WHAT CAN WE DO AT THE FARM

We're expanding again this year at Rader Family Farms. It's been painful and exhausting but we hope you will enjoy the changes we've made to add to our guest's enjoyment. Our entry fee is $4 Monday - Friday and $6 on the weekends and if you're under two, you're always free. Seniors 65 and up are $3 everyday. Your admission fee gives you access to almost every activity we have available. See the detailed listing of items below. There are a few items that require an additional charge which can be seen at the bottom of this page in Other Paid Activities.

  • U Pick Pumpkins Journey out into the six acres of U-Pick pumpkins to find the perfect one for you!
  • The Schoolhouse (New for 2011) The Schoolhouse is the first stop on our field trips during the week. On weekends can visit it and learn about agriculture in Illinois.
  • The Little Village Kids six and under will enjoy playing in and around the miniature town. Shop for Illinois grown products in the market and drop your mail off at the Post Office. Then hurry home to fix your meal back at the playhouse.
  • Tram Rides on Weekends Enjoy the ride out to get your pumpkin or just ride around for fun on the back of a tram pulled by a John Deere tractor driven by one of our staff.
  • Kiddie Bean Maze (New for 2011) The 1 acre soybean maze is just perfect for children and the faint of heart who do not want to wander for too long.
  • Mountain Slide (Upgraded for 2011) The tallest mountain in McLean County! Climb the steep mountain to the top of the big slide and slide down, down the mountain. Then climb back up again.
  • Sandbox Dig and dig the biggest hole in the big sandbox with the cool diggers.
  • Pedal Powered Go Carts Test your driving skills with the go carts as you pedal around the tire lined track.
  • Cattle Chute & Haystack Run up the cattle shoot and jump into the big haystack. That’s good old fashioned fun!
  • Steer Roping Get in the saddle and try your skill at roping the steer.
  • Jumping Pillow Our bright colored jumping pillow will be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Come try it out.
  • Straw Castle Large straw bales create a castle tower that is lots of fun to climb and explore.
  • Corny Bins Nothing says central Illinois like a large bin of corn for kids to root around in other than two bins of corn. Come have some fun.
  • The Little Barnyard In the barn you may see bunnies, chickens, a momma pig and babies and some sheep. Check out Tom Turkey and his friend Tony as well as some chickens and a beautiful rooster in the new pen. The goats will climb the bridge to get to the round feeding pen where you can feed the goats for only a quarter. Did you see Salt and Pepper our fainting goats faint? Just keep watching - they will! The miniature donkeys and good 'ol Murphy are glad to see you all.
  • Tractor Test Drive Climb up in the big red tractor and pretend you're the farmer planting the crops.
  • Caterpillar & Ladybug Rides for Kids Let the children ride around the farm on the caterpillar or ladybug barrel ride while you enjoy a coffee or cider.
  • Face Painting The Zoo Lady or a member of the Zoo Crew will be painting faces each Saturday and Sunday from 12PM to 4PM.
  • Picture Perfect Spot Climb up in our 1951 Chevy pick-up truck for a great photo of the kids or the entire family. If you want some assistance in making the photo a success, we will have a professional photographer onsite each Saturday and Sunday from 1PM - 5PM. The photographer may charge a small fee.


Other Paid Activities

  • Corn Maze
    The ISU 100 Years of Ag corn maze is 6 acres of complete confusion with checkpoints. Complete all check points and you qualify for a drawing for a new Apple iPod which will take place Nov. 1, 2011. Winner will be notified by phone or email.

    Corn Maze Prices Daytime: $4.00 Adults & Children (3 and up)
    Fright Nights: $12.00 (Minimum age of 13)
      Oct. 29, 30, 31 (7PM - 10PM) Don't forget your flashlight.