Adventure Packs
At Prescott Farm, guests of all ages and experience levels can enjoy time on the Farm with Adventure Packs. Adaptable, educational, and most of all fun, Adventure Packs can be tackled as a solo mission, with a partner, or even with a group of friends & family members. Everything you need is provided inside the Adventure Packs, including activities, games and fun facts to impress your friends. FREE to reserve for Members, $15 for Non-Members. See below for available topics and how to choose the perfect interest/experience level for your group.
Select a seasonal topic:
History of the Land
Before it was owned and operated as a nonprofit education center, the land that you are standing on was a working farm owned by one family for over 200 years. How has this history influenced the landscape around you? You will journey around the lower field, past the barn, and into the Red Trail. As you complete each card, the content becomes more advanced. Ant explorers may decide to stop before they enter the Red Trail (or not!), while Crow explorers may be able to complete the entire route (or not!). Choose your own adventure and have fun!
Stories of Undergrowth
The forest floor is an extremely important part of forest ecosystems because everything starts from the ground up! Come explore the forest floor of the Yellow Trail as we discuss everything from the nutrients in the soil, what grows on the forest floor, the creatures who live and play there, and play some games along the way.
Life in the Fields
Many species of plants and animals call the fields of Prescott Farm home. We suggest you explore the Upper Field (A, B, & C), Lower Fox Field (B & C), and the Lower Fields across the street (C). Most of these activities can be done anywhere in these areas, so go at your own pace and explore areas that look interesting to you. With this Adventure Pack, you will discover more about the mammals, invertebrates, birds, and wildflowers of these fields.
Pick your level A(nt), B(utterfly), or C(row) and go explore!
Be sure to post your adventure to social media with #PFadventurepacks. Suggested adventure time is about 2 hours. Please contact our office if you have any questions.
Cost to reserve: FREE for Members, $15 for Non-Members
Geocaching
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- Have a few hours of fun on the trails with this Quest written up by Prescott Farm’s environmental educators. Download the PDF here for outdoor adventure! Downloadable Visitor Quest Clues PDF Happy exploring!
- You can pick up a trail map in the green mailbox at the corner of the Samuel P. Pardoe Building, refer to the big map in the kiosk in the visitor parking area, or to download a PDF Trail Map, click here (updated June 2016).
- We have a geocache/letterbox on the property. For more information on finding it, please visit the official Geocaching Website.
Plein Air Painting
Plein air painting embraces the connection between art and nature: bring your paint supplies to your favorite outdoor space and create a work of art to capture the natural beauty of that moment.
Prescott Farm’s landscape is the perfect setting whether you are starting your plein air journey or looking to advance your existing skills. We have identified 5 locations that we recommend as places to set up:
- Top of the Hill looking down at barn
- Garden near rock steps by the barn
- Maple Sugar Shack
- On the hiking trails
- Under the Big Tree or near the Big Rock close to the Lower Parking Lot
When can I come do plein air at Prescott Farm?
Prescott Farm’s property is open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. You are welcome to come at any time and enjoy our outdoor spaces! Visit PrescottFarm.org to learn more about our 160-acre property and 3+ miles of trails.
Our Education Center is staffed Monday-Saturday from 9am-4pm (closed on most public holidays) for questions and restrooms. We regularly have programs taking place including youth programs. Please respect the spaces they are using.
What supplies do I need to do plein air?
Just some basic art supplies, a chair, and a surface to paint or draw on are all you need! See the two-page expert from Art to You with Larry by Larry Frates for more information about getting started with plein air. Copies of Art to You with Larry are available in the Prescott Farm gift shop.
What if I want more instructions on my plein air art?
We offer seasonal programs where Larry Frates, local artist, art educator and Prescott Farm’s Creative Arts Consultant, will provide additional tips, tricks, and critiques to bring your plein air art to the next level. Programs are scheduled on select Saturdays during the year. Individuals may view our upcoming programs and register here for one or both sessions.
Larry also offers his own art classes every Wednesday, also at Prescott Farm from 9-11:30 am. For more information, please email lfrates@prescottfarm.org.
Can I showcase the art I make?
Yes! We display plein air artwork done at Prescott Farm at our annual Harvest Festival. Harvest Festival is a free community event on the last Saturday in September from 10am-3pm. Artwork must be dropped off at Prescott Farm by September 1st.
Other details:
- Artwork needs to be framed, not to exceed 12″ x 16″ (framed).
- Drop off ready-to-hang art (with wire backing only) between 9 – 4pm to Prescott Farm by September 1st;
- The exhibition is limited to 24 artists so register early!
- No entry fee.