Imagine stepping back in time where there are no cell phones, cars, television, or drive-thrus. Now imagine pumping your drinking water, keeping a root cellar because you grow and make your own food, and living with no air conditioning in the humid heat of July in Ohio. All of these thing were daily life in the 1880s on an Ohio farm, and you and your kids can experience it…for FREE! Slate Run Living Historical Farm is about a 35 minute drive from Columbus and a beyond worthy way to spend the day. My friend and I took our kids ranging in ages from 3 to 10, and all of us
had a terrific time.
We drove up and it looked similar to any of the Central Ohio Metro Parks – ample parking, wooden display board with park maps and Park Scope Magazine, water fountains, and bathrooms (yet, not the most well-cared for in the Metro Park system). Then we walked down the rocky trail entrance to the farm. Let’s just say my eyes lit up, the kids started running and screaming “chickens!,” and I felt very anachronistic with my backpack slung over my shoulder and camera in hand. The start of our visit encompassed climbing fences and talking to the chickens, we then proceeded to the farm house. There was a lovely woman planting flowers in front of the house decked out in 1800’s garb. She said we could go on in the house, which was a replica of a two-story family home completely furnished in items from the past. The kids played with the toys that years ago were probably made by the dad or another male family member, not bought at your local Toys R Us, and were enamored with the interior design (we don’t normally see such ornate wall paper in our friends’ homes). The first floor of the house was open and patrons were 
allowed in the kitchen, dining and living rooms.
Our visit took us exploring the vegetable garden, the root cellar, smoke house, and then back to the barn and farm area where the animals were kept. The farm offers workshops and tours all year long. Patrons can learn how sheep were sheered, how to “drive” draft horses, and how the garden food was preserved, among many other things. Slate Run also offers storytimes, and preschoolers can experience some of the daily chores and fun kids had through games and songs from the 1800s. Check out their site here for program information: Slate Run Living Historical Farm.
The people who work the farm looked as if they stepped out of the Little House on the Prairie, and most of them are historians. They are friendly and ready to answer questions or share their experiences working there. My friend’s sunglasses fell into the turkey yard and one of the caretakers let her go in and get them. The male turkey came running up, plumage and all, and started gobbling at her. Did you know male turkeys have beards? Neither did we…it was kind of weird. Anyhoo…there’s lots of exploration waiting for you and hands-on stuff to do – just think farm, animals, old but “new to them” toys, pumps for water, and lots of room to run. What more could a kid (or kid at heart) want?
Be sure to check the website for hours and I would suggest visiting during the week if you like it less crowded.
Slate Run Living Historical Farm
1375 S.R. 674 North
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
614-833-1880
http://www.metroparks.net/ParksSlateRun.aspx
A few tips:
- There are designated areas for lunch in the farm area, and plenty of places outside of the farm if you want to just plop down for a picnic.
- Bathrooms are located outside of the farm area – which can be far away for little ones who have to go “now!” Be prepared.
- Strollers would be fine, but not fun to maneuver through grass and rocks.
- Don’t be afraid to talk to the caretakers of the farm. They are more than willing to share information.
- Don’t be afraid to explore, just leave areas as you found them.
- Keep an eye on your kids around the farm machinery and animals.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
