Šmrika (near Rijeka/Krk/Crikvenica) Donkey Farm Family Fun

The best part of this outing is the close contact with the donkeys. There are no fences between you and the animals during the feeding and grooming, and children can ride gentle donkeys for two rounds. Adults get their own fun, too, with a small carriage drive around the farmyard.

I like the mix of hands-on play and useful local information. I also like that the farm supports the protection of the littoral Dinaric donkey, a Croatian domestic breed at risk of disappearing. The main drawback is simple: this is an outdoor farm visit, so rain or strong wind can shut it down, and the short gravel approach may require careful driving.

Key points to know before you go

• Two child riding rounds: Children weighing up to 35 kilograms can ride the donkeys.
• A carriage ride for all ages: Adults and children can take two rounds in a small donkey-pulled cart.
• Direct animal contact: Feeding, grooming, and leading a donkey on a leash are part of the visit.
• Kvarner Bay views: The farm looks across the bay, giving parents a pleasant place to sit while children use the playground.
• More than a petting farm: You learn about donkey care, breeding, milk, and the endangered Croatian donkey.
• A low-cost family stop: At $9 per person, the price is modest for a guided activity with rides and playground access.

Why this donkey farm makes a good Kvarner family stop

Šmrika sits in a useful spot for a Kvarner Bay holiday, close to Rijeka, Krk, Crikvenica, and the road toward Novi Vinodolski and Senj. This farm gives you something different from a beach afternoon or a town walk. The focus is simple: meet the animals, let children ride, and spend time outdoors with a wide view across the bay.

The farm is small and personal rather than a large animal park. That matters because the main activity is direct interaction. You can feed and groom the donkeys, lead one on a leash, and watch how it responds. The visit also gives children a chance to learn that farm animals are living creatures with particular diets, habits, and care needs.

I would plan this as a relaxed stop rather than a tightly timed attraction. The ticket is valid for 30 days, and you choose a starting time based on availability. That gives you some flexibility during a Kvarner stay, though you should check the opening time before setting out.

Meeting the donkeys, not just looking at them

The visit begins with an introduction to the farm and its animals. You get information about donkey breeding, daily care, diet, and the role of these animals in Croatian rural life. The guide speaks Croatian, English, or German, so the educational part can work well for many families.

The most appealing feature for younger children is the chance to approach the donkeys directly. Feeding and grooming are included, and there is no fence separating you from the animals during this part of the experience. You can also try leading a donkey on a leash, which turns a familiar saying about donkeys being stubborn into a small practical lesson.

That direct contact is also the part that needs the most care. Children should follow the guide’s instructions and treat the donkeys gently. This is not a fast amusement-park ride. The animals set the pace, and the experience works best when you allow time for calm handling.

Two donkey rides for children up to 35 kilograms

Children up to 35 kilograms receive two rounds on a donkey. That weight limit is important, so check it before booking if your child is close to the cutoff. The ride is aimed at children, not adults, and it is one of the main reasons families choose this farm.

The two-round format gives a child more than a single quick turn. Your child can get comfortable with the animal, enjoy a second ride, and still have time for grooming and feeding. At the same time, you should not expect a long trail ride through the countryside. The included riding is part of a farm visit, not a full horseback-style excursion.

Parents can watch from the farm area, help younger children, and take photos. Because the farm also has benches, tables, and a playground, you do not have to keep everyone moving from one activity to another.

The small carriage drive is the unusual extra

The carriage drive adds an activity for adults, who cannot take the child riding option. Adults and children can take two rounds in a small cart pulled by a donkey around the yard. This is a good way to make the visit feel like a shared family activity rather than something only children do.

The drive takes place in the farmyard, so keep your expectations in proportion. You are not taking a long countryside carriage tour. Instead, you get a short, memorable turn behind a donkey, with plenty of opportunity for family photos.

This feature is also useful for children who are nervous about sitting directly on an animal. A cart ride offers a different way to participate while still staying close to the donkey.

Learning about the littoral Dinaric donkey

The farm’s educational side gives the visit more purpose. You learn why Croatian donkeys are endangered and how the farm helps protect the littoral Dinaric donkey through the conservation program for protected and endangered domestic animals.

That context is worth hearing, especially if your children are old enough to understand the difference between a common farm animal and a local breed that may disappear. You are not simply feeding a cute animal for a few minutes. You are also seeing a small farm contribute to the survival of a Croatian breed.

The guide explains breeding and care in practical terms. You can ask about diet, handling, and the work involved in keeping donkeys healthy. The farm also explains how donkey milk is produced and why it is associated with immune support and health benefits. Treat those claims as part of the farm’s educational presentation, not as a substitute for medical advice.

A short educational walk beyond the yard

The experience includes a guided walk around the farm area. You see pastures, old water reservoirs, and a green garden area. These details give you a better sense of how the farm operates and how animals depend on water, grazing space, and careful daily management.

The walk is also a useful change of pace between the rides and animal contact. Children can move around instead of waiting in one place, while adults get more of the farm story. The setting feels connected to the surrounding rural area rather than built only for tourists.

The farm also has other indigenous domestic animals, including the Hrvatica hen and the Croatian shepherd. The available information does not give a full list of animals or say how much time you spend with each one, so I would treat these as additional parts of the visit rather than the main attraction.

Kvarner Bay views and a place to slow down

The farm has a panoramic view of Kvarner Bay. That is a real bonus, especially for adults who may be less interested in riding a donkey than their children are. You can sit at a table or on a bench, watch the children play, and take in the view across the bay.

The playground helps make the visit work for mixed-age families. Children can move between the animals and play equipment, while parents have a place to rest. The combination is more practical than a visit that requires constant supervision in a single small area.

Bring sports shoes. You may walk through pasture and uneven outdoor areas, and the approach includes a short gravel track. Sandals or polished holiday shoes are not the best choice.

Finding the farm from Rijeka, Krk, or Crikvenica

If you are coming from Rijeka or Krk on the expressway, take the Križišće exit. At the roundabout, follow Križišće, then turn right in the center toward Crikvenica and Split.

After about 300 meters, turn right at the Kartodrom Bura sign. After another 50 meters, turn left at the Villa Suzi sign onto a short gravel track. Keep left, pass through the gate, and continue downhill to the parking area.

From Senj, Novi Vinodolski, or Crikvenica, drive past Jadranovo and take the first right toward Križišće. Continue until after the Šmrika end sign. After a right turn, watch for Kartodrom Bura on the left, then turn left there. After 50 meters, turn left onto the gravel track by the Villa Suzi sign, stay left, pass through the gate, and drive downhill.

These instructions are detailed because the final approach is not a major attraction entrance. Look for the Kartodrom Bura and Villa Suzi signs rather than relying only on a farm sign. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What the $9 price really covers

At $9 per person, this is an inexpensive family activity for the Kvarner area. The price includes the guided farm visit, information about donkeys and donkey milk, feeding and grooming, two child-riding rounds, two cart-drive rounds, the educational walk, and use of the playground, benches, and tables.

The value is strongest if your family uses several parts of the visit. A child who rides, grooms, feeds, explores the farm, and uses the playground gets much more from the ticket than a child who only wants a quick photo with a donkey.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring your own only if the farm allows it, since the provided information does not specify picnic rules. At minimum, plan to eat and drink before or after the activity rather than expecting a café-style stop on site.

The reservation system lets you book now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The 30-day validity is handy if your road-trip schedule may change.

Who should book this farm visit

I would recommend it most strongly to families with young children, especially children within the 35-kilogram riding limit. It also suits adults who enjoy small-scale farms, local breeds, animal care, and quiet outdoor settings.

It is a good choice if you want a break from the coast without giving up the Kvarner views. The carriage drive means adults can take part, and the educational walk gives older children something to think about beyond the rides.

I would be more cautious if you want a long riding excursion, a full meal, or a weather-proof activity. The farm does not open when rain or strong wind is expected, and the experience takes place outdoors. Pets are not allowed, so leave dogs at your accommodation.

Should you book the Šmrika donkey farm?

Book it if you are staying near Rijeka, Krk, Crikvenica, or the northern Kvarner coast and want a low-cost activity with real animal contact. The combination of child rides, a cart drive, grooming, conservation information, a playground, and bay views gives the visit more substance than a quick animal photo stop.

Skip it if your children are too large for the riding limit and have no interest in the cart, animals, or farm setting. For the right family, though, this is an easy, affordable outing with a pleasant local focus. Check the weather and starting time, wear sports shoes, and allow yourself enough time to enjoy the farm at its own gentle pace.

FAQ

Where is the donkey farm located?

The farm is in Šmrika, near Rijeka, Krk, and Crikvenica in the Kvarner region of Croatia. The directions use the Križišće, Kartodrom Bura, and Villa Suzi signs.

How much does the activity cost?

The stated price is $9 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The activity is valid for 30 days. You need to check availability for the available starting times.

Can children ride the donkeys?

Yes. Children weighing up to 35 kilograms can ride the donkeys for two rounds.

Can adults take part in a ride?

Yes. Adults and children can take two rounds in a small cart pulled by a donkey around the farmyard.

What languages are available?

The live guide can provide the activity in Croatian, English, or German.

Is the farm open in bad weather?

No. The farm does not open when rain or strong wind is expected. Sports shoes are recommended, and pets are not allowed.