FAQ- Your Guide to a Great Visit!
Check out our most-asked questions so you can spend less time wondering and more time wandering.
Have a question about visiting Butterfield Acres?
You’re in the right place! Whether you’re planning a drop-in farm visit, booking a birthday party, registering for summer camp, organizing a field trip, or bringing the animals to your event, we’ve gathered the answers to our most common questions below.
Visiting the Farm
What are Butterfield Acres’ drop-in hours?
Check out our Hours & Admission page for the most current farm hours.
Seasonal Hours
SPRING (April)
Weekends & Holidays: Spring Babies Festival (tickets required)
SPRING (April, May & June): We are open for drop-in visits!
Weekdays: 10am-2pm
Weekends & Holidays: 10am – 4pm
SUMMER (July & August): We are open for drop-in visits!
Daily: 10am-4pm
FALL (September): We are open for drop-in visits!
Weekdays: 10am-2pm
Weekends & Holidays: 10am – 4pm
FALL (October): Weather Permitting
Weekends: Pumpkin Fest (tickets required)
WINTER (November – March): CLOSED
Farm closed for visits but WE COME TO YOU year round!
Do I need to book in advance for a drop-in visit?
No! You do not need to book ahead for regular drop-in visits. Drop-in times are seasonal, please visit our Hours & Admissions page for the most current times.
Can I park at Butterfield Acres?
Yes! We have plenty of free parking.
What can we do during a drop-in visit?
Your visit includes hands-on animal experiences, visiting seasonal spring babies, running through the tunnels at Gopher Town, enjoying tractor-pulled wagon rides, riding ponies, and capturing wonderful farm photos.
Check under Plan Your Visit for activities!
Is Butterfield Acres a good activity for toddlers and preschoolers?
Yes! Butterfield Acres is designed specifically with young children in mind, offering gentle, interactive animal experiences and accessible spaces perfect for little farm explorers.
What should we wear to visit the farm?
We recommend wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots, weather-appropriate layers, and clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dusty during farm fun!
Can we bring a stroller or wagon?
Yes! Strollers and wagons are welcome on the farm. Please keep in mind that our pathways are authentic gravel, grass, and dirt, so strollers with sturdy or all-terrain wheels work best.
Are there washrooms and handwashing stations at the farm?
Yes! We have full washroom facilities and multiple handwashing stations with running water and soap throughout the farm. Thorough handwashing after petting the animals and before eating is an essential part of a safe farm visit.
Can we bring snacks, lunch, or outside food?
Yes! You are welcome to bring picnic lunches and snacks to enjoy in our outdoor picnic areas. We also have concession drinks and treats available for purchase at Gobbles n’ Gulps.
Tickets, Admission & Season Passes
Where can I buy admission tickets?
General admission tickets can be purchased right at our Admissions Office upon arrival at the farm.
Single Day Admission – Drop In
Children – $16.49 +GST
Adults – $19.49 +GST
Seniors – $18.49 +GST
Season Passes
Children – $39.99 +GST
Adults – $54.99 +GST
Seniors – $44.99 +GST
What is included with admission?
General admission includes full access to all animal viewing and petting areas, and running through the tunnels at Gopher Town.
Can I apply my admission toward a Season Pass?
Yes! If you fall in love with the farm during your visit, you can apply your same-day admission receipt toward the purchase of a Season Pass before you leave. Your pass will be almost half paid for already!
Are Season Passes valid for special events?
No. Season Passes cover regular drop-in visits during our operating season, and are not valid for special ticketed events such as Spring Babies Festival, Harvest Pumpkin Fest, Date Nights, or other exclusive farm functions.
Can Season Passes be purchased as gifts?
Yes! Season Passes make incredible experience gifts for birthdays, holidays, and family milestones, giving loved ones unlimited farm visits all season long.
Pony Rides, Wagon Rides & Farm Activities
Are pony rides available during drop-in visits?
Yes! Pony rides are available during regular drop-in hours for a small additional fee. ALL Riders must be under 60lbs/27kg.
Are tractor-pulled wagon rides available during drop-in visits?
Yes! Our tractor-pulled wagon rides run throughout the day for a small add-on fee, offering a scenic tour around our back pasture.
Can young children ride the ponies?
Yes! For the safety and comfort of our ponies and young riders, pony ride participants must be under 60 lbs (27 kg).
What animals can we see at Butterfield Acres?
You will meet a delightful variety of farm friends including goats, sheep, lambs, piglets, bunnies, cows, donkeys, ponies, alpacas, chickens, and turkeys!
Can visitors feed or hold the animals?
Visitors are welcome to pet our friendly animals and feed the adult animals using our Chop ‘n Cones. For animal welfare and safety, holding animals is restricted to specific guided activities under the direct supervision of our farm staff.
Please read through our Farm Safety policy for more information about interacting with the farm animals!
Birthday Parties at The Farm
Can I host my child’s birthday party at Butterfield Acres?
Yes! Party groups pay standard general admission upon arrival. Arrangements can be made ahead of time to prepay. We’ll have you bring an attendee list (of those folks you wish to pay for) when you arrive, so we can quickly calculate your admission fees to make things easy for you.
You can customize the special day with fun add-ons like private party areas or wagon rides. Visit our Birthday Parties page to explore your options.
Can Butterfield Acres bring animals to my child’s birthday party?
Yes! If you prefer to host at home, our mobile “We Come to You” petting zoo packages can bring the farm directly to your venue.
Visit our We Come to You page for details.
Can I book a unicorn pony visit for a birthday party?
Yes! You can add a magical unicorn pony experience to your on-farm birthday celebration or mobile visit.
Are birthday parties available year-round?
On-farm birthday parties take place during our regular open season (late April to September 30th). However, our mobile “We Come to You” animal visits are available to book all year round!
Can we bring birthday cake, decorations, or food?
You are welcome to bring your own birthday cake, food, and drinks (or self-contained catering). We simply ask that you clean up your picnic area afterward following a “pack it in, pack it out” rule.
What happens if the weather is poor on the day of our party?
If weather is inclement at the time of your booking, you can rebook your party add-ons to another date at no extra charge, or convert your add-on fees into an equivalent value of Day Passes.
We Come To You / Mobile Petting Zoo
What is Butterfield Acres’ We Come to You service?
Our mobile petting zoo brings our friendly farm animals directly to your location in Calgary and surrounding areas, creating an unforgettable hands-on experience for birthdays, schools, corporate functions, and community events.
What types of events can Butterfield Acres bring animals to?
We bring farm animals to birthday parties, daycares, schools, community festivals, Stampede breakfasts, corporate retreats, holiday markets, and live nativity displays!
What animals can come to our event?
We bring a wonderful group of our most huggable farm animals, including goats, lambs, bunnies, and pot-bellied piglets.
What is included in a Mini Farm?
A Regular Mini Farm includes 2 goats, 2 lambs, 2 bunnies, 1 pot-bellied piglet, and an experienced handler. It is ideal for groups of 10 to 12 children and takes up a small footprint about the size of a single car. (Piglet participation depends on outdoor temperatures).
How much space does a Mini Farm need?
A Mini Farm requires a setup area roughly the size of a small car. It can easily fit into a backyard, driveway, garage, deck, or covered space (piglet participation depends on outdoor temperatures).
What is the difference between a Mini Farm and a Farm Corral?
A Mini Farm is a compact setup tailored for smaller groups and cozy spaces like backyards or driveways.
A Farm Corral is a larger mobile enclosure featuring more animals, designed to handle high-volume crowds at festivals, school functions, and public events.
Do you clean up after the animals?
Yes! Our handlers perform a thorough cleanup of the animal pen before leaving, keeping your location neat and tidy. We only leave happy memories behind!
Do you travel outside Calgary?
Yes, our animals love to travel!
We regularly visit surrounding communities like Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, and Rocky View County (travel fees apply outside Calgary city limits). We’ve also travelled to Edmonton, Fort MacMurray, Kindersley, Crowsnest Pass – and beyond!
Can Butterfield Acres provide animals for live nativity events?
Yes! Our Live Nativity package includes a one-hour display featuring 1 donkey, 2 wooly sheep, 2 straw bales, and an attentive animal handler.
How far in advance should we book a mobile farm visit?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekend dates in the spring, summer, and holiday seasons, Stamepede events and December corporate events to secure your ideal time slot.
Summer Day Camps
What ages can attend Butterfield Acres Summer Day Camps?
Our summer camps welcome children ages 4 to 14 years old.
What do kids do at Butterfield Acres Summer Camp?
Campers enjoy hands-on animal care, farm chores, outdoor games, pony rides, tractor wagon rides, crafts, and active outdoor learning every day.
Are camps held outdoors?
Yes! Camps are held outdoors on the farm, but we have cozy, covered barn spaces to ensure activities run safely during hot sun or summer rain showers.
What should my child bring to camp each day?
Campers should pack a nut-free lunch and snacks, a refillable water bottle, a sun hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a change of clothes, and closed-toe shoes or boots.
We also provide snack and lunch options with our Farm Snack Program.
Is before and after care available?
Yes! Before and After Camp Care options are available to help accommodate busy work schedules for parents.
Before Camp Fun is available: 7:30am – 9:30am
After Camp Fun is available: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
*starting at $10.99/hr
Do campers need to be toilet trained?
Yes. All campers must be fully toilet trained prior to their first day of camp.
What happens if it rains during camp?
How are campers grouped by age?
Campers are grouped into four age categories:
4 – 6 years old
6 – 8 years old
8 – 11 years old
12 – 14 years old
What is the camper-to-leader ratio?
We target a 5 to 1 ratio for our younger campers, gradually increasing up to a 7 to 1 ratio for our oldest campers (Farmer in Training) to ensure safety, engagement, and personal attention for every child. Our Senior Leaders have First Aid & CPR-C Training.
Do camp leaders have first aid training?
Yes! In fact – all staff onsite have Standard First Aid & CPR-C training!
Does Butterfield Acres offer a Junior Leader Development Program?
Yes! We offer a Junior Leader Development Program for youth age 14-17 designed to help develop leadership skills, assist camp leaders, and gain practical hands-on experience on the farm. When openings on staff occur, we first consider the readiness of those on our JLDP team.
School Field Trips & Group Visits
What field trips does Butterfield Acres offer for schools, preschools, and daycares?
We offer interactive educational field trips, weekdays during the spring, summer and autumn seasons, that are curated specifically for schools, daycares, preschools, and youth groups.
What is included in a Spring Babies Field Trip?
Spring field trips focus on meeting new baby animals, exploring the farm, interactive learning stations, and structured outdoor play.
You’ll want to get right in there and try all the things you’d do if you lived on a farm. There’s even a big Wagon Ride pulled by “Old Blue”, our tractor and Goat Milking Lessons by the farmer!
Minimum group size is 15 children. Because the farm is a unique, interactive environment we ask for a minimum of a 3:1 child to adult ratio.
What is included in a Summer Farmyard Fun field trip?
Summertime Farmyard Fun field trips include farmyard visits with all the traditional farmyard critters!
You’ll want to get right in there and try all the things you’d do if you lived on a farm. There’s even a big Wagon Ride pulled by “Old Blue”, our tractor and Goat Milking Lessons by the farmer!
Minimum group size is 15 children. Because the farm is a unique, interactive environment we ask for a minimum of a 3:1 child to adult ratio.
What is included in a Harvest Pumpkin Hunt Field Trip?
Fall field trips feature seasonal farm exploration, including a pumpkin hunt, visiting with the animals, tractor-drawn wagon rides, autumn-themed activities, and each child takes home their very own pumpkin!
When should teachers book October field trips?
Teachers are strongly encouraged to book October field trips before the summer break ends to secure prime fall dates.
Are field trips suitable for preschool and kindergarten students?
Yes! Our field trip programs are gentle, engaging, and specifically designed to hold the interest of preschool and kindergarten age groups.
How long does a field trip usually last?
Our school programs have options for 2 hour and 4 hour programs in spring and summer and a 2 hour program in the fall.
Programs can include a nature walk along Horseshoe Trail through our back pasture which has its many activity stations, and our Woodland Animals feature. Bring home a pumpkin in the fall! Add on picnic time for your group.
Are field trips outdoors?
Yes! Field trips take place on our farm grounds, with sheltered barn areas available for rainy conditions.
What should students wear for a farm field trip?
Everyone should wear closed-toe shoes or rain boots, weather-appropriate layers, and clothes that can handle a fun day in the dirt!
Is there space for students to eat snacks or lunch?
Yes! We have large open-air and sheltered picnic areas where groups can sit down to enjoy their packed snacks or lunches.
Can daycares and after-school programs book group visits?
Yes! Daycares, out-of-school clubs, and youth groups are welcome to book group visits throughout our operating season.
Can mom groups, playgroups, homeschool groups, or grandparents groups book visits?
Yes! We love welcoming homeschool co-ops, playgroups, and family organizations to the farm for group bookings.
How many people are needed for a group booking?
Weather, Safety & Farm Policies
Is Butterfield Acres open when it rains?
Yes! Butterfield Acres operates rain or shine. Calgary weather is famous for changing quickly, so we have plenty of cozy indoor barn spaces to keep our visitors dry and comfortable during passing showers. We always recommend checking the local radar before packing up the family, and you can view the live forecast right here on the Calgary Weather Forecast to help plan your visit.
Where can I check for farm updates?
In the event of unexpected farm closures, updates will be posted on our website homepage and official social media pages.
Are the animals available to visit in all weather?
Yes! Our animals are comfortable in all weather conditions, and sheltered pens ensure they stay warm and dry if it rains.
Are dogs or outside pets allowed at Butterfield Acres?
Is Butterfield Acres wheelchair or stroller accessible?
Yes! Our farm grounds are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, though visitors should note that pathways consist of natural gravel, grass, and dirt terrain.
What safety rules should visitors know before visiting the animals?
Visitors should move calmly around animals, avoid chasing or scaring them, follow staff directions, and wash their hands immediately after visiting petting areas.
Do visitors need to wash their hands after touching animals?
YES! Handwashing with soap and clean water at our designated washing stations is mandatory after touching animals and prior to eating food. Please help us to keep humans and animals healthy by washing your hands often and thoroughly!
Can visitors bring outside food or drinks?
Yes! You are welcome to bring your own snacks and picnic meals. Drinks, and snacks are also available for purchase on site.
Is smoking or vaping allowed on the farm?
NO! Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited across the entire farm property to maintain a safe, healthy environment for our guests, animals, and wooden buildings.
Corporate Events
How do I contact Butterfield Acres?
You can reach our office team by phone at (403) 239-0638 or by email at farmfun@butterfieldacres.com.
Where is Butterfield Acres located?
We are located at 254077 Rocky Ridge Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3R 1A6.
Who should I contact about birthday parties, camps, field trips, or We Come to You bookings?
Our main office staff handles all inquiries and reservations for parties, camps, school groups, and mobile visits.
Contact & Booking Help
How do I contact Butterfield Acres?
You can reach our office team by phone at (403) 239-0638 or by email at farmfun@butterfieldacres.com.
Where is Butterfield Acres located?
We are located at 254077 Rocky Ridge Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3R 1A6.
Who should I contact about birthday parties, camps, field trips, or We Come to You bookings?
Our main office staff handles all inquiries and reservations for parties, camps, school groups, and mobile visits.
Avian Influenza FAQ & Updates
(Last Updated: October 19 2025)
Why We’re Temporarily Closed
Butterfield Acres has had 2 confirmed cases of avian influenza in some of our birds. Out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with veterinary and public-health guidance, we have temporarily closed the farm to protect the health and safety of all animals and visitors.
How This Happens
Avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus in wild migratory waterfowl, which can occasionally spread to domestic flocks or other birds through contact with droppings or contaminated environments. It is possible to contract it other ways as well, e.g., thru feed sources.
Despite year-round biosecurity protocols, Alberta is currently seeing increased avian influenza activity linked to seasonal migration.
What We’re Doing
Avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus in wild migratory waterfowl, which can occasionally spread to domestic flocks or other birds through contact with droppings or contaminated environments. It is possible to contract it other ways as well, e.g., thru feed sources.
Despite year-round biosecurity protocols, Alberta is currently seeing increased avian influenza activity linked to seasonal migration.
Risk to Humans and Pets
Current evidence shows the risk of avian influenza to the public and to pets is very low.
Transmission is primarily between birds, and there are no confirmed cases of person-to-person spread.
How You Can Help – this is a great opportunity to learn some smart strategies…
You can play a role in keeping local birds safe:
- Avoid visiting farms or wildlife areas if you’ve recently been around poultry or waterfowl
- Clean and disinfect footwear after outdoor activities where there may be bird feces
- Do not bring poultry, eggs, or feed onto one farm from another farm
- Report any sick or dead wild birds to the CFIA or Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza (AI), or “bird flu,” is a Type A influenza virus that affects many species of birds and, rarely, some mammals.
Is Butterfield Acres’ closure permanent?
No. The closure is temporary and precautionary. We’ll reopen as soon as it’s approved by authorities.
How common is Avian Flu?
Avian Influenza is found worldwide, and cases in wild birds are periodically detected in Alberta, particularly during migration seasons.
Can people get bird flu from visiting the farm?
Even in open settings, the risk to people is extremely low. The farm is closed to prevent any risk of exposure.
Are any other animals affected?
Only a small number of birds have tested positive. Other animals remain under observation and show no signs of illness.
How will I know when you reopen?
We’ll post updates on our website and social media channels. You can also subscribe to our email newsletter for notifications.
Official Information Sources
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): inspection.canada.ca/avian-influenza
- Government of Alberta – Avian Influenza Updates: alberta.ca/avian-influenza-in-birds.aspx
Have the REAL Farm Experience at Butterfield Acres! We believe the best way to learn about animals is to walk among them. From the high-energy joy of our Spring Babies
