Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Baby Animals & Tulip Festival at Andelin Farm - A Must See Attraction During Spring in Sparks, Nevada


2026 Baby Animal & Tulip Festival
April 15th to May 14th


Andelin Farm's Annual Festivals

There's nothing quite as enjoyable as spending time with adorable baby animals, surrounded by laughter and joy in the delightful spring weather, munching on kettle corn, and savoring the scent of fresh cut tulips.

At Andelin Farm's Baby Animals & Tulip Festival event, you can immerse yourself in all of these wonderful experiences and more.

This cherished farm, managed by a warm family and dedicated staff, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their guests have the best possible time.

Over the years of my visits, I've witnessed numerous positive changes that have made the farm even more enjoyable than before.

Parents also find joy in visiting, knowing their kids are in safe hands while they make memories together with adult friends of their own.

There's been so many housing developments in their area, and I'm so grateful they've chosen to stick around, keeping the doors open to the ultimate destination for seasonal joy.

2026 Baby Animal Days & Tulips Festival

TICKETS

General Admission: 
Online - $15.56 (Price $14.00 + $1.56 Fee)
2yrs. & younger free

Season Pass:
$47

Included in General Admission: 
-hayride
-ropes course (Buster's Barnyard Challenge)
-basketball hoops
-access to U-Pick pumpkin patch (fall), tulips (spring) and sunflower fields (summer)
-Beeline Mini Ziplines
-barrel train ride
-hamster wheel
 -straw bale maze
-petting zoo (goats, sheep, chickens) (feed available for purchase)
-chick (spring) & kitten (summer) experience 
-duck races (water pumps)
-lasso activity
-pumpkin shooters (fall, w/ slingshots & corn kernels)
-slides 
-kickball enclosure
-tricycle ride
-hay maze
-vegetable garden/play store
-ball maze

Additional Charge:
-pony rides 
-gem mining
-U-Pick tulips (spring), sunflowers (summer), and pumpkins (fall)
-Calf Cuddling
-lamb/calf feeding

FALL
-Corn Creepers (haunt)
-Zombie Paintball 
-5 acre corn maze 
-U-pick pumpkins
-Corn Cannon


Notes
-Tickets can be purchased in person or online, with online tickets being $2 cheaper.
-Opening dates vary. For the latest updates, follow Andelin's Instagram page.
-Check hourly weather to plan your day accordingly. I recommend applying sunscreen to the kids throughout the day, especially given the heightened sun intensity at our elevation.
-Explore a variety of animals including camels, llamas, alpacas, emus, sheep, goats, peacocks, turkey, horses, ponies, calves, and chickens.
-Admission is not required to access the food trucks & barn store located at the farm entrance.  Food trucks are generally open during business hours.  Shaded tables available for dining.
*Island Hot Dog Truck serves delicious hot dogs.
*Slushies & soft serve from their trailer are always a must, especially in fall when they make their apple slushies with real local apple cider.
-Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the farm for your convenience.
-Visit the farm store located in the barn for homemade goods and crafts, including jams, baking mixes, hot sauces, snacks, kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, Andelin-branded merchandise, hats, jewelry, soaps, frozen pies, croissants, & cinnamon rolls, and more.
-affordable cold drinks and ice cream available for purchase at the farm store
-Private group tours are available, and the barn and pavilions can be rented for weddings and events.
-Capture memorable moments around the farm with numerous photo opportunities including flower picking, baby animal petting, horse and pony rides for both adults and kids, and fun photo cutouts.
-Proper footwear is essential as the farm grounds are primarily dirt
-The parking lot offers ample grass/dirt space.  Expect for your vehicle to get a little dusty.  Plenty disabled parking available.
-Umbrella strollers are not recommended due to the dirt and rock terrain. Jogging and larger strollers are preferable.
-Porta Potties are available both inside and outside the farm for your convenience.


***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved

Categorized Under "Season/Holidays" and "Birthday/Event Venues"

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Cave Rock Trail - A Short Walk to Amazing Views that will Take Your Breath Away

Location: Cave Rock Drive & Winding Way
*No fees at trailhead

Cave Rock Trailhead

Lake Tahoe is filled with endless beauty and Cave Rock, a 250-ft volcanic formation, is no exception.  The rock, located on the eastern shore is hard to miss on the way to South Lake Tahoe from Reno, as it is found right on the path of highway 50.  The cave has unique beauty, tunnels, and proximity to the shore, is easy to get to, and is a must to visit.
 
A 0.8-mile-walk with little elevation gain will earn you breathtaking views that people would be happy to hike much further distances for.  Luckily, this is one view that requires little to no effort making it enjoyable for all ages.  

Right from the start you'll be met with views of the lake and more and more views of the lake with rock formations and piers lining the shore as you go further along.

The views are great at the base of Cave Rock,  but people who are looking for more adventure have the option of climbing to the top to access even more magical views.  The ascent to the top is pretty easy with so many huge boulders to climb and grip onto.  

This fun and unique spot is more than worth the effort to get to and is enjoyable year-round (people also snowshoe this trail in the winter).


Notes:
-0.8 mile out and back (10-15 mins), 137 ft. elevation gain
-about six parking spaces at trailhead
-catch amazing views at sunset
-more parking to the side of the road just a little way up the hill away from trailhead 
-dog friendly, on leash, no trash or poop bags available
-hiking trail is nice and wide
-this location is utilized by many photographers
-snacks and water are always a must for kids on hikes.  make sure to use the restrooms before your adventure as there are no toilets nearby
-mostly exposed. sun protection essential in summer
-stay on top of hourly weather and plan and dress accordingly
-room is limited at the top of the cave
-ideal for snow-shoeing in winter
-I recommend wearing appropriate footwear for the hike.
-For more of a challenge, you can park across the street at Cave Rock State Park boat landing, cross the street, and walk up to trailhead.  Parking lot located on the right after passing tunnel.  
-Picnic tables, restrooms, sand play, snorkeling and swimming available at Cave Rock State Park next to highway 50



Categorized under "Lake Tahoe," "Scenic Overlooks,"  and  "Family Friendly Hikes"

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.