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

THIS WEEK: OPEN THURSDAY JUNE 23 TO SUNDAY JUNE 26 

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 chick 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 walk with the animals, tractor wagon ride, and more.  Tickets are limited and are 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 SPRING:  

• Our new chicks have arrived!  These vaccinated fluff balls were hatched on April 12th and we look forward to many years of petting, feeding, and fresh farm eggs with them. 
• A few more new chicks have hatched on May 24th.  They are still a little fuzzy and have joined us now.  
• Come visit and give a scratch to our new 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 now given birth and they'll be around with their lambs.
• Several of our goat mamas have had their adorable kids now and will be glad to show you their huggable babies.
• More newborn baby goats are expected starting June 10th.  
• Our "big bird" Ernie the Emu has joined us to say hello to everyone.
• The "odd couple" have moved into their new compound.  Come see who they are!
• Screechy the friendly Canada Goose has been coming around the farm again.  Will he show up for your visit? 

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 coat are appropriate this time of year.  It is also recommended to bring and use suntan lotion and bug spray during sunny days and in mosquito season.
2. June'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, snow, freezing temperatures, windstorm) 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.
3. Per current Covid-19 suggestions and as an outdoor event, we will be limiting attendance and practicing social distancing where practical.  However, there may be some 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.
4. Several pens are wheelchair accessible, however the terrain may be rough.
5. 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.