Families flock to farms across the Phoenix area for hands-on experiences that let kids (and adults) connect with where food comes from—milking cows, picking produce, feeding animals, or simply wandering through pumpkin patches and orchards.
These working farms open their gates to visitors, offering everything from educational tours and u-pick opportunities to seasonal festivals, petting zoos, hayrides, and family-friendly fun. It is a great way for urban dwellers to “touch grass,” learn about farming practices, and enjoy wholesome outings just minutes from home.
One of the oldest and most beloved spots is right in the heart of the East Valley, surrounded by suburbs.
Mother Nature’s Farm—Gilbert
Farmer Wade Kelsall runs this down-home farm off Baseline Road, which his family has owned since 1968. It started as a pig farm, then added Christmas trees in the ’80s. Kelsall took over in 1988 and began welcoming visitors in the early 1990s after a local farmer unloaded rejected pumpkins—sparking what became a massive fall festival.
Today, families come for the pumpkin patch (with small Oz pumpkins perfect for little kids to pick), petting zoo, hayrides, tractor graveyard, and more. The animal sanctuary, started in 2018, cares for more than 400 rescued animals year-round (open Friday to Sunday with a small fee; buy carrots to feed them). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the farm donated massive loads of excess produce—30 semitruck loads in one summer alone—and continue giving away truckloads monthly.
Kelsall said visitors love the easy access in the East Valley and the chance to see eggs from chickens, milk from cows, and feel connected to farming. A highlight: the tour through the original pine tree forest, now towering more than 40 feet high.
“It’s magic in here,” Kelsall said.
The farm can be found at 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, Arizona, 85233. For more information, call (480) 892-5874, or check out its website at MotherNaturesFarm.com.
More Farms to Visit in the Phoenix Area
Schnepf Farms—Queen Creek
Operated by fourth-generation farmer Mark Schnepf, this larger-scale farm began as a peach orchard and now offers year-round fun: a bakery and country store, u-pick gardens, live entertainment, a petting zoo, seasonal festivals, glamping, and more. It is a go-to for families wanting a full day of farm experiences. Check the website for current seasonal offerings.
The farm can be found at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, Arizona, 85142. For more information, call (480) 987-3100 or check out its website at SchnepfFarms.com.
The Queen Creek Olive Mill—Queen Creek
Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill spans 100 acres with more than 10,000 olive trees. Perry and Brenda Rea started it in 1997 after retiring and moving from Michigan. It was Brenda Rea’s idea to produce olive oil. The original shed grew into today’s mill, restaurant, and store.
Visitors enjoy the Olive Oil 101 Tour of the groves, live music, outdoor dining, and shopping for local products. It is open year-round and perfect for learning about Arizona-grown olive oil while enjoying a meal.
The farm can be found at 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, Arizona, 85142. For more information, call (480) 888-9290, or check out its website at QueenCreekOliveMill.com.
Agritopia—Gilbert
This 160-acre planned community includes 11 acres of certified organic farmland run by the Johnston family since 2015. They grow artichokes, zucchini, honey, peaches, olives, tomatoes, carrots, kale, grapevines, and more—supplying their onsite restaurant and Phoenix-area chefs.
Take a farm tour, join their community supported agriculture farm box program, shop the market store, or dine at one of the many restaurants on the property. The surrounding village features local Arizona-made products and a farm-to-table vibe that honors Arizona’s agricultural roots.
The farm can be found at 3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, Arizona, 85296. For more information, call (623) 260-8896, or check out its website at AgritopiaFarm.com.
The Farm at South Mountain—Phoenix
A self-sustaining desert oasis with more than 100 pecan trees, 160 fruit and nut trees, vegetable gardens, and herbs—all feeding three dining venues and a farmers market. Owned since 2012 by Pat Christofolo and her son, Dustin Christofolo (he is the executive chef), it educates visitors on Sonoran Desert farming through workshops, cooking classes, and programming.
Stroll the aquaponics setup and the Soil & Seed organic gardens, or enjoy a lawn picnic (bike- and pet-friendly). Dine at Morning Glory Cafe for breakfast, The Farm Kitchen for casual lunch, or Quiessence Restaurant for fine dining with seasonal, farm-fresh menus.
The farm can be found at 6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 85042. For more information, call (602) 276-6360, or check out its website at TheFarmAtSouthMountain.com.
These Phoenix-area farms make it easy for families to spend a day learning, playing, and eating fresh—often right in their backyard suburbs. Check websites for hours, events, and admission details, as offerings vary by season.
Next in the series: More family-owned farm experiences in southern and northern Arizona, from apple orchards to pumpkin festivals and beyond.
