Tilden Little Farm offers children and families a direct connection to agricultural life, featuring a working farm with animals, seasonal gardens, and hands-on programs that teach where food comes from and how sustainable farming works. Animals include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and poultry. Please note that public feeding of farm animals has been discontinued; check with staff about current interaction opportunities and policies.

Located at the northern end of Tilden Regional Park, the farm operates as a model of small-scale agriculture and animal husbandry. It’s free and open daily, making it one of Berkeley’s most accessible introduction to farming life.

Animals and Educational Programs

The farm houses a small menagerie of domestic animals chosen for their educational value and gentle temperament. While public feeding of farm animals has been discontinued, the farm staff are present to answer questions about animal nutrition, breed characteristics, and care requirements, providing educational opportunities about animal husbandry and agricultural practices.

The Red Barn at the farm’s center provides shelter and education space for structured programs and visitor interactions.

Educational Programs and Seasonal Work

Beyond casual visits, the Little Farm offers structured educational programs that change with the seasons. Spring programs focus on planting; summer programs highlight harvesting and crop tending; fall programs cover composting and preparation for winter; winter programs emphasize planning for the next growing season.

Special programs teach cheese-making, apple cider pressing, and other food-focused activities. Birthday parties and group visits are available by reservation. Many programs are designed for school-age children, but family participation is encouraged.

Hours and Visiting

The farm is open during regular park hours (5am-10pm daily). The Environmental Education Center, which manages the Little Farm, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4:30pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). The farm is free to visit. Programs and activities have specific schedules; call ahead at (510) 544-2233 for current offerings and registration information.

Dogs are not permitted at the Little Farm or anywhere in the adjacent Tilden Nature Area to protect the wildlife habitat.

Practical Tips

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Children should bring change of clothes if they’ll be actively helping with farm work or animal feeding. The farm is best visited early in the day when animals are most active and staff availability is highest. Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends.

The farm sits in the northern section of Tilden, accessed via Canon Drive from Berkeley or Wildcat Canyon Road from the east. Parking near the Nature Area is free. The site includes trails through the surrounding 740-acre Tilden Nature Area, so you can extend your visit with hiking through protected forest habitat.