Wednesday Weekend Windup {Earth Day, Springtime on the Farm and More}

We are making the turn to the weekend! Here are my picks for family fun this weekend:

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A day at Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm

We were able to capitalize on the nice weather Sunday and visit the Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg. This area is one of our havens that we enjoy throughout the year. It isn't too far from us, so it is easy to stop by for a hike. This weekend happened to be the Springtime on the Farm event, so we had some added fun.

The Nature Center has recently had some updates. There are a few new places for kids to explore alongside some old favorites. There is a play area and a tree where kids can peek through windows and learn about trees as well as the wildlife that need them. The greenhouse portion is always a favorite because kids love to look for turtles. Take a little peek at the fun:

 

 

It is not too far of a walk from the Nature Center to the Volkening Heritage Farm. Before you leave the Nature Center, there is a silo that you can climb to get a pretty view of the preserve. However, the stairs are narrow, so be careful. The view is impressive! Here is the view we had:

On the way to the farm, you pass through the prairie and wind past a pond. You never know what kind of wildlife you may see and there are signs to help you out! We have seen scores of birds, an otter, frogs, ducks and turtles.

The farm is fun when there is an event. For the spring event, my daughter helped wash clothes and beat a rug. She also played some kids' games from the 1890's and had fun watching the farm animals. There were all sorts of demonstrations going on including a milking demonstration. Such a fun way to learn about history!

 

We always have an enjoyable time at Spring Valley. We love to take a hike and visit familiar spots while noting changes. Plus, the Nature Center is close to much of the shopping in Schaumburg, so we can combine our hikes with errands.

 

Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm have a number of events throughout the year. The events are minimal cost while visiting to hike is free! Be sure to check their website to see when the farm is open. The area is fun to walk through during any time of the year. Spring Valley Nature Center is located at 1111 East Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.

 

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Christmas in the Valley in Schaumburg

This weekend is the annual Christmas in the Valley celebration at the Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg. This has to be one of my favorite holiday events in the area! We went to the event a couple of years ago and had a blast even though it was a grey and snowy day. The whole farm was alive with old fashioned holiday fun!

Every building seemed to have something holiday-themed going on. My daughter was eager to decorate and eat a sugar cookie. The reindeer were certainly happy with the special reindeer food she concocted. She also helped make some traditional Springerle cookies. (We even left with the recipe--maybe I should whip it out?) We made a visit to the farmhouse to take in the smells of traditional German food and to sing carols. We watched a toy maker whittle some toys. Then, we took a haywagon shuttle to the Merkle cabin. The cabin greeted us with more holiday cheer. Mini-Mel made a pine cone ornament and met Father Christmas by the fire. Fun and holiday cheer all over!

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Spring Cleaning at the Volkening Heritage Farm (April 22nd)

On Sunday, April 22nd, Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg will be hosting some Spring Cleaning Fun! The event runs from 12PM-4PM and costs $3 per person, $12 per family.

My family attended this event last year and had a great ole time! My daughter enjoyed having the ability to watch and participate in typical spring chores on the farm.  Hmmmmmm...enjoying chores....how could this be bad?

The event has plowing and blacksmith demonstrations. Children can help till a field and plant beans. My daughter also helped wash clothes using a big, old washtub and washboard.

My daughter definitely loved the chance to play in the dirt!  It was also nice for her to come back to the farm later in the spring to see the bean plants growing.

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