Thistle Hill Farm Petting Zoo & Pony Rides On-Farm Visit

THIS WEEK: OPEN THURSDAY, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 23 FROM 11:00 to 4:00 and SATURDAY, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 25 FROM 9:30 to 4:30 

BACKGROUND:  You may have seen our mobile petting zoo and pony rides around the greater Edmonton area for the last 28+ years.  Now you can come and visit the animals you`ve loved plus more at their 100 acre farm home. 

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE:  Do you love farm animals?  Would you like to hug a baby goat again, pet a wallaby, feed a rabbit or hold a chicken or guinea pig?  Our family farm now offers on-farm visits with 100+ of our farm animals.  While some of our attractions are self-serve, farm staff will take you to other areas for an educational experience and tractor wagon ride.  We`ll have lots of real hands-on contact with our friendly farm and petting zoo animals.  Clean, safe environment provided for both our guests and our animals.

Tickets include a healthy "snack pack" to feed to the designated animals (1 pack per family), access to our new animal petting and holding areas, live pony ride carousel, mini-pony leading and decorating corral, pasture/hay field visit on the tractor-pulled wagon ride, and more.  Tickets are limited and can be purchased on-line for the events - ONE CHARGE - ALL INCLUSIVE TICKET (includes the above plus pony rides for children 100 lbs [45 kg] or less).

Visit our wallabies (kangaroo) in their new large natural wallaby compound.  We'll take you into their compound to meet and pet them and learn some wallaby facts.   

NEW THIS YEAR:  

• Our two momma guinea pigs have given birth to FIVE babies and THREE babies.  They will be in a separate box of our bigger GP area.  The babies are looking for their forever homes, if you would like to add a guinea pig to your life.  
• We have added to our "old timer" chickens.  Our new juvenile chickens were hatched on April 12th and we look forward to many years of petting, feeding, and fresh farm eggs with them.  Come see them in the chicken pen and give them a food treat.  They'll love you for it!
• New chicks were hatched on May 24th.  They now have their brand new feathers.  Come see and hold them, and give them a cuddle.  
• Our barn cat Kitchu has had 3 boys!  We have 2 of them still seeking their new permanent home as they are consistently eating their kitten food and are ready to go.  They have been handled by our grandchildren.  Friendly, fat, healthy kitties, and excellent mousers too.  Ask us about these kitties. 
• Come visit and feed our full-sized baby pig, Cinnamon (born Feb 4, 2022).  She's in our new large grass pig compound.  Watch her take a wallow in the mud area or cool off in her pool.
• Our wooly sheep have had a fresh wool shearing in June.  Come feel them and their raw wool too.
• Our goat mamas have adorable spring-born kids, and will be glad to show you their babies.  Ask us about adopting goats.  
• Come give a hug and hold our friendly bottle baby goat.  She'll even jump right into your lap!  
• Our "big bird" Ernie the Emu has joined us to say hello.  He especially likes the green treats we provide in your animal snack pack.  He's so much fun to feed!
• The "odd couple" have moved into their new compound.  Come see who they are! 

REMEMBER WHEN VISITING THE FARM:

1. The farm visit is an entirely outdoor event.  Please dress for the weather conditions on the day of your visit. It is suggested that layers of clothes, headwear, rubber boots or closed-toe shoes, and a coat or sweater may be most appropriate.  During cooler fall days, a warm hat/toque and thicker coat may be better as increased winds in the open areas may make it feel cooler than the temperature would suggest.  
2. Fly season is still with us so you may wish to bring/use bug spray if this is a concern.
3. September's weather is very unpredictable and can suddenly change in temperature or severity.  We do follow the weather forecasts in opening up the weekly dates and times for on-farm visits.  As an outdoor event, we may need to cancel a visit(s) for safety reasons if severe weather conditions (rain, flooding, windstorm, lightening or snow) occur.  If the forecast looks like it may be a problem, we ask that you phone ahead to the farm (780-878-3344) to make sure your farm visit can still proceed.  If your visit cannot proceed due to severe weather conditions, your ticket purchases will be refunded or rescheduled.
4. Per current Covid-19 suggestions and as an outdoor event, we have lots of distance between most of the areas.  In instances where social distancing cannot be maintained, please feel free to use a mask if you so choose, but mask wearing is not a requirement at this time.
5. Several pens are wheelchair accessible however at this time some of the grass terrain may be a bit rough or muddy.
6. Wheelchair accessible/family portable washrooms and washup stations on site.    

BIRTHDAY PARTIES and PRIVATE EVENTS: Want to have a birthday party on the farm?  Have a Scout/Brownie troupe, do you homeschool, are you looking for a place to hold your company BBQ, or do you want to learn more about farm animals and their care?  Why not come to the farm as a group.  Group bookings are arranged directly with the farm.  Please call 780-878-3344 for group rates and availability.