Any conscientious parent can tell you that finding activities for children that are both entertaining and educational can be a job unto itself.

In September, the solution to the problem can be found at Field Day of the Past.

The Field Day of the Past show grounds are located 14 miles west of Richmond, off I-64, Exit #173. Exit south and watch for signs. Access is available from Rt. 288 and Broad Street Road. (For GPS users, plug in 1741 Ashland Rd., Rockville, VA 23146).

Field Day of the Past includes demonstrations of traditional lifestyles — from smoking hams to making sorghum molasses; handcrafts of weaving, spinning, basket weaving and chair caning, gardening, sawmilling, corn shelling and a cornucopia of similar activities take place at the Field Day each year.

The younger members of the crowd enjoy the added benefits of being able to participate in some of these activities.

A truck body, serving as a corn box, lures the young ones like moths to a light.

They are invited to sit on tractors or antique construction equipment (please ask first, however), to type on typewriters (which are wonders to today’s youth) and pet the animals at the Barn Yard.

Luck Stone allows the young (and the not so young) to toss a large rock into the stone crusher to see how it operates.

A pedal tractor pull offers youth the pulling experience many of their elders enjoy and the lawn and garden tractor pull has classes for youth.

Pony rides, mechanical bull rides and, of course, Sherwood Amusements’ carnival rides and games add to the fun.

Visit the Short Pump Grocery where you can buy a Coke in a bottle for a buck and sample the cheese and crackers or pick up a quick snack.

Use the demonstrations to teach about the past or share your personal experiences.

The best thing about Field Day of the Past is that all children 12 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

The 2015 Field Day of the Past runs from Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Truck pulls begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 on Friday, $15 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday. Senior passes are $8 for those 62 and older.

Two- and three-day passes are available at the gate for $20 and $23, respectively. A block of ten tickets is sold in advance for $75. These tickets are good for any one show day.

Parking is free. Food is available on the grounds. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

For information, including a Schedule of Events, maps and an online ticket link, visit the website: fielddayofthepast.net.

For a free Field Day of the Past newspaper, email or call (804) 908-1412.