Barnyard Readers

Enjoy a special experience at Living History Farms with your preschooler! Join us on Wednesday mornings for a time of reading and activities in our literacy program. Open to children ages 3 to 5 with an accompanying adult.

Fall Registration Open Now

Harvest Series | August 28–September 25

Fall is a time for harvest and winter preparation on the farm. Experience these routines with your child. Programs incorporate traditions from the past 300 years of Iowa farm life. Every program includes stories, hands-on activities, visits to a farm, and games.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults and children are required to purchase a ticket.

DETAILS

Native American Stories | October 2–23

Every culture has a rich history of storytelling. Using books by Native American authors, you and your preschooler can explore the stories told by various Native American tribes who once called the Midwest home. Each program includes stories that highlight a different Native Nation, followed by crafts and activities inspired by those stories. You will also have a chance to explore the Ioway Farm.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults and children are required to purchase a ticket.

DETAILS

Family Traditions Series | October 30–November 13

From harvest to Halloween, explore stories of food, handicraft, and holiday traditions.

DETAILS

Thanksgiving and Christmas Traditions | November 20-December 18

Different families and cultures have different holiday traditions. You and your preschooler can explore some of the many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hear stories from the 19th century, participate in hands-on activities, and visit a historic site that fits the stories.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. All adults and children are required to purchase a ticket.

DETAILS

Registration

1. Children must be between ages 3 and 5 by the start of the program.
2. An adult must register with the child. The adult must remain with their children at all times.
3. Select the program you want and purchase tickets.
4. Watch your email for confirmation of your registration. Please make sure you have received this. If you don’t, you may have mistyped your email address. Contact us at registration@lhf.org to correct the email address.
5. About one week before the program, you will receive an email with more specific information about where and when to check in, how to dress, etc.

Wait List

• Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If a program is full, you may fill out this form to be placed on the waitlist.
• If a spot becomes available, we will contact the first name on the list for that session.
• If we are unable to reach that person within 24 hours, we will go to the second name, and so on. A deposit is not required to be placed on the waitlist.

Weather

• Living History Farms Barnyard Readers programs take place both indoors and outdoors, taking full advantage of nature and the museum’s outdoor historic areas. As a result, program activities may change as the weather dictates.
• The museum has severe weather procedures and shelters, and staff regularly review and practice these procedures. Should a storm arise, we quickly implement our weather procedures to keep everyone safe.