Billings Farm

Little Farm Hands
2025-04-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 2 more dates | Billings Farm and Museum, 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT, 05091, United States
Little Farm Hands is a playful, hands-on exhibit space designed for children ages 0–4 and their caregivers. While farms are full of big animals and big tools, this exhibit invites little hands to explore farm life in a way that’s just their size. In a warm and welcoming indoor setting, perfect for those unpredictable spring days, children can build a home for the chickens, sort eggs, or step into the role of a farmer at the farmstand. This touch-friendly exhibit connects children to agriculture in a way that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and brings joy. Through interactive play, caregivers will find fun and meaningful ways to support their child’s growth and development.

Today's Schedule
2025-04-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 and 1 more date

Sheep Shearing
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00
Sheep Shearing Demonstrations, Saturday, April 5, 11:00AM
Experience the farm tradition of sheep shearing. Expert shearers Philo and Craig Marcotte will demonstrate the evolution of shearing tools and techniques while giving the farm’s Southdown sheep their annual “wool cuts.” A live demonstration, starting at 11:00AM will showcase the skill, strength, and precision required for this craft. From historical tools to modern practices, this family-friendly event offers an entertaining and educational glimpse into the art of sheep shearing.

Special Screening: Vanish
2025-04-05 15:00 - 17:00
Vanish – Disappearing Icons of a Rural America
April 5, 2025 | 3:00PM
2024. Jim Westphalen. 77 minutes. Not rated.
Q&A with filmmaker and Vermont fine-art photographer Jim Westphalen to follow the screening.
We are pleased to announce a special screening of the film Vanish – Disappearing Icons of a Rural America to celebrate the opening weekend of Billings Farm & Museum’s 43rd season. The filmmaker and Vermont fine-art photographer, Jim Westphalen, will join us for a Q&A following the film and will have several of his featured photographs on display.
A remarkable story of past and present, this film follows Westphalen as he captures the beauty of America’s disappearing rural structures. From weathered Vermont barns and one-room schoolhouses to the grain elevators of Montana, Westphalen races against time and the elements to document these fading icons.
With a sense of urgency, Vanish features compelling interviews with experts and passionate individuals who fight to save these structures. Written, directed, and produced by Westphalen, with Academy Award-winning story consultant Doug Blush, the film is both a breathtaking tribute and a call to action, urging us to stop, take notice, and care for these pieces of our shared history before they disappear forever.
This special screening takes place in the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center Theater. Tickets are $15 person/$12 Billings Farm member.

Closed
2025-04-08, 2025-04-09, 2025-04-10, 2025-04-15, 2025-04-16, 2025-04-17, 2025-04-20

Sensory Story Time: Farmers Market Fun
2025-04-09 09:30 - 10:30
Wednesday, April 9th, 9:30AM – 10:30AM
Join this playful exploration of the farm-to-market journey. Young learners will discover where food comes from through storytelling, movement, and hands-on activities including farmers market dramatic play.
Sensory Story Hour is a movement-rich, interactive experience designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Through stories, song, poetry, rhymes, sensory exploration, and farm-themed activities, children will build early literacy skills while engaging with the sights, sounds, and textures of the farm. A local Vermont snack will be provided, and advance registration is recommended.

Billings Backyard Workshop: Flavorful Fungi
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:30
Saturday, April 12, 2025,
10:00AM – 11:30AM
Followed by a 30-minute Q&A
Price: $25/person, $20/member

Led by mycologist, author, and fungi advocate, Melany Kahn, this flavorful workshop explores the art of cooking with mushrooms, transforming both wild and cultivated varieties into delicious dishes. While the session will not include hands-on foraging and mushroom identification, participants will gain insights into local mushroom varieties and develop a better understanding of zones and climates where mushrooms thrive. Every participant will receive a copy of Mason Goes Mushrooming, a book that includes fun recipes and engaging lessons for young readers. This workshop offers a deeper connection to sustainable, locally sourced food while exploring the incredible culinary potential of mushrooms, even for the most reluctant mushroom eaters.
