Unearth The Voyage
There is a farm in central Florida where tiny pigs trot up to greet you, alpacas lean over the fence for a snack, and the whole visit feels like something out of a storybook. I had no idea a place like this existed so close to Tampa until a friend mentioned it almost in passing, and I immediately cleared my weekend plans.
The drive down takes you through quiet stretches of Florida countryside, and by the time you arrive, the outside world feels very far away. Rob and Kerry run this place with a level of care and warmth that you can feel the moment you walk through the gate, and the animals here are clearly loved.
Get comfortable, because there is a lot to explore at this remarkable family farm.
Where to Find This Little Slice of Farm Life
Countryside Farm and Venue sits at 10550 Moore Rd, Lakeland, tucked into a quiet corner of Polk County that feels worlds away from the busy highways nearby. The farm is roughly 45 minutes from Tampa, making it an easy and very worthwhile day trip for families, couples, or anyone who just needs a reset.
Lakeland itself is a charming city in central Florida, best known for its swan-filled lake and its position between Tampa and Orlando. But this farm adds a whole new reason to visit the area.
The GPS will guide you through some pleasantly winding roads before you arrive, and the surroundings get greener and quieter the closer you get. You can reach the farm by phone at +1 918-851-7940, and their website at countrysidefarmandvenue.com has updated info on experiences and scheduling.
The Mini Pig Experience You Will Not Stop Talking About
The mini pig experience is the main event here, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. You get up close with some of the smallest, softest, most expressive little animals you have ever seen, and the whole session is guided by knowledgeable staff who clearly adore every single one of these pigs.
Rob takes the time to talk you through each piglet, sharing details about their personalities, their breed, and what life with a mini pig actually looks like day to day. It never feels rushed or scripted.
Holding a piglet for the first time is one of those experiences that stays with you. They are warm, curious, and surprisingly calm in your arms.
Whether you visit for the novelty or because you are seriously considering adopting one, this experience delivers something genuinely special every single time.
Meet the Juliana Pigs That Stole Everyone’s Hearts
Juliana pigs are one of the breeds raised at Countryside Farm, and they have built a devoted following among visitors and adopters alike. Known for their spotted coats and compact frames, Julianas are sociable, trainable, and full of personality in a surprisingly small package.
Several families who adopted Juliana pigs from this farm have shared that their pigs arrived already potty trained and well socialized, which makes the transition into home life remarkably smooth. That level of preparation reflects how seriously the farm takes the early weeks of each piglet’s life.
A full-grown Juliana typically stays on the smaller end of the mini pig spectrum, which makes them a popular choice for people who want a pig but have limited outdoor space. Rob and Kerry are happy to answer every question you have about the breed before you make any decisions.
Alpacas, Camels, and More Exotic Residents
Mini pigs are the headliners, but the supporting cast at this farm is just as impressive. Alpacas, a camel, and a variety of other exotic and farm animals live here, and you get to interact with most of them during your visit.
The camel in particular has become a bit of a local legend. Neighbors who drove past the property for years have mentioned spotting that camel stretching its long neck over the fence, which is not exactly something you expect to see on a Florida back road.
Feeding the alpacas is one of those quietly joyful moments that catches you off guard. They are gentle and a little goofy, and they approach with the kind of unbothered confidence that only alpacas seem to have.
Every animal on the property feels relaxed and comfortable around people, which tells you a lot about how they are treated daily.
A Property That Feels Like a Living Postcard
The property itself is genuinely beautiful. Wide open spaces, mature trees, and well-kept enclosures give the whole farm a sense of calm that is hard to find anywhere near a major city.
The layout feels natural rather than staged, which makes wandering around it feel like a real farm visit rather than a tourist attraction.
Multiple visitors have commented that the setting alone made the trip worth it, even before they got to the animals. There is something grounding about being on a working farm where the focus is clearly on the animals and the land rather than on selling you something.
Rob and Kerry have put real effort into making the property welcoming without overcomplicating it. The result is a space that feels lived-in and loved, where kids run around freely and adults slow down without even realizing it.
The fresh air helps too.
Hands-On Animal Interactions for Every Age
One of the things that sets this farm apart is how genuinely interactive the visit is. You are not watching animals from a distance behind a rope.
You are feeding them, touching them, and in many cases holding them, which creates a completely different kind of connection.
Rob is patient and attentive with younger visitors, giving kids the space to approach animals at their own pace while making sure everyone stays comfortable and safe. Homeschool groups have visited for exactly this reason, and the educational value of the experience is real and lasting.
Whether your group includes toddlers, teenagers, or grandparents, the farm has something that will spark genuine delight. The animals are calm and well-trained around people of all ages, so even visitors who are a little nervous around animals tend to relax quickly once they see how easygoing everything is here.
Adopting a Mini Pig: What You Should Know First
Countryside Farm is not just a visit destination. It is also a trusted source for mini pig adoptions, and the team takes the responsibility seriously.
Before you commit to bringing a pig home, Rob and Kerry encourage you to do your research, and they are genuinely happy to be part of that process.
Mini pigs grow slowly, typically reaching their full size over about three years. A pig that weighs 30 pounds at ten months old might reach 60 to 70 pounds fully grown, which is worth factoring into your living situation and expectations early on.
The pigs that leave this farm arrive at their new homes already house-trained and socialized, which is a huge head start for first-time pig owners. The farm also stays available for questions after adoption, which is a level of ongoing support that families have found genuinely reassuring during those first uncertain months.
The Warm, Family-Run Atmosphere That Keeps People Coming Back
Rob and Kerry are the kind of hosts who make you feel like you have known them for years within about five minutes of arriving. Their warmth is not performative.
It comes through in the way they talk about their animals, answer questions, and take time with every visitor regardless of how busy the day gets.
Kerry handles scheduling and communication with the kind of responsiveness that makes planning your visit stress-free. Texts get answered, questions get addressed, and you never feel like you are being shuffled through a system.
Multiple families have returned to this farm more than once, some of them having already adopted pigs and coming back just to visit or to add another animal to their household. That kind of repeat loyalty does not happen by accident.
It happens because the people running the place genuinely care about what they are doing and who they are doing it for.
Birthday Parties and Events With a Barnyard Twist
Countryside Farm is not just a place to visit on a whim. It also functions as a venue for private events, including birthday parties, which gives the whole experience a creative and memorable twist that no standard party venue can compete with.
One parent described hosting her son’s fifth birthday party here and raving about how the laid-back atmosphere, fair pricing, and hands-on animal interactions made it a standout event. The birthday boy was still asking to go back hours after arriving home, which is about the strongest endorsement a party venue can get.
The farm setting provides a natural backdrop that feels special without requiring elaborate decorations or complicated logistics. Rob handles the experience side of things with patience and enthusiasm, making sure the youngest guests feel comfortable and engaged throughout.
For families looking for something genuinely different, this is a strong option worth considering well in advance.
Learning About Farm Life in a Real and Meaningful Way
There is real educational value packed into a visit here, and it goes beyond just looking at cute animals. Rob shares information about each animal’s diet, behavior, habitat needs, and social tendencies in a way that feels like a conversation rather than a lecture.
Homeschool families have specifically sought out this farm as a field trip destination, and it is easy to see why. The hands-on format sticks with kids in a way that a textbook simply cannot replicate.
When a child feeds an alpaca from their own hand, they remember it.
For adults, there is plenty to absorb as well, especially if you are considering adding a farm animal to your life. The knowledge that Rob and Kerry bring to every interaction reflects years of genuine experience with a wide variety of animals.
You leave knowing more than you expected to, and that feels like a gift.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Booking in advance is the smart move here. Countryside Farm runs its experiences by appointment, so showing up without a reservation is not a reliable strategy.
Their website at countrysidefarmandvenue.com is the best starting point, and Kerry is responsive via text for scheduling questions.
Wear comfortable shoes you do not mind getting a little dusty or muddy depending on the season. Florida weather is warm most of the year, so lightweight clothing and sunscreen are practical choices for an outdoor farm visit.
Bring the whole family, including grandparents, because the experience genuinely works for all ages. The farm is located about 45 minutes from Tampa and is accessible without any complicated navigation once you have the address plugged in.
Allow at least a couple of hours so you do not feel rushed, because the animals deserve more than a quick glance, and so does the property itself.
