Explore a Local Farm!

One of my favorite things to do each Fall is explore a local Farm.  As city kids, my girls don't regularly get the chance to see where there food comes from. Last week we headed otu to Wagner Farm in Glenview, and had a blast checking out the chickens, cows and horses.  Plus, many of them have seasonal activities and events throughout October.

Here are four of my favorite places to get up close and personal with farm animals:

Wagner Farm - Wagner Farm is a great way to spend a warm afternoon. The farm offers kids a chance to see animals (horses, cows, chickens, etc.), a wonderful little picnic area and interpretive farm museum. They can learn how to milk a cow, collect eggs and climb on some farm equipment. They also have a delicious ice cream parlor (open only on the weekends in the Fall). They don't sell food, so I recommend bringing a picnic lunch. It is about 20 minutes from Chicago and offers a wonderful escape to rural America for FREE.

Kline Creek Farm - Your kiddos can get a hands-on experience of what life was like on a farm at the turn of the century at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.  The historically costumed interpreters actually operate this living-history farm using the tools and techniques of the past.  Your family can not only take a tour of the big house and farm, but also participate in the farm chores.  My kids loved collecting the eggs from the chicken coup and strolling out to see the sheep and cows, plus there is a nice little picnic area too. The farm is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but FREE Thursdays through Mondays.  Visit their site for a complete list of their daily activities.

Blackberry Farm - Blackberry Farm in Aurora is a 54-acre living-history museum and offers a little something for everyone.  From UNLIMITED pony, train and carousel rides to the more than 200 varieties of trees and five museums, everyone in your group will have a great time and learn a little something too. Don't miss the blacksmith & weaving demonstrations as well as the chance to visit the farm cabin and one room schoolhouse to see how settlers lived in the 1800's.  After all the fun, enjoy lunch in their picnic grove along the lakeshore.  Non-resident adults are $7 and children are $6.

Lambs Farm - Lambs Farm is not only a wonderful outing for families, but it also a non-profit serving adults with deveoplmental disabilities. Lambs Farm offers a full days worth of activities including the Farmyard where you can view, feed and even pet/brush a number of different farm animals. The farm also has a great mini-train ride, carousel and miniature golf course. $12 for your kids to have complete access to all the activities.

Want more farm fun?  Here are a few additional places where you can get up close and personal with farm animals:

• Farm Zoo at the Lincoln Park Zoo - Don't miss the free Mr. Singer Concerts every Wednesday and Friday mornings.
• Volkening Heritage Farm 
• Bonner Heritage Farm