Donkeys with views beat most playground days. At Šmrika Donkey Farm near Rijeka/Krk/Crikvenica, you’ll meet gentle animals, ride (when eligible), and learn why this family farm matters for Croatia’s donkey future.

I especially love the hands-on feeding and grooming with no fences between you and the donkeys. I also like that kids get two donkey-ride rounds (for children up to 35 kg), so it’s not a quick photo stop.

One drawback to plan for: the farm doesn’t open when rain or strong wind is expected.

Key things that make this visit work

• Kids can actually ride: donkey rides are built for children (up to 35 kg), with two rounds included.
• A special donkey carriage drive: there’s a yard cart drive, and it’s described as the only one of its kind in Croatia.
• No fences between you and the animals: feeding and grooming are direct, which kids usually love.
• You learn as you play: care, breeding, and why Croatian donkeys are endangered are part of the guided time.
• Donkey milk gets explained: you’ll hear how it’s produced and why it’s viewed as a healthy choice.
• Panoramic Kvarner Bay views: you get scenery while kids burn energy on the playground.

A donkey farm day near Rijeka/Krk that feels personal

If you’re spending time around Kvarner Bay, this is the kind of stop that’s worth carving into your day. The setting gives you that farm feel, but you’re close enough to Rijeka, Krk, and Crikvenica that it doesn’t turn into a logistics headache.

What I like most is the balance: kid-focused animal time plus adult-friendly education. Even if you’re not a “farm person,” you’ll walk away with a better sense of how donkeys are cared for and why this small operation is trying to protect rare local lines.

Your first moments: meeting the donkeys (and the vibe)

From the moment you arrive at the yard and parking area, the farm is set up for interaction. You’re not just standing and watching, because feeding and grooming are part of what you’re paying for.

A guided approach also helps. You’ll get information about donkey care, diet, and breeding, so kids aren’t just bouncing around—they’re learning how the animals live.

It’s also the kind of place where you can spot the difference between an animal display and an actual working farm. The staff talk about the donkeys as individuals, not props.

Donkey rides for kids up to 35 kg: the part children remember

The donkey ride is the headline activity, and it’s designed for kids. Included are two ride rounds for children up to 35 kg, which matters because it reduces that pressure of making one moment last.

Here’s the practical tip: wear sports shoes. Even if the walking looks easy, farms tend to have uneven ground and you’ll be moving more than you expect—between waiting, walking, and yard access.

Also, take advantage of the two rounds. If your child is nervous at first, the second round can be a second chance, and that usually makes the whole experience less stressful for you.

The yard cart drive: a rare donkey carriage moment

Adults and kids get a cart drive in the yard, also included for two rounds. This is the “special carriage drive” piece—described as the only one of its kind in Croatia—so you’re not getting the same generic animal-park experience you can find anywhere.

It’s a good way to involve everyone, including kids who can’t do the donkey ride due to the weight limit. You still get motion, photos, and that direct donkey connection.

And because it stays in the yard, it’s a calmer option than you might expect from an animal-driven ride. You’re still in control of the moment, and the farm guide can steer the pace.

Feeding, grooming, and testing the donkey myth

One of the most fun parts is the fact that interaction is direct. You’ll feed and groom the donkeys, and the farm emphasizes that there are no fences between you and the animals for these moments.

They even encourage you to try leading a donkey on a leash, which is where that old story about donkeys being stubborn gets tested in real life. Sometimes the humor is in how quickly kids realize donkeys are not machines—they have personalities and comfort levels.

If you’re traveling with smaller kids, this is also a good reason to slow down and watch the guide. Donkeys can be gentle and still have limits, so you’ll want to follow instructions closely during the close-contact parts.

The guided educational walk: pastures, reservoirs, and farm life

After the main interaction time, you get a guided educational walk. This is where the experience turns from just “animal fun” into something your whole family can talk about later.

You’ll see pastures and ancient water reservoirs, plus a green area that includes a garden. It’s a practical way to connect what you just saw (donkeys) to where they live and what the farm needs to keep animals healthy.

Even better, this walk helps kids burn energy in a structured way. Instead of wandering off and getting bored, they follow along while seeing the farm environment.

Conservation talk you can actually understand

One of the most meaningful parts of this visit is the focus on local animals and conservation. You’ll learn why Croatian donkeys are considered endangered, and how the farm contributes to the survival of littoral dinaric donkeys as part of a conservation program for protected and endangered domestic animals.

This doesn’t come off like heavy science. It’s explained as farm reality: breeding, care, and the long-term work it takes to protect rare domestic lines.

If you like travel that leaves you with something more than photos, this piece lands well. You’ll understand the purpose behind the interaction, which makes the day feel more grounded and less like a gimmick.

Donkey milk: the healthy part, explained simply

You’ll also learn about donkey milk—how it’s produced and why it’s believed to support immunity. The farm frames it as a healthy option, and you’ll get the basic explanation during your visit.

A quick practical note: food and drinks are not included, so don’t plan on this as a meal replacement. If you want milk tasting or products, you’d need to rely on what’s available on-site during your specific visit, since the provided info doesn’t confirm tasting.

Even without tasting, the education aspect is still valuable. It helps you understand why donkey milk is part of the farm’s story and why it’s tied to the animals themselves.

Other indigenous animals you may meet along the way

The farm experience doesn’t focus only on donkeys. You’ll also get to know other indigenous domestic animals, including the Hrvatica hen and the Croatian shepherd.

For families, this is a nice pacing tool. When kids get tired of one activity, the farm guide can shift attention to another animal, keeping the day from feeling like a single repeat.

For adults, it adds context. You’re not just learning donkey facts—you’re seeing a slice of local domestic animal life.

The Kvarner Bay viewpoint and the playground break

While you’re at the farm, don’t skip the scenery. The farm offers a panoramic view of the entire Kvarner Bay, and it’s one of those moments where you realize you’re not just doing a farm stop—you’re also getting a landscape view.

Then there’s the playground. Benches and tables are available, and kids can play while you take a breather with the view in the background. It’s a smart setup because it turns the visit into a full family block, not only an animal-interaction session.

Getting there: routes from Rijeka/Krk and from Senj/Crikvenica

Getting to Šmrika is straightforward, but the turn-by-turn helps because the last stretch is a short drive on gravel.

If you’re coming from Rijeka/Krk, take the Križišće exit from the expressway. At the roundabout, head for the Križišće exit toward Crikvenica/Split. After about 300 m, turn right toward Kartodrom Bura, then after 50 m turn left toward Villa Suzi onto a short gravel stretch. Follow the signs downhill through the gate into the parking area.

If you’re coming from Senj/Novi Vinodolski/Crikvenica, after Jadranovo turn right toward Križišće. Stay on that road until you pass the sign indicating the end of Šmrika. You’ll then see a Kartodrom Bura sign on the left—turn left, then after 50 m turn left onto the gravel path toward Villa Suzi. Drive through the gate downhill into the yard.

Bring sports shoes either way, because you’ll likely walk a bit on uneven ground as you move between parking, yard, and play areas.

Price and value: $9 that actually buys time

At $9 per person, this is priced like a budget activity—until you look at what’s included. You get donkey rides for kids (up to 35 kg) with two rounds, plus a yard cart drive (two rounds) for adults and kids, plus feeding and grooming and an educational farm tour.

You also get explanations tied to real conservation work, and information about donkey milk. That’s hard to price against typical single-activity attractions, especially when kids are involved and you’re trying to keep their attention.

So the value isn’t just the animals. It’s the amount of guided time + direct interaction you receive for the money.

Do note what’s not included: food and drinks. You’ll want a water plan and snacks if you know your children need them.

Who this fits best (and who might feel limited)

This is best for families with kids who love animals and enjoy hands-on moments. The donkey ride weight limit (up to 35 kg) means some older or heavier kids may participate via the cart drive and feeding/grooming instead of the ride.

If your travel style is mostly museums or long-city walks, you might find a farm day a bit different. But if you’re in Kvarner and want a memorable, low-stress family experience that mixes fun with farm education, this one fits.

Also, it’s a smart stop if you want something that doesn’t require a full-day commitment. The activity is listed as valid for 30 days, and you’ll check starting times for your visit window.

Should you book the Šmrika Donkey Farm experience?

I’d book it if you want a family-friendly activity that’s more than passively watching animals. The hands-on feeding and grooming, the kid donkey rides, and the yard cart drive make it a complete package for kids, while the conservation and donkey milk education gives adults something real to take home.

I’d think twice if your schedule is fragile and bad weather is likely, because the farm does not open when rain or strong wind is expected. It’s also worth planning food since nothing is included besides the farm activities.

If you’re near Rijeka, Krk, or Crikvenica and want a straightforward, authentic family outing, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How much does the Šmrika donkey farm experience cost?

The price is listed as $9 per person.

How long is the donkey farm visit?

It’s valid for 30 days, and you’ll need to check availability to see starting times.

What activities are included?

Included are donkey rides for kids (up to 35 kg), two rounds, a cart drive in the yard (two rounds), donkey feeding and grooming, an educational farm tour, information about breeding and care, info on donkey milk benefits, and use of the playground, benches, and tables.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can adults ride the donkeys?

The included donkey rides are for kids up to 35 kg. Adults and kids get the yard cart drive.

What should I bring?

Bring sports shoes.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed.

Does the farm open in bad weather?

The farm does not open when rain or strong wind is expected.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live guide is available in Croatian, English, and German.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.