Fall brings with it a bounty of beautiful colors, a crispness to the breeze and an abundance of family fun with these new and returning events from the St. Charles Park District.
Bundling up and climbing aboard a hayride is a hallmark of the season. This year, the park district will offer Autumn Hayrides on Fridays and Saturdays through October 25. Pulled by a tractor, the 30-minute wagon rides will travel through the fields of Primrose Farm. Afterwards, participants can enjoy s’mores over an open fire.
Hayrides will take place at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Group rates, which allow for a private fire pit, are also available. Individual tickets are $16 apiece. Group rates are $150 for as many as 10 people and $225 for 11 to 16 people.
“Community members can enjoy the atmosphere of the farm with cooler weather, changing leaves and beautiful sunsets,” said Alison Jones, manager of farm programs and interpretive services. “I think the most exciting thing for those attending will be the ability to check out our new education center.”
The farm’s education center is home to a full kitchen as well as classroom space and restrooms. In the works is an agriculture history exhibit with the St. Charles History Museum, Jones added.
During Pumpkin Patch Creations, embark on a tractor-drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch to find your perfect pie pumpkin. Catch a ride back to the farmyard to the decoration station and create your own work of pumpkin art. Play some yard games and visit with the animals too!
This activity is held on Saturdays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18 from 3-4:30 p.m. for $12 per person.
The Fa-BOO-lous Pumpkin Carving Party will take place Saturday, October 25 at Primrose Farm. Timeslots are offered between 2:30 and 4pm.
“It’s a chance for people to get into the Halloween spirit,” said Patricia Kennedy, farm program supervisor.
Pumpkins will be available for purchase. Participants are also welcome to bring their own. Snacks and cider will be provided.
As for those messy insides that are usually tossed in the garbage. At Primrose Farm, they will go to good use.
“Our livestock love pumpkin guts,” Kennedy said.
The cost is $12 per person, with those 2 and under admitted for free.
To register for these fun fall programs, visit primrosefarm.org/events.
Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road. For farm information, visit primrosefarm.org.
