When I was growing up, I felt sorry for those city kids who did not have animals around to learn about and animals to entertain them.  We always had calves, chickens and even goats to care for.  Kids in town had sidewalks to play on with various wheeled toys.  AH but the animals were living things.  Kids in this area are fornatunate to have a place like the Critter Barn, where they can learn about real live animals.  Of course animals aren't always nice, When the stable or pen has to be cleaned, its hard work, but a good learning process.  Farmers care for animals because they make money for them with milk and other products.  The Critter Barn is a good place for our local kids to learn.

We also have the Outdoor Discovery Center south on Lincoln Ave, where kids ccn learn about wild animals, bugs and creepy crawlies-things you might run across on a walk or hike.  We also have the Nature Center where kids can participate in projects that involve birds, bats and bugs.

All these places of learning are not quite like growing up on the farm, but they give you a taste of real life in the country. By the way, adults can learn a lot too.