The Gentle Barn 4.0 (reviews)

Every animal should be cared for, and loved.  But sadly some aren't - however The Gentle Barn is a beautiful and giving place where they take severely abused animals, and rehabilitate them and finally show them love.

Kids are then able to interact with them to learn kindness, confidence and compassion.  The Gentle Barn welcomes kids recovering from substance abuse, kids who may have been abused, foster kids, kids on probation, and even child and adults with mental, emotional and physical issues and challenges.

It's a beautiful healing experience that you can't teach in a classroom.

The kids seem to be able to relate to the 160 animals that are on the farm, and through that learn forgiveness, strength, trust, empathy, and kindness.  They have donkeys, pigs, sheep, chickens, llamas, cats, and dogs - and they all have a better life regardless of if they are blind, sick, wounded, deformed or just old. 

It may take a while, but once the animals are happy again, they can't wait to curl up with the kids and play, and teach them how to smile too! 

Whilst they have a limited public opening (4 hours a week), they also have private tours during the week and of course are happy to work with your schedule on it. 

Every animal has a story, and a name.  Kids will love getting to know them individually, and hear of their abuse and learn to understand that animals need as much care as humans do.  

If you want to celebrate your birthday with the animals (and perhaps celebrate an animals birthday too!) - you can have your birthday on the Sunday with the animals and everyone else, or organize a private one!