A Visit to Deer Hollow Farm

In a series of posts, we will feature fabulous recommendations of places to go and things to do around the Bay Area from members of Kin community. The first one is from Bonnie, a very enthusiastic Kin parent and one of our resident experts on all things fun to do with kids.

Since California’s weather is generally nice, you may have hiking on your mind. With a child along, there are considerations to be made. One hike that is terrific for introducing little ones to a great experience with nature is Deer Hollow Farm, an excellent choice because of its location, ease, and natural perks.

Located at the edge of Silicon Valley in Cupertino, Deer Hollow Farm began in the mid-1800s and was a typical homestead farm or ranch of the time. Now, it is a “160 year-old historical ranch,” gardens, and a nature center with farm animals. It is owned by Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District, and is within Rancho San Antonio County Park. Many of the buildings are either original to the farm, have been restored, or have been completely rebuilt in the same location as the originals to maintain the history of this homestead.

Thus, as you walk from the parking lot to Deer Hollow Farm, you will take a walk into the Valley’s history. What’s better is that you can have a picnic inside one of the old barns after you have visited with all the farm animals before hiking back!

Before you go, check Kin’s Deer Hollow Farm page to get a quick run down of information you’d seek as a parent and also the official website for current information. They are open most every day of the year, except Mondays and certain major holidays. They also have many special events that are worthy of your time. However, you should not wait to go as it is worthy of multiple trips! It is a little over a mile walk each way if you take the Lower Meadow Trail to the Farm Bypass Loop Trail, and there is only mild elevation that will be easy enough for any child who can walk that far, and If it is too much of a walk, the path is stroller and jogging stroller accessible.

Along the walk to Deer Hollow Farm, you will see Oak woodlands and all the flora and fauna that are included. There are many varieties of birds, including blue jays and hawks, but you may also get to see some wild turkeys from a distance. Dependent on the time of day, you are likely to see squirrels, rabbits, and lizards as well as some beetles. If you truly time your visit right, you may also spot some deer. Do be aware that visiting nature includes the possibilities of spotting a mountain lion, rattlesnake, ticks, or poison oak. However, if you stay on the trail, you will enjoy your visit. The small nature center has many examples of the local flora and fauna, including a touch table where little ones can safely explore leaves, seeds, bones, fur, nests, and feathers among other items. It is a terrific sensory and educational experience for all, so make sure you leave time to stop in and have a look, maybe even to ask a question or three!

What are you waiting for? Pack a picnic lunch and some snacks, fill your water bottles, put on some sunscreen and a hat, grab your camera, and go explore! Your lasting memories will be well-worth the visit!

Would you like to see more hikes? Click here to see more on Kin Parenting’s Hiking page!