Where Kids Burn Energy and Families Spend the Whole Day
The Back 40 Fun Acres is where you’ll find a lot of families spending most of their day at Tanners Orchard, and it’s easy to see why!
Our big, open play area is packed to the brim with slides, swings, climbing structures, rides, and all kinds of fun that kids can jump into right away. There’s no set path or order to follow; the Back 40 is easy and natural to explore, with no shortage of engaging activities and interactive play.
Some kids head straight for the biggest slide they can find, while others take their time moving from one thing to the next. Parents and grandparents enjoy their time in the Back 40 Fun Acres, too; watching, helping, laughing, and sometimes jumping in on the fun!
It really is just a playground—but on a much bigger scale than most people expect. And because there’s so much to do, it quickly becomes one of those places where time gets away from you in the best way.
If you’re planning your visit with the kids, be sure to set some time aside to explore this expansive playground, because there’s so much to see and do, you just might find yourself and your kids returning.
What Makes the Back 40 Fun Acres So Special
The Back 40 Fun Acres isn’t just one attraction—it’s dozens of farm attractions all in one place! And what makes it stand out is how easy it is for kids to jump right in and have fun without much direction.
- A Huge Play Area – This isn’t a single playground tucked in a corner. It’s a wide-open space filled with activities in every direction, so there’s always something pulling kids toward the next thing.
- Something for Every Age – Younger kids can stick to swings, sandboxes, and smaller play structures, while older kids take on the bigger climbs, races, and rides. It naturally works for families with kids of different ages.
- Hands-On, Active Fun – This is where kids climb, jump, race, swing, and burn off energy in the best way possible. It’s constant movement from the moment they get back here.
- Festival Day Upgrades – On Festival Days, even more activities open up, adding to everything the Back 40 Fun Acres already has to offer.
- A Place Kids Don’t Want to Leave – This quickly becomes the highlight of the day for many families. It’s usually the place kids ask to go back to before you leave (good luck!).
- Built for Real Play – Nothing here feels overly structured. It’s the kind of place where kids make up their own games, explore on their own terms, and just enjoy being outside.
So… What’s There to Do in the Back 40?
It’s a fair question, because from the outside, it’s hard to tell just how much is packed into the Back 40 Fun Acres.
Once you arrive, it all starts to come together. There’s no single “main attraction.” Instead, it’s a collection of rides, games, climbing structures, and play areas that all come together to create one big, high-energy space.
Some kids head straight for the biggest thing they can find. Others bounce between activities, trying a little bit of everything. Either way, there’s more than enough here to keep them busy all day long.
Here’s a look at what you’ll find.
Ride, Race & Compete
- Apple-Dega Pedal Carts*A racetrack-style setup where kids can pedal and race each other.
- Barrel Train*A train of barrel carts pulled by a tractor, giving kids a ride around the farm.
- Grain Train*Larger train rides that can hold multiple riders per car.
- Pony Rides*A favorite for younger kids (80 lb weight limit).
- Pedal Tractor CorralKids can hop on and pedal their way around a fenced-in corral.
- Rat RacersA fun, competitive race activity.
- Tug-O-WarA simple but always popular group activity.
Creative & Take-Home Fun
- Gem Mining Kids can sift through material to find treasures they get to take home.
- Face Painting*A fun add-on that kids love (ages 3+).
Climb, Explore & Imagine
- Wooden Ship, Tractor, Airplane & TrainLarge wooden structures kids can climb and explore.
- Burlington Northern CabooseA real train car where kids (and parents) can step inside and play.
- Peterbilt Cabover SemiA full-size truck that turns into a place for imagination and play.
- John Deere Combine SlidesReal combines turned into slides.
Games & Interactive Fun
- Putt-Putt Golf A casual activity to slow things down a bit.
- Corn HoleEasy, fun, and great for all ages.
- Giant Checkers & ChessOversized pieces make this a fun twist on classic games.
- Grain Bin Basketball Try to land shots into grain bin targets.
Jump, Bounce & Burn Energy
- Jumping Jack Pad*A massive inflatable pad where kids (and adults) can jump, bounce, and wear themselves out. Shoes come off, and the fun starts!
- Bouncy Spring AnimalsSimple, classic fun for younger kids.
- Spider WebA climbing structure that keeps kids moving and testing their balance.
For the Little Ones
- Toddler Swings Designed for younger visitors.
- Playhouse A smaller-scale space for imaginative play.
- Grain Bin Sandbox A contained area where kids can dig and play.
Festival Day Activities – These activities are only available in the Back 40 Fun Acres on Festival Days.
Festival Days: When the Back 40 Comes to Life
While the Back 40 Fun Acres is always active, Festival Days are when everything really ramps up.
On Festival Days, we offer additional rides and attractions to our guests, adding more fun and excitement on the farm. You’ll see the trains running, pony rides in full swing, and even more movement across the entire space.
It’s also when some of the most popular activities are available, including the Barrel Train, Grain Train, pony rides, pedal carts, and face painting, and the ever-elusive unicorns come out to play. These add a whole new layer to what’s already part of the Back 40.
If you’re looking for the full experience—the most fun, most active version of the Back 40—Festival Days are when you’ll find it.
Plan to Spend Some Time Here
This isn’t a quick stop. Once kids get into the Back 40 Fun Acres, they usually don’t want to leave—and it’s easy to see why.
There’s so much to do—and so many ways to play—that it’s easy to spend a big part of your day here without even realizing how much time has passed. Kids find something they love, move on to something else, and then come right back to their favorites.
There’s so much to do—and so many ways to play—that it’s easy to spend a big part of your day here without even realizing how much time has passed. Kids find something they love, move on to something else, and then come right back to their favorites.
Because of how much is packed into this area, many families end up coming back on another visit just to spend more time here.
It’s also a popular spot for birthday parties, thanks to the variety of activities and space to explore.
Back 40 Fun Acres Admission & Hours
- $5 for ages 3–15
- $10 for ages 3–54
- Ages 55+ are free
- After 5 PM: $5 for ages 3–15
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:15 PM)
- Barrel Train Rides (100 lb weight limit)
- Grain Train Rides
- Apple-Dega Pedal Carts
- Pony Rides (80 lb limit)
More Farm Fun to Explore at Tanners Orchard
The Back 40 Fun Acres is just one part of the Tanners Orchard experience. There’s plenty more to explore during your visit.
You can also explore all available activities on our main Farm Attractions & Activities page, check out our Farm Market & Bakery for fresh treats, or start planning your visit with details on hours, directions, and pricing and options for groups & parties.
Back 40 Fun Acres FAQs
It’s designed mainly for kids, but there’s a wide range of activities that work for different ages. Younger kids can stick to swings, sandboxes, and smaller play areas, while older kids take on the bigger climbs, races, and rides.
Many of the activities are included, especially during Festival Days when unlimited rides are available. Some attractions are always open, while others are only available during those busier days.
Festival Days are when additional attractions open up and the area becomes much more active. Rides like the Barrel Train and Grain Train run, pony rides are available, and more structured activities like face painting are offered.
Yes—farm hands are present for certain activities and can help if you have questions, but parents are responsible for supervising their children throughout the area.
In many areas, yes. Some activities are designed specifically for kids, but others are open enough that parents can jump in, help out, or just be part of the experience.
Plan Your Visit to the Back 40 Fun Acres
Ready to let the kids run, play, and explore one of the most exciting parts of Tanners Orchard? The Back 40 Fun Acres is where memories are made—and where your day can easily turn into a full afternoon of fun.
Call 309-493-5442 to learn more or view hours, directions, and pricing. Or plan your visit to 740 IL-40, Speer, IL 61479 and enjoy a day on the farm with your family.