The Coppal House Farm Sunflower Festival is an annual event where they open up their vast field of sunflowers for strolling, admiring, and photo ops! I first went when my oldest was 2 years old and was hooked. Someday I know that future me will take the time to order a print of that perfect shot – a tiny 2 year old leaning over a section of fence in farmer overalls surrounded by beautiful sunflowers. Present-time me will enjoy it popping up in occasional photo-montages my phone makes by itself.
Visiting the Sunflower Festival
You may make the mistake in thinking this is a stroll through flowers so you can just wing it. That is an efficient way to be bringing back tiny, tired, meltdowns. Ask me how I know. Let’s get you prepared:
When you first arrive at the farm, there is plenty of parking in a large field and then you walk back towards the farmstand barn to enter the festival.
Coppal House Farm’s Farm Animals
Then you walk up the hill a bit towards another barn where they have animals you can visit and pet. In 2022 they had horses and lots of sheep all hanging out to meet their guests. I always find the horses cool, there are some big ones in the mix that you don’t usually see!
The Sunflower Field at Coppal House Farm
After the animals, you head out into the field and follow the path through their sunflowers. There are many photo op stops and raised platforms for a better view set up along the way. Pose with different types of fences, under pretty arches and more! The highlight for many littles is the door that opens and closes. Who knew this would be so fascinating? Let them play and snap some cute pictures as you go.
Take your time and (provided you have a protective case on your phone) invite your kiddo to take your picture. Even if it comes out lopsided or blurry, you’re making memories.
Prepare for the hike!
Above shows the main route that loops you through the field and back to the barn. Google says it is a little over half a mile and that doesn’t include meandering around. It is a farm field so you are in full sun in July/August temperatures. Pack all the essentials: hats, sunscreen, snacks and lots of water! The pictures make it a perfect day for a cute outfit but don’t let that compromise your footwear – everyone needs to be in comfortable walking shoes in order to still be in good spirits at the end.
Yes! Stroller Friendly!
All the main paths are wide and well established packed dirt, gravel or grass. You’ll want a jogging stroller style with big wheels that can go off-roading, but there is plenty of space to navigate.
A highlight: The Bees
Walk easy and quiet. Take time to take in the nature of the field. First you see one bee and then you notice another and another and another! The field is filled with busy bees! It was wonderful to watch them work and a great opportunity to talk about how important bees and other pollinators are to the environment.
Quick Facts: Coppal House Farm Sunflower Festival
- Buy your tickets in advance online, it costs more to pay at the farm.
- The official address for Google is 118 North River Road RT 155, Lee, NH
- Large parking area in their grass fields.
- Follow the signs to enter via the barn to buy your tickets.
- You will walk a minimum of 1/2 mile if you do a loop through the main sunflower fields. Do not underestimate this! You want to pack your water and snacks like you’re going for a hike.
- The big red barn has horses and sheep for visiting.
- There are craft and food vendors depending on the day that you attend.
- As you walk through the field they have photo ops set up – platforms to climb up on, fence posts and arbors.
- Rest stop: There are picnic tables under the tree in the middle of the field.
- Bathrooms: Porta potties are by the farmstand at the entrance as well as by the white tent in the field.
- Nearby Playground: Little River Park, 2 minutes up the road
Plan your visit:
The 2023 Schedule
The 2023 festival will be from Saturday, July 29th through Sunday, August 6th. Weekdays tend to be quieter (and admission price is lower) than the weekend days and then they have special event days:
You’ll want to head to their website for all the details you need. The admission prices are different for weekend or weekday visits.
Lastly, keep Little River Park in your back pocket for afterwards. Only 2 minutes down the road, there are covered picnic tables for a nice break from the sun and a fun playground with lots of running around space. Last year my crew had taken up residence in melt-down city by the time we were done and it saved the day to let them run free and reset before driving back home.
Sunflower season
If you can’t make it to Lee, NH, look around for another farm. It is sunflower season and there are many farms around NH that host festivals and experiences before they harvest the flowers. Bring a little piece of summer home with cut flowers for your house!
