Oaklee's Guide: Suburban Chicago's Family Resource Guide

Experience Schaumburg as a rural German farm community just as it was in the 1880s at Springtime on the Farm. The annual event represents Heritage Farm's spring season "home opener" and will take place from 12-4 pm April 18 at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road.

Many of the hands-on activites revolve around the concept of spring cleaning, which was an important reality in the 19th century. Participants will be able to help do laundry, which was washed by hand and hung on a line to dry; beat the farmhouse rugs; and restuff bedding with fresh straw. They will also be allowed to help plant vegetables in the garden and sow oats in the field after the soil has been worked by the horses. A sheep will be sheared around midday, the blacksmith will be working in his shop, butter will be churned in the springhouse, and the cow will be milked near the end of the event.

Springtime on the Farm also includes craft activities, games, refreshments and hay rides. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is $2 per person and $8 per family. Children 3 and under are admitted free.