Hansel Hill Farm: FAQs
Welcome to the Hansel Hill Farm FAQ page!
Whether you’re planning a party, joining The Harvest Hub, or just curious about what goats eat for breakfast—we’ve got answers. Scroll through by topic, or jump to what you need.
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We get this one a lot and we totally get the appeal. But no, we don’t have horses or offer pony rides. Horses need a lot more space than our cozy micro-farm can offer. We’re big believers in giving our animals the room they need to thrive, and for now, our pasture is better suited to goats, pigs, and ducks.
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Absolutely. Every animal at Hansel Hill Farm has a name—and a personality to match. From chatty goats to bashful bunnies, they’re the heart of the farm. And yes, we even have a goose who thinks she runs the place. (Spoiler: She kind of does.)
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That would be Aurora the Goose – The Feathered Security Team. Every farm needs a watchful guardian and ours just happens to waddle. Aurora takes her job very seriously. She’s our self-appointed security goose, always on alert and very vocal if you’re getting too close for her comfort. Approach with caution… or snacks.
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Yes! We offer animal snack packs as an add-on during events and group visits. Just ask when you book—our crew is always eager for a treat (especially the goats, who consider begging an art form).
Important: For the health and safety of our animals, only food provided by the farm can be given to them. Please, no outside snacks, lunches, or secret pocket carrots.
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Define “tricks.” The goats love to strike a pose on stumps, the ducks travel in synchronized squads, and Tinkerbell (one of our clever pigs) can untie shoelaces faster than you can say "oops." If you gently tap either pig on the nose, they'll open their mouths, ready for a treat—it's like farm magic, but with a lot more snorting. Talent, everywhere.
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Mostly, yes. They love attention, especially from gentle hands. But just like humans, they have their moods. Some want snuggles; some want space. (Aurora, for example, wants you to stay five feet back and respect her kingdom.)
Policies
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We love welcoming guests to the farm year-round, and most events are rain or shine. After all, animals still need feeding and fun still happens in boots!
However, safety is always our priority.
In the event of extreme weather (including heavy rain, high winds, or nearby lightning or thunder), we will work with you to reschedule your event or issue a full refund.
If both your party and the farm team agree that the weather poses a significant issue, a mutually agreed-upon cancellation will qualify for a 100% refund.
For birthday parties and private group events, we always offer the option to select a preferred rain date at booking, and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate that if needed.
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To reserve your spot for any Hansel Hill Farm event (whether it’s a birthday party, school visit, scout overnight, or seasonal celebration) payment in full is required at the time of booking. If you would like to establish a payment plan, please contact us here.
Refund Policy
Life happens, and we understand plans sometimes change. Here’s how refunds work:
100% refund if canceled 30 days or more before your scheduled event
50% refund if canceled 14–29 days before your event
25% refund if canceled 5–13 days before your event
No refund if canceled 4 days or less before your event
If you need to reschedule due to an emergency, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
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We’re so grateful for the helping hands that keep our farm thriving! Most of our volunteer opportunities happen during the week, with adult volunteers welcomed on Tuesdays and teen volunteers (ages 13+) joining us on Friday mornings.
Please note: the farm is closed to the public during volunteer hours. This is dedicated work time, not a play day. Volunteers should come ready to get their hands dirty and their hearts full.
Volunteer Guidelines
Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a refillable water bottle are required.
Volunteers will help with a variety of farm tasks, which may include:
Plant and animal care
Cleaning and maintenance projects
Light construction and repairs
General upkeep around the farm
At this time, the work is not suitable for children under 12 due to safety and task requirements.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something meaningful, we’d love to have you! Send us a message here.
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We’ve hosted everything from 1st birthdays to grown-up farm fiestas! Our standard format is best for kids 12 and under, but we can adjust for adults too.
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All packages include animal visits and a hayride. Add-ons include fire pit + marshmallows, animal snacks, crafts, egg collecting, a party wagon and more!
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Absolutely! Bring whatever makes your party feel special. (Just maybe don’t bring a piñata unless you're ready to explain it to the goats.)
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We’ve got a pavilion for shade or rain. If it’s truly wild weather, we’ll work with you to reschedule or refund.
Please see our weather policy above.
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Children’s parties start at $195. Add-ons and guest count may increase the final price. Adults, call us for custom options. Learn more here.
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Events & Special Happenings
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Seasonal faves like our Halloween bash, Valentine’s bunny yoga, Adult Day Camp, the Peep Show (yes, real chicks), and Camp Reunion.
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Some events are ticketed (especially Halloween and Day Camp), others are walk-up friendly. We’ll always share details on social media and our website.
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Most are, though we do get a little spooky at night during Halloween. We’ll always let you know what to expect.
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Sometimes! Leashed pets are welcome at specific play days—we’ll post those details in advance.
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Yes! Our yurt is cozy and fits 10 comfortably. Scout leaders often bring tents to spread out. A minimum of 5 kids is required for booking and we don’t charge for adults!
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It includes a nighttime hayride, fire pit, animal visits, and all the amenities: bathrooms, kitchenette, pavilion. You bring the stories and marshmallows.
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We sure do. Let us know what your group is working on and we’ll tailor your visit.
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Ideally 3 months out—but if you’re flexible, we’ll try to squeeze you in.
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We offer two programs: Busy Bees (ages 4–12) and Farmers in Training (advanced learners). Hands-on farming, science, language arts, PE, and more, organized to meet MD homeschool requirements.
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We get it—it's hard to let go! You’re welcome to stay alongside your child for the first two sessions. After that, we ask that you remain with your vehicle during class time to help foster independence—and to keep the learning environment calm and focused.
Important: For everyone’s safety, only enrolled children are permitted on the farm during class hours. (No extra siblings wandering the fields, no matter how cute!)
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Safety is our top priority. All farm staff and instructors who regularly work with children are fully vetted and background checked. We also ensure that no adults are regularly interacting with kids unless they’ve been properly cleared. Farming’s all about community, but we take security very seriously, too.
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Short lesson, hands-on chores, applied learning, and free play. Kids connect, learn, and leave gloriously dirty.
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We’re so glad you asked! The Harvest Hub is free to join—yes, free! Each week we post available goods online, and you purchase only what you want. Pick-up is Fridays, 3–8pm.
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Fruits, vegetables, fresh eggs, honey, pantry items, and more. Grown with sustainable, micro-farming love.
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General Visits
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Yes! During events, classes, or scheduled tours. We’re not open for drop-ins every day—best to check in first.
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The pavilion and core farm areas are accessible, but it's still a working farm—terrain can be uneven. Let us know if you need accommodations.
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We’re just off Millersville Rd, about a mile from Millersville Elementary and behind the AACPS Transportation Office.
Still Have Questions?
Email us at hanselhillov@gmail.com or slide into our DMs on Facebook or Instagram.
We love connecting with our community!
