Rhode Island has many, many fantastic beaches to haunt during the summer days, but when you feel tired of the sand and surf, it might be time to try something different. These local farms are all worthy of a summertime visit. Pick up plants or produce but also visit their barnyards that are home to a very lovable cast of characters.

1. Festival Farm, Hope Valley

Festival Farm equals family fun. Pet the many resident animals including goats, ponies, bunnies, and more. You'll also find seasonal produce, plants for the garden, and a country store. On the weekends pony rides and hay rides are available for the kids. Visit the farm from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Momday - Saturday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday at 2 Canonchet Rd., Hope Valley, RI.

2. Simmons Farm, Middletown

Visit the goats or even enroll in a goat yoga class at Simmons Farm. The 120-acre family run farm also grows produce and makes cheese. Stop by Monday or Friday 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. or on Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m at 1942 West Main Rd., Middletown, RI.

Manfredi Farms, Westerly

This 70-year-old farm is more than a roadside stand. Manfredi Farms is full of surprises. Enjoy seasonal activities like a corn maze, pick-your-own strawberries, and a fall festival. Wander over to the barnyard to meet the lively animals who call this farm their home. Visit daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from mid-June through the end of October. You can find this fun farm at 59 Dunns Corners Bradford Rd., Westerly, RI.

4. Pezza Farm, Johnston

Pezza Farm is a great place to get your garden off to a good start. Browse the selection of perennials, annuals, vegetables, and more. The kids will love visiting the animal area that has resident goats, chickens, turkeys, miniature horses, and donkeys. It is quite a full menagerie. Swing by the barnyard 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the weekends and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the weekdays. Discover what Pezza Farm has to offer at 2279 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI.

5. Clark Farms, South Kingston

Many visit Clark Farms for its extraordinary plant selection in the garden center, but the farm offers much more to its visitors. During the fall this spot has a corn maze to rival all others and a bunch of other family fun events. You can also spend some time with the animals in the petting zoo from rolly polly pigs to gregarious goats, you love the bundle of cuteness here. Enjoy the farm daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 2984 Commodore Perry Hwy., South Kingstown, RI.

6. Windmist Farm, Jamestown

Windmist Farm is located scenically in Jamestown. The farm offers grass fed meats such as beef, pork, and chicken. You'll also find fresh eggs at the farm. Though not the most typical of barnyards, visitors are welcome to walk around the farm and enjoy the animals. Their hours are Friday 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit this beautiful farm at 71 Weeden Ln., Jamestown, RI 02835.

7. Abrams' Animal Farm, Block Island

Though not a traditional barnyard, this exoitc animal farm on Block Island is certainly to visit. See llamas, emus, goats, camels, and more in this scenic island meadow. Visitors are welcome from dawn to dusk daily at 5 Spring St., New Shoreham, RI

Have you visited any of these barnyards recently? Do you have another that you love and think should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments section below.

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