Wagner Farms, Glenview IL One of our favorite places we take our children - often . This place has something for everyone. Indoor farm exhibits where the children can see what it's like to lift a bail of hay, take eggs from chicken's nests, milk a pretend cow and feed a pretend pig along with learning what a grocery store circa 1920 was like. Additionally, you can get an ice cream treat (what it was like in a 1920's ice cream parlor - Homer's Ice Cream) and witness a cow milking at 5:00 daily. Outdoors run around, have a picnic, look at the chickens in their coop, see a pig or two, some sheep, work horses and our beloved cows!! Additionally for the history buff, occasionally they have the house open for a docent guided tour. A great find, wonderful outing and tons of fun. If you're seeking a fun place for a birthday party it's HIGHLY recommended. We did a party there and loved it. Visit http://www.wagnerfarm.org/
Volkening Heritage Farm, Schaumburg IL Step back into the 1880s when Schaumburg was a rural German farm community. On a visit to Volkening Heritage Farm, you can help with seasonal farm chores, participate in family activities and games of the 1880s or simply visit the livestock and soak in the quiet. Authentically dressed interpreters welcome and guide visitors through the site. Pack a picnic and have fun!! Visit www.parkfun.com/Facilities/SpringValley/HeritageFarm.aspx
Schmidt Burnham log house and nature park in Winnetka, IL (east of Willow and Hibbard Rd on the south side of the road). The Schmidt-Burnham Log house - oldest house in Winnetka (log house) was moved a few years ago to this site open May - October with a docent tour about once a month on Sundays - really neat. Interesting fact, they have the oldest known jungle gym that was moved from Horace Mann school. The school is a national landmark as of 1990. Shockingly there is a great nature walk area equipped with trails, picnic area, clean bathrooms, fire pit and a few other jungle gyms and a neat area of kickboxing a tree just east of the Burnham house, near the school among the trees.
Visit www.winnetkahistory.org/index.php?id=199
Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods IL. For sure this is the place to visit if you want to hike in nature. There's a farm on the premises and you might get a glimpse of a farm animal. Bring binoculars and journals for your little ones to catalog their finds.
Visit www.ryersonwoods.org/p/general.html
The Grove, Glenview IL We love visiting this place. Again, great hiking, nature trails, wild animals, historic buildings and nature conservation all not far away. Great place to get the excersize and fresh air!! Visit www.glenviewparks.org/The-Grove/The-Grove.html
Open Lands Association - Lake Forest, IL One of my favorite places in and around the Chicago area. Whenever I want to reconnect with nature...I head back to Lake Forest and hit their wonderful and amazing nature trails. My children have witnessed nature at it's best year round and if you have a dog...they'll LOVE it too.
Visit www.lfola.org/ourlands/ourpreserves.aspx for a map of their many trails.
Historic Ft. Sheridan - Highland Park, IL This is a favorite of mine as the trails are wonderful, the Lake Michigan beach views are amazing and the history is incredibly interesting too. Make sure to review their website as there's many interesting historical tidbits. You can walk to the beach too. Visit www.fortsheridan.com/amenities/beach.asp
Forest Preserves in our area... Looking for nature preserves in Cook County? Visit www.fpdcc.com
No comments:
Post a Comment