Be a Farmer for a Day in Florida: Hands-on Animal Farm Experience
Ever wondered what it truly takes to care for nearly 100 rescued farm animals? At Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, our Farmer for a Day experience in Florida offers an unparalleled, hands-on immersion into the daily life of an animal rescuer. This isn't just a tour; it's an active, impactful program where you'll join our dedicated team, learn essential animal care, and directly contribute to the well-being of our cherished residents. If you're looking for an authentic, educational, and deeply rewarding hands-on farm chores experience in Florida, this is your chance to get behind the scenes and make a tangible difference. Stay and enjoy your lunch with us and come with your questions!
What is the Farmer for a Day Program?
The Farmer for a Day program is a unique opportunity to step into the boots of a real sanctuary caregiver. You’ll work alongside our experienced staff, participating in the vital daily routines that keep Rooterville running and our animals thriving.
More than just an animal sanctuary volunteer day, this immersive educational farm experience also serves as an excellent home-school venue. It’s a wonderful way for students and families to enjoy a memorable school field trip while learning about animal care, ethical stewardship, and compassionate living. Participants gain a deep understanding of sanctuary management, ethical animal welfare, and the dedication required to provide a loving forever home for rescued farm animals.
Perfect for students, families, or anyone seeking a hands-on connection with animals,
Farmer for a Day combines learning, compassion, and real-world experience in one unforgettable day.
Your Day on the Farm – A Hands-On Farm Chores Experience
Every day at Rooterville brings new adventures, but here's a typical outline of your immersive farm chores experience:
- Morning Welcome & Briefing: Start your day with a warm welcome from our team, a safety overview, and an introduction to the day's tasks.
- Morning Rounds & Feedings:
Help prepare and give out special diets to our different animal residents. This includes curious pigs, hungry cows, and playful goats. You'll learn about their unique nutritional needs.
- Habitat Care:
Help keep our animals' living spaces clean and comfortable. This may include cleaning stalls, changing bedding, or organizing enclosures.
- Animal Observation & Enrichment: Learn to recognize signs of well-being and common behaviors. You may assist with creating enrichment activities that keep our animals stimulated and happy.
- Health Checks & Grooming (Observation):
Watch our team do health checks and gentle grooming. Learn about basic animal care.
- Mid-Day Break: Enjoy a well-deserved break, often with light refreshments, reflecting on your morning's work and asking questions.
- Afternoon Tasks (Varies):
Depending on what the sanctuary needs, you may do more farm chores. This could include helping with maintenance, gardening for animal treats, or working on special projects.
- Farewell: Conclude your impactful day with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper bond with the animals you've helped.
What You'll Learn & Experience
The Farmer for a Day program is a unique educational experience on a farm. It is great for families, students, and anyone who wants to learn about life on a sanctuary.
It’s a great place for home school. It offers hands-on learning about animal care, the environment, and caring for others.
You'll gain invaluable insights and practical skills, including:
- Animal Behavior & Communication: Understand how various farm animals interact and communicate.
- Nutrition & Diet Planning:
Discover the importance of specialized diets for different species and individual animals.
- Basic Animal Husbandry: Get a glimpse into the daily routines of animal care, from health checks to hygiene.
- Sanctuary Operations: Learn about the logistics and dedication involved in running a large-scale animal sanctuary.
- Compassionate Care: Experience firsthand the profound impact of providing a loving, respectful environment for rescued animals.
- Teamwork & Problem-Solving: Work alongside experienced caregivers and gain a new appreciation for the dedication involved in animal rescue.
Educational Value – Perfect for Homeschool & Learning Groups
Rooterville’s Farmer for a Day program gives you a unique chance to learn by doing in a real sanctuary.
This place serves as a home school and an educational farm. It helps students and families learn about animal behavior, nutrition, and daily care routines.
Please call to schedule a group, we recommend groups that can be split into groups of 10 or less. Special group pricing available to! Call (352) 262-7313 to book your group experience.
Participants work alongside experienced caregivers, gaining practical knowledge about teamwork, responsibility, and compassion—all while forming meaningful connections with rescued farm animals.
This immersive experience transforms education into adventure, where learning happens naturally through interaction and observation.
Outside the traditional classroom, kids and adults learn how empathy and care create a kinder world for everyone.
Homeschool families and groups are welcome. Book your educational farm experience today. See how Rooterville makes learning fun in nature.
Who Can Be a Farmer for a Day?
This program is perfect for those genuinely interested in learning about farm animals and animal welfare.
Audience: Families with older children/teens, individuals passionate about animals, aspiring veterinarians or animal caregivers, and groups seeking a unique, impactful experience.
Age Limits: Participants must be at least 8 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Physical Requirements: This is an active, hands-on experience. Participants should be able to walk on uneven ground. They should stand for long periods and lift up to 20 lbs. They must also be comfortable doing outdoor farm work in different weather. Please inform us of any physical limitations when booking.
Group Size: To ensure a quality, personalized experience, group sizes are kept small.
Pricing & Booking Your Farmer for a Day Experience
Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference? Book your Farmer for a Day experience today!
Program Length & Pricing:
Full Day (Approx. 4-5 hours):
Inclusions: Expert guidance from sanctuary staff, all necessary equipment, light refreshments, and an unparalleled behind the scenes animal sanctuary experience.
Availability: The Farmer for a Day program is available on certain days each year. This helps keep the animals happy and ensures staff can help. Advance booking is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I wear/bring?
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (boots are ideal), long pants, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Is lunch provided?
Light refreshments are provided. For full-day programs, you may bring a packed lunch or purchase snacks from our small on-site store.
What if the weather is bad?
The program runs rain or shine! In cases of extreme weather, we will contact you to reschedule or offer a refund.
Can I interact with all the animals?
You'll interact with a variety of animals as part of their daily care routines, always under staff supervision and respecting individual animal comfort levels.
Is this a regular volunteer commitment?
This is a one-time immersive experience. If you're interested in ongoing volunteering, please visit our Volunteer Programs
Is the program suitable for homeschoolers?
Absolutely! Rooterville doubles as a home school venue, offering a unique opportunity for students to learn responsibility, teamwork, and compassion in a real-life setting.
How do I book the Farmer for a Day experience?
Booking is easy! Simply visit our website to reserve your spot or contact Rooterville directly to schedule your educational farm experience. Homeschool families and groups are always welcome!
- Maria S.
5 months ago
"Being a Farmer for a Day was such an eye-opening experience. I learned so much about animal care and felt truly connected to the sanctuary's mission. Highly recommend this agri-tourism Florida gem!"
- The Thompson Family.
3 months ago
"My son and I had an amazing time! Getting hands-on with farm animals like this was unforgettable, and the staff were so knowledgeable."
- Jane Faber.
1 months ago
"If you love animals and want to really understand what it takes to rescue and care for them, this program is a must-do. I felt like I truly made a difference."