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Tilden Little Farm in Berkeley, California, is the perfect place to spend a sunny morning or afternoon and have your kids smiling from ear to ear! A time full of farm animals, nature trails, and family fun – and it’s all free.
Tilden Little Farm is one of those special gems that make the Bay Area such a wonderful place to live (or visit!). It’s a perfect mix of adorable animals, beautiful nature, and wide-open space for kids to roam — and the fact that it’s free just makes it even better.
Our kids loved getting up close to the animals, exploring the trails, and learning about nature in the Education Center. It’s the kind of outing that leaves everyone a little muddy, a lot tired, and very, very happy. Here’s everything you need to know:
Where Is Tilden Little Farm?
Address:
600 Canon Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708
Phone:
(510) 544-2233
Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Closed Mondays)
Admission is free!
Meet the Farm Animals
Built in 1955, Tilden Little Farm is home to a wide variety of friendly farm animals, and they are adorable! Your family will get to see cows, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and geese — and several are heritage breeds you won’t see just anywhere, like the Milking Shorthorn Cattle.
The pens are thoughtfully designed so that little ones can easily see the animals at their eye level — no need to hoist them up every two minutes!
From fuzzy bunnies to giant, sleepy pigs, the animals here are a joy to watch. Some sheep might even come over for a pet (especially if they’re feeling social).
And here’s a highlight your kids will absolutely love: they even allow children to brush some of the animals! Watching the little ones giggle and concentrate as they gently brushed the goats was such a sweet sight — it made the whole experience even more hands-on and memorable.
Heads up: While visitors used to bring snacks like lettuce or carrots for the animals, feeding is currently not permitted due to concerns about bird flu. Be sure to respect the signs to keep the animals safe and healthy!
Don’t Miss the Environmental Education Center
Just a few steps from the Little Farm is the Environmental Education Center, a building with kid-friendly exhibits about local wildlife and habitats.
There are also dioramas, interactive displays, and, if you’re lucky, a ranger might even bring out a live animal to meet!
Tips for Visiting
- Pack a picnic! There are numerous open, grassy areas where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your lunch.
- Bring water. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring.
- Wear comfy shoes. Even though the area is easy to navigate, you’ll want to be prepared for lots of wandering.
- Respect the animals. No feeding, chasing, or climbing on fences — this keeps both your kiddos and the animals safe and happy.
Explore the Nature Area
Tilden Little Farm isn’t the only highlight — it sits inside the stunning Tilden Nature Area, a 740-acre preserve packed with outdoor adventures.
You’ll find:
- Over 10 miles of hiking trails through beautiful oak/bay woodlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and along sparkling streams.
- A 750-foot boardwalk through the trees leads to Jewel Lake, a historic, serene spot that’s perfect for wildlife watching.
- Trails for everyone, from easy strolls (perfect for toddlers and strollers) to more vigorous climbs like the trek up Wildcat Peak (elevation 1,211 ft.) — reward yourself with breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay!
Everything is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it easy for families with kids of all ages to explore.
