Paulus Farm

From Sandpits to Animals. A Play Filled Farmed Day!

Jul 11, 2025

Location: 1216 York St, Mechanicsburg, PA

Tucked just minutes off the highway, Paula’s Farms gives you that “out in the country” feel without being far from town. Enjoy the trees and open skies, it’s a calm spot that still keeps you close to your favorite parks, coffee runs, and backroad adventures.

What We Loved About This Farm

Perfect for Toddlers & Up: Great for ages 2+ with interactive play stations, animals, sand pits, space to roam, giant rocking goat, swings, wooden and real tractors, giant bales, tubes, tires, tunnels, garden spaces, and more
Interactive Stations: Kids can enjoy a dirt kitchen, creatively named “dirt diner.” Musical instrument area, and tic-tac-toe
Two Sand Pits: One with flatter sand (perfect for younger ones), the other with larger tractor tires geared toward older kids
Plenty of Animals to See & Feed: Lots of viewing opportunities and options to feed animals for an extra cost.
Play Structures & Climbing Opportunities: Slides, tunnels, swings, and climbable setups spread across the farm.
Beautiful Shaded Areas: Both sand pits are covered by sturdy tents, and shaded seating is available throughout the farm.
Photo Spots Everywhere: Think tractors, flower setups, and face-in-hole boards, great for mom memories and social shares.
Community Vibes: Lots of room to meet other moms while your kids play. Conversations and connections often happen naturally around the sandpit.
Stroller & Wagon Friendly: Mostly flat ground with grass and mulch paths.
Farmside Eats Available: Fresh lemonade, iced tea, pretzels, fries, and more are available for purchase right inside the farm area.
Spacious & Not Overcrowded: Even with a summer camp visit, there was plenty of space and no long lines.

Things to Know Before You Go

Open spring and summer 6 days a week, Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am -5 pm
Entry Fee: $6 per person (ages 2–70). Feeding animals is extra. They do offer a Friend of the Farm Pass
No pets allowed
Only port-a-potties are available (no changing tables). A handwashing station is available near the animal area
Parking: Free, unlined gravel/grass lot. Overflow parking is available to the right when entering
Location: Tucked in a suburban area, just minutes off the highway and close to other great parks
No Bug Overload: You’ll see some flies near animals, but barely any gnats or bees during our visit
Gate Setup: The entrance to the farm area is gated, but it opens up into more open space. Keep an eye on little ones who like to wander.
Payment: Cash and cards accepted
Camp Groups: Field trips may visit, call ahead to make sure you don’t plan to go at that time

Mom Tips

Bring water and snacks if you’d like, no signs said you couldn’t!
Baby-friendly with strollers and shade, though there’s not much for crawlers.
Ideal time to visit: Between 12–4 PM on Fridays felt peaceful, even with camp groups around.
Pack sunscreen and wipes for sandy hands and faces.
Great for kids with sensory needs, plenty of textures and space without overwhelming noise.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy all the activities at a calm pace.
Want to make a full day of it? Pair your visit with a nearby park (see below!).

Park and Play Alternatives

If the summer sun gets too intense at Paula’s Farms, you don’t have to call it a day. These parks are all nearby and offer ways to cool down without heading home:

Fisher Park – Rain Deck Splash Area

A great place to cool off is just a short drive away. The rain deck is refreshing and perfect for toddlers through early elementary.

2000 Fisher Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Friendship Park – Misters + Playground

This hidden gem includes a playground and mist system, super helpful when you want to stay outdoors but need a quick cool down.

1901 Fisher Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (Yes—just up the road from Fisher Park!)

Winding Hill Park North

More shade, wide open play space, and easy stroller paths. A good option if your little one still has energy but you want something quieter and cooler.

1421 Winding Hill Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

glass cup filled with ice latte on tabletop — Photo by Demi DeHerrera on Unsplash