Stay or leave? Remain active or hibernate? Live or die? How would you prepare for winter? As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, we will explore some of the many ways that Spring Valley animals get ready for the big chill. This program costs $4 for residents, $6 for non-residenst, and is for children ages 7-10.

Apples are for more than eating! We'll hike to the Cabin, make apple prints and bake apple crisp in the fireplace while learning about this remarkable fruit. The cost of this program is $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents. This fee covers up to 4 participants. This program has been desigend for children ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Get up and get outside to help with morning animal chores. After milking cows and feeding the livestock, you;ll have a chance to feed yourself with a light breakfast around the farmhouse stove. Dress for the weather! The cost for this program is $12 for residents, and $18 for non-residents. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 3 and under are free.

In this five week class, Junior Farmers will learn all about the livestock at the Heritage Farm! Each week, participants will meet a different animal friend and then hear stories, sing songs and create a memory book. This program meets weekly on Tuesdays, from 1:30-2:30PM. Parents must attend with child. The cost is $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents. Fee includes one parent and one child.

Join us for a nocturnal adventure to discover the secrets of these stealthy night-time hunters. After a walk to search the woods for owls, observe a live owl up close. Participants should bring their patience but leave their flashlights at home. Activities are designed for children 5 and up, while children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Step back in time over 100 years and watch history come to life at Spring Valley's largest and most popular event! Hands-on demonstrations of frontier-era and 1880s farm life such as cider pressing, blacksmithing, grain threshing, primitive fire starting, and much more is available to see and do. Throughout the day there will be kid's craft activities, 19th century games, live string music, grilled food and taffy apples. Parking is available at the Nature Center on Schaumburg Road, and off Plum Grove Road across from the Heritage Farm.

Are you planning to audition for any plays in our 2010-2011 season? Do you want to know more about the audition process? Come to this friendly and free workshop that will help you choose a monologue and develop the confidence needed to have a really great audition.

Make your own puppet and put on a show to celebrate this traditional form of Chinese theater.

Ever wonder about how children live half way around the world? You can write a letter to another child in China, put it in our museum “mailbox” and we’ll send it there.

Wear a costume and get $1 off regular admission.