Riverdale Farm facts for kids
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Riverdale Farm in June 2025
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| Date opened | 1978 |
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| Location | Cabbagetown, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Riverdale Farm is a special farm located right in the middle of Cabbagetown, a busy neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It covers about 3 hectares (which is like 7.4 acres) and is run by the city of Toronto. The farm is managed by the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division, making sure it's a great place for everyone to visit.
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Exploring Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is open to the public all year round, and it's free to visit! It's a unique place because it focuses on keeping old types of farm animals, often called "pioneer breeds." These are kinds of animals that are not usually found on big commercial farms today.
Animals You Can Meet
At the farm, you can see many different animals up close. These include various types of poultry (like chickens and ducks), waterfowl (birds that live near water), goats, sheep, pigs, cows, donkeys, and horses. It's a great chance to learn about farm life and how these animals live.
What to See and Do
The farm has several interesting buildings. The main barn is very old; it was first built in 1858 in a place called Markham. It was then carefully moved to Riverdale Farm and rebuilt in 1977. This barn, along with other areas, helps show what a farm might have looked like a long time ago. You can often watch farmers doing their daily chores, like milking cows or feeding the animals.
History of the Farm Site
The land where Riverdale Farm now stands has a long and interesting history. Before it became a farm, it was home to a different kind of animal attraction.
From Zoo to Farm
From 1888 until 1974, this very spot was the location of the Riverdale Zoo. The zoo started when a Toronto city leader named Daniel Lamb donated some deer. Over many years, the zoo grew and became a popular place for people to visit.
In 1974, the Riverdale Zoo moved to a much larger area in Scarborough. When it moved, it became what we now know as the Toronto Zoo. After the zoo moved, the city decided to create something new and special on the old site.
Opening of Riverdale Farm
In 1978, Riverdale Farm officially opened its doors. It was built on the west side of the Don River, right next to Riverdale Park. The idea was to create a working farm that would teach people about agriculture and connect them with farm animals, especially those older, less common breeds.
Keeping the Farm Running
In 2011, there was a report that suggested closing Riverdale Farm, along with the High Park Zoo, to save money for the city. However, many people wanted the farm to stay open.
In 2013, the W. Garfield Weston Foundation gave a generous donation of CAD $25,000 to help keep the farm operating. Since then, other companies and private donors have also given a lot of money. These donations have helped make sure that Riverdale Farm can continue to be open and enjoyed by families and visitors for many years to come. As of August 2025, the farm is still operating and plans to continue doing so through 2027, thanks to this support.
Images for kids
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Riverdale Farm in June 2025
