used mainly to grow alfalfa, sunflowers and pumpkins. But Frisch has turned the farm into a kid-friendly smorgasbord of fun with simple play activities at every turn.
Hand-built treehouses lead to ziplines through the cottonwoods, with sandboxes and forts tucked into various nooks and crannies. Kids can pet bunnies and wandering lambs, go for a pony ride or collect eggs from the chicken coop.
Tire swings and climbing ropes await tots, and during chilly spring weather Frisch invites families to roast marshmallows over an open fire.
“You don’t want to rush in and rush out,” Frisch says. “You’ll want to stay all day, and plan to bring a picnic or even take a nap in a hammock.”
Frisch leaves the schedule open, encouraging free-form play and creativity rather than planned activities.
“It’s not about winning prizes or face painting,” she says. “Nothing is staged, and it’s just quality together time for families.”
With three elementary-age kids of her own, Frisch wanted to offer families easy, outdoor alternatives to television, computers and standard organized activities. The happy chaos created by untethered children running loose on a farm may require an adjustment for parents accustomed to tidiness and organization, but that’s all part of her plan.
“I think most people have a deep desire to run free, and as a community we can overlook that,” says Frisch. By providing a place where clean shoes and “inside voices” can be left at the gate, Frisch’s home offers a welcome change of pace for many families.
“It was just an experiment that went well,” Frisch says. “Kids really blossom in this environment.”
Kid’s Farmfest is at Sunflower Farm, 11150 Prospect Road, Longmont. $6 per person, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday through November. Call 303-661-0954 or visit Sunflowerfarminfo.com for details.
-By Kat Valentine King
Author: Mile High Mamas
