Like many Lake County families, we’ve enjoyed the farmyard and the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery at Lambs Farm in Libertyville for years. We love their mission of “Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all.” So it was to my great surprise when we happened upon this hidden gem of a playground onsite!
We’ve been to many day visits and programs over the years, and I was shocked to discover this little corner even existed. We found it as we were making our first visit to the Sugar Maple Country Store where Lambs Farm residents make and sell cookies, chocolates, jams, bread, and other goodies. I guess that’s my punishment for waiting so long to visit the store!
The tot lot has a small playhouse and play structure with slides that are perfectly sized for toddlers and preschoolers. But the real clincher that will capture your child’s heart is the wooden train!
Imagine the hours of imaginative fun your train-obsessed child can spend climbing all over this! It’s important to note, if your child is looking for a choo choo that actually moves, there is a train ride across the parking lot in the Lambs Farm Farmyard attraction. Entrance fees and tickets will apply. The Farmyard is a popular Lake County attraction for kids, and Maureen has put it on her list of Toddler-Friendly Farm Outings.
My son is entering 1st Grade and he still loved this adorable playground. Older kids will also enjoy this challenging climbing ribbon.
We spent a lovely, quiet morning at this pint-sized playground and will be back for more. There are no admission fees to use the playground, so it’s a nice way to get to visit the Lambs Farm campus for free. If you don’t plan to visit the Farmyard, I would still encourage you to stop and get a treat at the Sugar Maple Country Store or the nearby Snack Shack. You can also have lunch at Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, shop for bargains at the Cedar Chest Thrift Store, or visit the Dogwood Garden and Pet Center where you can see animals available for adoption. By supporting these businesses, your dollars will provide valuable services to the residents of Lambs Farm. Your visit provides meaningful jobs, work skills, and social interaction with adults in our community with special needs.
Perhaps the discovery of this little playground is a metaphor for the residents of Lambs Farm themselves. If you just take the extra effort to look a little closer, you’ll never know what wonderful things you may find!
By Loralie
Hainesville
When Loralie isn’t out exploring with her two pint-sized adventurers you’ll often find her in front of her computer plotting to take over the world (or at least Lake County.) She appreciates good friends, good food, expensive shoes and parents who make two lanes in the drop-off/pick-up line at school. Her spirit animal is The Hobbit. She invites you to join her on her quest for unique distractions, diversions and deliciousness in this county we call home.
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