Adventure brief
Open Farm
Spend two hours meeting rescued camels, horses, goats, donkeys, and rabbits at Open Farm in Fairhaven. This accessible, small-group sanctuary visit is an easy, educational outdoor outing for families and animal lovers.
Open Farm at Blazing Saddles Pony Parties & Little Patch of Heaven Sanctuary sits just outside downtown Fairhaven, Massachusetts, a short drive from New Bedford harbor. This two-hour, family-focused experience invites visitors into a relaxed outdoor sanctuary where rescued farm animals and a handful of exotics—camels, horses, donkeys, goats, and rabbits—mingle with wide paddocks, shaded paths, and a small play area. The scene is unpretentious: split-rail fences, sun-worn feeding troughs, and grassy pastures that reveal the tidal-influenced soils of southeastern Massachusetts rather than dramatic geological features.
What makes the place remarkable is not rock or cliff but the animals themselves and the care behind them. Blazing Saddles Pony Parties & Little Patch of Heaven Sanctuary operates as a rescue and educational site; staff prioritize gentle interactions, animal welfare, and moments of connection that translate easily into lasting memories for children and adults alike. Activities on a typical visit include guided meet-and-greets, gentle petting sessions, and open time to wander the grounds and play on the playground—ideal for toddlers and elementary-aged kids.
The operation limits groups to about 20 people and provides stroller and wheelchair access, lowering barriers for families who want an inclusive outdoor experience. Practical notes: check in at the front gate; the farm recommends dressing for mud, pollen, and uneven terrain, and tickets are non-refundable, including for inclement weather. Beyond the hands-on animal time, visitors learn about rescue work and basic animal care.
The sanctuary’s mix of domestic and exotic residents—most notably a camel in a New England pasture—creates pocket moments of surprise that make great family photos. Local color ties into Fairhaven’s maritime past: a community once shaped by shipbuilding and trade that now supports inland green spaces and small sanctuaries like this one. Why go now? Open Farm is one of those low-stakes outdoor outings that converts city-weary kids into curious animal lovers quickly.
It’s especially useful for parents seeking a short, supervised nature interlude that balances play and learning without a long hike or complicated logistics. Accessibility and a small-group format make it an easy add-on to a weekend around New Bedford or a quieter day exploring southeastern Massachusetts. Practical details: duration is two hours, group size about 20, and the site cautions visitors about farm conditions.
Check the front gate for arrival and follow staff guidance during your visit to keep animals calm and the experience safe for everyone. Visitors should bring water and a camera; younger children often need reminders around animals. Because the farm operates as a working rescue, staff may rotate animals through care routines—these moments become informal talks about rehabilitation and stewardship.
Reserve tickets ahead to secure your session and plan for a relaxed introduction to farm life this summer.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Wear closed-toe shoesessential
Barn surfaces can be muddy and uneven—sturdy shoes protect feet and make moving between paddocks easier.
- 02Check in at the front gateinfo
Arrive a few minutes early and check in at the front gate as instructed to keep the schedule on track.
- 03Respect animal spaceessential
Always follow staff guidance; approach animals calmly and avoid sudden movements to keep interactions safe.
- 04Bring water and snacks for kidsinfo
Short visits are active—hydration and small snacks keep youngsters comfortable between activities.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet from mud, straw, and uneven ground around paddocks.
EssentialReusable water bottle
Staying hydrated keeps kids comfortable during active time outdoors.
EssentialCamera or phone
Capture close-up moments with animals and the unexpected charm of a camel in a New England pasture.
Hand sanitizer
Quickly clean hands after petting animals and before eating.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Small picnic spots near shaded paddocks for quiet animal-watching, A low bench by the goat pen that offers candid photo moments of animal interactions
Local fauna
Eastern cottontail rabbit, Common backyard birds such as robins and sparrows
Historic heritage
Fairhaven has 19th-century maritime roots tied to shipbuilding and trade; small inland sanctuaries like this reflect the town’s shift toward community green spaces.
Mindful exploration
The sanctuary focuses on rescue and rehabilitation; visitors help by following guidelines, avoiding unauthorized feeding, and disposing of trash properly.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Along the main paddock fence for wide animal group shots, Near the playground for candid family moments, By the camel enclosure for unexpected close-ups
- Subjects
- Rescued animals, Family interactions with animals, Barn and paddock details
- Best times
- Golden hour (early evening), Late morning after dew dries, Overcast days for even light
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How long is the visit?
Open Farm sessions are two hours long, which includes meet-and-greet time and free exploration of the grounds.
Are tickets refundable?
All tickets are non-refundable, including in the case of inclement weather—plan accordingly.
Is the farm accessible?
Yes—Open Farm is stroller and wheelchair accessible to help families with limited mobility participate.
What animals will I see?
Visitors routinely meet rescued horses, donkeys, goats, bunnies, and at times a camel, along with other domestic residents.
Is this suitable for young children?
Yes—this experience is designed for families and young visitors, though children should be supervised and follow staff instructions around animals.
Can I feed the animals?
Feeding is managed by staff to protect animal diets; follow staff instructions if any supervised feeding opportunities are offered.