100 • Resident Registration begin Feb. 14 | Non-resident Registration begins Feb. 23

Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm

2015 REGULAR SEASON – MAY 1 TO OCT. 25

100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora • 630-892-1550Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. Set amid 54 scenic acres with a lake, ponds and a meandering stream, the pioneer village features costumed historical interpreters teaching visitors about life in the late 1800s. Picnic areas and park concessions are available. Visitors may purchase food or pack their own lunch. Admission includes unlimited rides.

About Blackberry Farm

May

Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June to August

Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September

Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

October

Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Columbus Day: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

2015 DAILY RATES

Children (Ages 2 to 17): $4.50(R) / $7(N) Under 2: Free

Adults (Ages 18 to 61): $5(R) / $8(N)

Seniors (Ages 62 and up): $4.50(R) / $7(N)

School Groups: $4(R) / $5.50(N)

2015 SEASON PASSES

Unlimited fun from May 1 to Oct. 25!Purchase a season pass online at foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or complete the form on page 147 and return with payment to any Fox Valley Park District community center. Children under 2 are free and do not need an ID card.

SEASON PASS RATES

Family of 4 Pass (or more)Through April 30, 2015 Starting May 1, 2015

Residents: $80 ($20 each add’l member) Residents: $100 ($20 each add’l member)

Non-residents: $120 ($30 each add’l member) Non-residents: $140 ($30 each add’l member)

Individual (Ages 2 and up)Through April 30, 2015 Starting May 1, 2015

Residents: $25 Residents: $30

Non-residents: $35 Non-residents: $40

Children under 2 are free and do not require an ID card.

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WHAT TO SEE

Wagner House (1840s) Explore this historic post-and-beam-constructed home.

Pottery Shop (1850s) See how pioneer cookware is crafted from wet clay to finished product; all items are fired on-site.

Pioneer Cabin (1840s) Observe demonstrations of Dutch-oven cooking, candle dipping, soap making, heirloom gardens and butter making.

Spinning and Weaving Cabin (1860s) Watch and learn how spinners card and spin wool for clothing. Observe weavers working on rugs and textiles on antique looms.

One-room Schoolhouse (1880s) One school, one classroom – see what learning was like for students in the 1880s.

Huntoon House (1890s) See Victorian room settings, treadle sewing demonstrations, quilting and exhibits.

Blacksmith Shop (1900s) Watch the blacksmith at work on the forge.

Early Streets Museum Visit 12 old-fashioned shops in this replica of late 1800s downtown Aurora.

Carriage House View more than 40 vintage carriages, sleighs and commercial vehicles in this nationally recognized display.

Farm Museum Check out displays of rare antique farm implement and tools.

Discovery Barn See chickens, sheep, piglets, baby goats, a cow and more.

WHAT TO DO

NEW! Adventure Playground Children can explore this customized play structure with an extensive network of climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels. Don’t miss the zipline!

NEW! Paddle Boats Float on Lake Gregory in a four-seat paddle boat.

Carousel Enjoy the old-fashioned merry-go-round reminiscent of fairs and carnivals from yesteryear.

Train This steam-engine-replica train and its open-air passenger cars travel around Lake Gregory.

Hay Wagon Rides Hop aboard to enjoy a ride in the same way pioneer farm kids used to get around.

Pony Rides Children delight in saddling up for a ride in a fenced area (available for children under 70 pounds).

Pedal Tractor Course Kids can take the wheel and “drive” their own mini-pedal tractor.

CHECK IT OUT!Check out Blackberry Farm school programs on page 115!

DIRECTIONS

Take the E-W tollway (I-88) to the Orchard Road exit, turn south. Turn right on Galena Boulevard, go west one-half mile and turn left on Barnes Road to the park. Call 630-892-1550 for other routes.

What to See and Do

102 • Resident Registration begin Feb. 14 | Non-resident Registration begins Feb. 23

Blackberry Farm 5K Spring GallopThis CARA-certified 5K run/walk is a great way to kick off the running season. The race is held at Blackberry Farm on a course that combines the paved Virgil Gilman Trail and a scenic loop around picturesque Lake Gregory. All pre-registered runners will receive a T-shirt. Pre-registration ends at noon on March 20. (HWB)Age Location Fee

8Y and up Blackberry Farm By March 20:Non-CARA Members: $29CARA Members:$25

Barcode Day Date Time

77554 Sa March 28 8:30 a.m.

Storytime with the Easter Bunny Parents and children are invited to stop by Blackberry Farm and visit with the Easter Bunny. The group will read a book with the Easter Bunny and do a small craft. Parents will have the opportunity to take pictures of their

children with the Easter Bunny. Please register each child attending; children must be accompanied by an adult. (BR)

Age Location Fee

1Y to 6Y & adult Blackberry Farm $8(R) / $10(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79387 Th April 2 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Bunny Trail Wagon RideFamilies will enjoy the fresh spring air while traveling down the old bunny trail. Hot chocolate and s’mores will be prepared around a cozy fire, and then a wagon ride will take everyone to a destination where the children

can hunt for Easter Eggs. (BR)

Age Location Fee

2Y and up Blackberry Farm $8(R) / $12(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79036 Sa April 4 2 to 3 p.m.

Laura Ingalls Wilder DayPretend to live in the 1800s just like Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family did! Activities include candle dipping, making cornbread, sewing, blacksmithing, weaving and more! Children will also have the opportunity to study in a one-room schoolhouse! Only the historical buildings will be open during this event. (BR)

Age Location Fee

All ages Blackberry Farm At door: $4.50(R) / $7(N)

Day Date Time

Sa April 11 Noon to 3 p.m.

Special Events and Activity Days

Blackberry Farm

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Flashlight Egg HuntThis fun event includes hayrides, DJ-led dancing and games, and ends with a flashlight egg hunt and the opportunity to win fabulous prizes! Participants should bring a flashlight and their

appetite — dinner will be provided. Parents interested in being a chaperone, please contact Holly Wiggins at 620-264-7408. (HWB)

Age Location Fee

9Y to 13Y Blackberry Farm $15(R) / $20(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

78870 F April 17 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Surviving the TitanicLeslie Goddard performs a living history portrayal of Titanic stewardess Violet Jessop, who survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and then, several years later, the sinking of the Britannic. She tells unforgettable

stories of the tragedies and gives a fascinating glimpse at life behind the scenes on the most glamorous luxury liners of the day. After the show, there will be refreshments and a guided tour exploring the historically significant buildings around Blackberry Farm. (BR)Age Location Fee

16Y and up Blackberry Farm $20(R) / $25(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79379 Sa April 18 4 to 6 p.m.

Dad and Daughter Date Night at Blackberry FarmDads and daughters will enjoy a spring evening together, which will include a DJ with dancing and games, dinner and unlimited carousel rides. After the activities, everyone will gather around the campfire and

enjoy s’mores. (BR)Age Location Fee

3Y and up Blackberry Farm $15(R) / $20(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79041 F May 22 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.

104 • Resident Registration begin Feb. 14 | Non-resident Registration begins Feb. 23

Blackberry Farm

Arts & Crafts Nature ProgramsToddler Art

Here is a chance for your toddler to get messy and discover the imaginative world of art. Each week features new and exciting

creations using a variety of materials such as glue, paper, foam, paint and much more. Be sure to dress your toddler for some messy fun! (BR)

Age Location Fee

2Y to 4Y Blackberry Farm $35(R) / $50(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79397 W April 1 to 22 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Craft Time: St. Patrick’s DayChildren are invited to put on their lucky green and join their friends at Blackberry Farm to learn more about St. Patrick’s Day

folklore and traditions while making related arts and crafts. There is also a scavenger hunt for the leprechauns’ legendary pot of gold! (BR)

Age Location Fee

4Y to 8Y Blackberry Farm $7(R) / $10(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79038 Sa March 14 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Birds at BlackberryOn this early morning bird hike, participants will check out Lake Gregory for some sleeping waterfowl, follow the trail to see

who has migrated back and maybe even hear the rooster crow. Bring binoculars and a bird book and dress to be outside. (MG)

Age Location Fee

7Y and up Blackberry Farm $5(R) / $8(N)

Barcode Day Date Time

79441 Sa May 2 7 to 9 a.m.

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Nature Programs