Ever dreamed of cuddling a baby goat? At Caromont Farm in Esmont Virginia, you can make that dream happen during their popular Snuggle Sessions. A Charlottesville farm visit is the perfect way for families to soak up all of the baby goat cuddling and experience real farm life. You might even feel inspired to consider raising chickens at home yourself. These sessions at the dairy farm give guests a chance to interact with adorable baby goats in an authentic, rural environment. Whether you’re visiting as a family or with a small group, Caromont Farm’s Snuggle Sessions are an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss. For more farm fun, you might also want to consider a visit to a pick-your-own flower farm – some even have animals on property to visit.
About Caromont Farm Dairy & Cheeses
Just 23 miles south of Charlottesville, Caromont Farm is more than just a dairy—it’s a place where cheesemaker and chef Gail Hobbs-Page brings a deep love of food, farming, and community to life. Since 2007, she’s been crafting award-winning cheeses, blending her experience in professional kitchens with her passion for artisan cheesemaking. When you have some of her cheese it works well with local foods – pick up a basket of goodies at a local farmers’ market for a full Piedmont terroir meal!
Before founding Caromont, Hobbs-Page honed her skills in artisan cheesemaking at the University of Vermont and worked alongside some of the country’s top cheesemakers, including those at Vermont’s renowned The Cellars at Jasper Hill Farm. Today, she has earned recognition in The Washington Post, Food & Wine Magazine, and even on PBS and CBS Evening News. In 2013, she was honored by the Southern Foodways Alliance as one of Virginia’s “Women in Food.”
At Caromont, every bite of cheese tells a story of the land and animals that make it possible. The farm’s goats roam freely between pastures and wooded areas, enjoying a natural diet that helps create the rich, complex flavors in each handcrafted cheese. Hobbs-Page is also passionate about sharing her knowledge, offering an inside look at farm life through her classes and baby goat Snuggle Sessions.
Why Do a Charlottesville Farm Visit with Kids to Caromont?
One of the most heartwarming traditions at Caromont Farm is its baby goat Snuggle Sessions—an experience that’s just as adorable as it sounds! Held during the kidding season for eight weeks beginning in March, these sessions give visitors a chance to cuddle with playful newborn goats while getting a behind-the-scenes look at life on the farm.
Though Caromont is a working farmstead dairy—where the goats are raised on the same land where the cheese is made—it also offers a unique, hands-on experience for families. At this Charlottesville farm visit, kids can connect with the land, learn about farm life and artisan cheesemaking, and, of course, enjoy plenty of baby goat snuggles. It’s a fun and memorable outing for all the familiy!
“When COVID hit, we realized people, especially families, needed a place to go. When we started our Snuggle Sessions, they got a chance to get their kids outdoors in a safe way,” says Gail Hobbs-Page. “It was so popular.”
What to Expect from Your Farm Visit Goat Snuggle Session
Once you’ve booked your springtime farm visit online, you’ll meet some of Caromont Farm’s sweetest little residents—baby goats! They love to be held, snuggled, and played with, and these gentle, curious animals make perfect cuddle buddies, bringing plenty of smiles and laughter to kids and grown-ups alike.
Each farm visit Snuggle Session lasts up to 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to cuddle playful baby goats and learn about Caromont’s commitment to farming and cheesemaking. Plus, you’ll have the chance to purchase their delicious, handcrafted cheese while you’re there. It’s a fun and educational outing that helps kids (and adults!) connect with where their food comes from while enjoying a truly one-of-a-kind experience on the farm.
“I really love to see kids having a good day without a screen. They are just playing like an old-fashioned kid,” Hobbs-Page shares. “Our Snuggle Sessions teach them empathy and compassion. It teaches them how to be gentle.”
Booking Your Family Farm Visit for Baby Goat Cuddling
Booking a baby goat Snuggle Session at Charlottesville’s Caromont Farm is quick and easy! Just head to their website and click the “Snuggle Sessions” link on their menu. From there, you’ll scroll down to select the number of people in your group farm visit along with your preferred date and time slot. If your group has more than eight people, simply book multiple slots to accommodate everyone. This online booking system helps the farm manage the flow of visitors so everyone gets a chance to snuggle these precious baby goats.
To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, Caromont Farm requires that each person 5 years old and up have a ticket, even if they won’t be interacting with the goats. Children aged 4 and under can attend for free, but you’ll still need to note how many children will be with you when reserving tickets.
Keep in mind that tickets for the Snuggle Sessions are non-refundable. However, if you need to adjust your visit date, the farm makes it easy to reschedule. Because the events are so popular, it’s recommended to book your tickets early to guarantee your spot for this adorable experience. This is an amazing Charlottesville farm visit with kids!
So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this unforgettable springtime experience—book your Snuggle Session today and create memories your family will cherish. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a memorable group experience, or just a relaxing day surrounded by nature, Caromont Farm’s Snuggle Sessions are the perfect place to find a family-friendly and unique outdoor experience near Charlottesville. You’ll be sure to leave with a smile on your face and, if you’re lucky, a few extra baby goat cuddles in your heart!
“The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their kid have a really great day. They’re free, they’re safe. As a parent and a grandparent, I love seeing that. The farm is a really great place to be,” says Hobbs-Page.
SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS has a passion for understanding people and making beautiful images. Earning dual degrees in fine art photography and anthropology was a natural extension of this passion — a path that led her to launch Cramer Photo in 2005. Her time away from the lens is spent hiking, running and playing in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband and their two young sons.
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on freelancing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.