A Day at Crowe's Nest Farm: One of Our Favorite Homeschool Field Trips in Texas

Crowe's Nest Farm - Manor, Texas

Today, Pamela's 4-H group took a field trip to Crowe's Nest Farm in Manor, Texas.

4-H group

Peacock at Crowe's Nest Farm

Crowe's Nest Farm is a privately owned, non-profit organization that is licensed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Association. There was plenty of farm animals to see and pet --- exotic birds, creepy reptiles, and lots of interesting wildlife that the farm had adopted. Before long, we didn't feel we were visiting a "farm"...but rather a ZOO. But that was okay, as there was plenty to see and do. I especially enjoyed the many themed gardens, the duck pond, and the gorgeous Peacocks strutting around.

 


Walking into the Faeriewoods was especially interesting. I had noticed a dry creek bed and couldn't help but wonder how magical it would be to visit those woods again after a nice downpour. Windchimes were everywhere and they sounded so pretty.

Hayride at Crowe's Nest Farms

Texas Longhorn!

(Click to enlarge photos)

After viewing an introduction film in the barn, we went on a guided hayride tour and then walked the farm on our own. It was a very relaxing day, the kids enjoyed themselves, and afterwards we had a picnic! All in all, a very nice day!

Stunning Peacock at the farm 

What an amazing creature! I couldn't help but think of my mother after seeing all these peacocks. She's an artist and I've noticed that many of her sketches depicts these birds.

Update (2026): Looking Back at a Wonderful Homeschool Field Trip

Nearly twenty years have passed since our visit to Crowe's Nest Farm, but looking through these photographs still brings back wonderful memories. One thing I always appreciated about homeschooling was the opportunity to turn ordinary school days into real-life adventures. Instead of simply reading about wildlife, agriculture, and conservation in a textbook, the children were able to experience them firsthand.

Crowe's Nest Farm, located in Manor, Texas, began as a wildlife education center dedicated to teaching visitors about animals, nature, and environmental stewardship. Over the years, thousands of school children, homeschool groups, Scout troops, and families visited the farm to learn about native Texas wildlife, reptiles, birds, farm animals, and the importance of caring for our natural world.

One of my favorite parts of the property was the beautifully landscaped gardens. Walking through the peaceful pathways, listening to the wind chimes, and exploring the whimsical Faeriewoods felt like stepping into another world. I couldn't help but imagine how magical the little creek would look after a spring rain when water once again flowed through the woods.

The hayride gave us a chance to explore more of the property while learning about the animals that called the farm home. From Texas Longhorns to colorful parrots, reptiles, peacocks, ducks, and rescued wildlife, there always seemed to be something new around every corner. It wasn't long before we realized we weren't simply visiting a farm—we were enjoying a unique combination of wildlife sanctuary, educational center, botanical garden, and petting zoo.

One of the highlights for me was watching the magnificent peacocks wander freely throughout the grounds. Their brilliant feathers and graceful movements reminded me of my mother, an artist who has always loved painting and sketching peacocks. Seeing them in such a natural setting made me appreciate why they've inspired artists for centuries.

After our tour, our group gathered beneath the trees for a picnic lunch before heading home. Looking back now, I realize the greatest lesson wasn't about any single animal we saw that day. It was learning to slow down, explore nature, ask questions, and appreciate God's incredible creation.

Those are lessons that never grow old.

Austin Texas Landfill - Exotic Animals

GONE CAVING: Cedar Park Texas

Pioneer Farms Austin, Texas: Living History, Treadle Sewing & 1800s Homestead Life