When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Farm on Ogden
Why Farm on Ogden is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Farm on Ogden is a unique urban farm located at the corner of Ogden and S Central Park Avenues in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. This innovative space functions as much more than just a farm—it combines an aquaponic farm, fresh market, job training center, incubator kitchen, and community learning space, all under one roof. Established through a collaboration between Lawndale Christian Health Center and Windy City Harvest (the urban agriculture wing of the Chicago Botanic Garden), Farm on Ogden brings vibrant life and sustainable agriculture into the city. The farm plays a crucial role in promoting health through its Veggie Rx program, where healthcare providers prescribe fresh produce to patients managing chronic illnesses, supplemented by nutrition and cooking classes. The facility’s modern architectural design featuring brick, steel, and glass adds aesthetic value to the neighborhood, highlighted by the greenhouse that glows with purple UV lights at night. Visitors can enjoy fresh market hours from Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. By integrating food, health, education, and community engagement, Farm on Ogden is an inspiring place for friends to meet, learn, and support local food initiatives while enjoying fresh, locally grown produce.
Here's what people think of Farm on Ogden
As of recent, Farm on Ogden holds a 4.7-star rating based on 140 reviews.
User reviews of Farm on Ogden reflect an overwhelmingly positive reception, with a strong average rating of 4.7 from 140 reviews. Many reviewers praised the farm for its innovative approach to urban agriculture and community enrichment, noting the helpfulness and friendliness of staff, fresh quality produce, and impactful educational programs such as cooking and nutrition classes. Positive remarks also highlighted the farm’s role in providing valuable job training and fostering a sense of community in the North Lawndale neighborhood. On the other hand, some negative feedback touched on limited market hours and occasional issues with produce availability or variety during certain times. A few reviewers expressed a desire for expanded programming or more frequent events to further engage visitors. Overall, the reviews underscore Farm on Ogden’s success in combining health, sustainability, and community service, making it a cherished local resource and a promising model for urban agriculture development.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Emilio Sanchez
Not only are you supporting your local farmers and businesses but the produce is yum yum bubblegum! The freshness of everything and sourced for the community is wonderful. Another bonus is the helpful amazing staff thank you for answering all questions about the store, events and making sure the store looked good. Do yourselves a favor and get your hands on some epic ingredients, produce, and joyful individuals! Visit and spend your money here!!! Help your community/city grow.
Amie Krueger
This place! A diamond in the rough. The programs of city gardens filled my heart and belly! Got some yummy veggies the other day. Peppers, grapes, and some Gluten Free specialty items. Do you know if you go to Lawndale Hospital you can be a part of the Veggie RX program?!?!? Who knew a Dr could prescribe you veggies and you go pick up your pre packed vitamin nutrient veggies. How cool! We all need to get back to nature and living off the land. I’d love for my Dr to prescribe me veggies, I eat them all day. Visit this very cool place if you get the chance!
Nancy Janeth Gonzalez
Really nice place to buy fruit and vegetables. And those vegetables are organic. If you pay with link they will give you back some coupons that are worth the same amount you purchased, so next time that you buy will be free paying with the cupons.
Elizabeth Cardenas
Absolute hidden gem. Love the service, friendliness, selection of fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, a great Rx Program and Link benefits as well... And that sourdough bread fuhgetaboutit !
Itzel Camacho
I forgot his name but he had long curly hair he is super nice and helped me out with any questions I had. He is a good example of a great employee!
How to reach Farm on Ogden
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Website: None
Why Farm on Ogden may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Farm on Ogden with your friends? This unique urban agriculture hub is much more than just a farm; it is a dynamic community space where food, health, and education meet in an inviting and inspiring environment. Gathering here with your friends offers a chance to connect over fresh, locally grown produce, experience innovative farming techniques, and learn together in an interactive setting. The ambiance of Farm on Ogden, located in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood, is striking and modern, featuring a blend of brick, steel, and glass, illuminated at night by the enchanting glow from purple UV lamps that nurture plants year-round. This setting creates a memorable backdrop for socializing, exploring, and engaging in shared experiences. Additionally, the farm’s mission incorporates health and sustainability, giving visitors an opportunity to support community wellness initiatives while enjoying a meaningful outing. Whether you're passionate about fresh, healthy food or want to explore sustainability with friends, Farm on Ogden is a refreshing destination that promises both education and enjoyment, making it an ideal place to rally and celebrate the blend of nature, innovation, and community spirit.
What activities can you enjoy at Farm on Ogden? Visitors to Farm on Ogden can indulge in a variety of enriching activities that make it perfect for group meetups. The cornerstone is its aquaponics system—a large, state-of-the-art 50,000-gallon setup that combines raising fish and cultivating plants in a symbiotic environment. This impressive system is fascinating to observe and provides an excellent conversational starter for visitors interested in innovative farming and sustainability. The farm also features a 7,300-square-foot greenhouse where fresh produce grows year-round, offering an opportunity for guests to walk through vibrant plant life and even learn about the techniques used to produce high-quality, pesticide-free crops. For groups interested in nutrition and cooking, Farm on Ogden offers Veggie Rx packages that include fresh produce prescription programs paired with cooking and nutrition classes, providing a hands-on approach to healthful eating. Furthermore, the facility houses a commercial and teaching kitchen, perfect for workshops or private cooking classes, where groups can bond over learning to prepare fresh, healthy meals. These diverse activities ensure that every meetup is educational, interactive, and fun.
Why is Farm on Ogden perfect for a group meetup? Its multi-functional design caters seamlessly to groups, providing ample space and a wide range of experiences that make social gatherings engaging and memorable. With an indoor year-round market operating from Tuesday through Saturday, groups can explore and shop fresh, locally grown produce together, promoting a shared appreciation of healthy food choices. The market itself is a vibrant hub where friends can sample, purchase, and discuss seasonal products, creating a lively and communal shopping experience. Beyond the market, public tours of the farm take place on Saturdays, offering groups a guided exploration of the aquaponics system, greenhouses, and production areas, which offer plenty of eye-catching sights and learning opportunities. The on-site classrooms and the incubator kitchen provide additional venues for group activities such as cooking demonstrations, workshops, or skill-building sessions in urban agriculture. These collaborative experiences encourage social interaction, learning, and collective enjoyment, all in an inspiring, eco-conscious setting. For members of your group interested in health and wellness, the farm’s program that integrates food as medicine highlights its role in promoting community well-being, making your meetup not only fun but meaningful.
How accessible and welcoming is Farm on Ogden for groups? Farm on Ogden emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement, making it a welcoming destination for groups of all types. Located conveniently at the corner of Ogden and S Central Park Avenue, underneath the Pink Line ‘L’ tracks, it is easily accessible by public transportation, which is perfect for groups traveling together from across Chicago. The facility is designed to be accessible, with accommodations available such as sign language interpretation upon request, ensuring that all visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The staff and community partners foster a warm, educational atmosphere that encourages curiosity, questions, and participation among visitors of all ages and backgrounds. This makes Farm on Ogden an ideal place to bring family members, friends, or colleagues who have diverse interests and needs. Whether your group is focused on educational experiences, socializing in a beautiful setting, or supporting community health initiatives, Farm on Ogden’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion helps guarantee a positive visit for everyone involved.
What educational opportunities does Farm on Ogden offer for meetup groups? Education is at the heart of Farm on Ogden’s mission, transforming it into an interactive learning center focused on urban agriculture and nutrition. The Windy City Harvest program offers a broad spectrum of classes and workshops designed for all skill levels – from beginners eager to learn about aquaponics to experienced gardeners seeking advanced sustainable farming techniques. These courses can be perfect meetups for groups interested in gaining practical skills or simply understanding how food production can be improved in urban settings. Alongside hands-on workshops, the teaching kitchen provides a venue for cooking classes that emphasize nutrition and the creative use of fresh produce, which can be deeply rewarding for groups who enjoy culinary experiences together. In addition, the Veggie Rx program offers cooking and nutrition education as a complement to the food prescriptions, embedding learning with health benefits. Participating in these programs in a group encourages dialogue, teamwork, and shared discovery, fostering stronger connections among friends and family while empowering them with valuable knowledge about food and wellness.
How does Farm on Ogden support community and sustainability, and why does that matter for your group visit? Farm on Ogden is a shining example of how urban agriculture can positively impact a neighborhood by addressing food access, health disparities, and employment. It is a collaborative effort between Lawndale Christian Health Center and the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest, designed to integrate fresh food, health care, and job training. When you bring your group to Farm on Ogden, you are supporting a facility that not only produces fresh, local food but also empowers community members through workforce development and nutrition education. The “food as medicine” approach puts health at the forefront by offering fresh produce prescriptions to local residents who might otherwise face barriers to healthy eating. This focus enriches the community’s well-being, making your visit an opportunity to engage with social impact beyond just enjoying the farm’s amenities. The farm’s sustainability practices, including aquaponics and year-round growing, illustrate cutting-edge urban farming techniques that reinforce environmental stewardship. Your group outing here becomes part of a bigger story — supporting a sustainable, healthy future in Chicago’s urban core.
What should your group know before visiting Farm on Ogden? Planning your visit will help maximize the experience for your friends or family. The farm’s market hours run from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so scheduling your meetup during these times ensures access to fresh produce and market activities. Public tours, particularly popular for group visits, are available on Saturdays, perfect for weekend gatherings. If your group is interested in the cooking or gardening classes, checking the Windy City Harvest schedule ahead of time is recommended, as offerings vary and may require registration. The farm is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so planning around these closures is important. Given the farm’s community mission and educational focus, calling ahead to discuss specific group needs or accommodations is a good idea, especially if the group includes children, seniors, or visitors requiring accessibility assistance. With thoughtful planning, your group can fully enjoy the farm’s unique blend of social, educational, and culinary experiences in an inspiring environment.
Bringing your friends and family to Farm on Ogden means more than just a casual meetup; it means stepping into a vibrant community hub that combines innovation, education, health, and social engagement under one roof. This urban farm’s thoughtful design and diverse offerings make it a standout destination for anyone looking to enrich their social time with meaningful interaction, learning, and support of a sustainable future. From exploring aquaponics to sharing nutritious meals, from shopping fresh market produce to participating in wellness programs, your group will find endless reasons to come together, grow closer, and leave inspired. Farm on Ogden’s blend of community spirit and urban agriculture makes it a perfect place to rally, celebrate, and create lasting memories with the people you care about.