Bensenville, Ill. (June 25, 2024)—In addition to the popular weekly Fischer Farm Camp sessions for ages 6 to 10, the Bensenville Park District is offering a number of activities at its urban farm, located at 16W680 Old Grand Avenue in Bensenville.
Explore and enjoy the farm life at the fun, exciting farm camp at Fischer Farm. Each week, participants will interact with farm animals and learn about working and living on a farm past and present. Campers will go on hikes, churn butter, take care of sheep and goats and feed chickens. Through farm chores, creative crafts and adventurous field trips, campers will travel back through time and have an amazing summer. Fees are $155 for a week-long session, $135 for those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries. Registration is due by the Wednesday prior to each weekly session at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville. Sessions begin July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5.
Celebrate National Cow Day at Fischer Farm July 9. Fischer Farm started out as a dairy farm when the Fischer family settled in 1836. The family’s dairy farm success was evident by 1919. The cow-themed
program in celebration of National Cow Day honors the foundation on which the farm was started. Adults are $15, $10 for in-district residents. Ages 4-12 are $5 and must be accompanied by a paid adult. Kids 3 and under are free with a paid adult.
Bring the family out and become immersed in the wondrous glow of Fireflies, 8-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Experience the magic of these beautiful creatures, discovering the science behind these staples of summer. Then craft a glowing creation to take home! Once the stage is set, take a short hike
around the farm to seek out this incredible insect for a closer look! End the night by the light of a campfire and roast tasty marshmallows. Kids ages 4-12 are $5 and must be accompanied by a paid adult ($15, $10 in-district). Kids 3 and under are free by a paid adult.
All ages are invited to meet at the bee hive to explore these small, buzzing insects in Beein’ a Pollinator, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Native bees will be introduced, and attendees will learn why these little black and yellow animals are important to the ecosystems. The fee for adults is $15, $10 for those in district. Kids ages 4-12 are $5 and must be accompanied by a paid adult. Kids 3 and under free with a paid adult.
The month of July concludes with Monarch Mania from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27. In this caterpillar- and butterfly-filled program, participants will make monarch butterflies to help learn about the stages of these delicate creatures. Then they’ll help staff release some monarchs and watch them fly away on their journey south. Adults are $15, $10 for in-district residents. Ages 4-12 are $5 and must be accompanied by a paid adult. Kids 3 and under are free with a paid adult.
Fischer Farm visitors are also invited to get familiar with the farm by participating in this free, walk-in farm scavenger hunt. Pick up cards at the farm gift shop. Each item found will provide a bit more information about the farm. Once everything is found, bring the card back to the gift shop for a prize. Get a bonus for sharing one new thing learned during the hunt.
“While at the farm, be sure to stop in the gift shop and try some our own fresh eggs, lamb, pork, honey and homemade honey-lavender soap,” says Fischer Farm Manager Christine Shiel.
Learn more about Fischer Farm by visiting the farm’s website, BvilleParks.org/fischerfarm. Registration for all programs is required in advance at least one week before the start date, except summer camp.
