Prairie Farm is a replica turn-of-the century farm complete with barn, farmhouse, pond, pasture, & flower garden. Admission is free and the Farm is open to the general public from Memorial Day to early August and features a variety of your child’s favorite animals including cows, sheep, pigs, goats, turtles, and a beautifully established koi pond. Wandering paths and big shade trees make the farm a truly enjoyable destination all summer long.
Closed-toe shoes are a requirement when participating in programs or entering the Petting Zoo.
Open Season: May 29 – August 13
Daily Hours: 1-7p
Summer 2023 registration begins on Monday, March 13 for Residents of C-U & Thursday, March 23 for Non-Residents of C-U!
STORY TIME AT THE FARM | FREE!
All Ages
Once upon a time, the Prairie Farm animals hosted story time. Children of all ages stopped by the farm to enjoy animal stories. Some children brought blankets and picnic baskets filled with goodies. Others brought their smile, but they all lived happily ever after.
Date: Monday, May 29 – July 24
Time: 2-2:30p
PEE WEE FARMERS
Ages 2-4, with parent
Hay, hay, hay! Here’s a fun class for little ones to enjoy with their parents! Sessions include plenty of contact with the animals, arts & crafts, games, and songs. Wear tennis shoes or boots to all classes. NO sandals, please. T-shirt included in fee!
*Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather cancellations unless more than on of the classes in a session are canceled. If more than one class is canceled, we will offer a prorated refund as a household credit.
Dates:
- June 2 – June 23 | Friday
- June 8 – June 29 | Thursday
- July 7 – July 28 | Friday
Fee (R/NR): $44/$66
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
FARMHANDS
Ages 4-11
Here’s a program where horsin’ around is encouraged! Kids can develop an appreciation for animals and learn about their care through hands-on activities. Wear clothes that can get dirty and tennis shoes or boots. Fee includes a t-shirt!
Ages 4-5
Geared toward pre-readers, with emphasis on animal appreciation and identification.
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
June 5 – June 26 | Monday | 9-11a | $64/$96
July 10 – July 24 | Monday | 9-11a | $48/$72
Ages 6-7
Emphasis is placed on animal welfare with more advanced crafts and activities.
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
June 6 – June 27 | Tuesday | 9-11a | $64/$96
July 11 – July 25 | Tuesday | 9-11a | $48/$72
Ages 8-11
Basic animal handling techniques are covered.
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
June 7 – June 28 | Wednesday | 9-11a | $64/$96
July 5 – July 26 | Wednesday | 9-11a | $64/$96
*Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather cancellations unless more than on of the classes in a session are canceled. If more than one class is canceled, we will offer a prorated refund as a household credit.
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
ALL ABOUT ANIMALS
Ages 3-7, with parent
Join our staff to learn about the animals on the farm and how we care for them plus a themed craft activity. You will get to interact with the animals, so tennis hoes or boots are required for all classes.
Date: June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15
Day: Saturday
Time: 9-10:30a
Fee (R/NR): $18/$27 per child
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
BARNYARD FUN
Ages 6-11
This drop-off program offers a variety of hands-on activities. Children will learn about the care and maintenance of the farm and animals. Crafts, games, and plenty of time with the animals make this an eggs-traordinarly fun time! Fee includes a t-shirt. Be sure to wear tennis shoes or boots — NO sandals, please. Makeup day will be on Friday of the same week if there is a weather cancellation.
Ages | Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR)
6-7 | July 31-August 3 | M-Th | 9-11:30a | $72/$108
8-11 | August 7-August 10 | M-Th | 9-11:30a | $72/$108
Deadline: 1 week prior to start date
CUSR Inclusion Services
Champaign Park District supports inclusion at all youth summer programs and programs through Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation. Upon an initial assessment, services that are deemed appropriate based on each individual will be provided. If needed, a one-on-one aide will work with your child. When registering, please fill in ADA information on registration form. Email Grace Tissier at Grace.Tissier@champaignparks.org for more information.
Scholarship & CCRS
Scholarship Information
Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. Youth Scholarship Program applicants are not guaranteed fund availability, program registration or choice of program location. Early applications are given priority. Need is the primary criterion upon which scholarship applicants are considered. Questions: 398-2550.
Visit our Registration page for the updated Scholarship Applications!
Child Care Resource Services (CCRS)
Child Care Resource Service helps income-eligible parents who are working and/or going to school to pay for their child care. Eligibility is based on family size and parents’ income. Working families whose incomes are at or below 50% of the state median income level may be eligible. Processing the application can take up to 10 business days, once all the necessary information is received. Please pick up an application form from CCRS. CCRS approved families may register for summer youth programs by paying a $10 deposit per child/per session of the program. These deposits may be refunded at the end of the summer once all CCRS checks are received and there is a credit balance. If money is still owed on your account once CCRS checks have been applied, you will be responsible for the rest of the bill. Because the Park District does not receive payment from CCRS until one month after the service was provided, your deposit could be refunded as late as October.
Please Note: Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is unable to accept CCRS payment due to changes in governmental regulations.
Questions: Child Care Resource Service (http://ccrs.illinois.edu/), 217-333-3252 or 1-800-325-5516
