Valleyview Little Animal Farm — Attraction in Ottawa

So finally we got to visit this charming little farm. Heather the manager made sure to make it up for us after the unpleasant event back in April. From the get go, the feeling was of utmost serenity and beauty, and made me wish I can stay and work at this magical little place. The farm is so beautiful, clean and inviting. It is small yet will surprise you with its attractions for kids as well as for adults. For my kid and neice it was the animals and the games/toys. For me, it was the unsuspecting agricultural machinery museum, which to me was the surprise highlight of the visit! From basic tools to intricate instruments evolving into massive engineering wonders, that made the work of farmers back in the day much easier and way more productive.. you can see it all in almost pristine conditions. Not only that, everything is laid out in a thoughtful way as if designed to showcase human ingenuity and determination. And on that note, one cannot but appreciate the tremendous and creative efforts of the founders.

"This one star is not for the farm, it is for the apathetic staff at the entrance. Unfortunately we were denied entry yesterday although we got there at exactly 15:25, and despite the fact that a family managed to enter only 2 minutes ahead of us. Our daughter turned 4 yesterday, and we drove all the way from the East to the farm so that she can see and pet the animals. The girls said they can't let us in because they've removed the "payment machine." We replied politely that it's still barely 15:30, but they didn't budge. I asked them if she can play with the kids on the tractor for 5 minutes (right at the entrance infornt of them). Their answer was a resounding no. We left in shock and disbelief, unable to fathom how can they be so insensitive (for the lack of a better word). Turning down a little kid is horrible and unjustified, specially if it's their birthday. If anything, it's Easter! We came over so that our daughter would have a good time there, but we left feeling sad to the core. Sometimes in the absence of sound judgment or reason, a tiny act of kindness is all what's required. I do hope that the girls and their supervisor read...

Great spot for children from ages 3-8 otherwise they are too small or too big to enjoy the massive play structures area. The play structures aren't that big but they are numerous to keep children entertained.

Cute goats and small animals but mostly just goats that you can pet and feed.

Little innovation to keep coming back. I would visit once a year just to keep kids busy.

Recent Easter weekend there was no thought to fill the muddy areas. Little thought to keep the train wagon open (closed due to mud issue) on the busy weekend. People came for the wagon rides. It's almost mandatory for children.

Friendly young staff. But no service other than admissions and cafe.

Some prices are outrageous. 2 mini pogo sticks for $3. Upon receiving the pogos, I was shocked to see how tiny they are. The size of my thumb. They should be priced at $2.

They buy food from Costco and re-package them. Chicago mix popcorn cost $6 a large bag. They filled plastic containers with them and charge $2. Popcorn isn't expensive. So basically they are trying to get $60 from $6 bag. Not mentioning freshness issue. Once the bag is opened, it's not fresh anymore.

Applesauce cups from Costco are resold for $1. They should be .75. Fruit cups at $1 is acceptable.

Check expiration before purchasing due to slow selling due to prices.

The fries appears to be baked and unsalted which is healthier.

My children asked why the trains aren't going around in the cafe. The staff said the batteries died long time ago. Little thought was given to re-activate them for the busy Easter weekend. They received over 2,000 visitors that weekend, yet they wouldn't turn on the trains to entrain the children while they pay premium for cafe food.

At least my kids got free cookies from the egg hunt.

I wish admissions could be cheaper but I understand how they need to support themselves...

I went with my husband and our 3 kids, znd my brother with his son. The kids were ages: 1, 2,4 & 6. It was fun! Honestly, there were only like 10 animals in total, so if you're thinking you're about to see a bunch of animals, you're wrong! You can feed the goats in the first little barn, as soon as you go in the gate. but after that, it's pretty sparse. There are a couple of large play areas (park structures, swing, slide), and a few old vehicles. So, all in all, not too much to see. This said, the play areas were awesome. Mostly wooden vehicles they could go in and sit on, but different from your every day playground. There is a covered picnic area. GIANT COMPLAINT: apart from the main building, at the gate, there are NO WASHROOMS ANYWHERE! So, if you're taking your time with the kids, stop for your picnic or play time... you either take them behind a bush or they pee their pants. I just feel like with the age range being set for 6 and under, they should accommodate diaper changes and potty trainers... anywhere for a child to pee! The place is not big, so heading back to the main building isn't bad, but if you've never been there, you have no idea how close/far you are from the end of the trail (which is just a giant loop). Last thing, the train.... we were looking forward to this part! And scheduled our visit to accommodate one of the few train ride times. What a joke. It literally lasted 4 minutes. There is no reason why they couldn't do the train around the entire loop of the farm, or at least a little further than just through the little corn field. Especially when it runs only a couple of times in the day. It was fun, but washrooms, a tiny map at the gate (or handout) and a longer train ride... and this place would be a million...