Braehead Farm — Attraction in Fredericksburg

I'm really sad to be writing this review but I was so disappointed this time. We used to LOVE Braehead, we even had my son's 4th birthday there in November 2022 and it was a blast.

On Monday (6/05/23) my son's preschool class (private school/center) had their first field trip to Braehead (9:30am-12:30pm) for strawberry picking. I met them there at 10:40am. The school director and 2 teachers were there with the kids. When I arrived, I went through the market and let them know I was there for the field trip, and was directed where I could join the class. As I approached, Braehead staff woman was talking to them about Honey Bee's (I got ther4 late, so only caught the last 5 minutes of it). When that ended, it was time for strawberry picking, so I followed. The Braehead staff woman approached me and said "ma'am, if you are going to join the tour, you need to buy a wrist band." She said it was $9 and I had to purchase one in the market. I had not joined any "tour." And I said that I wouldn't pick any strawberries, I was just there for my child. She said I still had to buy a $9 wristband or I couldn't even be there. I went and purchased the wristband. The School Director was also beside herself, and she told her that the school had already paid Braehead. The Braehead staff woman still said I had to purchase the wristband or I could not even be there. I literally was only there for 1 hour (arrived at 10:40am and left at 11:40am), but still forced to pay a separate admission fee even though the school had already covered it.

Then, the 2 school teachers picked up a box to pick strawberries (mind you, the box is TINY (2.75 inches tall, 2 inches wide) and literally fits 5, maybe 6 strawberries if you smush them in). The Braehead staff woman actually went up to them and asked them to give her the boxes back! She said that the teachers could not participate in the strawberry picking activity with the kids! With these tiny boxes- the kids were done picking strawberries in 2-3 minutes since you can barely fit any in that box. On top of this, the Braehead staff woman then went around and actually told the kids that the box has to completely close and they had to dump some out on the ground! She actually stood there making sure! She did this to me too- stood there and watched while I dumped some on the ground in order to "completely close and seal" that tiny box. There are fields of berries. What's the point of dumping them out on the ground?! They go to waste. And to make 3 and 4 year olds do this? That was just really sad to watch. The school director was really upset too. She said all of their schools use Braehead and it was never like this until this year.

Again, I'm so sad to give this review because we have truly loved this farm. But this experience broke my heart for the kids and was so upsetting. We...

I wasn't too impressed. Had some animals and wide open ranges. A little run down and was very unimpressed with the pumpkin patch, not worth the extra $4 just to go in and get lost in a corn field or purchase a pumpkin. The playsets looked unsafe and felt as if most of the equipment was very old tires or run down. Definitely do so at your own risk. The port-a-potties were very well maintained and the volunteers we're very sweet. Fresh food is definitely a bonus and atmosphere. Was a neat experience but not much to do after awhile. I wouldn't recommend for under 2, and or be cautious with the little ones, again as the play sets are not very structurally sound. The animals are every sweet and well used to visitors so the was very enjoyable.

Pros: it's close by, there's animals to feed and fresh food for purchase at decent prices. Definitely go for an experience. Bathroom facilities are very well cared for and there is a hand washing station for full use. Wide open spaces

Cons: Fall festival wasn't worth it's cost, pumpkin patch was a disappointment, most were smashed/rotted and you still had to purchase it after picking. Most of the play areas and equipment for kids felt and looked very unsafe. Old toys were scattered around for kids to play with and the play sets consisted of old tires and construction equipment. Most of the play areas were "throw it together" type situation, which isn't bad per say but definitely I didn't feel like my kids wouldnt get hurt. Which in fairness is part of being a kid but there are something's that are a little over the top and this...

What a great discovery! Went on a week day for the first time, took my 16 month old grandson. It cost $5 per person over the age of 2 to go to the animal area & playgrounds. But they have a season pass for $20 that would be a great deal if you plan to go often. There’s a feed dispenser that you put a quarter in and get grain to feed the 3 super friendly goats. There’s a few rabbits in cages, free range chickens, two horses, some sheep, an alpaca, and I think pigs (didn’t see them) and there are cows in a nearby field. It’s not a petting zoo, but real farm animals that can be seen and interacted with a little. My grandson really enjoyed seeing the goats, bunnies and chickens. They have multiple playground areas, swings, slides, toys, sand piles. There’s even a muddy stream. Big pumpkin patch field. Expect the kids to get dirty! 😃 There is so much room for running around and outside play, it’s better than a park or playground. Less structured. The only drawbacks were porta potties instead of a real bathroom, no changing area for babies, and the lunch counter closed at 2 on weekdays which they didn’t tell me so we were a little hungry. But there’s a small selection of drinks and snacks you can purchase from the farm store. They also sell fresh produce and other products and of course have pick your own fields too but we didn’t do that. I look forward to...