12 Things to Do at Pond Hill Farms: A Perfect Day Trip for Families in Northern Michigan
Abundant Activities Await at Pond Hill Farm
In Northwest Michigan, a unique farm has something for everyone. Pond Hill Farm is a lovely combination of a farm, restaurant, market, winery & brewery. Not to mention it has tons of outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
Beautiful Arbor at the Entrance of Pond Hill Farm
Our family visited this entertaining destination for my son’s 6th birthday while camping at nearby Petoskey State Park. We easily spent a half day exploring Pond Hill Farm.
Kids can enjoy a gnome hunt, a large nature play area, and petting farm animals; while adults can savor wine & beer tasting and live bands. We loved the family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor seating, delicious pizza and a variety of wines, beers, and ciders that will satisfied your tastebuds. This stop makes a perfect Michigan Day Trip. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. Trust me, you can’t help but fall in love with Pond Hill Farm.
Address: 5699 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Cost: Free. Admission for the play area, petting area, gnome hike and majority of activities is free, although you pay extra to shoot the canyon and purchases of food and drinks.
Alotted Time: Half day
1. Enjoy the Beautiful Flowers
From the moment you drive up, the beauty of the farm will delight your senses. When we visited, the hollyhock, hydrangeas and petunias were showing off. Bright blooms ushered you through the rustic wooden arbor and into the magic of Pond Hill Farm.
As a flower lover, the grounds were lovely and I knew immediately I was going to savor our time on the farm. From the aroma of flowers to wine, you’re in for a good time.
2. Find the Hidden Gnome Homes
This hiking trail (1.5 miles) leads visitors to a series of uniquely crafted gnome homes. A clever saying and a letter is hidden on the door of each house. Once you collect all the letters, they form a secret word. Once complete you can claim your small prize back at the farm. The dirt trail winds through open fields, woods, and besides a large fish pond.
3. Pose for a Picture
Smile for a Picture
Capture your memories, while posing for some pictures throughout the farm. Fun & goofy signs are displayed for kids to strike a pose. Or use the stunning backdrops of the rustic barn and flowers for a Insta-worthy picture.
Perfect Backdrop to Take Pictures
4. Listen to a Band
Throughout the year, local area bands bring a lively atmosphere to Pond Hill Farm. A large wooden stage is set up under an outdoor tent, so you can experience the best of both worlds. Your night out will definitely be one for the memory books.
Stage at Pond Hill Farm
5. Try Wine or Beer Tasting
With two vineyards and nine grape varieties grown on the farm, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. Spend some time in the wine tasting room as you sample and choose your favorite.
Wine Tasting
Did I mention, they also have a full brewery stocked with ciders and beers that are brewed and bottled by Pond Hill Farms. Wander the property as you sip your favorite wine or beverage while listening to the sounds of local bands, stroll the trails, and check out the barns and animals.
6.Take Home Wine & Treats from the Market
Visit the Market
Don’t leave before perusing the market which is stocked with farm grown jams, jellies, honey, and of course wine. Pond Hill also offers market items on their online store for you to continue to support this local farm.
7. Pet the Farm Animals and Pumpkin the Cat
During your visit, if you’re lucky you’ll spot the orange fur of the infamous cat, Pumpkin. Take a moment to pet this furry feline as you relax on the outdoor patio.
In addition goats, chickens, bunnies and pigs can all be found in the large barn and some even wandering throughout the grounds.
8. Climb & Play in the Play Yard
From wooden teepees, natural playscapes to slides and monkey bars your children will love playing on this spacious outdoor play area. Let your kids run and climb while you sit back and relax.
Climb the Wooden Teepee
9. Enjoy Seasonal Fun Family Activities
An unforgettable adventure awaits, no matter the season. You can shoot a squash cannon, play a game of human foosball, shoot hoops or play a giant Jenga game while you wait for your food to arrive.
The changing Autumn leaves brings with it a host of exciting fall-themed activities around the farm. Smash or bowl a pumpkin, shoot an apple from a cannon, view the grounds on a hayride adventure, get lost in corn maze, and savor delicious fall favorites of cider and donuts.
Seasonal Activities Happen on the Farm
Fall Fest Weekends occur on Saturday and Sundays from 11-6pm. It’s an ideal way for families to embrace fall days ahead.
Winter brings sledding and Christmas- themed activities like meeting Santa or Christmas tree selection that will keep kids in a festive mood.
10. Eat & Drink your Fill
With a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Pond Hill makes it easy to eat together as a family. From savory tomatoe soup to grill cheese to pretzels there is a variety of choices that will please everyone.
Delicious Brick Oven Pizza at Pond Hill Farm
A popular food and a staple for our family is the brick oven fired pizza. Unique pizza combinations can be enjoyed by children and adults. The pickle pizza was a hit with our entire family. With tons of indoor and outdoor seating, you can soak in the lovely atmosphere of the farm. Check out the full menu here.
TIP Order your food first and then let the kids play.
11. Start at DIY Project
You’ll come to realize wooden structures are featured throughout the property from the wooden stage and play structures to the impressive arbor at the entrance. It probably won’t surprise you to see a sawmill on the property. During your stay, grab the opportunity to purchase beautiful slabs of cherry, oak and walnut to make your own DIY projects.
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12. Explore the Area
Harbor Springs is a prime destination for a weekend getaway or a week long vacation. Nearby beach towns of Petoskey and Charlevoix are great places to explore.
Some activities in the area you don’t want to miss include Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, Petoskey State Park, Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, and biking the Little Traverse Wheelway. Additionally Pond Hill is located near the beginning of the scenic and winding Tunnel of Trees Drive, known for its spectacular fall colors.
Accommodations
Looking for nearby accommodations, you can easily find cozy cabins and condos, here are some family-friendly places on Vrbo, which are perfect for your next vacation! Read about our family trip to Petoskey. There are tons of places to stay from secluded cabins in the woods to kid-friendly hotels with pools. Check out the best deals and nearby accommodations at Booking.com
FAQ’s
Is it worth visiting Pond Hill Farm? Yes, It’s an ideal place to visit for families with delicious food, hiking trails, gnome hunt, hayrides, and wine tasting.
How long should we plan to spend at Pond Hill Farm? You can easily spend half a day enjoying the activities, food and property.
Are dogs allowed at Pond Hill Farm? Yes, It’s a dog-friendly destination with tons of outdoor seating. Dogs must be on a leash.
Final Thoughts
Pond Hill Farm is a fun-filled day trip for anyone vacationing in Northern Michigan. This beautiful area is full of adventures, whether you’re spending a couple days or a week you must make Pond Hill Farm a stop on your next family vacation.
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Looking for more area attractions, check out Thorne Swift Nature Center or this list of unmissable activities in Petoskey.
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