Fermilab fair will get kids outside

Families might want to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and the grounds of Fermilab in Batavia this weekend.

The lab, known more for its high-energy physics experiments and the unique architecture of Wilson Hall, is also surrounded by 6,800 acres of prairie and open lands which are home to many wildlife species.

Some of those areas will be highlighted during Fermilab's Outdoor Activity Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The fair was inspired by the "No Child Left Indoors" effort to encourage children to ditch the video games and play outside in the sunshine and fresh air, Fermilab spokeswoman Tona Kunz said.

"It's showing parents things they can do with their kids outdoors," Kunz said.

The fair is geared toward families with children 7 to 12 years old. The cost is free, but advanced registration is required by calling (630) 840-5588. Last year 500 people participated, Kunz said.

Activities will allow kids to get a close-up look at everything from bugs to buffaloes.

Children can look in a log to find the different wildlife at Fermilab, and dip nets in a creek to see what species are found, Kunz said.

Birds of prey, both live and models, will be on view as an expert discusses the different birds that hunt around Fermilab.

Children and their parents will also enjoy the lab's life-size buffalo mural and get a close-up look at the real buffaloes that live at Fermilab.

"We have three new babies this year," Kunz said.

While the activities are designed to show children different ways they can have fun outdoors, it also allows the lab to show off its ecological assets.

Most of the activities will be taking place around Fermilab's Lederman Science Center. And the fun will go on rain or shine.

Fermilab was founded in the late 1960s and has for many years been home to one of the largest prairie restoration projects in the Midwest. While the physics experiments take place in an underground ring, other projects on the surface over the years have involved botany, ornithology and archaeology.