The state of Ohio is home to a number of living historical farms and museums. Actors and historians dressed in period clothing are ready to guide visitors through a tour of life in Ohio as the early settlers would have experienced. For many families dependent on our modern technological conveniences, this exposure to pioneer life and a world without electricity, television and texting delves into the mysterious and, often, outright amazing.

Three of my favorite living, historical farms are operated by park systems in Ohio and admit visitors free of charge, making them great excursions for budget minded families. Since each of these historical farms is a part of larger, public park system, there are many opportunities for visitors to participate in outdoor recreation, park nature programs, and special events and activities scheduled throughout the year along with the farm tours and historical education.

The Slate Run Historical Farm in Ashville, Ohio is operated and maintained by the Columbus Metro Parks. Visitors may tour the areas of the farm including the Gothic Revival style farmhouse, built in 1856, and watch the women of the house perform chores that would have been necessary to life in the late 1800s. Since it is a working farm, families may interact with the farmers tending to the animals and the fields during tours of the barn and outdoor areas. If you are lucky, there may be baby animals to visit as well! Keep in mind, it is a working farm in all aspects, so don’t be surprised if the farmer announces his breakfast menu—and which barnyard critters are on it! The Slate Run Metro Park and the Historical Farm host many programs, activities and events for children and families throughout the year.

Malabar Farm is part of the Malabar Farm State Park administered by Ohio’s Division of Parks. This farm, once owned by Louis Bromfield, stands to preserve his influences on subsistence farming and conservationist activities. The farm is open to the public year around with various seasonal hours for tours and activities. There is an onsite restaurant, visitor center, country store and youth hostel. While park access and parking are free, there are small charges for guided tours of the 32 room farm mansion and fees for wagon tours of the lands and seasonal hayrides. The park’s northern Ohio location lends it to offer a wide array of recreational activities through all four seasons!

Carriage Hill Farm and Museum in Huber Heights, Ohio, is included in the Dayton’s Five Rivers Metro Park System. The Carriage Hill Farm was built in the early 1800s with renovations taking it through the later years of that century. Visitors today can experience daily life on the farm as it was so long ago through the daily presentations by the farm’s historical guides. In addition to the main house and barn, there is also a blacksmith shop and a woodshop. The farm’s visitor center offers farm information and access to an Interactive Children’s Center and the Country Store Gift Shop. The Carriage Hill Metro Park itself has many outdoor recreational activities including hiking trails, fishing and seasonal horseback and pony riding.

Plan a family visit to a historical farm and it will likely cause you to put things into a different perspective the next time your home power goes out! It adds a greater appreciation of modern conveniences for the entire family!