The Ultimate Farm Keeper Experience for Kids in Southampton
Are you searching for a farm keeper experience for kids near Southampton? Look no further than Hensting Alpacas at Itchen Valley Country Park! Our exclusive junior farm keeper experience gives children aged 3+ the chance to work as a real farm keeper for the morning, caring for Piper our gentle llama.
Unlike typical farm visits where children just look at animals, our hands-on farm experience puts kids in the role of an actual keeper. They'll work one-on-one with our dedicated staff member, learning real farm duties including feeding, mucking out, grooming, and walking Piper around the beautiful country park.
Are you searching for a farm keeper experience for kids near Southampton? Look no further than Hensting Alpacas at Itchen Valley Country Park! Our exclusive junior farm keeper experience gives children aged 3+ the chance to work as a real farm keeper for the morning, caring for Piper our gentle llama.
Unlike typical farm visits where children just look at animals, our hands-on farm experience puts kids in the role of an actual keeper. They'll work one-on-one with our dedicated staff member, learning real farm duties including feeding, mucking out, grooming, and walking Piper around the beautiful country park.
What Makes Our Farm Keeper Experience Special?
Located just 15 minutes from Southampton, Winchester, and Eastleigh, our farm keeper experience for kids is designed to be educational, fun, and unforgettable. Here's what makes it unique:
🦙 Meet Piper - Your Child's Llama Friend
Piper is our friendly young llama who was born at Hensting Alpacas. With a calm, gentle temperament, Piper is perfect for children of all ages. She loves being groomed, going for walks, and showing off her playful personality! During the farm keeper experience, children build a genuine bond with Piper while learning how to safely handle and care for a llama.
👨🌾 Real Farm Keeper Duties
This isn't just a petting experience - it's a genuine behind-the-scenes farm experience where kids do actual keeper work:
- Morning Feeding: Help prepare and deliver breakfast to Piper and our alpaca herd
- Mucking Out: Learn proper barn maintenance with 15 minutes of light mucking out
- Grooming Session: Brush Piper's soft coat and learn about llama care
- Gentle Walk: Take Piper for a peaceful walk around Itchen Valley Country Park
- Farm Education: Discover fascinating facts about llamas, alpacas, and farm life
🎯 One-on-One Attention
Your child works directly with a dedicated farm keeper for the entire 3-hour morning. No crowds, no waiting in line, no sharing attention with 20 other kids. This exclusive kids farm keeper experience ensures your child gets personalized instruction and plenty of time to ask questions.
Perfect for Animal-Loving Kids
Our farm keeper experience is ideal for:
- Birthday Gifts: Much more memorable than toys - give the gift of an unforgettable farm adventure
- Homeschool Groups: Educational hands-on learning about animal care, biology, and responsibility
- Future Veterinarians: Kids considering animal care careers get real keeper experience
- Confidence Building: Working with animals teaches responsibility, empathy, and problem-solving
- Quality Family Time: Parents participate alongside children (1 adult included per ticket)
What's Included in Your Farm Keeper Experience
The farm keeper experience for kids runs from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM and includes:
- ✅ One child + one adult admission (£80 total)
- ✅ Dedicated farm keeper guide for the entire morning
- ✅ All hands-on activities (feeding, grooming, mucking out, walking)
- ✅ Educational farm keeper training throughout
- ✅ Refreshment break (bring your own snacks)
- ✅ Photo opportunities with Piper
- ✅ Visit to our farm shop
- ✅ Certificate of completion (upon request)
Why Parents Choose Hensting Alpacas
We've been offering alpaca experiences in Hampshire for over 10 years, and our farm keeper experience is our most exclusive offering. Here's why families love it:
"My daughter's farm keeper experience was incredible! She talks about Piper every day and has photos everywhere. The staff were so patient and educational. Worth every penny!" - Sarah M., Southampton
🏆 Expert Staff
Our experienced farm keepers are passionate about animals and education. They ensure children learn proper animal handling while having fun.
🌳 Beautiful Location
Itchen Valley Country Park offers 440 acres of stunning Hampshire countryside. After your farm keeper experience, families can explore the park, spot wildlife, and enjoy the playgrounds.
🦙 Calm, Friendly Animals
Piper and our alpaca herd are well-socialized and used to children. Safety is our top priority, and all interactions are supervised.
Learning Through Real Farm Work
During the farm keeper experience, children discover:
- Llama Biology: How llamas are different from alpacas, their South American heritage, and unique behaviors
- Animal Nutrition: What llamas eat, how to prepare meals, and why diet matters
- Farm Maintenance: Why mucking out is important for animal health
- Grooming Techniques: How to safely brush and care for llama fleece
- Gentle Handling: Reading animal body language and respectful interaction
- Responsibility: Understanding the daily commitment of farm animal care
Suitable for Ages 3+
Our farm keeper experience for kids welcomes children aged 3 and up. Younger children work closely with parents, while older kids (8+) can take on more independent keeper duties. We adapt the experience to match each child's age, ability, and confidence level.
Important: One child must be accompanied by one adult (both included in the £80 ticket). Children cannot attend unaccompanied.
What to Bring to Your Farm Keeper Experience
Come prepared for real farm work:
- 👕 Old Clothes: Wear clothes that can get muddy - this is a working farm!
- 👢 Sturdy Footwear: Wellies or closed-toe shoes (wellingtons available to hire)
- 🥤 Snacks & Drinks: Bring refreshments for the break time
- 📸 Camera: Capture your child as a farm keeper with Piper
- 🌦️ Weather Gear: Waterproofs if rain forecast - we run in all weather
Easy to Find from Southampton, Winchester & Portsmouth
Hensting Alpacas is located at Itchen Valley Country Park, just off the M27:
📍 Address:
Itchen Valley Country Park
Allington Lane, West End
Southampton, SO30 3HQ
🚗 Parking: Short stay £3.30 | Full day £5.30
⏰ Experience Times: 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM (gates close at 8:55 AM sharp)
📞 Contact: 0333 050 4012
We're easily accessible from Southampton (15 mins), Winchester (15 mins), Eastleigh (10 mins), Portsmouth (30 mins), and surrounding Hampshire areas.
How to Book Your Farm Keeper Experience
Ready to give your child an unforgettable farm keeper experience?
- Visit our Farm Keeper Experience page
- Check available dates on our live calendar
- Book online (secure payment via Stripe)
- Receive confirmation email with all details
- Arrive ready for farm adventure!
⚠️ Important Booking Information:
- ❌ No refunds or rescheduling after booking
- ⏰ Gates close at 8:55 AM - no late entry allowed
- 👨👩👧 One ticket = 1 child + 1 adult (additional guests need separate tickets)
- ☀️ All weather experience - dress appropriately
Other Alpaca Experiences at Hensting Alpacas
If your family loves the farm keeper experience, we offer other amazing activities:
- Morning Alpaca Walks: Walk your own alpaca through Itchen Valley Country Park
- Christmas Alpaca Walks: Festive walks with Santa hats and jingle bells
- Adopt an Alpaca: Sponsorship packages with exclusive visits
- Gift Vouchers: Perfect presents for animal lovers
- Meet Our Alpacas: Learn about our breeding program
Frequently Asked Questions
Can siblings attend the farm keeper experience?
Each ticket covers 1 child + 1 adult. If you have multiple children who want to participate, you'll need to book multiple tickets or take turns with keeper duties.
What if it's raining?
The farm keeper experience runs in all weather! Farm keepers work rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Wellington boots are available to hire if needed.
Is the experience suitable for children with special needs?
Absolutely! Please call us at 0333 050 4012 to discuss your child's specific needs, and we'll adapt the experience accordingly.
Can we bring our own camera?
Yes! We encourage photos throughout the farm keeper experience. Parents can capture amazing memories of their child working with Piper.
What's the difference between this and your alpaca walks?
Alpaca walks are group experiences (up to 16 people) focused on walking alpacas. The farm keeper experience is exclusive one-on-one time where children do actual keeper work - feeding, mucking out, grooming, and learning about daily farm care.
Book Your Kids Farm Keeper Experience Today
Give your child an experience they'll never forget! Our farm keeper experience for kids creates lasting memories, teaches valuable life skills, and sparks a lifelong love of animals.
With limited availability and exclusive one-on-one attention, dates fill up quickly. Book your farm keeper experience now and give your child the gift of becoming a real farm keeper for the morning!
📞 Questions? Call 0333 050 4012 or email info@alpacas-hampshire.co.uk
Book Farm Keeper Experience - £80
Hensting Alpacas offers the premier farm keeper experience for kids in Southampton, Hampshire. Located at Itchen Valley Country Park, we serve families from Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, Eastleigh, Romsey, Fareham, Basingstoke, and surrounding areas. Our exclusive behind-the-scenes farm experience with Piper the llama is perfect for birthdays, homeschool groups, and animal-loving children aged 3+.