One of our favorite (FREE!) family spots is the lovely Peck Farm Park in Geneva. This is a perfect half-day adventure that could easily turn into an all-day adventure if you pack enough snacks. To my kids’ dismay, there are no animals on this farm, just an old three-sided barn and a silo with steps you can climb. But that didn’t stop us from spending a perfect summer day there!
Where:
Peck Farm Park
4038 Kaneville Road
Geneva, IL 60134
Get directions
Plan your visit: https://www.genevaparks.org/facilities/peck-farm-park/
Make the most of your visit with these tips for family fun at Peck Farm Park:
DO: Pack a picnic lunch. There are lots of picturesque spots to eat your lunch or a snack – the shady grass around the Peck House, the pavilion near the lake, or the old barn. My kids are partial to the Barn, but it gets warm in the summer because of limited breezes (it’s enclosed on three sides).
DO: Put your kids in their swimsuits or bring a change of clothes. They are going to get wet. Sure, it’s possible that your kids could just put their feet in the creek, but if they are like mine, they’ll probably lose their balance and fall in somehow. Towels are helpful too.
DO: Wear water shoes. The creek has a pebbled bottom, which hurts sensitive little feet. Water shoes or sandals with straps protect them. Avoid flipflops, as the uneven rocky surfaces of the creek can be treacherous.
DO: Explore the Peck House indoors when you need a break from the heat. There are games, puzzles, art supplies, blocks, and other nature activities to explore while staying out of the sun. Plus, clean indoor bathrooms!
DO: Go from May to September when the Butterfly Garden is open. The suggested donation of $5 per family is well worth the experience of your kids up close and personal with a butterfly. The Butterfly Garden is run by volunteers who help you go in and out of the greenhouse to ensure butterflies don’t escape accidentally. They are a wealth of knowledge and went out of their way to show my kids a butterfly just emerging from its cocoon.
DO: Go during the week or during off hours on the weekends. The playground and creek can get crowded during peak morning hours on a Saturday, but the crowd thins out around naptime. Another problem with mid-day is how hot the playground equipment gets. The slide is unusable at noon on a sunny day.
DO: Use caution with the youngest children. While little ones of all ages love to splash in the creek and the fountains, the Hawks Hollow Adventure Playground is intended for an older audience. There are many open areas on the second-story playground where toddlers could slip through and fall.
Peck Farm Park could easily become one of your family’s favorite spots, just like it is ours! Share your photos with #NeverDoneWithFun.
