On The Go Chicago

A couple of weeks ago, I took the girls out to Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago (less than an hours drive from the city).  The farm is set back from the road, so you really do feel like you are walking back through time as you walk down the dirt road to the real working farm from the 1890s.

You can stroll through restored farmstead structures and meet the historically-costumed interpreters operating this living-history farm using the tools and techniques of the past.  Every morning at 10:30 you can collect eggs from the chicken coup.  My 2 1/2 year old did not want to go into the coup with the flying chickens, but my 18 month old was thrilled to grab eggs from their nests and put them in the basket.

After collecting eggs and talking to a few of the interpreters, we walked down the dirt road out to the fields where we saw the cows and even pet some sheep through the fence.  Then we headed into the barn to see the GIANT horses.  One of them, Annie, even let us pet her nose.  It was a very pleasant way to spend a morning.  Best of all it is FREE!

The farm is relatively small, so I would recommend going when there is an activity or demonstration going on. In addition to the daily egg collection and house tour, they have other demonstrations, weekly storytime  (Monday’s at 10am) and kids can help with the farm chores on Monday’s and Thursdays at 1:30.  Click here to check their calendar.

Bring bug spray.  There is a creek, and the mosquitos were out in force the day we were there.   They do not have a restaurant or snack bar, so pack a picnic.  They have a lovely little area to have lunch near the fields.

• Where – 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago
• Hours of Operation – Thursday to Monday from 9am-5pm
• Cost - FREE

On September 4th and 5th they will be hosting a Country Fair which features period children’s games, horse-drawn hayrides, antique farming equipment, livestock, bakery judging, farmhouse tours and a genuine flea circus!