Looking for a unique, unforgettable summer outing that both kids and grown-ups will adore? Add “Walk an Alpaca” to your family bucket list! Right here in New Jersey, two magical alpaca farms—Bluebird Farm Alpacas in Peapack and Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm in Skillman—offer hands-on fun, furry friends, and fresh air that’ll have everyone smiling from ear to ear.
At Bluebird Farm Alpacas, the charm hits you the moment you arrive. Peaceful pastures, and wide-eyed, fluffy alpacas greet you like old friends. These gentle creatures, with their big curious eyes and soft fleece, love to be admired—and yes, they love a good walk, too! Families can book a weekend visit (reservations required) and enjoy a guided farm tour where you’ll learn all about alpacas—where they come from, how they live, and why their fleece is so coveted.
And here’s the best part: You can take one of these lovable alpacas for a leisurely stroll! Each guest is matched with an alpaca buddy and given a halter and lead line. Walking beside one of these peaceful animals through the scenic farm paths is not only fun—it’s surprisingly calming. After your walk, swing by the gift shop for cozy alpaca-wool treasures crafted by local artisans.
Want to double the magic? Just a short drive away is Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, where two worlds collide in the most wonderful way: alpacas and lavender fields! Picture this: rows of fragrant purple blooms dancing in the breeze, and the gentle hum of bees collecting nectar—it’s a sensory delight before you even meet the alpacas.
This family-run farm invites guests to pet, feed, and bond with their certified herd of alpacas, many of whom are stars in their own right with ribbons to prove it. While there’s no charge to visit, donations are appreciated—and well worth it. The farm offers alpaca walking tours for a modest fee that gives kids and adults alike the chance to experience pure joy on four legs.
And don’t leave without exploring the farm’s gift shop—packed with lavender goodies, handmade honey, and alpaca-themed gifts. If you’re lucky, your visit might even align with one of their outdoor “Farm to Table” dinners.
Both farms are weekend destinations that require advance reservations, and both are packed with wholesome, screen-free fun that’s sure to become a cherished summer memory.
So pack a picnic, grab the kids, and head out for a day of alpaca love and lavender fields—you’ll be so glad you did! bluebirdfarmalpacas.com , hiddenspringlavender.com
Fun Facts About Alpacas:
Alpacas are gentle creatures that belong to the camelid family, which also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas.
These captivating animals come in 22 natural colors, ranging from pure white to shades of gray, brown, and black.
Alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years, primarily for their luxurious fleece, which is softer than sheep's wool and hypoallergenic.
Alpacas communicate through a range of sounds, including humming, clucking, and even screaming when alarmed.