"We are so glad that we had our child's birthday party at Deer Hill Ranch! What wonderful memories and the staff did almost everything for us. All we needed to do was take pictures and enjoy seeing the children learn and have so much fun!"

"What a truly special birthday party. The staff did a superb job!"

"I can't speak more highly of the magnificent, nurturing and caring job they do at the Ranch! The leader had the children totally engaged throughout the entire party!"

"My child still talks about her party at DHR and it's been 4 years!"

The Deer Hill Ranch Experience
Our nurturing and experienced staff conducts this extremely "hands-on", fun learning experience for party guests. The children will get a chance to groom our pigs and mingle with our gentle farm animals. They visit the chicken coop and they experience holding or petting a chicken. They gather fresh eggs (blue, green and brown ones) which may have just been laid and may still be warm. They visit with the ducks, peacocks and our rabbit, feed the goats and sheep and feel their different fleeces. The children will also have a chance to groom and hug our shetland pony, Pebbles and our mini-donkeys, Jasper and Omega.

The Hay Barn
The children will assemble on the hay bales to learn about different kinds of hay and farm chores. Working together as a team, the kids will lift a hay bale or plop into a pile of hay!

Pony or Horse Rides
Lead-line pony or horse rides can be added for an additional fee of $100.00. This will extend the party another hour.

Participants
Our hands-on birthday program is most appropriate for children from ages 4-10. (Children younger than 4 might actually be frightened of the animals, so the minimum age for participants is 4!)

Please note:
This is a "drop-off" party! The only adults who can stay are family members. (Too many adults chatting in the background takes away from the quality of the Program.)

Dress
Please have children wear closed-toed shoes or boots, and long pants (so their legs won't get scratched) if possible. Also bear in mind that it can get muddy on a farm during rainy the season!

Set-up
You should plan to arrive one-half hour before your guests to allow time to set-up. Thanks to the animals and natural surroundings, the need for decorations is minimal. (Note: Please encourage your guests to be punctual, since it is harder for children who have missed the introduction to be as comfortable around the animals!)

Location/Setting
Conveniently located near Walnut Creek and minutes from Highway 24, our ranch is adjacent to Briones Regional Park. The serene setting offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Photo Opportunities
Be sure to bring lots of film! The children and animals provide plenty of great photo opportunities! An instant photo of each child with an animal makes a great party favor. *Please note: As a fundraiser for our scholarship fund, we are selling disposable cameras for $10.00 a piece.

Rates/Scheduling
Our parties are planned for 10 participants. For an additional fee per child*, you can expand the number of guests to a maximum of 14 children. Larger groups would change the dynamics and that is why we keep them small.

Two hour birthday parties are $295.00 for ten children; three hour parties are $395.00.

* An additional fee of $19.50 will be charged for each child over the 10 children included in our group price.

Reservations / Times
Birthday parties may be scheduled for weekday afternoons and anytime on Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Please make your reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment, the dates fill quickly. (These are very special parties and people love them!) Email events@deerhillranch.org for more information or to make your reservation.

Party Favors
We sell peacock feathers which can be purchased as party favors for your guests to remind them of Ferdinand, our head peacock!