Review: Plymouth County Sheriff’s Farm

One of my absolute favorite activities in the world, which is much harder now that I’m a mom, is going out on a run in a new place and making discoveries. One of the coolest discoveries I’ve made, since moving to the South Shore, was actually while I was a bit lost running around Plymouth. It was a stressful run, because T was still a baby, and my husband was walking around with him while I ran. I was lost, and I knew I needed to get home for nursing and nap. All of a sudden, next to some government buildings, and across the street from a Marylous, I noticed a cow behind a freshly painted fence. Lost or not, I had to figure out what this random cow was doing in Plymouth.

Come to find out, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department operates a farm, complete with a three-season petting zoo, and a garden center. You’re sure to see other families there, with tots of all ages running around getting to know the livestock, which includes cows, sheep, pigs, goats, mini horses, donkeys, and hens. They’ve also got a little bunny house and a koi pond. I do not have enough amazing things to say about this sweet, and small, slice of heaven. But here are some things to note for anybody looking to make the trip!

• The petting zoo is completely free, and they have gum ball machines to purchase food that you can feed to the animals.

• The farm has a clean and shaded picnic area, so bring your lunch and eat alongside the mini horses (but don’t feed them, please!)

• One of the things that I find particularly interesting, and great, about the farm and garden center is that they provide jobs for inmates of the Plymouth County Correctional Center.

• Prices for the beautiful, seasonal, garden items (including Christmas trees and pumpkins!) are insanely low.

• Hours: During the colder months, the animals are moved indoors, and are not accessible to visitors. But for about three seasons out of the year, they’re open: Sunday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

• Address: 74 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA