The Little Farm, Miami

The Little Farm has remained abuzz with the delighted giggles and awestruck squeals of 50,000 children each year since opening in 1978. Under the helm of Thomas and Valerie Jornlid, the couple who took ownership of the farm in 1990, The Little Farm has remained committed to fostering family-friendly escapes from the city with their meticulously managed gaggle of animals, all of which are hand-raised to meet the highest USDA health standards. None of the livestock—from pigs and ponies to rabbits and ducks—are hand-fed, which enables children to approach and pet the cute creatures without being chased for food or pestered for information about where they hide the pudding pops. Young guests can immerse themselves in farm life as they help the knowledgeable staff with daily tasks such as feeding the animals or milking the goats, or they can visit the onsite butterfly garden, which is dappled with educational plaques about different fluttering species. They can also enjoy the idyllic pleasure of a pony ride.