New Thanksgiving Point attraction encourages curiosity in agriculture, technology in interactive space
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- Children feed pigs inside the new Curiosity Farms attraction at Thanksgiving Point on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
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- A train rides around the pasture inside Thanksgiving Point’s new Curiosity Farms on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
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- The new all-abilities Play Patch Playground at Thanksgiving Point’s Curiosity Farms.
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- A family pets a pony inside of Thanksgiving Point’s new Curiosity Farms on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
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- The Saddle-up Stables pony carousel at Thanksgiving Point’s Curiosity Farms is pictured Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
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- The new Grow Tech Gardens at Thanksgiving Point’s Curiosity Farms is shown Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
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- A young girl feeds a llama inside of Thanksgiving Point’s new Curiosity Farms on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
A new 9-acre farm at Thanksgiving Point blends agriculture with science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts to encourage visitors to learn and have fun.
Curiosity Farms opened to the public Monday. The new attraction has been a decade in the making in addition to another two years of construction.
Thanksgiving Point renovated and expanded the attraction formerly known as Farm Country by adding an additional 5 acres to accommodate five brand-new experiences that put a focus on tech and hands-on learning.
Curiosity Farms will teach about various agricultural technologies and sciences, including hydroponics, animal science, urban food production, the future of farm management and more, according to a press release. With several new and redesigned exhibits, Curiosity Farms is envisioned to be “a living laboratory for kids to explore and grasp the transformative power of STEM concepts.”
“When kids come here to Curiosity Farms, they’re going to get confident, not only in themselves, but in science and technology,” said McKay Christensen, CEO of Thanksgiving Point, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. “We hope that what that does is gives a spark to these kids so they go on to pursue STEM further in their lives.”
From an all-abilities playground to up close encounters with livestock, Curiosity Farms looks to offer a fresh ways to think about science and farming.
The new features at Curiosity Farms include:
- Livestock Learning Lab: This new addition to the farm features hands-on exhibits about genetics, economics and breeding. The Livestock Learning Lab also will feature a live chicken egg incubator, a milking parlor where guests can milk cows daily, a rabbit habitat and a 40-foot-tall alfalfa-themed climbing structure.
- Innovation Station: Hands-on displays will introduce kids and adults to modern farming techniques in the hope of inspiring the next generation of farmers.
- Play Patch Playground: A state-of-the-art, inclusive play space offering accessible features throughout, including a We Go Swing designed for wheelchair users and other assistive devices.
- Grow Tech Gardens: See the future of agriculture with innovative hydroponic containers. These specialized plots cultivate high-yield crops without soil, providing both fodder for Curiosity Farms and fresh produce for Harvest Restaurant.
- Saddle Up Stables: Learn all about ponies and horses and how they meet various farming needs. Two pony-walking carousels allow all guests under 10 one free pony ride per visit. Also, Saddle Up Stables will have learning exhibits about ponies and a lead-around riding experience, where guests will ride a guided pony on an outdoor path.
Curiosity Farms also features a bigger pasture area, new animal pens and a train ride around the pasture, along with new daily shows and programs.
“This is absolutely going to promote the curiosity of our children as they go into the future, as they decide what they’re going to do for a living, as they decide where their food is going to come from,” Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “They’re going to be very well educated. This is going to promote STEM in our communities, which is very very important. They’re going to be inspired.”
Thanksgiving Point leaders say they’re hopeful that the farm will spark curiosity and compassion for life and awareness of global issues by showcasing the latest in farming technology, state-of-the-art sustainability practices and a look into livestock management.
Curiosity Farms is located at 2501 W. Wildflower Lane in Lehi and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed Sundays.
More information about admission prices and discounts can be found at thanksgivingpoint.org/curiosityfarms.
