Cow Cuddling at the Gentle Barn

At The Gentle Barn's Christiana location, your family can spend time with rescued animals in a hands-on, interactive setting. During visits, children and adults alike can hug cows, rub the pigs' bellies, cuddle turkeys, feed horses, and hold chickens. Beyond the physical interactions, you'll learn the animals' individual stories of survival and resilience, which often inspire conversations about compassion and kindness. The sanctuary offers several ways to visit. Public open hours happen one day weekly and require advance reservations—you can't count on walk-up tickets. For a more private experience, the barn also hosts family tours, birthday parties, group outings, and school field trips throughout the week. Tours typically last two hours and accommodate different group sizes and ages. Whether your visit is a casual family outing or a planned celebration, The Gentle Barn creates an intimate, educational experience centered on connecting with animals and learning what they can teach us about empathy and living well.