Sundays at The Gentle Barn: Two-Hour, Self-Guided Animal Encounters on a Working Farm

CHRISTIANA ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Sundays at The Gentle Barn: Two-Hour, Self-Guided Animal Encounters on a Working Farm

Public Sunday invites visitors of all ages to timed, two-hour self-guided sessions on The Gentle Barn’s main property to meet cows, pigs, turkeys and more.

Sundays at The Gentle Barn: Two-Hour, Self-Guided Animal Encounters on a Working Farm.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Christiana
Operator
The Gentle Barn - Tennessee
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Open to the public every Sunday, Public Sunday at The Gentle Barn – Tennessee is a deliberately simple, self-guided experience on a working sanctuary where visitors can spend a two-hour session meeting and caring for resident animals across the main property.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ENCOUNTERS

Hands-on time with farm residents

The program centers on close, supervised contact: visitors can hug cows, give pigs belly rubs and spend time with turkeys while moving through the property at their own pace.

THE FORMAT

Timed, self-guided two-hour sessions

Public Sunday runs as timed entry sessions so groups circulate through the property in 2-hour windows, allowing guests to explore the sanctuary without a structured tour leader.

THE ETHOS

Animals-first sanctuary rules

The Gentle Barn emphasizes animal welfare: guests enjoy the animals while they live natural lives and should expect that animals may not always be available for interaction.

What the day feels like

What a Public Sunday Feels Like

You arrive for your timed session and move across the main property at your own pace, spending time where the animals are available—petting cows, rubbing a pig’s belly, or watching turkeys wander—over a two-hour, self-guided visit that favors quiet observation and gentle interaction.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this visit suits—and who should plan differently.

1
Active Families with Young ChildrenGood fit: the program is explicitly open to all ages and has pricing for kids (2–12) and free admission for under-2s, making it suitable for family outings with small children.
2
Budget-Minded VisitorsPotential fit: suggested donations apply for adults and children; The Gentle Barn also requests that visitors in financial hardship contact the organization to arrange access.
3
First-Time Animal LoversGood fit: the self-guided format lets newcomers set the pace for hands-on interactions while respecting the animals’ routines.
4
Visitors Requiring Special AccessConsider ahead: while the program is open to all ages, check with the operator if you have specific mobility or accessibility needs prior to booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and long pants recommended for an outdoor farm environment; do not bring dairy, egg, meat, poultry, or seafood on the property.

Footwear

Closed-toe shoes are strictly required to enter animal areas; sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes will not be permitted.

Clothing & Safety

Sturdy closed-toe shoes and long pants are recommended for comfort and safety while moving around the farm.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is a Public Sunday session?

Sessions are two-hour, self-guided visits with timed entry windows (examples include 10:00–12:00, 11:00–13:00, and 12:00–14:00).

What does admission cost?

Suggested donations are adults $20, kids ages 2–12 $10, and under-2 free; prices do not include processing fees.

Are tickets refundable?

All tickets are non-refundable; rain-checks are available upon request and canceled tickets may be added to the sanctuary’s fund to support others’ visits.

Can I bring food for my group or to feed the animals?

Guests should not bring dairy, egg, meat, poultry, or seafood onto the property out of respect for the animals.

What if I can’t afford the requested donation?

If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford the requested donation amount, contact The Gentle Barn to discuss options.

Will the animals always be available for interaction?

No—The Gentle Barn prioritizes the animals’ schedules and natural lives, so animals may not always be available for guest interactions.