Farm Classes for Kids

Join us on the farm to learn about our animals, gardens, and surrounding nature! We’ll learn how to farm while spending time outdoors, forging new friendships, and building confidence in ourselves.

Sprouts Playgroup

Ages 1-5 & Caregivers

Meet us on Wednesdays at Dancing Bear Farm for a story and farm exploration!

Each session we will begin with a read aloud and then we might meet the animals, craft with natural materials, share a farm snack, and more! You are invited to join us for the entire season or for individual sessions. Families are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the farm after class.

Wednesdays 11:15-12 pm

4/16, 4/23, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11

Cost: $10/family/day

Barn Buddies

Grades K-2

Each day we will feed the animals then prepare and share a farm snack together. We’ll learn how to care for the animals on the farm, make crafts using natural materials, harvest and plant in the garden, and explore the fields and forest!

Mondays 3:30-5:30

Session 1: Mondays 4/14, 4/21, 5/5, 5/12

Session 2: Mondays 5/19, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16

$95/session

Farm Hands

Grades 3-5

Join the farmers after school to help out with farm chores! We will learn about the ways our farming is connected to the natural world around us, all while spending time with the animals on the farm, making crafts, and having fun together!

Wednesdays 3:30-5:30

Session 1: Wednesdays 4/16, 4/23, 5/7, 5/14

Session 2: Wednesdays 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11

$95/session

Barnyard Bash - Parent’s Night Off

Join us for a fun-filled evening at our Barnyard Bash! It's Parents' Night Off, so drop off your kids at Dancing Bear Farm for a night of farm chores, pizza, campfire, and games.

Kids will participate in evening farm chores to help us put the animals to bed for the night. We'll then enjoy a pizza dinner together, followed by a campfire with S'mores.

Ages 5+

Space is limited to 14 participants each date

Fridays 5 - 8 pm

$35 / Session

Meet the Dancing Bear Farm Teachers

  • Julia Lownie

    Julia is a certified Nature-based educator with vast experience leading farm and nature classes for all ages. Julia has a degree in Environmental Conservation from Umass Amherst, a certificate in Nature-based Early Childhood Education from Antioch in Keene, and a North American Montessori Center ages 0-3 certification. Before moving to Dancing Bear Farm, Julia collaborated with the River Valley Coop in Easthampton, MA to develop and lead art and nature playgroups for families while also directing the Greenhouse and Garden Program at Leverett Elementary School. Prior to that, Julia worked at a Reggio-inspired after-school program and helped build up and run the Farmers Helpers education program at Chip-in Farm in Bedford, MA.

    Also pictured: Magni, our Icelandic horse

  • Cameron Lownie

    Cam is a fourth grade teacher at Disnard Elementary in Claremont NH. He studied creative writing at St. Lawrence College in Upstate NY before getting a job as a copy editor. It wasn’t long before Cam realized a desk job wasn’t the right fit for him, and he ended up as a substitute teacher at Wayland Elementary School. From substitute teacher to Building Sub to Para-educator to fourth grade teacher in Springfield MA, Cam has found his calling working in public schools. He is excited to now be starting his first year teaching in Claremont. Cam helps to run classes and camps at Dancing Bear Farm during the summers and school vacations. Fun fact: Julia and Cam first met while working as camp counselors at a Mass Audubon nature camp together!

    Also pictured: Cassidy, one of the friendly farm dogs