An emu might politely ask for your apple slice here. Someone may even suggest setting it on the fence first, because that bird is seriously big and powerful.
That’s just one resident on a sprawling South Jersey farm full of rescued animals. Pigs trot over wagging their tails.
Turkeys act like a welcome committee. Peacocks show off near the chicken coops, and enormous cows graze out back.
The best part might be the cost. Admission is free, and a sliced apple for feeding runs about pocket change.
I like how a family outing here can feel generous instead of expensive.
I can’t imagine a sweeter way to spend a Saturday morning in New Jersey. Every animal on this land got a second chance.
So who is behind it, and how do you get through the gate?
A Free Saturday Farm In The Quiet Corner Of Cumberland County
Forty-three acres of fields, ponds and pastures sit in Cedarville, a small community in Cumberland County. That land belongs to Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, a sanctuary where rescued farm animals live out their lives in comfort.
It’s a long way from the Turnpike, both in miles and in mood. Cows, pigs, goats, emus, alpacas and peacocks share the property instead of traffic cones and toll plazas.
Freedom Farm Animal Rescue opens to the public one day a week. On Saturdays, families can stroll the grounds, meet the residents and feed many of them by hand.
Size matters here, and the farm has plenty of it. The property feels closer to a small zoo than a backyard barn, with generous pastures for every species.
Google lists it as an animal rescue service, and it carries a 4.9-star rating across more than a hundred reviews. That’s an impressive scoreboard for a farm run on compassion and volunteer muscle.
New Jersey has plenty of farms selling pumpkins and pies. This one sells a different idea, that every animal deserves a safe place to land.
The Couple Who Turned Kindness Into A Full-Time Job
Jamie and Tara are the names you’ll hear most around the farm. The couple own and run Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, and their dedication shows up in every fence line.
The mission reportedly started with fostering dogs before growing into something much bigger. Eventually the pair moved to the current 43-acre property and opened the gates to larger rescues.
Jamie often shares the background and origins of the mission with curious guests. Ask a question, and you may get a full story about how a particular animal arrived.
The owners built many of the facilities themselves. A dedicated crew of volunteers helps keep everything maintained and remarkably tidy.
One thoughtful detail stands out. Jamie aims to give the animals more room to roam than they actually need, which helps avoid overcrowding.
That choice says a lot about the place. Rather than packing in as many residents as possible, the farm prioritizes space, comfort and quality of life.
I believe that kind of restraint is rare. It turns a rescue into a true sanctuary, where each resident gets attention instead of becoming one face in a crowd.
Pocket Change Buys The Best Seat At Snack Time
Free admission is the headline, and it’s a good one. Walking the grounds of Freedom Farm Animal Rescue costs nothing at all.
The only real expense is optional. Apples are sold near the entrance for feeding, and the price is about as small as treats get.
Staff slice the apples for you and drop them into a plastic pail. Then they point you down the path toward the hungry crowd.
That pail quickly becomes the most popular accessory on the farm. Pigs, goats, emus and others may come trotting over the moment they spot it.
Feeding happens as you move from one area to the next. It’s a simple rhythm, walk a little, share a slice, then wander on to the next friendly face.
Kids especially love this part, and honestly, adults do too. There’s real joy in watching a big animal gently take food from your hand.
Every apple purchase also helps support the residents. So the snack you hand over today quietly pays it forward for tomorrow’s breakfast.
Room To Roam Instead Of A Petting Pen
Forget tiny enclosures and cramped corrals. Freedom Farm Animal Rescue operates as a working farm and sanctuary, not a petting zoo.
The difference shows right away. Horses romp in a large pasture, and the enclosures throughout the property are wide, clean and safe.
Animals here get to choose their own level of involvement. Some stroll right up to the fence for a snack, while others prefer to keep their distance.
That freedom is kind of the whole point. The farm’s name isn’t just a cute label, it reflects how the residents actually live.
Visitors interact mostly across fences, which keeps things calm for everyone. Small kids can feed animals safely without anyone feeling crowded.
The grounds stay notably spotless, too. Cleanliness comes up again and again when people describe this place.
For families used to busy attractions, the pace can feel refreshing. Nobody’s rushing you through a turnstile or pushing you toward a gift stand.
Instead, you get time to watch animals simply being animals. Sometimes that’s more entertaining than any show.
Tail-Wagging Pigs With Serious Size
Snorts, grunts and happily wagging tails mark the pig section. These residents know exactly what an apple pail means.
Freedom Farm Animal Rescue gives its pigs several enclosures with grass and trees. There’s shade, sunshine and a little mud for those essential spa days.
Some of these pigs are truly enormous. One visitor jokingly described them as dinosaur-size, which might be the most accurate review possible.
Don’t let the size intimidate you. The pigs often trot right up to the fence, eager for a slice of fruit and a little attention.
Pigs are among the most talked-about animals at the farm. It’s easy to see why once you hear those cheerful little snorts up close.
Watching them can change how kids think about farm animals. These aren’t cartoon characters or menu items, they’re individuals with real personalities.
Each pig likely has its own rescue story, too. Volunteers nearby may be happy to share how a certain resident ended up here.
Bring extra apple slices for this stop. You’ll probably wish you had more.
Peacocks, Pigeons And A Turkey Escort Service
Who knew turkeys could double as tour guides? At Freedom Farm Animal Rescue, a squad of them has been known to escort guests right in.
The bird lineup is impressively varied. Chickens, turkeys, pigeons and showy peacocks all call this farm home.
A few chickens wander around outside with the turkeys. They add a lively, free-range feel as you walk between pastures.
The peacocks bring the glamour. Their bright feathers make them easy to spot and nearly impossible to ignore.
Then there are the pigeons, and they come with a fun surprise. Their cooing has been compared to dozens of cats purring at once.
That’s a charming detail for curious kids. Ask them to close their eyes and guess which animal is making the sound.
Bird lovers could spend a good chunk of the morning in this area alone. Each species moves, sounds and behaves in its own way.
It’s a great reminder that rescue isn’t only about big animals. Even the smallest feathered residents got their second chance here.
Emus That Know What They Want
Few things wake you up like an emu asking for lunch. These tall, curious birds are some of the most memorable residents on the farm.
Freedom Farm Animal Rescue keeps several emus, and they rank among its most talked-about animals. People seem genuinely charmed by their bold personalities.
They may walk right up and request an apple slice. That’s adorable, but a little caution goes a long way.
Here’s a smart tip. Set the slice on the fence and let the emu pick it up, since these birds are big and powerful.
Nearby, ducks and geese splash around in a pond. Watching them glide and paddle adds a peaceful counterpoint to the emus’ drama.
The pond area makes a nice spot to pause during your walk. It’s a little slice of calm in the middle of all the excitement.
Kids usually find the emus both funny and fascinating. Their long legs and quirky expressions feel almost prehistoric.
Snap a photo here if you can. Friends back home might not believe New Jersey has emu encounters this close.
Magnificent Cows And Fluffy Alpacas Out Back
Save some energy for the back of the property. The farther you wander, the bigger some of the residents get.
Cow pastures stretch across the rear of Freedom Farm Animal Rescue. These cows have been called the biggest, most magnificent ones some visitors have ever seen.
Standing next to them puts things in perspective fast. They’re gentle giants with plenty of grass and space to enjoy.
Close by, an alpaca area adds a softer, fluffier vibe. A new alpaca mom and her baby have been spotted strolling side by side.
Alpacas often steal hearts with their sweet faces. Their calm, curious looks make them perfect for a quiet moment at the fence.
These long-necked camelids are cousins of llamas, and they fit the farm’s laid-back rhythm beautifully. Kids may enjoy learning the difference between the two.
The walk out here also shows off the farm’s scale. Wide fields roll out in every direction, giving each herd room to breathe.
It’s worth the extra steps. Some of the most impressive animals are waiting at the end of the path.
Goats, Donkeys And Their Four-Legged Bodyguards
Donkeys have a loyal fan club here. At least one guest declared them the best part of the whole visit.
Goats and donkeys share space at Freedom Farm Animal Rescue. They make a lively, lovable pairing that kids tend to adore.
Goats are curious and often quick to say hello. Donkeys bring a steadier charm, with big ears and patient expressions.
Watching over them are two livestock guardian dogs. These working pups help keep the herd safe and add an extra dose of cuteness.
The welcome crew doesn’t stop there. Cats have been known to greet guests near the entrance before the tour even starts.
So between the cats, dogs, goats and donkeys, there’s plenty of personality packed into one area. It’s like a family reunion where everyone has fur.
Horses also romp in their own large pasture nearby. Their energy adds a little thunder to an otherwise mellow stroll.
This stretch of the farm suits younger kids especially well. The animals are familiar, friendly and easy to enjoy from the fence line.
Nature Trails For A Slower Kind Of Saturday
Animals are the main draw, but the land deserves credit too. Freedom Farm Animal Rescue sits on a beautiful landscape with its own nature trails.
That makes the visit feel bigger than a quick animal stop. You can stretch your legs, breathe some country air and slow way down.
The trails work well for families who want a little extra adventure. They also suit grown-ups visiting without kids.
Beautiful views pop up across the property. Open pastures, a pond and trees create a peaceful backdrop for the whole morning.
Some guests treat it almost like a nature walk through a park. The animals just happen to be very good company along the way.
It’s a lovely option for anyone craving quiet. South Jersey’s rural side shines here in a way the shore crowds rarely do.
Comfortable shoes are a smart idea. Between the pastures and the trails, there’s a good amount of ground to cover.
Bring water on warmer days, too. A few extra minutes outdoors can turn a simple farm visit into a real recharge.
Friendly Volunteers With Stories Worth Hearing
Every animal here arrived with a backstory. The volunteers are often happy to tell it.
Friendly faces pop up throughout Freedom Farm Animal Rescue. They share background on the residents and explain how each one was rescued.
Those stories add real depth to the visit. Suddenly a pig or a cow becomes a survivor with a name and a journey.
Kids love hearing these tales, too. It’s an easy, memorable way to teach compassion without a single lecture.
The team gets plenty of praise for being welcoming and knowledgeable. Some go the extra mile to make sure everyone has fun, including grandparents bringing a crew.
That warmth seems to start at the top. The owners are known for their kindness, and it clearly rubs off on the people around them.
Some families return again and again. Spending a Saturday morning with the animals can easily become a cherished routine.
The farm suits nearly everyone, from toddlers to retirees. Animal lovers, nature walkers and curious kids will all find something to enjoy here.
Ways To Help The Herd Beyond One Visit
Feeding hundreds of hungry mouths isn’t cheap. Freedom Farm Animal Rescue runs as a nonprofit and depends on public generosity.
Feed, veterinary care and upkeep all add up quickly. Every apple purchased helps chip away at those costs.
Donations make an even bigger difference. Many guests leave a little something before heading home, and it goes straight toward the animals.
Your visit itself helps too. Simply showing up spreads the word and keeps the mission going.
Volunteering is another option for anyone who wants to get more involved. The farm welcomes people who reach out about lending a hand.
Events pop up throughout the year as well. Holiday festivities have included Christmas fun and even a visit from Santa.
Event schedules can change, so check the farm’s Facebook page before making plans. That’s the best place for upcoming announcements.
Supporting a local New Jersey rescue feels good in a very real way. You can see exactly where the help lands, right there in the pastures.
Your Saturday Game Plan And Why It’s Worth It
Mark your calendar for Saturday, because that’s the only day to visit. Freedom Farm Animal Rescue welcomes guests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The farm sits at 229 Newport-Centre Grove Rd, Cedarville, NJ 08311. It’s a pleasant country drive in Cumberland County, deep in South Jersey.
Parking is available across the street. From there, it’s a short walk to the front entrance.
Grab your apples at the start, since feeding happens along the route. Then follow the path from pasture to pasture at your own pace.
Hours can shift for holidays or events. A quick look at the farm’s Facebook page before you leave is always smart.
So is it worth the trip? For families wanting a meaningful, low-cost outing, it’s hard to beat.
Free admission, friendly animals and wide-open land make a winning combination. Add the rescue stories, and the morning feels genuinely special.
New Jersey has bigger attractions, but few with this much heart. Bring the kids, bring some curiosity, and maybe bring a little extra for the donation bucket.
