This week I chaperoned my daughter’s field trip to Heritage Farmstead in Plano, Texas. This was an opportunity to step back in time and see the simpler times. What is remaining of the farm is 4.5 acres and it represents the Blackland Prairie. The victorian homes were built in 1891 and at one point were part of a 365 acre working ranch.
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My exact kimono is here.
The whole preschool system in our school district attended and the kids had a blast. I personally loved hearing and seeing the venue and what remained. We started off by meeting in the barn. First, this opened face barn is a little more modern with amenities, but they had the cutest finish out. There was a tumbleweed chandelier with twinkling lights in it. Picnic tables and a small stage. I immediately saw party potential and and was trying to brainstorm ways to incorporate the space into one of my barns on the property.
The groups then split up into five different stations to learn about the history of the farm. Our first stop was at the school house. OMG – this was the cutest space. There was a heater in the center of the room complete with old wooden desks. The school could maybe hold 10 kids. The guide was dressed in a period dress and read the kids a story. A very sweet space that the kids loved.
Our next stop was the field where the kids played games and worked with faux fruit and veggies. The guide talked about raising crops and how families lived on land. They also talked about chores that kids had to do to help the family. Of course this was all in a way that resonated with four and five year olds. They were more excited about picking the carrots or finding the green veggies. hahaha!
Our next stop was the chicken and turkey coop. The kids had a chance to turn the grain wheel to get feed and scratch for the animals. They saw real eggs being laid and talked about how chickens produced eggs. They then ran to see the turkeys. The two they had were talking up a storm and the kids loved hearing them gobble gobble!
We then head to the main house. This home was gorgeous and I wish I could have toured the interior. We did stay on the outside and the kids got to see a washboard and crank water into a barrel. They had so much fun running soap over the towels and hanging them on the clothesline. There was a shed next to the wash area where they has a half cellar to store food and used the area as a kitchen and storage area. I am definitely thankful for modern times, but there was something to appreciate with simpler ways of life. A very good reminder to be grateful.
Our last stop was on the tractor to tour the entire facility. They added a trailer equipped with hay and blankets and did a couple of loops around the farm. They went through the pasture where pigs, donkeys, and goats all lived. They went in front of the main home around the coops and school and by the other grand home on the land.
The venue was such a sweet place for the small aged children. It was relevant to their education and allowed them to see how life was 100+ years ago. I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Dallas if you have not. It is perfect for families and entry is $4 per person. Here is their website to learn more information on all they have to offer.
What I took from being out here with Maddie was another memory with my little one. Watching her curiositiy and excitement are moments I will remember. I got a kick out watching Maddie wash the laundry on the washboard. I have pics for her to see as she gets older, just in case she said she can’t help with the laundry 😉
Have a great day. Talk again soon and always thank you for your continued support.
xo,
Vanessa
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