A farm full of heart: Farmer Braun’s opens its barn doors to families

Plans special Christmas at the Farm this Saturday

Nestled just miles from Lennox, Farmer Braun’s Hobby Farm offers a hands on learning experience for the whole family.

Childhood speech-language pathologist and mother to three, Melissa Braun, along with husband, Kyle, are finding ways to incorporate Melissa’s love of her hobby farm into a learning experience for all.

“I am best described as a social butterfly with wild ideas and a deep passion for caring for others,” Braun said.

As a family, their shared love of the outdoors brings everyone closer together.

“We are often in our backyard, shared with our farm friends, walking the bike path in Lennox, going fishing, camping and playing in the park. In my free time, which is really just sacrificed sleep, you’ll find me sitting in our barn watching the animals interact and play, or reading a book,” she said.

When Melissa was just 18, she began doing horse camps and farm activities at her parents’ acreage for children from the area.

“My first camps started at my parents’ place, and I titled them ‘Kountrified Kids’ which focused on all things country,” she said.

In 2021, Melissa and Kyle moved to their 15-acre location where Melissa immediately began dreaming of a hobby farm. “My parents and husband joke it’s another hairbrained idea, but the idea for Farmer Braun came from me missing my Kountrified Kids events. I have a passion for making others happy and sharing in the joy of animals, I couldn’t stay away for long, and thus, Farmer Braun’s was born,” Melissa recalled.

The animals at Farmer Braun’s have very little to do with productivity but bring joy to the family and to others.

“Farmer Braun’s is home to a variety of animals including two horses, four goats, two babydoll southdown sheep, two Katahdin hair sheep, many types of birds, cats, and dogs. Everyone having their own name and unique personality,” she said.

Although it is a hobby farm, there is still a great amount of work that needs to be done each day, and each family member is committed to making sure the animals have the quality of life they deserve.

“Kyle and I do most of the heavy work, but truly, it’s a family farm and our oldest son chips in with many of the daily chores on the farm. Our two younger kids help to socialize the animals and enjoy helping feed as well. We have many amazing friends and family members who have chipped in along the way by working along side of us to install doors, put up fence, install electrical, help with chores, assist with events, and more,” Braun said.

Wanting to share her farm with families, Melissa changed her business model to offer camps but also family experiences at Farmer Braun’s.

“We wanted to build a place to bring families together for hands-on farm fun, and we’ve found we love hosting events more than traditional camps,” she said.

Providing a one of a kind, simple, yet educational experience is the goal of Farmer Braun’s.

“I wish nothing more than that every person that visits Farmer Braun’s is offered a wonderful opportunity to feel the unfiltered, non-flashy, completely natural gift of pure joy. My goal is for each person to have a moment away from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life to find the simple pleasures in loving animals and fresh air,” Braun said.

With no age requirements, Farmer Braun’s invites the whole family to experience life on the farm.

“We love that even the youngest farmers-to-be can enjoy the animals and we welcomed families for four Farm Story Times this year which were packed with lively farm tales, basic farm sign language, songs, dances, animal meet-and-greets, and plenty of playtime in the farmyard,” she continued.

Watching families connect in new ways brings joy to Melissa and her whole family.

“There’s nothing better than watching families having these small moments where they are allowed to smile together as they watch an animal be playful, feel the unbelievable softness of a horses nose, smell the fresh air, and feel the breeze in their hair, while giggling at the gently tickles of goat whiskers, or nuzzle close to a baby chick,” Braun said.

Hearing plenty of feedback from her valued customers has allowed Braun to customize her hobby farm in a new way next season.

“We are beyond excited for 2026. We will be launching a punch pass so families can pay one fee to join multiple story times and play times. We heard loud and clear from local families how much their little ones love simply being with our animals, and we can’t wait for more open playtimes for everyone to romp on the farm,” Braun said.

As Melissa continues expanding opportunities for families to connect with the animals, Farmer Braun’s is also preparing for a special holiday event this December.

Christmas at the Farm will be held at Farmer Braun’s, LLC, located at 28173 466th Ave., Lennox. The festive gathering will offer families a chance to enjoy the holidays surrounded by animals dressed in their Christmas best and a backdrop of cheerful seasonal décor.

“We are getting ready for a heartwarming holiday experience filled with festive fun, friendly animals, and a visit from the jolly man himself, Santa,” Braun said.

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., with a backup date of Dec. 20 in case of inclement weather. Guests can look forward to visiting friendly farm animals, listening to Christmas music, and enjoying several festive features, including a photo opportunity with Santa. 

Braun encourages everyone to bring their own cameras to capture a moment with Santa. “Santa will be making a special appearance for photo ops and to visit with the children, so bring your phones or camera to capture all the magic,” Braun said. 

For even more fun, Santa will be handing out animal treat bags to each child who visits to share with the animals out on the farm. “Our animals will be dressed in their Christmas best and are all incredibly friendly, most of which love to be pet and snuggled,” she said. As Christmas music fills the farm, guests can enjoy feeding goats, sheep, a highland calf, horses, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs.

Pricing is designed to be family-friendly, with individual admission at $8 per person and discounted family tiers available for immediate family members, ranging from $36 for a family of five to $48 for a family of eight. Children beyond the first two receive an additional $4 discount per child. Registration is required to attend.

Families interested in joining the holiday fun can register through Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../christmas-at-the-farm

Farmer Braun’s looks forward to welcoming families for an afternoon of Christmas cheer, animal snuggles, and wholesome holiday memories.