Primrose Farm in St. Charles engages all ages through a variety of summer programs

Primrose Farm is more than a place to bring children to see farm animals. It’s a place for adults to bring out their inner artist. A place for teens to put their passion into action. A place to campout with family members. And much more.

Primrose Farm continues to offer programs this summer for all ages that go beyond the historic nature of the land. The activities provide connections to books, art and people, as well as animals.

Adults

Once a month from June through August, adults are invited to create their own painting during Primrose Palette, a step-by-step canvass painting class. No experience is necessary, just the willingness to connect with your creative side and with others, sip wine and enjoy the relaxation of putting brush to canvas.

Check the Primrose Farm Facebook page or Instagram @primrosefarmillinois to find the painting of the month.

Participating in Goat Yoga is another way to relax. While you stretch and pose, goats will roam and keep you company. Held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturdays, June 1, July 13 and August 10, all ages are welcome. The maximum class size is 10, so register in advance to reserve your spot.

On your way back from Goat Yoga, pick out some fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market. Starting in June, FulBuschel Farm and Produce of Geneva will set up their stand at the farm entrance from 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Vegetables, fruit, meat and eggs will be available from local vendors.

Tweens & Teens

If your tween or teen is passionate about animals, they won’t want to miss the Adopt-an-Animal program.

For ages 11-17, participants will receive hands-on experience with an animal of their choice. All animals are available except the horses.

From June to August, kids come once a week for one hour to work with their animal performing chores such as feeding or cleaning pens; training via positive reinforcement clicker training; and enrichment activities such as setting up puzzles and games for their animal.

“Most of the participants are huge animal lovers and many see a career with animals in their future, and this program fosters that curiosity and passion, and gives them experience they may not find anywhere else,” said Emily Lambillotte, Farm Program Supervisor.

Families

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to camp out at Primrose Farm? Now you can. For the first time, the farm will host a Farmyard Campout Friday and Saturday, June 28-29. Go on a hayride, roast s’mores, hike and participate in a scavenger hunt. You bring the tents and sleeping bags, and Primrose will provide the s’mores and breakfast food.

Also new this year is an American Doll Outing to celebrate the life of modern day farm girl and doll Blaire Wilson. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 13, children will make recipes from her book, prepare sack lunches for Lazarus House and other activities.

“Through Blaire Wilson’s story, younger kids can see how farm life can be incorporated into modern day culture,” Lambillotte said.

Another program featuring storybooks is the Storybooks Alive series. This summer, it will feature “The Bad Seed” Saturday, Aug. 3 and “Pete the Cat, A Pet for Pete” Saturday, Aug. 31. Both meet from 10-11 a.m. and include crafts, games, photo opportunities and snacks based on the theme of the book.

If you’re looking for a unique play date, attend Coffee & Cows held on Fridays, June 7, July 12 and August 9. Enjoy coffee and snacks and connecting with parents while your little ones play on the farm. The program from 9-10:30 a.m. will engage your child in either a story, craft or activity in the summer kitchen.

Primrose Drop-In Programs also are available this summer for a chance to feed the animals, milk the cows (starting in June), groom horses and gather fresh eggs.

To register for Primrose programs visit www.stcparks.org or call Alison Jones at 630-513-4374 or Emily Lambillotte at 630-513-4382.