It’s spring, and on the farm that means one big news flash — baby animals.
Yes, baby chicks, ducklings, piglets, calves, lambs and goat kids are frolicking all over The Children’s Farm at the Center in Palos Park, Illinois, just south of Chicago. The Center, a sanctuary for renewal established by The Reverend Paul T. Sander in 1932, has welcomed generations of families to discover country life.
The 65-acre working farm is just one aspect of The Center, developed as a place for people to regain balance in their lives. Part of its mission is to help drug and alcohol addicts, while offering retreats, art programs and school camps to everyone. Its chapel is popular for weddings, baptisms and Sunday afternoon vespers.
The Children’s Farm bustles with real farm work, like taking care of more than 20 horses, five goats, three sheep, ponies, cows, pigs, chickens, geese and rabbits — not to mention the spring babies. Sixty acres of fields and woodlands surround the farm, and in season the farmers plant hay and oats.
On Weekend Family Farm Tours, guides invite children into the animal pens where they can pet the livestock and learn about their care. Then they can hop up for free pony rides, and everyone is welcome to climb on the horse-drawn wagon for a jaunt around the farmstead. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and make a day of it.
The South Cook County 4H Horse Show will trot into the Farm on May 16. On June 6, Summerfest at the Farm will liven things up with a band, a flea market and crafts and games for kids.