Fun for Kids on California's Central Coast: Avila Valley Barn

Shopping at the Avila Barn
is always a pleasure.

Since we visit the Central Coast throughout the year, it can be hit or miss for sunny, beach weather.  So it is nice to know that there are so many other things to do to keep the kids entertained.  One way we like to spend the day is at the Avila Valley Barn near San Luis Obispo.

The Avila Valley Barn is a great place for families to learn where their food comes from, get close to nature and get some fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.  It is open from May to December with hours and activities varying accordingly and special holiday events like the hay maze, pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot.  

The petting zoo is popular
with both adults and children. 

When we visited in May, our kids really enjoyed the hayrack ride, but we didn’t have much success with picking anything because they decided it was too hot!  So we headed back up to the barn where they had a ball at the petting zoo.  My daughter is a huge fan of ducks and chickens and my son thought the goats and miniature horses were a hoot.  Plus there was plenty of shade and benches for random milk and juice breaks.   

I personally love the farm stand and bakery. Their signature ollalaberries are available in May and June, which are a favorite of mine.  They also grow peaches, nectarines, apples, pumpkins, apricots, corn, onions, beans, summer squash and tomatoes.  The gift shop is a treasure trove of gourmet food items, cookware, fruit spreads and baking mixes and their unique gifts and toys are fun make finding the perfect gift a pleasure.