Barnyard Days
Meet the animals, try your hand at farm chores, and discover what life on a 19th-century homestead really looks like – Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, Augst 16 from 10am to 5pm.
Some days are worth getting your boots dirty for.
On the weekend of August 15th and 16th, Kings Landing celebrate rural life and agricultural traditions with hands-on farm experiences, craft demonstrations, and lively performances. This family-friendly weekend connects visitors with the rhythms of historic farm life, and everyone’s invited to join in. Milk a cow. Get an orchard tour. Decorate a scarecrow. And much more!
Come for an hour or stay for the day. Events run throughout the weekend and welcome all ages, so follow the animals, lend a hand, and let our Barnyard Days take you back.
Meet The Animals
In the 19th century, animals weren’t just part of the farm – they were the heart of it. Come and get up close with the animals of Kings Landing and learn about the essential role they played in everyday village life. Join our farm team and watch the cow being milked, learn about the haying season, and discover how farmers kept their animals healthy and working through the year.
🐎 Horses – At the Joslin Farm, 11am and 2pm
🐖 Pigs – At the Joslin Farm, 1130am and 2pm
🐔 Chickens – At the Joslin Farm, 130pm and 4pm
🐄 Cows – At the Joslin Farm, 3pm
Also Happening – ALL WEEKEND
Hagerman Orchard Tour – At the Hagerman Orchard at 1030am
Join expert orchardist Francis Peabody Sharp for a guided tour of the Hagerman Orchard and discover the stories behind the trees. A rare chance to see the village from the roots up – Francis brings the orchard to life with knowledge and eye for detail.
Barnyard Themed Stories – At the Prince William School, all day.
Settle in at the Prince William School for barnyard-themed stories, including some old favourites you’ll know by heart. Enjoy the Three Little Pigs and several other classic tales that have been delighting children for generations.
Farm Games – At the Joslin Farm; 11am – 1pm and 130pm – 330pm
Head to the farm and try your hand at two classic summer favourites – the potato sack race and the egg and spoon race. Beloved by generations of country kids, these games are as fun to watch as they are to play. The rules are simple, but winning is harder than it looks.
Butter Churning – At the Joslin Dairy at 1pm
Step up to the churn and try your hand at one of the most satisfying kitchen tasks of the 19th century. It takes a little patience and a little elbow grease, but the results speak for themselves. Fresh, real, and made by your own hands – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Joslin Gardens Tour – At the Joslin Fields at 130pm
Join us for a guided tour of the Joslin Farm gardens and discover the crops that fed families, filled cellars, and shaped daily life in 19th-century New Brunswick. From heritage varieties to traditional growing methods, the garden tells a story that’s still very much alive in the village today.
Animal Songs Singalong – at the Lumber Camp fire pit at 2pm
Gather around the fire pit and join in for a singalong full of creature-themed classics. Whether you know every word or you’re humming along by the second verse, there’s a spot for you. Simple, warm, and just a little bit silly — exactly the way a singalong should be.
Straw Braiding Demonstration – At Gordon House; 11am – 1pm and 130pm – 330pm
Stop by the Gordon House and watch as our interpreters demonstrate the traditional craft of straw braiding, a skill that was as practical as it was intricate in 19th-century New Brunswick. From hats to baskets to household goods, straw was never just bedding – Pull up a chair and see what a little patience and a handful of straw can become.
Also Happening – SATURDAY ONLY
Scarecrow Decorating – At the Hagerman House, Jones House, and Joslin Farm, all day.
Stop by the Hagerman House, Jones House, or Joslin Farm and lend a hand as we dress and decorate a scarecrow the whole village can be proud of. Pick the outfit, stuff the sleeves, and put the finishing touches on a new neighbour who’ll be standing guard outside the house for the rest of the weekend.
Also Happening – SUNDAY ONLY
Scarecrow Decoration Voting – At the Welcome Centre, all day.
On Saturday the village got to work designing scarecrows, and on Sunday you get to vote which one is the best! Aftering visiting Hagerman House, Jones House, and the Joslin Farm to see the compeititon, be sure to cast your vote at the Welcome Centre for your favourite!
Church Service – At the Prince William School at 2pm
Join us for a traditional church service at Kings Landing, led by our interpreters and rooted in the rhythms of 19th-century community life. Whether you come to worship, to listen, or simply to experience a quieter moment in the village, all are welcome through the doors.
Minister’s Tea – At Hagerman House at 3pm
Join us at the Hagerman House in the late afternoon for Minister’s Tea – a chance to slow down, pull up a chair, and enjoy a little warmth and good company in true 19th-century fashion. Tea, coffee, and cake are available 🙂
Plan Your Visit
Barnyard Days is included with site admission – Tickets are available online or at the gate. See our Hours & Prices page for current rates and to book your Kings Landing tickets. See our Plan Your Visit page for information on what to expect, suggestions on what to do bring, and much more.