July 5, 2006 > Fun stuff to do at Ardenwood Historic Farm

by Nikhil Dua

Ardenwood  is offering several family-friendly activities this summer like the Kids Challenge Passport; Family Fun Night; They're Kidding; Junior Victorian Explorers; and Wish Washin'.

Kids Challenge Passport started in April and continues to March 16, 2007. This program is filled with 12 entertaining and enjoyable activities for kids. These self-paced activities will allow kids complete freedom while having fun. A commemorative patch and a carabineer compass will be awarded to those who complete the challenge's six activities by December. This daily event begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. Kids Challenge Passport is suitable for elementary school-aged kids. Passports will be mailed home. To register, visit www.ebparks.org or call (510) 636-1684.

Family Fun Night is a free event consisting of arts and crafts along with games and naturalist-led activities, lemonade included. Enjoy an evening of family outdoor fun and take a break from the long and hot summer days. So mark your calendars for Thursday, July 13 at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is not required as this is a drop-in program. (Parking fees may apply) For information call (510) 544-2512.

They're Kidding is your chance to see the new baby goats at the farm and listen to goat stories. This is a drop-in program for all ages on July 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information call (510) 796-0663.

Junior Victorian Explorers is a program to explore the boondocks of Ardenwood in an exciting way by looking under microscopes at insects and plants on July 16, to collecting, identifying and preserving plants on Aug. 6. It is recommended for children 7 to 12 years of age and runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. Register now at www.ebparks.org or by calling (510) 636-1684.

Wish Washin' is a wet, soapy, and fun program for children who will have a chance to bathe animals. You may be surprised by watching each animal's reaction after they take a bath. This is a drop-in program held on Aug. 5 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call (510) 796-0663.

Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org