How to Get the Most Out of Hampton's Bluebird Gap Farm

Bluebird Gap Farm is one of Hampton, Virginia’s favorite places for children and their families to visit. The rustic 60-acre parcel of land is home to dozens of breeds of animals and wild birds, many of which roam free for the enjoyment of park guests. Tucked behind a lovely forest of trees just off Interstate 64 (at exist 263B) the park is a delightful surprise for tourists. The Hampton Parks Association meticulously maintains Bluebird Gap both for safety reasons and because of its unique beauty. While the park may have the look and feel of a farm, there is much more to it than that. Bluebird Gap is open five days a week, from Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is closed for New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Tour the park’s scenic path. A carefully crafted pathway winds throughout the Bluebird Gap to encourage guests to enjoy every aspect of the park’s scenery. Along the way, you can enjoy some of Virginia’s indigenous plant life and bask in the beauty of trees that have stood on the land for decades. Also included on the tour is an arboretum that is being put together by Hampton’s master gardeners.

2. Pet the farm animals. While not all of the farm’s animals are open for free petting, a number of them live for the affection showered upon them by children and adults alike. The horses, in particular, hang their heads over the white farm fences seemingly begging for little fingers to run through their manes.

3. Walk through the farm’s animal habitat. While many of the birds roam freely around the park, others are kept within a huge bird sanctuary in order to protect them from some of farm’s more dangerous wildlife. Dozens of different types of birds can be found at the farm, including peacocks, turkeys, vultures, ducks, swans, pelicans, owls, seagulls, woodpeckers and much more. Generous pens house some of the park’s other animal life which include rabbits, raccoon, deer and even a bobcat.

4. Feed the animals. Most of the animals are gentle enough for children to feed them. Machines are located throughout the park for just that purpose. Children in particular get a great deal of pleasure out of feeding their newfound friends. Animals that are not friendly are kept out of the range of tiny hands.

5. Have a picnic lunch. Bluebird Gap has open picnic tables throughout the park as well as an overhead shelter with four tables inside. Grills are also available to guests, who must bring their own supplies

6. Play on the playground. In the center of the park are two large gym style playing forts for children. These consist of a myriad of slides and a jungle gym. Swings are also located on the playground, providing both tot and adult sizes so that everyone can join in the fun. Surrounding the playground are park benches with lots of shades for those parents and grandparents who just want to sit and watch.

7. Attend Storytelling Day. On Fridays, Bluebird Gap has storytelling day. Volunteer readers sit on a hand-built theatrical stage in front of a mini stadium full of joyful children and parents to read and even act out favorite stories. Sometimes puppets and costumed characters take part as well.

8. Join in the park’s festivities. Free hay rides are usually planned in September to take guests into areas of the park where they can’t normally walk. This includes a trip through the woods that surrounds Bluebird Gap as well as one down to the farm’s fishing pond. In November, the park sponsors a Fall Festival so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s fall foliage. The event includes pony rides for the kids, loads of giant inflatables for them to bounce on to their heart’s content while listening to music. Food is also a part of the day, providing everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to cotton candy. The cost to attend is a mere $5.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring protection against the sun like sunscreen, water, sunglasses and hats. Wide open spaces mean the sun can be bright and hot.

• Bring charcoal if you plan to grill. The park does not have any on hand.

• Bring change for the machines. Vending machines for snacks and sodas, as well as for animal feed, require the correct change.

• Wear layers in the fall. The park can be chilly so it is best to come prepared.

• Don't allow the children to put their hands or fingers through the fence. Although the animals are friendly, it is best not to tempt danger.

• Keep children from yelling. It could scare the animals and cause them to respond in negative ways.