Upcoming Events
Wednesday Art & Animals After-school with Second Nature Arts
Step into our playful art & animals after school, in the Berkshires, a collaboration between local non profit Second Nature Arts & Le Petit Ranch, where imagination leads the way for children ages 5–14. Through open-ended, hands-on art projects, young artists explore a wide range of materials and techniques, from painting and drawing to bookmaking, mixed media, and more—while building confidence, curiosity, and artistic skills.
Older kids ages 11–14 are invited to take part as Art Mentors, participating fully in the creative process while gently supporting younger artists and developing age-appropriate leadership skills. Each program fosters connection, collaboration, and joyful self-expression in a warm, inclusive environment. When possible, active outdoor time is also woven into the day, creating a balanced experience rooted in art, creative play, and community.
Wednesdays | 9/23-12/9 | 3:35–5:15pm
(Includes Le Petit Ranch visits on 9/23 & 12/2)
Discover the many ways animals have inspired artists, storytellers, and cultures around the world through observation and hands-on artmaking. Each week, we’ll explore animal imagery and stories across time and place—from prehistoric cave paintings and ancient myths to traditional folktales and contemporary art. You’ll experiment with paint, ink, wool and other fibers, collage, and more as you learn new techniques, develop ideas, and create original works of art. We’ll also get to know the animal residents of Le Petit Ranch—including chickens, guinea pigs, horses, donkeys, dogs, and sheep—through conversation, close observation, and gentle interaction. (No program on 11/11, 11/25 & 11/26)
Register here https://www.secondnaturearts.org/creative-playdate-program-school-year
THURSDAYS ART & ANIMALS AFTERSCHOOL
Thursdays | 9/24-12/3 | 3:35–5:15pm (Includes Le Petit Ranch visits with animals on on 11/5 & 12/3)
Discover the many ways animals have inspired artists, storytellers, and cultures around the world through observation and hands-on artmaking. Each week, we’ll explore animal imagery and stories across time and place—from prehistoric cave paintings and ancient myths to traditional folktales and contemporary art. You’ll experiment with paint, ink, wool and other fibers, collage, and more as you learn new techniques, develop ideas, and create original works of art. We’ll also get to know the animal residents of Le Petit Ranch—including chickens, guinea pigs, horses, donkeys, dogs, and sheep—through conversation, close observation, and gentle interaction. (No program on 11/11, 11/25 & 11/26)
Registration https://www.secondnaturearts.org/after-school-art-program
ANIMAL-ASSISTED AFTER-SCHOOL AT THE RANCH
The brand-new Theatre & Music at the Ranch after-school series!
This creative four-week program is designed for children in Grades 1–6 and combines theatre, music, storytelling, movement, creativity, and meaningful time with the gentle animals of Le Petit Ranch.
Together with Marjorie Borreda and Kate Magram, children will create original stories inspired by our animals, sing, explore movement and imaginative play, build confidence, and work together to prepare a special family performance on the final day.
Whether your child loves to perform, enjoys music, has a vivid imagination, or simply feels most at home with animals, this inclusive program offers a welcoming space where every child can participate, create, and shine.
Dates: Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22 & 29
Time: 3:30–5:00 PM
Location: Le Petit Ranch
Grades: 1–6
Open to children of all abilities
The series concludes with a special family performance on October 29, where children can proudly share what they have created together.
Registration includes all four sessions, and spaces are limited to 15 children to ensure every participant receives plenty of individual attention.
This event is not sponsored, so registration fees for each session and any additional donations help support our animals, program materials, and inclusive educational programming.
Register here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/animal-assisted-musical-theater-at-the-ranch
We would be delighted to welcome your children for an imaginative, creative, and joyful after-school experience where music, storytelling, theatre, and animals come together to inspire confidence, friendship, and fun.
Chick or Treat at the RICHMOND Library
We would bring four chickens for a playful Halloween-themed experience at the Richmond Public Library combining:
Chickenology and fun chicken facts
Chicken storytime
Gentle meet-and-greet, petting, and feeding
Halloween-themed chicken photographs
Fall and Halloween animal activities (Pumpkin chicken carving)
No School Day Fall Fiber Art at the Ranch
A special event for No School Day ! Spend the afternoon with our sheep while exploring sheep breeds, colors, wool, weaving and fiber Participants will try wet felting, nature-inspired weaving, and more, all inspired by our woolly friends and the beauty of fall. A collaboration between Second Nature Arts www.secondnaturearts.org & Le Petit Ranch
Registration is required and space is limited. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-fiber-art-at-the-ranch-2
Chick or Treat at the Lenox Library
A Halloween-themed chicken experience provided by Le Petit Ranch at the Lenox Library !
Meet our 4 real chickens!
Learn chickenology and fun chicken facts 🐔
Enjoy a story time 📚
Take Halloween-themed photos with the chickens 🎃
Fun fall/Halloween animal activities, including pumpkin chicken carving
Costumes encouraged, registration is required. Please email Vanessa at vjustice@lenoxlib.org to sign up. Takes place outside is Roche Reading Park, weather permitting.
Wisdom of Donkeys, Meditative Walk for Adults at the Ranch
The Wisdom of Donkeys at Le Petit Ranch, adult programming offered by the Scolville Memorial Library
Spend a peaceful afternoon with miniature donkeys at Le Petit Ranch, Sheffield MA. Through a guided meditative nature walk with Yoga Teacher Joe James, readings from book The Wisdom of Donkeys, Finding tranquility in a chaotic world (Andy Merrifield), and a meditative mandala activity, discover the gentle lessons these remarkable animals can teach us about mindfulness, resilience, and connection.
Registration is required https://www.scovillelibrary.org/events/list?age_groups%5B4%5D=4
French at the Ranch - FALL EDITION
🇫🇷 🍁Fall Edition of the “French Immersion Field Trip at the Ranch”Presented by Le Petit Jardin Français in collaboration with Le Petit Ranch
Join us for a cosy morning of French language, animals, pastries and hands-on craft at Le Petit Ranch!
Designed for children ages 0–5 and their siblings and caregivers, this immersive outdoor experience introduces French through stories, movement, fall crafts 🍁, and meaningful interactions with our ranch animals.
Children will learn naturally as they explore the farm, meet sheep and other friendly animals, discover French vocabulary through play, and participate in engaging activities inspired by the season and life at the ranch.
Date: Sunday, October 18
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
Location: Le Petit Ranch
147 Bears Den Road, Sheffield, MA 01257
This program is presented by Le Petit Jardin Français in collaboration with Le Petit Ranch and is perfect for families looking for an enriching introduction to French in a joyful, outdoor setting.
Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended. 🇫🇷🐑💛
Suggested donation:
• $20 per child
• $30 per family
🎟️ Register here, places are limited:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-edition-french-immersion-field-trip-at-the-ranch
We can’t wait to share a morning of French, animals, laughter, and discovery with you. À bientôt! 🇫🇷🐑✨
SATURDAY Horse Portrait at the Ranch
Join us at the Ranch, You’ll learn about horse behavior and horsemanship, practice grooming, and lead horses through simple obstacles. Then, you’ll experiment with gesture drawing and expressive mark-making to capture the movement and personality of the horses you meet. Using paint, drawing materials, and fibers, you’ll transform your observations into colorful mixed-media artworks inspired by the horses and their environment.
A collaboration between Second Nature Arts & Le Petit Ranch
Registration is required and space is limited. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/horse-portrait-art-at-the-ranch
Felt, sheep & Fiber Studio at the Ranch
A special event for the Felt & Fiber Studio by Second Nature Arts ! Spend a special afternoon at Le Petit Ranch with the sheep while deepening your understanding of wool and fiber! You’ll learn about different breeds, colors, and their wool, and discover the journey from sheep to fiber while meeting and observing the animals up close. Then, you’ll use wool from the sheep you’ve met to create your own woolly creature to take home. A collaboration between Second Nature Arts www.secondnaturearts.org & Le Petit Ranch
Registration is required and space is limited. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-fiber-art-at-the-ranch-3
Saturday Fall Fiber Art at the Ranch
Spend the morning with our sheep while exploring sheep breeds, colors, wool, weaving, felting and fiber. Participants will try wet felting, nature-inspired weaving, and more, all inspired by our woolly friends and the beauty of fall. A collaboration between Second Nature Arts www.secondnaturearts.org & Le Petit Ranch
Registration is required and space is limited. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fall-fiber-art-at-the-ranch
Salisbury Fall Festival Film Night: "The Sheep Detectives" at the Scolville Memorial Library with our sheep
A Fall Festival Film Night with Sheep! Join us for an outdoor movie night showcasing the comedy mystery "The Sheep Detectives" (rated PG) on the Scoville Memorial Library grounds.
Real sheep from our Ranch will attend and keep us company throughout the film.
Bring your coziest wools and plaids to stay warm and come ready to enjoy free popcorn and candy from our concessions stand. We’ll also have a sheep concession stand for moviegoers who’d like to feed the flock.
The movie starts promptly at 6:15 PM. Arrive 30 minutes early and enjoy an educational introduction to the sheep presented by Le Petit Ranch.
Registration is appreciated and helps us know how much popcorn to pop! Register here https://www.scovillelibrary.org/event/sheep-detective-movie-3690
The event and all refreshments all free, thanks to generous support by the Friends of the Scoville Library.
Please note: This event will be held weather permitting. Please check the Scoville Library website for updates in case of bad weather.
About the movie
“In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.” -- Rotten Tomatoes:
HALF-DAY SCHOOL Mini Donkey & Art at the Ranch
Half-Day at school? Spend the afternoon at Le Petit Ranch with Second Nature Arts getting to know the donkeys, learning about their personalities, habits, and care through observation and hands-on experiences. Storytime and art about the place of donkeys in human history. Then create your own mythical creature, half donkey and half…A collaboration between Second Nature Arts www.secondnaturearts.org & Le Petit Ranch
Registration is required and space is limited. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/donkey-and-art-at-the-ranch
Family Movie Night with Sheep at the Lenox Community Center
Family & Sheep Movie Night: The Sheep Detectives 🐑🎬
Join Le Petit Ranch and the Lenox Community Center for a very special outdoor family movie night celebrating all things sheep!
Before the movie, come meet some of our real sheep from Le Petit Ranch. From 5:45–6:15 PM, families will have a chance to spend time with the sheep, learn a little about their personalities, behavior and care, and discover what makes these wonderful animals so special.
Then, get cozy surrounded by sheep for an outdoor screening of The Sheep Detectives from 6:15–8:15 PM. There will be free popcorn and sheep treats during the movie, plenty of laughter, and a fun evening for all ages.
Friday, October 3 , 5:45 PM, Lenox Community Center, All ages welcome
Registration is required. Please contact sobrien@townoflenox.com to reserve your spot.
Come for the sheep, stay for the movie, we can’t wait to see you there!
Family Wellness Retreat
🌿 Family Wellness Retreat Series 🌿Reconnect. Recharge. Grow Together.
Families Like Ours and Le Petit Ranch are excited to partner to bring families a three-part Family Wellness Retreat Series designed to help families slow down, reconnect with one another, and experience the healing benefits of nature, mindfulness, and animal interactions.
Life can be busy, especially for families raising children with disabilities or unique support needs. This special collaboration creates a calm, welcoming space where families can spend intentional time together while learning simple strategies to reduce stress, strengthen connections, and create lasting memories.
💚 This series is generously sponsored by Families Like Ours, so there is no cost for families to attend. Joe James, certified Yoga teacher will lead the session alongside Marjorie Borreda, founder of Le Petit Ranch.
📅 The series will be held on the first Saturday of each month from 10:30–11:30 AM. Please register separately for every session you would like to attend. Register here https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/family-wellness-retreat
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 AM Mindful Nature Walk Experience nature through all five senses during a guided family walk. Together, we'll slow down, observe, explore, and connect with the outdoors while enjoying special animal encounters along the way.✨ Guided sensory nature walk
✨ Animal interactions
✨ Mindfulness & gratitude activities
✨ Opportunities to be present together🍁
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 AM Gratitude & Calm As we enter the holiday season, we'll focus on gratitude, relaxation, and family connection through gentle movement, animal-assisted experiences, and a meaningful family gratitude activity.✨ Gentle stretching & movement
✨ Animal-assisted relaxation
✨ Family gratitude activity
✨ Quiet reflection and connection
❤️ Who Should Attend?
This series is designed for families raising children with developmental disabilities, autism, sensory processing differences, or other unique support needs. Parents, caregivers, children, and siblings are all welcome.
Space is limited to help create a calm, supportive, and meaningful experience for every family.Join Families Like Ours and Le Petit Ranch as we create opportunities for families to breathe, explore, reconnect, and grow together in a peaceful natural setting. We can't wait to welcome you! 💚🌿
Sheep & Wool at the Canaan Fall Festival
🐑 Meet Our Sheep at the Fall Festival at the VFW in Canaan!
Join Le Petit Ranch at the 2026 Fall Festival in Canaan for a special hands-on Sheep Encounter for all ages!
Come meet our friendly flock up close, enjoy gentle interactions, and discover the fascinating world of sheep, wool, and New England farming. Families will learn about different sheep breeds, their care and personalities, and explore the journey from fleece to fiber through wool, educational materials, hands-on activities, and more.
Sheep have been part of New England life since the 1600s, providing wool, meat, milk, and labor and helping shape the farms and communities of our region. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect animals, agriculture, local history, and hands-on learning in a fun and memorable way.
📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 VFW, South Canaan Road, Canaan CT
Perfect for children, families, adults, and animal lovers of all ages. Come say hello to the flock, learn something new, and experience the joy of spending time with our sheep! 🐑🧄❤️
SHEEP ENCOUNTER AT THE BERKSHIRE GARLIC FESTIVAL
🐑 Meet Our Sheep at the Berkshire Garlic Festival!
Join Le Petit Ranch at the Annual Berkshire Garlic Festival for a special hands-on Sheep Encounter for all ages!
Come meet our friendly flock up close, enjoy gentle interactions, and discover the fascinating world of sheep, wool, and New England farming. Families will learn about different sheep breeds, their care and personalities, and explore the journey from fleece to fiber through wool, educational materials, hands-on activities, and more.
Sheep have been part of New England life since the 1600s, providing wool, meat, milk, and labor and helping shape the farms and communities of our region. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect animals, agriculture, local history, and hands-on learning in a fun and memorable way.
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Annual Berkshire Garlic Festival
Hosted by the Sheffield Historical Society & Greenagers
Perfect for children, families, adults, and animal lovers of all ages. Come say hello to the flock, learn something new, and experience the joy of spending time with our sheep! 🐑🧄❤️
Inclusive Animal-Assisted ASL Ranch Experience
Le Petit Ranch is hosting at the Ranch a special animal-assisted ASL experience created specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families on Sunday, September 13, from 2:00–4:00 PM, in collaboration with Hillary Baack, a Deaf ASL educator.
Families will learn all about our animals (mini horses, mini donkeys, guinea pigs, sheep, chicken) in ASL, enjoy ASL storytime and songs, realise some arts and crafts (fiber and wool work) and connect with live ranch animals in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield and Miles and Smiles for Hadley 501©3 non profit.
Register here : https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/signs-stories-and-animals-an-inclusive-asl-experience-at-le-petit-ranch
SENIOR VISIT AT THE RANCH WITH LENOX SENIOR CENTER
The Lenox Senior Center invites you to join us for a special afternoon at Le Petit Ranch! Come spend time at the ranch and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming visit with our miniature horses, donkeys, sheep, guinea pigs, and other friendly animals. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the animals up close, learn about their personalities and care, and experience the joy and connection that comes from simply spending time with them.
Our animal-assisted activities are designed to be gentle, accessible, and enjoyable. Whether you love animals, are curious about farm life, or simply want to spend a beautiful afternoon outdoors, we would love to welcome you!
📅 Friday, September 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Le Petit Ranch
147 Bears Den Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Transportation: The South County Connector can provide transportation for some participants who need it. If you are able to drive, please plan to meet us directly at the Ranch.
Registration is required. To sign up, please call Liz at 413-637-5535.
Come meet the herd, enjoy the peaceful ranch setting, and share a special afternoon with us! 🐴🐑❤️
SENIOR VISIT AT THE RANCH WITH THE SHEFFIELD SENIOR CENTER
The Sheffield Senior Center invites you to join us for a special afternoon at Le Petit Ranch! Come enjoy a peaceful and welcoming visit with our miniature horses, donkeys, sheep, guinea pigs, and other friendly animals. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the animals up close, learn about their personalities and care, and enjoy gentle, meaningful interactions at their own pace.
Our animal-assisted activities are designed to create moments of connection, joy, relaxation, and curiosity. Whether you are an animal lover, interested in farm life, or simply looking for a lovely afternoon out, we would be delighted to welcome you to the Ranch.
📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Le Petit Ranch
147 Bears Den Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Transportation: The South County Connector can provide transportation for some participants who need it. If you are able to drive, please meet us directly at the Ranch.
To sign up, contact Kathie Loring:
KLoring@sheffieldma.gov
Come spend an afternoon with the herd, enjoy the beautiful ranch setting, and experience the special connection animals can bring. 🐴🐑❤️
Sheep Encounter to celebrate Canaan KIDS ArtSpace
Join us to Play with Sheep from Le Petit Ranch! Face Painting! Bubbles! Crafting! DJ Dance Party!
AFTER-SCHOOL CIRCUS AT THE RANCH
Step into the magic of the circus at Le Petit Ranch!
Children in Grades 1–6 will explore circus skills, movement, theater, creativity, teamwork, and gentle activities with our miniature horses. Led by Marjorie Borreda, Animal-Assisted Educator, and Kate Magram, Physical Therapist, Circus Arts Coach, and Theater Director.
Children will enjoy: Balance, coordination, and circus games , Creative movement and physical comedy , Teamwork and imaginative storytelling, Gentle connection with miniature horses , Learning about circus history and animal welfare, A short performance for families at the end of the second session
Open to children of all abilities.
📅 Tuesdays, September 1 & September 8
🕞 3:30–5:00 PM
📍 Le Petit Ranch
👧🧒 Grades 1–6, approximately ages 6–12
Registration includes both sessions.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. Register here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/after-school-circus-at-the-ranch
Your registration and any additional donation help support animal care and program materials💛
Sheep Encounter
Step into the world of sheep at Le Petit Ranch’s Sheep Encounter during Encounter Fest 2026!
Join us for a unique, family-friendly experience where children and adults can meet our gentle flock while discovering the fascinating history, folklore, and fiber traditions of sheep.
Throughout this interactive experience, you’ll:
🐑 Meet different sheep breeds and learn about their unique characteristics.
🧶 Explore raw wool and discover how fleece becomes yarn and felt.
📖 Enjoy sheep-inspired stories celebrating folklore, nature, and imagination.
🎨 Create your own mythical animal inspired by legends from around the world.
🤍 Spend time with our friendly sheep while learning about their behavior, communication, and welfare.
Our educators will be available throughout the session for questions, demonstrations, and gentle animal interactions.
This experience is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection with animals and the natural world.
📅 Sunday, August 30, 2026 🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Encounter Fest, ButtonBall Inn & Barn, 17 Main Street, South Egremont, MA
Encounter Fest admission is FREE.
French at the Ranch
Le Petit Jardin Français is excited to invite you to a very special French Immersion Field Trip at Le Petit Ranch! 🌿🐴
As a capstone to the community French classes held at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon this summer, Le Petit Jardin Français, in collaboration with Le Petit Ranch, has organised a unique morning of French language learning through animals, songs, stories, and hands-on farm activities.
This immersive experience is designed for children ages 0–5 and their families, offering a fun, natural way to explore French while meeting our gentle ranch animals.
Suggested donation:
• $20 per child
• $30 per family
Preference will be given to children who attended at least one of the summer French classes at the Hotchkiss Library, but all young francophiles are warmly welcome!
🎟️ Register here, places are limited:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/french-immersion-field-trip-at-the-ranch
We can’t wait to share a morning of French, animals, laughter, and discovery with you. À bientôt! 🇫🇷🐑✨
MEET SHEEP, EXPLORE WOOL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Join Le Petit Ranch at The Scoville Memorial Library for a special up-close, hands-on, sheep-and-wool experience for all ages!
Guided by Marjorie Borreda of Le Petit Ranch, we'll meet sheep of different sizes, colors, and breeds in the Library garden and enjoy some gentle one-on-one interaction and feeding.
We’ll learn about our woolly friends, highly social flock animals with excellent memories! You’ll hear about their care, body language, different breeds, and the importance of sheep and wool in history.
We'll also explore the journey from fleece to fiber and discover different wool textures, hands-on.
At the end of the program, we'll offer you a wool sample to take home.
Register here: https://www.scovillelibrary.org/event/sheep-felting-3465
This intergenerational program is for animal admirers of all ages, for sheep enthusiasts, knitters, fiber artists, and anyone curious to meet these gentle animals whose fleece helps keep us warm.
SHEEP STORYTIME AND WOOL CRAFTS AT THE LIBRARY
Join Le Petit Ranch and Miss Anna for a fun Storytime experience inspired by sheep stories in Falls Village, at the DM Hunt Library!
Families will gather for a calm and magical “morning filled with stories, songs, sensory activities, and hands-on time with our sweet sheep. Children will have the opportunity to meet, pet, observe, and connect with the animals while enjoying peaceful literacy-based activities designed to help everyone slow down and unwind together. Participants will also learn fun facts about sheep, wool, and life on the farm, including how sheep communicate, what wool is used for, how farmers care for sheep, and the important role sheep have played throughout history and agriculture.
This special program encourages mindfulness, emotional regulation, empathy, observation skills, and connection with animals, nature, and farm life in a warm and welcoming setting. Perfect for families looking for a gentle summer experience filled with fluff, stories, learning, and wonder.
Places are limited. Register by email to anna@huntlibrary.org
Lamb visit at the Sheffield senior center
Join us on Wednesday, July 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM for a heartwarming visit from our friendly lamb Cinnamon at the Sheffield Senior Center!
Whether you’re an animal lover or simply looking for a fun afternoon, we’d love to share this special experience with you.
Registration is required. Please contact the Sheffield Senior Center to reserve your spot.
We can’t wait to bring smiles, soft wool, and lots of sheep cuddles to everyone!
Yoga at the Ranch NEW DATES
Yoga at the Ranch is a calming outdoor mindfulness experience designed to help children, teens, seniors and adults slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves through the gentle presence of animals and nature.
Join Le Petit Ranch and local yoga teacher Joe James for peaceful sessions among our miniature horses and donkeys in the beautiful setting of the ranch. These gatherings focus on grounding, emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and connection rather than physical performance or difficult poses.
Participants will enjoy gentle guided mindfulness exercises, quiet observation of the animals, breathing activities, and relaxing moments surrounded by the calming energy of the herd.
✨ Open to all ages and abilities ✨ No yoga experience needed ✨ A welcoming, judgment-free environment
Spaces are limited. Registration required. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/yoga-at-the-ranch-2
GREYHOUND Storytime
Join us for a cozy, interactive Greyhound Storytime at Beardsley Library in Winsted, CT on July 15th! Children will meet some gentle greyhounds Yayi & Ronya, rescued from the hunting trade in Spain, while enjoying stories, songs, sensory activities, and hands-on time with the dogs. We’ll learn fun facts about dogs and wolves, explore dog’s health, practice gentle animal interactions and dog bite prevention, and discover how animals can help us connect, learn, and grow.
This playful literacy experience is designed to nurture curiosity, empathy, observation skills, and confidence through animal-assisted learning. Perfect for young animal lovers and curious little readers! 📚 Kids with fear of dogs are more than welcome to join.
More information, contact and information: https://www.beardsleylibrary.org/children-s-programs
Yoga at the Ranch NEW DATES
Yoga at the Ranch is a calming outdoor mindfulness experience designed to help children, teens, seniors and adults slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves through the gentle presence of animals and nature.
Join Le Petit Ranch and local yoga teacher Joe James for peaceful sessions among our miniature horses and donkeys in the beautiful setting of the ranch. These gatherings focus on grounding, emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and connection rather than physical performance or difficult poses.
Participants will enjoy gentle guided mindfulness exercises, quiet observation of the animals, breathing activities, and relaxing moments surrounded by the calming energy of the herd.
✨ Open to all ages and abilities ✨ No yoga experience needed ✨ A welcoming, judgment-free environment
Spaces are limited. Registration required. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/yoga-at-the-ranch-2
Stockbridge Council of Aging Visit at the Ranch
Join the Stockbridge Council on Aging for a joyful and relaxing visit to Le Petit Ranch for all ages and abilities!
Join us for the opportunity to meet our crew of miniature horses, miniature donkeys, sheep, guinea pigs and chicken in a welcoming ranch setting. Enjoy gentle animal interactions, learn about their personalities and care, spend time outdoors, and share stories and conversation with fellow participants. Rain or Shine, we have a classroom with AC.
Animal-assisted experiences can encourage connection, awaken memories, spark curiosity, and offer meaningful moments of calm and companionship. No previous experience with animals is needed, and activities can be adapted to each participant’s comfort level and abilities.
The South County Connector may be able to provide transportation for participants who do not have another way to attend. Those who can drive are invited to meet the group directly at the ranch.
Advance registration is requested. To sign up or ask about transportation, please email the Stockbridge Council on Aging at:
Summer Guinea Pig Art & Storytime
This program is full
Join Le Petit Ranch at the New Marlborough Town Library for a joyful Summer Guinea Pigs, Arts & Storytime experience for all ages! Children and families will meet our gentle, friendly guinea pigs while exploring creativity, storytelling, observation, and animal connection through hands-on activities and interactive learning.
During this special summer program, participants will:
🐹 Meet and interact with friendly guinea pigs
🎨 Enjoy creative arts activities inspired by the animals
📚 Participate in age-appropriate storytelling and interactive moments
🌱 Learn about guinea pig colors, breeds, sounds, personalities, and daily care
👀 Practice calm observation, gentle interaction, empathy, and teamwork
This playful animal-assisted program encourages curiosity, creativity, emotional connection, and confidence in a welcoming and inclusive environment for children of all ages.
Spaces are limited.Please register by emailing newmarlborough@gmail.com
Counting Sheep, A goodnight storytime with real sheep at the Library !
Join Le Petit Ranch and Miss Kyla for a cozy evening after-hours Storytime experience inspired by bedtime stories, soft summer evenings, and gentle sheep at the Scolville Memorial Library, in Salisbury CT!
Families will gather for a calm and magical “campfire-style” evening filled with stories, songs, sensory activities, and hands-on time with our sweet sheep. Children will have the opportunity to meet, pet, observe, and connect with the animals while enjoying peaceful literacy-based activities designed to help everyone slow down and unwind together. Participants will also learn fun facts about sheep, wool, and life on the farm, including how sheep communicate, what wool is used for, how farmers care for sheep, and the important role sheep have played throughout history and agriculture.
This special evening program encourages mindfulness, emotional regulation, empathy, observation skills, and connection with animals, nature, and farm life in a warm and welcoming setting. Perfect for families looking for a gentle summer evening experience filled with fluff, stories, learning, and wonder.
Places are limited. Register here https://www.scovillelibrary.org/event/sheep-storytime-2564
Sheep visit at the Sheffield senior center
Join us on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM for a heartwarming visit from our friendly sheep at the Sheffield Senior Center!
Spending time with gentle animals isn’t just enjoyable—it can have amazing benefits for seniors. Interacting with sheep can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Lift mood and encourage laughter
Stimulate memories and conversation
Promote social connection and community
Provide calming sensory experiences through gentle petting and interaction
Whether you’re an animal lover or simply looking for a fun afternoon, we’d love to share this special experience with you.
Sheffield Senior Center, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 1:00 PM
Registration is required. Please contact the Sheffield Senior Center to reserve your spot.
We can’t wait to bring smiles, soft wool, and lots of sheep cuddles to everyone!