Free Activities in Salt Lake City: Wheeler Farm

Wheeler Historic Farm is the restored dairy farm of the Wheeler family, representing agricultural family life from 1890-1920. Today it is a registered historical place owned by Salt Lake County. It is located about 13 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, right in the middle of the Salt Lake Valley.

Wheeler Farm is located in a county park which includes large grassy areas, two ponds, wetlands, woods, walking trails and pasture fields. The park is 75 acres, with plenty of room for walking, picnicking and letting the kids run around.

The Farm itself consists of a large community building, the farmhouse and barn, the milking parlor, several outbuildings and the animals' pens. The community "Activity Barn" houses the office area, a museum of old farming and homestead equipment, and a small art gallery with rotating exhibits from local artists. Activities are also held here. Farm buildings include a country store, blacksmith's shop, outhouse, ice house, tree house, root cellar etc. The barn contains a variety of farm vehicles and equipment on display.

Wheeler Farm is a working farm with demonstrations in caring for the animals, milking and grooming, and other farm chores. You might see a horse being brushed, or the animals eating their dinner.

As far as animals go, Wheeler Farm has all the animals you would expect to find on a farm and more. There are quite a few horses and mules, some milk cows, several sheep and pigs, a couple of goats, and several rabbits. There are also many different kinds of birds, including turkeys, hens, roosters, geese and ducks. In the spring there are baby animals also. The animals are friendly, talkative and close-up. If you dare, you can reach your hand through the fence and pet a lamb or a pig.

Visiting the park and the farm and seeing the animals is free. There are a few additional activities you and your children can enjoy for a small fee. A guided tour of the farmhouse can be taken for $1.50. $1.50 will also buy you a wagon ride. For 50 cents you can participate in the cow milking demonstration - this is available at 5:00 pm every day - or buy a bag of duck food to give to the ducks in the ponds. Of course you can bring bread from home to feed them for free.

There are many seasonal activities held at Wheeler Farm. They have haunted hay rides in the fall, egg hunts in the spring and many holiday activities in the winter. Other special events are scheduled throughout the year such as art and music contests, demonstrations and shows.

The fun atmosphere at Wheeler Farm is contagious. Children run, play, make animal noises and climb in the tree house. The farm is stroller accessible (although it's a bit of a bumpy ride due to the dirt roads) and, unlike most zoos, the animals can easily be seen by children in strollers. Wheeler Farm is open from dawn to dusk.

There are very few fun activities for children in the Salt Lake City area that are free, and a visit to Wheeler Farm is at the top of that list. Wheeler Farm is conveniently located, educational, fun, and, best of all, free! It is a great place to visit with your family.