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September 2023 by Trinni Schreier
This is a lovely local farm that provides great opportunities for children to learn about agriculture, horticulture, and the importance of bees for pollination.
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August 2023 by Julia Vance
We’ve had our kids at young Pioneers since its first session in January 2021. It’s been so fun to see it grow over these years and beautiful to see this farm respond to a need in this community. My daughter started at almost 3 and has always come home happy, a little dirty and with things to share about what she learned. They are outside all morning gaining valuable social, physical and nature skills and knowledge. Even in the last few months as she has been a little sad at drop off (because we’re expecting her little sibling any day) I don’t hesitate to leave her with April or her teacher, Jen, because I know she is in good, caring hands. What more could a mama want?? We’re sad to be leaving for kindergarten but will be back for camp! A huge thank you to all the staff and teachers!
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July 2023 by Neeraja Inguva
What a cute place! I went during their Wednesday hours. We were able to see the animals and buy fresh produce. The berries and peaches taste divine just as they should!! Thank you farmers ? will be visiting them again.
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July 2023 by Lori G.
My child LOVES "farm school" (as we call it :) - and has been attending for over a year! April and Farmer Rich have set up a fantastic program for kids to explore and learn while out in nature. It's always a fun, engaging and educational morning spent on the farm. My child has made many farm friends, is known and greeted by name by all the wonderful farm school staff, and as a bonus, my kid has tried tons more fruits and veggies than ever before. I wholeheartedly recommend!
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June 2023 by Kristin T.
This review is in regards to Sand n' Straw's All-outdoor Nature School. I don't take posting this review lightly and have given it a lot of thought. As a parent sending her two year old to "school" for the first time, I wish there had been reviews about the program for me to read. I will start off by saying I think the program was really enriching and the activities were engaging. There are some knowledgeable teachers there. My review is primarily based on my experience with the owner and the overall vibe. My family only met a couple of the teachers at orientation, as the owner and many of the other teachers/staff my child would be engaging with were not present. During my child's second week of school (ever), their homebase teacher who they were starting to feel comfortable with was out on vacation. Naturally, my child was hesitant to go to anyone else (but did). I politely mentioned to the owner that, in the future, communication about her absence would be appreciated so that I could prepare my child for going to a different homebase. That feedback was not well received and I was told that I should prepare my child for a day on the farm and not to go to any particular teacher (even though they have homebase teachers). Again, this was the second week. Drop off and pick up were stressful for our family. It is rushed. I understand they are pushing a lot of cars through a small driveway but staff wouldn't even say good morning to us most days. They would reach for my child who, naturally, pulled back. No crying, just wanted me to walk them over to their group which I did (it was 10 ft.). The owner was visibly annoyed by this a few times. Our pediatrician recommended our child be moved up to the next age group (which they were within) for a few different reasons. After speaking with two staff members the transition seemed to be approved. Then, the day before summer session started, the owner called me to tell me she didn't think my child was ready yet and they would move them when certain criteria were met. Not a single positive or gentle thing was said. It was, "here is my one reason for not moving your child." Not sharing details for privacy reasons. It was such an off-putting call. Not at all what I would expect from someone overseeing my child. It felt like someone not qualified to make decisions about my child's development was making those decisions. It is run like a business, very transactional. In conclusion, most days we didn't feel welcomed upon arrival. It wasn't the warm, comforting experience I expected for my child's first time attending "school." Drop off and pick up were stressful/unpleasant many times and feedback (no matter how politely delivered) was not well-received. However, my child's homebase teacher was very welcoming and thoughtful. It is important to note that. There are other similar programs in the area for anyone looking for a nature-based school. This was just our experience.
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July 2022 by Ashley Atkins
The sweetest little farm to bring your kiddos. They do story time on Thursdays. Go with your kids. Get a lavender vanilla iced latte (they make it there) and sing some songs, listen to a story and feed some animals. Love this place.
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June 2022 by Shelly T.
This is the cutest lil farm ever and very reasonably priced. Woman working (sorry did not catch her name) was so sweet! It felt so good to be in such a place of peace. I only had a few minutes but just being there put me at ease. I even got to say hello to some of the farm animals. Already ate half of what I bought and everything is delicious. Can't wait to visit again!!!
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May 2022 by Ashley Manley
We live down the street and would go on Saturdays to buy fresh produce that was delicious. They have a little slide area for kids that my son would play on, plus seeing the chickens, sheep and pigs was always fun for him. We are so sad they are now closed on Saturdays because we will never be able to visit again :(
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January 2022 by Kathryn K.
I don't know if the middle aged woman with the gray hair is the owner or not but I'm leaving the farm pretty angry and I had no idea I could leave a farm stand angry. LSS - the kids were all out and playing . 3 families were there. I came w my 2.5 year old and a 7 month old strapped to me in a carrier. The roosters and chickens were in their cages. After we've been there about 15 minutes someone let the roosters out of their cages to peck around the farm. All of the children there were toddlers. My curious toddler was walking around being respectful of the roosters and not touching them. I was reminding her constantly do not touch the roosters. After about 5 mins my daughter and The rooster were close by each other and the rooster was not paying any attention to my daughter who was standing still about 3 feet away , looking out at the farm and not looking at the stupid rooster . The lady came over, was aggressive towards my daughter and I . The lady caused a freaking scene. Prior to this I bought some honey and I legit wanted to return it but was so upset that I left. We will nEVER be back and weve been there a ton. I won't let this woman ruin our day but she definitely has some aggression she needs to sort out . If you don't want kids to be curious about roosters... maybe wait until there aren't 5 toddlers around to let your roosters out at a farm stand that's open to the public. F. This. Place. I will add that my daughter was in no danger. I work in healthcare and I first hand know about safety, and she was in no danger, and the rooster was perfectly safe as well. This woman was overreacting and just cost a couple of customers- my entire family, and my friends with kids that I often go with to feed animals when in season . They don't usually go to the farm and I'm the one that asks them to go with me. From now on I'll be sure to let them know what happened today and they won't return as they all have toddlers as well.
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November 2021 by Maile K
Talk about a little slice of heaven! I stopped by on a Saturday and picked up fresh dragonfruit, delicious seasonal cupcakes and had an iced latte. Loved all the animals and refreshing atmosphere.
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October 2021 by Darci M.
Wow I'm blown away this gem is tucked into the curvy hills of Vista! It's rustic charm is pure perfection! Came for a lovely Farm to Table experience and my heart was happy with all the love and passion the owners have! They took us on a guided farm tour, talked about regenerative and organic farming, their classes, farm stand and pets! Then back up to the house for twinkle light covered farm to table Chef prepared plates and a band playing live in the background What a fun evening and worth their price.
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September 2021 by Aaron G.
The farm is small and the girl helping out with the animals was super sweet! Me and the kids were just walking around and found a hen and a lady walked out of the office and said that if the hens are over there they don't want to be around people so we needed to leave. I had just paid $11 for 3 things of produce to try and support them and they were so rude. Never going back.
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August 2021 by Joshua Jensen
Absolutely Amazing! Good to see a place like home!
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June 2021 by Mother M.
Sand n Straw is an amazing place with a fabulous farm, and friendly, welcoming owners. This place has something for everyone! Farm stand a couple days a week, CSA, school/camps for kids, classes, and dinner on the farm. Wonderful farm tour showcasing an extensive collection of fruit trees, multiple gardens, animals, and creek. It's beautiful and such a pleasant surprise in Vista. If you are lucky enough to join the Dinner on the Farm, you will enjoy an amazing meal with great wine and fabulous live music. Owners April, Rich and their team have done some amazing things here in a short period of time. The farm is beautiful and a great asset to the city. Don't miss it!!!
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June 2021 by Susan McGrath Bowman
Quarterly dinners are just magical at SandnStraw. So worth it. Wonderful owners. I wish them success!
