About Hawks Hollow Farm
Hawks Hollow Farm stands out as a versatile family entertainment venue, particularly renowned for its interactive 'walk-in' petting zoo experience, comprehensive horse and pony activities, and well-structured birthday parties. It offers personalized horseback riding lessons with highly praised instructors, a unique playground with a tree house, and hosts family-friendly seasonal events like Fall festivals with diverse food options. The farm excels in providing hands-on animal encounters and fostering a supportive environment for children to learn and grow.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Birthday parties for young children (ages ~4-10) seeking animal interactions and riding experiences.Families looking for a full day of hands-on farm animal experiences and playground fun.Children aspiring to learn horseback riding, offering personalized and flexible lesson options.Weekend family outings, especially during seasonal festivals.Parents seeking a supportive environment for their child's development through equestrian activities.
Why families love it
- Features an interactive petting zoo where visitors can walk in with animals like chickens, pigs/hogs, goats, Llamas, donkeys, ponies, horses, rabbits, and turkeys.
- Offers horse and pony riding, including the chance to brush and feed mini horses.
- Boasts an 'epic playground' that includes a tree house and a fort-like play area.
- Birthday parties are highly recommended and include riding lessons, petting zoo time, and a t-shirt for attendees.
- Provides personalized western-style horseback riding lessons with highly experienced and caring instructors, notably Denise, who focuses on safety, skill development, and boosting children's self-esteem.
- Instructors are described as wonderful, friendly, and great with children, paying careful attention to safety and individual needs.
Insider tips
- Wear boots, as it is a farm environment.
- Consider bringing mini carrots for the petting zoo animals, especially for parties, as this was a hit for attendees.
- Check for special seasonal events like the Fall festival, which offers additional attractions and vendors.
- Take advantage of the 'kids under 2 are free' policy.
- If interested in horseback riding lessons, inquire about a trial lesson without commitment.
- For horseback riding, consider asking for instructor Denise, who is highly recommended for her experience and teaching style (Western style taught, inquire for English).
Good to know before you go
- No specific situations or times to avoid were mentioned in the reviews.
- Pony rides are described as very short.
- Toilets are noted to look old, though they are clean and functional.
- Crowds
- No specific crowd levels were reported, but the mention of a successful Fall festival suggests it can accommodate larger gatherings.
- Value
- General admission for families during festivals is described as 'not bad,' with kids under 2 admitted free. Horse riding lessons are considered 'reasonable' in price and 'worth every penny' due to the quality of instruction, care for the horses, and positive impact on the child's development. Solo lessons are slightly more expensive than group lessons but not significantly. Trial lessons are available, allowing parents to test without commitment.
- Food
- Ice cream trucks, taco food trucks, and grilled food are available for purchase during special events like the Fall festival.
- Accessibility
- No specific accommodations for guests with disabilities were mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- Staff supervises children in the petting zoo area during parties, ensuring a safe experience.
What parents say
"This is our 4th year having our daughter’s birthday party at Hawks Hollow. We absolutely love it! So many things to do, everyone is happy! Petting zoo (you get to walk in with the animals!), ride horses, brush/feed mini horses, and the epic playground with a tree house! The open pavilion is perfect to be able to see everything going on. The staff is wonderful and friendly. We highly recommend!"
6 months ago
"We spent longer then I thought we would here. Pony ride was very short but my daughter enjoyed it. I loved the petting zoo. She loved the playground. We all loved the ice cream truck!"
6 months ago
"Today was a beautiful day to visit this place. My husband found out they were opening up for their Fall festival which included a petting zoo that included chickens, pigs/hogs, goats, Llamas, donkey, ponies, horses, rabbits, and turkies. The cost was not bad for the whole family, and kids under 2 are free. There were several various vendors, ice cream truck, taco food truck, and grilled food for sale. Parking was good and easy. My god-daughter enjoyed the pony ride. We definitely enjoyed the entire day here. My god-son fed and petted a few animals."
2 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More petting zoos in Baltimore
Petting Zoos Kinder Farm Park
4.8(1,716)4.8 out of 5 stars, 1716 reviews1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville
Petting Zoos Clark's Elioak Farm
4.5(2,433)4.5 out of 5 stars, 2433 reviews10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
Petting Zoos Plumpton Park Zoo
4.5(2,223)4.5 out of 5 stars, 2223 reviewsPlumpton Park Zoo, 1416 Telegraph Rd, Rising Sun
Petting Zoos Green Meadows Petting Farm
4.7(1,021)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1021 reviews10102 Fingerboard Rd, Ijamsville