Growing minds, one seed at a time
Hands-on farm education for every ability, at Kia Ora Ranch in Solvang — celebrating difference, cultivating community.
See our programs DonateEvery mind can flourish here
Growing Minds Farm Education invites individuals of all abilities to cultivate their potential in a nurturing farm environment. We're a nonprofit dedicated to inclusive learning for children and adults, including those with developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder — planting seeds, caring for animals, and exploring nature trails together.
Get out to the farm
Garden
Plant, tend, and harvest togetherFamily days
A farm afternoon for the whole familyField trips
Bring your group out to Kia Ora RanchSupport the farm
Your donation helps keep programs accessible for every family who wants to grow with us.
Make a donationLend a hand
Volunteers are the heart of Growing Minds — join us out on the ranch.
Sign up to volunteerWhere Little Hands Grow Big Minds.
A place where children, families, and individuals of all abilities can learn, explore, connect, and grow through meaningful experiences on the farm.
Explore Our Programs What's HappeningA place to learn, connect, and belong.
Growing Minds Farm Education creates inclusive opportunities for children and adults to discover the world through hands-on experiences in nature, agriculture, and animal care.
At Kia Ora Ranch, learning happens through doing — planting seeds, caring for animals, exploring the outdoors, creating, playing, and discovering new possibilities together.
Learn About UsEvery experience is an opportunity to grow.
We believe meaningful learning happens when people are given opportunities to explore, participate, contribute, and connect.
LEARN
Hands-on experiences encourage curiosity, discovery, problem solving, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
CONNECT
Farm activities create natural opportunities to build relationships, practice skills, work together, and become part of a community.
GROW
We nurture confidence, independence, responsibility, compassion, and a lifelong connection with nature.
Find Your Farm Experience
From school field trips to family activities, gardening, animals, and nature experiences, there's more than one way to grow at Growing Minds.
Farm Education
Explore agriculture, animals, gardening, nature, and hands-on learning experiences.
Explore Programs →Family Activities
Spend time together on the farm with animals, gardens, crafts, nature, and play.
Family Activities →Field Trips
Bring your classroom or organization to the farm for meaningful hands-on learning.
Plan a Visit →There's always something happening at the farm.
Come visit, explore, meet our animals, work in the garden, participate in an activity, or simply enjoy time together outdoors.
Our events are designed to create welcoming, memorable experiences for children, families, schools, and our wider community.
View Upcoming EventsFrom caring for animals to cultivating community.
Growing Minds grew from a long-standing commitment to animals, inclusion, education, and community.
Today, our rescued and rehomed farm animals play an important role in creating experiences that teach compassion, responsibility, agriculture, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Read Our StoryHelp us keep the farm growing.
Our animals, programs, and educational experiences depend on the generosity of people who believe in creating meaningful opportunities for everyone.
Come Grow With Us.
Explore the farm. Meet the animals. Get your hands dirty. Discover what happens when learning comes to life.
Visit the Farm Contact Us