Johnson’s Corner Farm

133 Church Rd.

Medford, NJ 08055

609-654-8643

http://www.johnsonsfarm.com/

What happens at the farm stays at the farm. Unless you are a two-year old critic searching for the latest and best stuff to do before nap time. Today my fedora and I found ourselves in Medford New Jersey at Johnson’s Corner Farm. This is a pretty hands on spot. As usual I first surveyed the playground known as the Discovery Barn Zone. Who knew I looked so good behind the wheel of a giant retro tractor? After a trip through the teepee and an embarrassing moment with a giant cow that is apparently plastic. I moved onto the Johnson’s Mini Town. I lent Sophie, one of my favorite lady baby pals, a hand in the chicken coop, picked up a shift at the mini country store and put in a hard days work in the giant sand box (complete with shaded barn for those of you with fair skin). When my legs got tired I would grab a little tractor and scoot around to make sure everyone was doing their job.

 

Next Section: Animal Barnyard

It is no secret that I am an animal lover. When you buy your tickets they give you corn cobs for the animals. You send them through a tube that goes through a fence and into their pen. I am going to go out on a limb here and say these guys get feed plenty. Especially since they didn’t really budge when I sent my corn over the fence. After I introduced myself to the goats, chickens and a snoring pig I decided to check out the real cows. Now here is an amateur mistake I made. Don’t use up all your corn cobs on the goats, pigs and chickens. Save them for the cows which are past the wacky bridge, past the giant metal pumpkin and around the bend.

The hayrides are great. Sometimes if you go early in the morning and catch the first one of the day you get a private ride. The driver will take you to the seasonal fruit picking location, tell you how to spot the good ones and even play photographer if you need him to.

Johnson’s Bakery and Farm Kitchen: the store inside was awesome and filled to the ceiling with baked good. I will be “reviewing” the Jewish Apple Cake tonight! UPDATE: The cake was good but not as good as Grandmom’s (aka num-num)

ASK A MOM

I have to say the first thing I want to thank them for is the automatic doors at the market. Since you have to go inside to buy tickets this was a heaven-sent. With all I juggle with the two boys, not having to shimmy in a door and make it look like it is no big deal was a nice switch.

Overall we had a great day. It is really great for the under 5 crowd. The Discovery Barn Zone is just the right size and has plenty to do and comes with a resident goat. You can’t touch the animals which is a little bit of a bummer but there is plenty of hand on activities to make up for it. There is an ice cream stand with plenty of seating. We skipped it this time but I put it on the list for our next visit. I also want to call out how nice the staff was. Normally these places are filled with high school or college kids that spend their shift zoning out. Everyone one there was helpful, happy and chugging along at their job.

I included a ton of pictures with my review because they have very few on the site. The Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm is open daily from 9am to 6pm weather permitting. The Farm has something for every season so be sure to check their events page to make the most of your trip. The hours vary by season. Click here for a schedule. Johnson’s Corner Farm is also a great place to host a birthday party. Click here to see our party.

Cost

Daily and season passes are available.

SEASON PASS

$30 per child per season, $15 per adult per season

(not available after Aug. 1)

DAY PASS

$6.50 per child (between ages 12 months and 12 years old)

Adults and children 13 and older $3.25.

Discovery Barnyard Special

ALL paid hayriders get 1/2 off Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm Admission
($3.25 child, $1.63 adult)

Over All Thoughts

I don’t really have anything bad to say. They have done a great job at making Johnson’s Corner Farm a really nice place to visit.

• Unlike most places they do charge for children under 2. I will say I think that is fair because most of the farm caters to the 1-5 year old crowd.
• It is 30 minutes outside of Philly but still a quick drive and worth the trip.
• Don’t forget you have to pay a $4.00 toll if you are coming from Philadelphia / PA

You have some pretty good options at the farm. Inside the “market” they have a “take home for dinner counter.” The selection is limited but looks good. Mainly the place is filled with sweets and baked goods with a small produce and veggie section in the back. Their seasonal pickings are usually on a table right when you walk in.

If it is hot out there don’t forget the extensive ice cream options right outside the Discovery Barn Zone.

Getting There

I am not sure if is New Jersey’s fault or MapQuest but once again we took a mini unwanted detour. If you have an iPhone use that over MapQuest. The biggest issue is you go from Church Street to Evergreen to Church Road. Yep that is right two different streets with the same name (NJ making it hard as always). But now that you know that you are prepared!  Click here to get your MapQuest directions.