As you may know, I am absolutely in love with the city parks in Hampton, Virginia. This gorgeous city by the bay always amazes me by going above and beyond in the quality parks they offer their residents.
Earlier this spring, I wrote a post on Top 5 Things to Do at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, the first Hampton city park I’d visited. I was impressed by how the city had turned a section of dumps and barrow pits into such a gorgeous area with two lakes and so much wildlife! It felt like I’d stepped into a tiny state park, and it was such a nice change from the standard playground and dog park scenario I’m used to seeing.
Well, Hampton caught my attention once again when they posted an Instagram pic earlier this year for Bluebird Gap Farm. Despite living in Hampton Roads for nearly a decade now, I’d never heard of it!
I did some research and immediately made plans to go. You see, this city park is anything but basic: it’s a working farm with an arboretum and petting zoo! And it’s 100% free. After taking my first visit, I can genuinely say that I’m disappointed that I’d never had the chance to visit before–and I plan to make my way over there again!
Today, I’d like to share an overview of this fun and unique city park with you so that you can be sure to stop by whenever you’re in the area and looking for free activities.
What to Know Before You Visit Bluebird Gap Farm
Cost: Free! But they accept donations to keep the park running, and you can use quarters to buy animal feed.
Location: 60 Pine Chapel Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
What Should I Bring? I’d recommend hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, and a picnic lunch!
What Should I Wear? You’ll be doing a lot of outside walking and activities, so I recommend comfy close-toed shoes (to avoid stepping in animal presents and for walking the trails) and clothes suitable for the weather.
What Age Group is it for? Um, everybody! We saw plenty of parents out with their toddlers to school-age kids, but Daniel and I had a fantastic time there for a date, too. 🙂
Watch our Adventure on YouTube!
What Can You Do at Bluebird Gap Farm?
I loved the uniqueness and diversity of this city park! It was so much more than I expected, and I still can’t believe it was free for all we got to enjoy.
1. Enjoy the Petting Zoo
The highlight of this city park is obviously the chance to enjoy their free petting zoo. Most of the ones I know of in the area charge at least $10 per child, so this is a fantastic budget option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
The petting zoo has all your standard fuzzy farm animals (horses, cows, goats, sheep, chickens) and some fun additions like llamas, alpacas, and emus!
The goats and llamas are particularly friendly and love to poke their heads through the slats to get some love.
The barn was closed off due to social distancing when we visited, but to my understanding, you can usually go in to get closer to the horses and see some antique farm equipment.
Otherwise, you can enjoy watching them graze in this pretty field.
2. Visit the Birds (and the Giant Tortoise)
Bluebird Gap Farm also has an astounding number of birds on-site! You can find these feathered friends in several places around the park, and many of them roam around freely.
In the main picnic area, you’re bound to see a peacock or two strutting around in search of dropped food.
The park has both white and Indian peafowl, all of which area beautiful! There’s also a small aviary on this lawn with some white birds that I believe were doves.
Down by the woods, you’ll find a large paddock that’s home to a giant tortoise and at least one white peacock. Although he was rather slow, it was interesting to watch the tortoise’s heavy body leave a trail through the grass as he grazed his way around the field.
From here, follow the unmistakable sounds of the duck pond up the trail. Just before the pond, you’ll see two small aviaries with a hawk and an owl.
The duck pond is jam-packed with several kinds of ducks and geese (including their fuzzy babies if you visit in the spring)! They’re a lot of fun to watch splashing and waddling around, and some of them are very sassy!
Finally, you’ll find some more birds on the other side of the park, over by the gardens, including a fat turkey and a colorful pheasant!
3. Explore the Azalea Trail
Past the Duck Pond, you’ll find the start of the Azalea Trail. This mulch-chip pathway winds through the woods on the edge of the park, providing a very peaceful little adventure. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may discover more than just the trees: we found deer tracks and a deer trail while we enjoyed the pleasant scenery under the shade.
If you follow this trail all the way, you’ll come out on the backside of the farm, across from the petting zoo. However, it’s not a full loop, and you will have to go back around to reaccess the main farm.
Bluebird Gap Farm has also woven in an educational aspect with its living shoreline. If you follow the trail down to the water, you’ll see a shoreline made with oyster shells rather than wooden barriers.
A sign nearby explains that a living shoreline allows both land and water wildlife to enjoy the water better, while still preventing erosion and filtering sediments.
4. Walk Through the Master Gardeners’ Display Garden and Arboretum
On the left side of the farm, behind the barn, you’ll find the beautiful Master Gardeners’ Display Garden and Arboretum. This is such a fun and unique section because it has so much variety.
Each section of the garden boasts different trees, flowers, and gardening styles, so each one has a different vibe. We had a wonderful time meandering under the shaded paths and discovering all the colors of the rainbow in the garden’s flowers.
There’s also a thriving vegetable garden right by the barns, a couple of greenhouses, and some flowers for sale!
5. Check out the Playground
If you have kids with you, I have no doubt they’ll love the large farm-themed playground set near the entrance. It was taped off for social distancing when we visited, but even I was tempted to take a trip down one of the slides!
6. Have a Picnic!
Bluebird Gap Farm has several picture-perfect spots to enjoy a picnic on the ground. First, there’s the pavilion, which holds up to 100 people if you have a big party. It’s located right next to the horses’ paddock for a pleasant view.
You can also set up near any of the picnic areas on the main lawn, complete with charcoal grills and picnic tables. You’ll have a great view of the barn and main corral while you eat. Just be aware that the peacocks will be there begging for food!
Closing Thoughts on Bluebird Gap Farm
I have to say once again that I absolutely loved this park! It’s the most unique city park I’ve ever seen (or heard of), and it was so fun. I’m looking forward to going back again soon and bringing my nieces and nephew to join in on the fun!
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