Lake Metroparks Farmpark554

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a brilliant hybrid of a park, farm, and natural education center.

At the family-oriented science and cultural center devoted to agriculture, farming, and country life, kids can discover where their food comes from, and a whole lot more.

Kids can milk a cow, watch bees at work, and have close-up encounters with more than 50 breeds of farm animals. Visitors can also experience the park by traveling on wagon rides driven by horses or tractors. Engaging exhibits featuring hydroponics (The Great Tomato Works features 24-times-life-sized tomatoes!) and renewable energies (solar and wind) make trips to the award-winning park fun and educational.

Seasonal activities include ogling baby lambs (January through March), marveling at maple syrup production (Mid-February through March), watching a cider press in action and wandering the corn maze (Autumn).

Horse and dog shows, plus reenactments and even the occasional static display make this park a hit, year 'round, with all ages.

Lake Metropark Farmpark offers an abundance of educational programs, for various ages and interests, year 'round, as well as summer day camps.

A Down on the Farm birthday party includes a party area for two hours where you may serve refreshments and open presents; you may bring your own food, have pizza delivered, or use the farm's caterer. Party-goers can take part in all Farmpark daily activities, including a horse-drawn wagon ride, cow milking, and a sheep show. Reservations should be made six weeks in advance. Call 440.256.2122 or 800.366.3276 for information.

The party fee of $120 includes admission for up to 20 people; additional guests $4 each Member discount -10%.

Family Membership starts at $45/year.