Unplug the kids, and head for the farm: "agri-tourism" is a clunky word but a nice little trend, whereby guests not only stay in a pretty rural setting, they pitch in and help with the animals and farm chores too. (Optional, of course!)

Click for a bunch of choices that include working farms in Pennsylvania, wilderness riding experience in the Appalachian Mountains, and an equestrian getaway in Georgia.

^{*photo courtesy Buck Valley Ranch.} continued below...

Farm Stay Vacation for Families

This information has been provided by BedandBreakfast.com

Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, Hallowell ME:
Rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and outside in the barn a menagerie of farm animals including llamas, sheep, cattle, steer, chickens, a goat and a pony. Guests are offered barn tours and are encouraged to visit the animals often or assist in collecting eggs, bringing in hay bales from the field, or other farm chores. Rates: $75-190, depending upon the season. Info: 800-622-2708, www.MapleBB.com.

Weatherbury Farm Vacation, Avella, PA
The family can hlep Farmer Dale feed baby goats, or collect pink, blue and white eggs (?) from the chickens. Afterwards, visit a rock cave where Indians camped, or the a museum that showcases rural life in the mid-1800s. Rates start at $113/ night for inn rooms for two and $220 for two-storey family suites; rates including farm activities, breakfast, accommodations and taxes. Info: 724-587-3763, www.weatherburyfarm.com.

Glasbern, Fogelsville, PA: 
this working farm on 100 acres has organic gardens, heritage livestock, and an award-winning restaurant. Guests can explore the pastures, gardens and greenhouses; collect eggs from chickens, learn about organic gardening. The inn is made up of seven restored Pennsylvania Dutch barns. Rates: $130-450/night. Info: 610-285-4723, www.glasbern.com.

  Buck Valley Ranch, Warfordsburg, PA:
Wilderness riding experience in the Appalachian Mountains. Guests can help groom the horses, have a riding lesson, and experience mountain flora and fauna on horseback. A three-day/two-night package includes lodging in the inn with filled with cowboy memorabilia, all meals, lodging and riding for $250/adult, and $185 for children under 13. Children must be seven years old to participate in trail rides. Children six and under stay free with their parents, and can have pony rides in the yard. Info: 800-294-3759, www.buckvalleyranch.com.

Zion Farms, Rome, GA:
340-acre country estate in the North Georgia Mountains offers guests an equestrian getaway and guest cottages with European motif, built from former stables. Activities include mountain trail rides with gourmet picnics, riding lessons, culinary classes, wine tasting, hayrides, bonfires, hiking, and fishing. Mother/daughter or father/son riding weekends; Cottages rent for $130-200 per night; children over 10 pay $35 per night, under 10, $15 per night. For those who want to "rough it", one cottage has seven loft beds with ladders and a bath house– $45/night for two-night stays. Info: 706-235-8002, www.zionfarms.com.

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Maple Hill Manor, Springfield, KY:

A working alpaca and llama farm and B&B, where kids can help feed rare Suri alpacas and llamas. The inn’s Fiber Farm Store has beautiful garments and gift items made from the shearings. The annual Autumn Alpaca Farm Festival and Fiber Art Workshops are a highlights. Rates: $100-165, children and pets welcome. Info:  800-886-7546, www.maplehillmanor.com.  

Memory Lane B&B, Dripping Springs, TX:
A working farm with Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, donkey, horse; guests can pick garden produce to take home with them. Walk the labyrinth (for spiritual peace); take a yoga class. $120/ night. Info: 512-894-0700, www.memorylanebedandbreakfast.com.

    Rose Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast, Thorp, WA:
A farm with horses and a rare breed of Wensleydale sheep. Help with farm chores or take the dog for a walk on five miles of trails (with 3,000 daffodils in the spring.) Try fly fishing on Yakima River; spot wild turkeys, deer, grey horned owls, and eagles. Families of up to eight can stay in the cottage; kids of all ages are welcome at the inn, cottage or studio rooms. Rates: $105-195; children 12 and under, $12.50 per night; over 12, $25 per night. Info: 866-279-0546, www.rosehillfarmbb.com.