Programs at Wagner Farm

Wagner Farm - Where education meets history

With so few Americans farming, their profound impact on the country and the world is truly amazing. We enjoy the rural output in the foods that our families consume, and in the products that power our cars and clothe our bodies. A visit to Wagner Farm is not a trip to a petting zoo.
It is an opportunity to see and participate in the daily activities of a real working farm. Our active teaching methods and hands-on activities encourage students and campers to discover the connections between producer and consumer, and the past to the present.

Glenview Park District Programs
Register for the following programs at the Glenview Park District website:

Crafty Calves
It's time to get creative while chatting with our chickens! Youngsters will meet and learn about our farm animals, then make a special animal craft about each one. Every month features one animal with different crafts accompanying each program. Please sign your child up for only one session per month. For ages 3-5 with an adult.

Dairy Detectives
Come visit the Wagner Farm milking parlor to participate in a milking demonstration and explore how people have been using dairy products through time. For ages 4-adult.

School Field Trips
With so few Americans farming, their profound impact on the country and the world is amazing. We enjoy the rural output in the foods that our families consume and in the products that power our cars and that clothe our bodies. A visit to Wagner Farm is not a trip to a petting zoo. It is the opportunity to see and participate in the daily activities of a real working farm. Our active teaching methods and hands-on activities encourage students to discover the connections between producer and consumer and the past to the present. Field trips are available for ages preschool through grade 8 and meet Illinois State standards. Click here for more details about school field trips.

Scouting Programs
Scouting programs are offered Fall, Spring and Summer, Monday through Friday, and are one hour in length. Current programs are listed below:

Poultry Business
During the 1920's, women and their children were the primary caretakers of the many chickens that roamed the barnyard. Not only caretakers, they also sold eggs, feathers, and meat for money. This program takes girls back in time to try their hands at raising chickens and creating a successful poultry business. Girls will collect eggs, handle chickens, and learn about all the necessities needed to raise a healthy and fruitful fowl flock.

All Tied Up
Farmers used ropes and knots daily to help with a variety of chores. Boys will make their own piece of rope using twine, an old fashioned rope making machine and a lot of manpower. They will also learn important knots used by farmers and end their visit with chores in the barn.

Horsin' Around
Scouts are invited to come meet Sue and Bob, our draft horse team. This program will educate boys and girls about proper horsemanship, draft horse breeds, and how farmers used these particular animals. Activities include grooming, harnessing, and proper handling techniques.

Milking Madness