Ponies and Longhorns and Piggies Oh My!

Looking for some hands on animal fun in San Diego? Head down to Ponyland where they have a variety of animals you can ride and interact with. Parker along the main road and head in for some animal fun! There are ponies (obviously), a longhorn we couldn't stop staring at, lots of goats, alpacas, pigs, and tortoises. All the animals were very friendly, especially the baby goats. We went on a weekend and there were maybe 5 other families there with small childen. The website says there is a 15 min limit for the petting zoo but we were there longer than that and no one tried to rush us out. I hope you go check out this fun spot that is just minutes from downtown San Diego. Please report back if you do! 

Ponyland San Diego

2606 Hollister Street

San Diego, CA 92154

619-947-3152

[So much fun!]

[$5 for three laps on the pony track]

[We were too scared to pet this alpaca]

[Goat trying to eat Parker's clothes]

[Parker: Maybe dad won't notice if we take this one home.]

Annual Bates Nut Farm Visit 2017

I remember the first time we took Parker to Bates Nut Farm to see the big macs. He was barely standing and we had to lean him against the big macs to get the shots. He was shorter than some of the pumpkins! Fast forward to 2017, and my now 4 year old could barely stand still for a photo. He wanted to run through the fields, pick up the pumpkins and was totally distracted by the tractor rides. I started this blog as a public diary of our journey through parenthood in San Diego. Annual traditions like visiting Bates are reminders of how far we've come as parents and how Parker growing into a handsome, independent little boy. 

2016

2015

2014

2013

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Road

Valley Center, CA 92802

Mom tips:

-Sunblock, water and closed toe shoes are a must.

-Bring quarters if you want to buy corn to feed to animals.

-Bates now charges a $5 cash only parking fee

-The number of vendors and food trucks has increased significantly. Woo hoo!

-We visiting late in the season this year and most of the big macs were already gone. There were still plenty of pumpkins though!