Get ready for a season of hands-on fun, creative challenges and farmyard adventures at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave. in Bensenville.
The Bensenville Park District invites families and participants of all ages to explore a lineup of engaging fall and holiday programs, from exploding pumpkins and pumpkin carving to animal elections, escape rooms and sewing workshops.
Young scientists ages 7-13 can experience the thrill of Exploding Pumpkins from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, adding rubber bands to a pumpkin until it splits in two while learning about physics and pressure. From 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, Pumpkin Palooza invites all ages to embrace pumpkin season with creative carving. Pumpkins and some carving supplies are provided, and participants are welcome to bring personal tools from home. Both programs require pre-registration and cost $15, or $10 for in-district patrons.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, through Tuesday, Nov. 3, visitors can cast their ballots in The Face of Fischer Farm Elections, a free, all-ages experience. Meet the animal candidates, vote for a favorite and receive a farm-themed “I Voted” sticker. No pre-registration is required. Follow @BvilleFischerFarm on social media for election results. On Nov. 14-15, the Turkey Trouble Escape Room challenges participants ages 6 and older to find a missing turkey and save Thanksgiving dinner. Junior and senior versions are available, with groups of two to 10 welcome.
Registration is required. Fees start at $10 per person, or $8 in district, with a group discount for 10 patrons.
The holiday season continues with Pie Making from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. Participants of all ages will create an oven-ready pie, receive a printed recipe card and learn skills to recreate their recipe at home. On Sunday, Dec. 13, ages 7-13 can take part in Cool Digs, using ice cubes to uncover hidden artifacts and create a souvenir necklace or bracelet. The season concludes with the Animal Stuffie Workshop from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, where ages 8-15 can learn beginner sewing skills while creating a stuffed farm animal. Pie Making, Cool Digs and Animal Stuffie Workshop cost $15, or $10 for in-district patrons, and require pre-registration.
Registration is available at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville, or online at BvilleParks.org/register. Space is limited for pre-registration programs, so participants are encouraged to sign up early. For more information, visit BvilleParks.org or follow Fischer Farm on social media at @BvilleFischerFarm.
