At Oakhurst we’re firm believers on good ol’ fashioned farm fun for kids, the kind of activities that’ll allow them to get out and explore, ride their bikes, play outside, swim, fish and climb. Best of all, at the end of a busy farm day, they’ll collapse into their beds, utterly exhausted.
With that in mind, we’ve focussed on a few great options to keep your little ones buzzing during their Oakhurst stay, and hopefully give mom and dad the chance to put their feet up and take the breather they deserve.
On two wheels
Ask any kid, their bike is the ultimate form of freedom. Now, combine that with loads of open space, no traffic and Oakhurst’s tracks and trails and you’ve got bicycle heaven. They’ve also got the Oakhurst pump track to tackle, a series of gentle bumps and berms, which even the little guys on their push bikes love. We’ve got a range of bikes to hire at the farm shop as well…even adult ones, so no excuse dad!
Dairy Tours
Now, you can’t stay on a dairy farm, without a tour of the dairy! Kids just love the this experience. They’ll get to watch the Oakhurst herd come in for milking, and of course hear our top class presentation about how cows are milked, where the milk goes to and how we to raise happy and healthy dairy cows. If they’re up for it, they’ll even get a go on the pressure hoses during the cleaning up process after milking.
Swings and Jungles
For the budding gymnasts out there, the options are in no short supply. The giant swing for instance, is a huge hit. Suspended on a long rope hanging from one of our tallest bluegums, this is the closest sensation they’ll get to flying. For the younger ones, The Crows Nest (A suspended net treehouse), climbing wall and jungle gym below the Farm Cottages makes a great place to hang out and burn off some energy. Within easy reach of the nearby accommodation, they’re always in earshot of your cottage. Our newest addition is the jungle gym and swings which have been built alongside the Africamps tents.
Hit the trails
Oakhurst has an vast network of forest trails for hiking, biking or trail running. Nothing beats a crisp morning trail run, while the kids scoot off on their bikes ahead of you. The walks are well marked and mapped out on the display boards at the farm shop. The hike down to the waterfall below the Oakhurst Forge is an easy one through beautiful indigenous forest.
Throw a line
The Oakhurst dam is a large expanse of water, teeming with fish (for catch and release only). Mom or dad can tag along and kick back on the banks for a spot of “armchair fishing”. It’s a fun activity and for some kids, one which they’ll keep going back to in the hope of catching a big one. We’ve got fishing rods for hire and bait available at the farm shop.
Saddle up
The Oakhurst horses are as much a part of the farm as our dairy cows are. The horse trails and pony rides are guided by Isak Mene, who is not only a master of all things equine, but is great with introducing the kids to horses and leading them gently along on our toddler pony rides. For older kids, as well as the adults. We’ve got varying levels of guided horse trails for you to enjoy.
Our Horse Experience workshops are run over busy weekends. These education sessions don’t involve riding, but rather lessons on horse care, horse handling, feeding, stable cleaning and tack care. It’s a real hands on and fun experience for kids.
Holiday program
The Oakhurst Holiday Program remains a crowd puller. Run during the school holidays only, our daily program involves a range of activities for all ages. From canvas painting to cupcake decorating, archery to night walks on the farm.
