Visit a 200-acre “working farm” near Dousman, Wis. (approximately 30 miles west of Milwaukee). Children will experience farm life up close, with opportunities to touch many of the animals. Oak Ridge Farm is a real working farm with large animals, moving machinery, and a barn with dairy operations. Oak Ridge Farm may be scheduled for four hours or less between 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sensing Animals (Grades K3-K4)
The focus of this program is to improve the students’ awareness of their own senses. Through sights, sounds, smells and touch children will learn about the animals. These activities will also reinforce skills such as shape and color identification along with size comparison and noise recognition.
On the Farm (Grades K-12)
The farm is a riveting and exciting place for children of all ages. This working farm is home to a variety of animals, crops, building structures, equipment, and antiques. Students will get a wagon ride out to the fields to see where our crops are grown (weather permitting), tour through the old and new barn areas, and get to see the antiques in the old farm house.
Wisconsin Farm History (K4-12)
In the past, one farmer could feed 3-5 people. Today, farmers can feed 60 people. Farms play a crucial role in our lives; this program gives students a personal look at the life of a farmer. From starting out with a single plow pulled by a horse to now having massive tractors and machinery, students will follow Wisconsin’s farm history timeline right into today’s world.
Dairy Day (Grades K3-12)
Students will be introduced to the life of a dairy farmer. While touring the farm, students will see where the cattle graze the fields, learn about milking cows, as well as how we are using milk in every day life. A milking demonstration will be done and the milk house will be available for viewing. Students will also get the chance to churn cream into butter, or make ice cream during those hot summer days.
Plants and Agriculture (K4-12)
Students can plant their very own seed and grow a crop for themselves. In this program, students will study the different crops, learn about their different uses, and discuss the keys to yielding a productive crop.
Where Food Comes From (Grades K4–12)
From the farm to the table, the students will go on an adventure finding out how something starts at the farm and ends up on their dinner plate. Students will learn about the countless products we get from the animals and crops raised on the farm.
Winter: Nov. - Feb.
In the winter months, Oak Ridge Farm offers indoor programs as well as snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is available for a maximum of 35 people per trip, including teachers and chaperones.
Farm Babies (Grades K3-2)
During the winter and into spring the farm is a very busy place with babies being born every week. On the farm we have lambs, calves, chicks or ducklings, piglets and of course kids! In this program children will learn specific names for the babies of each breed and get the chance to pet the majority of them. The best time to visit for this program is late Jan. or Feb.
Wool Day (K4-12)
Students will be introduced to the process of turning wool into a usable product from start to finish. Hands on activities will include: cleaning, carding and dying wool. Lambs are available for viewing and a sheering demonstration may be given (season permitting).
Beeswax Candle Making (Grades K4-2)
Students can come out to the farm and make their very own birthday candle out of authentic beeswax. Children will get to see the inside of a beehive while learning all about honey bees and what benefits they provide to us.
Snowshoeing (Grades 4-12)
Snowshoe through the kettle moraine forest on a guided tour searching for animal tracks and winter wildlife. Explore what is left of the original farm house built in 1845 all while staying above the snow. If you can walk you can snow shoe.