Strap on your boots and saddle up for a rootin’ tootin’ adventure along the dusty trails with your city-slicker kids. Although a ride along the trails with Forest View Farms may not be dusty, there is a good chance the ride will provide your youngins an opportunity to take in all of the autumnal beauty of the Cook County Forest Preserve’s Bridle Path.
Forest View Farms, located at 16717 S. Lockwood Ave., Tinley Park, is one of the few remaining horse farms in the area offering trail rides to the public. Even better, the forest preserve trails adjacent to the farm won’t have your kids saying‘whoa partner,’ as the horses are well trained on the trails.
Hour-long rides are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration is not necessary, but recommended to avoid long lines and for larger groups or private trail rides. The heaviest traffic is on the weekends.
Kids must be 9 years or older to ride. Normal rides cost $20 per person, while reserved rides are $25 per person. Private rides are $30 per person. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a sturdy heel. Helmets on trail rides are optional, but are strongly recommended. Release forms are required. Farm hours are from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. For reservations or more information, call (708) 560-0306.
Forest View Farms’ owner Jim Larson’s new adage for the farm’s trail rides:"Save on gas, ride a horse.” Horses are much friendlier than gas prices, so why not giddy-up?
