So, it's September now, with summer ending, no particularly cool holiday in sight and school back in full swing. Your kids are at an all-time low but it's still hot enough to go outside and you want to try something new but local, because “I’m not driving 2 hours for cereal on donuts.”

I got just the place! It has sunshine, animals you can touch, and all the grass your kids can play on!

When you turn into the Lakewood Equestrian Center, you end up pleasantly surprised as the skyline slops up and you dip slightly down into what feels like a farm valley.

As far as you can see, it's sectional fencing with bales and horses speckled across the plains. As the breeze swirls down and over, it fills the air with the smell of country, I don't know how else to say it, a warm smell. Grass, seeds and fertilizer; it's the smell of a freshly tilled garden.

Even the tiny road to the petting zoo is scenic. I even love the warning to slow down in case horses are also on the path.

The entrance to the zoo had this adorable little house surrounded by succulents and such that even the line was pleasant, and a short line, and cheap admission (6 bucks for me), I couldn't be happier.

I particularly enjoyed their witty and funny signs posted around:

"In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by three separate yet equally important groups:

- the police, who investigate crime.

- the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders.

- and horses.

These are their stories."

“Any Children left unattended will be eaten by the farm animals, No Refunds”.

After you exit the cottage, you're immediately flanked by pony riding section.

If your child is the right size (not to big, but pretty small), they can get on a pony and ride in circles. That may seem small and boring to an adult, but to a kid, that's something else. I remember being a small tike, chasing the family dog around and trying to ride him like a horse. He was big, but not that big. Couple years later, I got to ride on a pony at one of these things and I tell you; my brain flipped on and said 2 things: - This is as awesome as riding a dog and - Please don’t bite me. It's a great experience for kids to learn a little empathy for a beast of literal burden.

After the pony riding, the rest of the petting zoo opens up to you. The horses were the least crowded, so I went to them first.

I don't know their names so let’s call them whatever: First up was cream. This horse was very calm and friendly towards me. I'd go as far to say curious, even though she had a bunch of food coloring handprints on her. I'm normally sheepish towards that can bite me but I held out my hand a little way from her, and he came to me. She sniffed my hand then nuzzled it a bit. I took that as a sign saying “yah, you can pet me, just be cool”. She was pretty chill for an animal being pet by kids every day.

Next was Taffy. She was as cool as Cream. Peaked through the gate with her snout. Let me pet her face. Looked at me when them big eyes and eyelashes. It's refreshing to see animals being social and approachable. It didn't start barking at me from 20 feet away because “it hates joggers”. Then again, it's not 2 am, and I’m not huffing and puffing past their fence, all beet red. You know… putting it in perspective, I guess I'd bark at a person if they were sweaty, breathing heavy, and running my direction. Hmm, this zoo is making me a better person.

Then there's Fred. I think Fred is the only one that was sick of it for the day. Had a look that said

“I’m not sick, I just need a day off”. I didn't even approach the gate. Everyone can have a bad day and I'm sure as shooting not going to blame a horse. Heck, his job is seeing kids every day. It's not for everyone. I think Fred is looking for another position, but HR isn't returning his emails. He's cool with his co-workers at least.

After petting horses for longer than I thought I'd enjoy that, there were the goats! That's a lot of goat! Even better is I can see they have plenty of space for themselves. Each one vying for attention and petting. But then I realized “oh yeah, they want me to feed them”.

If you go back to the office, you can buy cups of food for the goats. Just another cheap and fun thing for the kids. And the goats are totally in on it. After your done feeding them you can go in as well and pet them. Be among them, playing with each other and what not.

The one thing I regret is I thought that guy back there was a fat goat at first, I didn't realize he was as pig till I was going over the photos. I missed out on petting a pig! They're the best! Big boorish dude that make cute sounds, I'll have to go back for that.

Chicken on a goat! That's a chicken on a goat!

The whole time this kid was walking around with that chicken trying to get it on any animal for the past 20 minutes. I cheered when that bird landed and stayed. Was worth the watch.

 I cannot stress enough how nice it was here, and that even though it's a farm, the smell wasn’t heavy with manure. They kept the pins clean dry. You can tell the workers here really care for their animals.

Your kids might not get bored of the goats for a while so thank goodness they have a couple benches for the parents to kick back and rest their feet.

After your kids finally wear themselves out, you can get a photo in one of these picture boards.

 I know it's corny but you know, while you're here, might as well.

If all the animals and feeding, and horses and pony rides wasn’t enough, they even have this little Kid-Prison zone where your kid can see how playing with toys compares to petting horses and goats. I don't know, there's something for everyone.

In case you really liked this place you can even rent out this space in the back for personal parties and kid events. This place kind of has it all, the only thing I'd say is it’s missing food.

I guess, eat well before and after?

Well. After playing with horses and goats all day I think it’s time to hit that dusty trail, less I start loving the farm life. Besides, there's a mall across the street, and I got to get the Halloween decorations out. Hope you stop on by Barnyard buddies and have a great time!

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Barnyard Buddies
11369 E Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90715
(562) 405-1010
barnyard-buddies.mailchimpsites.com