Variety of animals, attractions at Libertyville's Lambs Farm

Families can have a full day filled with animals, food and rides while helping a great cause at Lambs Farm.

Since 1961, Lambs Farm in Libertyville has been serving adults with developmental disabilities, providing work, housing and recreational activities for about 250 men and women.

The price of a day pass gets visitors unlimited access to Lambs Farms' offerings, or you could choose to just pay per attraction with prices running $2 for the bounce house and carousel to $5 to visit the farmyard. You can start off by taking a train tour of the property for $3 or play the mini-golf course near the entrance for $4. Many of the 18 holes are farm-themed with cutouts of horses and sheep providing obstacles. Check out the massive statue of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, and then visit some real animals.

Residents staff the working farm, which includes cows, chickens, goats, sheep, alpacas and a vegetable farm where the produce feeds animals and is served in the on-site restaurant. A poultry farm features ducks and geese swimming in a small pond along with a coop for turkeys, a peacock and a variety of chickens.

Animals can move freely between their barns and an outdoor area, and there are open pastures for the sheep and horses to graze. Visitors can see it all, including a mother sheep and her babies bleating for attention and sticking their heads out for petting. Animals in the petting zoo will often come right up to visitors looking for snacks, which you can buy from grain dispensers. You're also welcome to grab a brush and help groom the animals. There are plenty of baby animals and more are expected this summer.

"Where else can you go in the area to get up close and personal with sheep and goats?" said Jackie Rachev, communications coordinator. "They're very friendly and used to people. They're sweet animals."

If you want to get out of the sun for a bit, the Discovery Center houses bunnies, chinchillas and chicks. On nice days, residents often take the rabbits around so guests can pet them. You also can spot the farm cats that move freely around the facility.

After washing up, grab some breakfast or lunch at the Country Inn Restaurant. The menu includes a salad bar, sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, waffles and apple cinnamon French toast. In front of the restaurant is a gift shop, which sells candles, sauces and jelly made by residents.

Lambs Farm started as a pet shop in 1961 and is still known as a great place to buy animals. The last remaining structure of the original farm now houses a variety of puppies from local breeders, kittens that like sprawling on stuffed animals and more exotic animals like an iguana and a 100-year-old tortoise. Walls are lined with dog facts and photos of dogs from the pet shop that have since found homes. The store also carries high-end pet foods, beds, leashes and other pet merchandise.

If you're not in the market for a new dog, you can still do some shopping at the thrift shop. The selection includes jewelry, clothing, furniture, toys and games and all the proceeds support the farm. After scanning some deals, pick up a sweet treat like ice cream, fresh lemonade, cookies or fudge from the bakery. Parents can relax on a picnic bench while kids explore and enjoy the free play area.