farm field trips near me

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

Beginner stem lab, advanced stem labs, beginner stem labs, advanced stem, explore wisconsin agriculture outside the classroom.

"The students loved the combine simulator, the landform sand, and petting the calf!" 

- Peter Schmidt, Algoma Elementary School

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center field trips are designed to engage students of all ages.

Our immersive experience offers students the chance to visualize, interact with, read about, and investigate the food, fuel, and fiber produced in our state. From start to finish, a field trip to Farm Wisconsin will encourage students to explore the wonders of Wisconsin agriculture as they consider how this critical industry impacts each of their daily lives.

Please note, advanced registration is required. Reservations are preferred at least two weeks in advance of the visit. Final payment and head count are required one week prior to the scheduled visit.

Pricing Information

Student Admission: $6

Teacher Admission: Free

Beginner STEM Lab: $2/student

Advanced STEM Lab: $5/student

See additional pricing information in our Pricing Guide below.

New for 2024! Specialty STEM Labs

Farm Wisconsin has partnered with outside experts to offer two new STEM labs as field trip add-ons in the spring of 2024. These labs will be offered for one week only. Interested teachers are encouraged to book early to reserve their spot.

Specialty STEM labs will be led by an expert in the corresponding field, and are designed to be a 30-minute addition to a traditional Farm Wisconsin field trip. Both labs have an add-on cost of $2/student.

Hydroponics at Work

Investigate the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil with an expert from Fork Farms.

Students will be hands-on with:

• Plant harvest
• Nutrient and pH sampling
• Light management techniques

Hydroponic efficiency and real-world applications will be stressed in the lab.

Available: Tuesday, February 20 – Friday, February 23, 2024

Explore Wisconsin’s state tree and take a deep dive into one of the state’s sweetest industries with a maple professional.

Students will actively:

• Test their ability to tap a maple tree
• Differentiate between sweetness levels of a liquid
• Identify varying grades of maple syrup

Modern-day syrup production will be emphasized throughout the lab.

Available: Monday, April 8 – Friday, April 12, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Students: $6/person

Teachers: FREE

Adult Chaperones: 1 FREE:15 students

Additional Adult Chaperones: $12/person

Farm Wisconsin Memberships are valid with field trips. Please notify us beforehand with members’ names.

ADD TO THE EXPEREINCE

Lunch Clean-Up Fee: $10 flat rate

Junior Ice Cream Scoop: $2/dish

Farm Wisconsin is open for school group bookings most Monday-Fridays from 9am-3pm. All dates are subject to availability as we do have maximum limits for attendance and programming available each day.

Most field trips visit for around three - four hours. It takes about two hours to go through exhibits, birthing barn and farm tour, which then leaves you plenty of time for your required orientation upon arrival, lunch time, and other activities like Barnyard Adventures, STEM labs, and/or lunch.

Complete the field trip request form online anytime or call 920-726-6009 Monday-Friday, from 9am-4pm. A minimum of two weeks advance notice is required to secure the group rate for field trips and book activities. Group rates are only available for groups of 15 or more students with advance reservations. To keep your reservation, we will require final headcount and full payment for your visit at least one week prior to your visit date. No changes to diminish headcounts will be allowed or accepted after the one week deadline. There will be no refunds or credits given for persons missing or absent on the day of your trip.

Reservations must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so advanced booking is highly encouraged, especially near the end of the school year. For all groups, to keep your reservation, we will require final headcount and full payment at least one (1) week prior to your visit date. No reservations will be accepted without at least two (2) weeks notice.

Our physical address is: 7001 Gass Lake Road, Manitowoc, WI 54220

We are located directly off I-43, south of Manitowoc.

We have hands on experiences for students between K-12th. Connecting your students’ minds to the wonder of Wisconsin agriculture is our goal. Please select appropriate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathmatics (STEM) activities/programming for your students.

Program capacities vary depending on the program. For educational STEM, there is a five student minimum. Maximum capacities range from 15-20 students per session, depending on the activity/program desired and/or the venues available. If your group contains more students than the limit allows, we will split your group and run multiple sessions to accommodate all students. All programming is subject to availability. Additional fees apply.

Yes. If you have any attendees that need special accommodations, considerations, and/or who have any special needs we should be aware of, please let us know in advance. This would include, but is not limited to, attendees who are in wheelchairs, students with individual aides, anyone who is an English Language Learner and is bringing their own interpreter, and/or attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing that are bringing their own interpreter. Knowing this information in advance helps us prepare better for your group and allows a better experience.

Field trips must have one (1) adult chaperone for every 15 students/children attending. An adult constitutes as any teacher, aid, school/organizational staff and/or parent that will be attending with the group. Failure to meet the required number of adults the day of your trip will result in a $20 charge for each missing adult, or loss of a program due to limit support.

You can bring more adults than the ones required to fulfill our 1:15 ratio. However, those adults do no receive free admission. Only one adult per 15 children in attendance will receive free admission to the discovery center. Any additional adults outside of this 1:15 ratio will be charged an admission fee of $10.

Proper adult chaperoning helps to provide a quality visit for your group, for our other groups, guests, and members. As such, all adult chaperones are required to provide the following support by:

• Actively supervising the students/children assigned to them in all parts of the discovery center (including the Farm House Store, cafe, STEM, theater, and lunch areas).
• Staying with their assigned students/children at all times and enforcing all of our rules and policies.
• Making sure the students/children in your group stay with their adult chaperones at all times. (Unchaperoned students/children will be detained and unable to explore or experience exhibits without proper supervision)
• Being solely responsible for the behavior, well-being, and the discipline of their assigned students/ children.
• Being responsible for knowing the group’s schedule and getting the group to scheduled lunches or programming at the appropriate times.
• It is the group leader’s job to make sure that all of the adults chaperoning are aware of their responsibilities.

Should you need to cancel or reschedule your visit, you must do so at least one (1) week prior to your visit date. Rescheduling requests made before or by this deadline will be allowed and we will work with you to find a mutually agreed upon new visit date. In this case, your payment will be applied to the new visit date. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made after the one (1) week deadline, or groups that are no shows, will receive no refunds or credits. Cancellations due to school/organization weather closures will not be penalized. In said cases, please contact the Program Manager- [email protected] as soon as possible. If the reservation has not been canceled or rescheduled by the one (1) week deadline, all contracts become valid and enforceable.

Your FINAL headcount must be submitted one (1) week prior to your visit date. Submitting your final headcount is extremely important especially if you have additional programming included on your reservation or are eating lunch here. We have limited amounts of space and capacity limits on all STEM, theater, and lunch areas, in addition to general building capacity limits.

The full payment for your visit must be submitted one (1) week prior to your visit date. We reserve the right to cancel your visit if your payment is not received by this due date. There will be no refunds or credits given for persons missing or absent on the day of your visit. No decreases in headcount or changes to your programming will be accepted after the one-week deadline. Farm Wisconsin will not offer a refund if your headcount decreases after the one (1) week deadline.

To make payment, you may pay with a check (payable to Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center), cash, or with a credit card over the phone by calling 920-726-6000. If paying with a check and sent via the mail, allow enough time to submit your payment to your bookkeeper with adequate time for them to process it and to mail it out. As noted above, we reserve the right to cancel your visit if your payment is not received by your indicated due date. For check payments, please make checks payable to: Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.          Attn: Abigail Martin          7001 Gass Lake Rd          Manitowoc, WI 54220 Farm Wisconsin accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover Card payments over the phone by calling 920-726-6000 during open hours (Friday-Sunday, 9am-4pm).

Yes, Farm Wisconsin memberships may be used to cover the admission cost. Please notify Farm Wisconsin staff ahead of time with members’ first and last names during booking.

We require that the group leader share these rules with all the students/children AND adults chaperoning in your group prior to your visit.

• No running, shouting, or horseplay. · Adult chaperones must stay with their students/children at all times. Unchaperoned students/children will be detained unable to explore or experience exhibits without proper supervision.
• No food, gum, or beverages are allowed on exhibit floors, in the Birthing Barn, or in the theaters.
• Respect other groups and individuals in the discovery center.
• Farm Wisconsin is a hands-on, self-guided discovery center. Exhibits are “user-friendly,” but they can be damaged. Therefore, exercise care in their use and respect discovery center property.
• Please have an adult by the sand table to help keep all sand in the table.
• Birthing Barn: Please be mindful that the students will be seeing blood and smelling different aromas than they are typically used to. 
• “Quiet Zone”: Please remind the students that this is a quiet zone EVEN IF a cow isn’t in labor.
• Students MAY NOT enter the Birthing Barn without an adult. Please remind them that this is a “Quiet Zone” and can cause stress to our cows.

These rules are to keep everyone safe and to allow maximum enjoyment of our programs and facilities for your group, other groups in attendance, our Members, and the general public. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center reserves the right to expel any person or group behaving in a manner we deem unfit. In said cases, that person or group will be asked to leave the building immediately and they will not receive any refunds or credits. Persons or groups that are asked to leave may also jeopardize their chances to reserve or attend future visits to Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.

Unless otherwise stated, if you are arriving by bus, buses will need to drop off your group at the main entrance at Farm Wisconsin, which lies on the south end of our building. Please remain on your bus(es) until your group is greeted. Should we need your bus to drop you off in a different location, this will be noted in your confirmation materials and listed in your schedule.

Once greeted, you will enter the main entrance doors where a Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center Staff member will be waiting to welcome you, collect your actual headcount, give your group a brief, 10-15-minute orientation, and distribute any other further information.

• Please have the bus driver pull up to the front, main entrance of Farm Wisconsin to drop off students and adults.
• Please have the students stay on the bus until you have checked in with the front desk.
• After drop-off, the bus driver can park the bus in our bus parking lot which is located on the east side of the building (follow the driveway around the playground and park by the Conference Center entrance.)
• Once the bus driver has parked, he or she will need to check in with the receptionist to get any updates needed. (i.e. if taking a farm tour, the time to leave and where to meet, lunch drop off)
• Bus drivers do get free admission and are able to enjoy the Farm Wisconsin experience during the time of the field trip.
• Please make sure they know to be at their designated places ten (10) minutes beforehand.

Cars, Vans, Small School Buses

• Please park in the main parking lot and enter through the front, main entrance of Farm Wisconsin. If you are planning on eating lunch here, please park in the bus parking lot near the Conference Center entrance

Timely arrivals are ESSENTIAL. Please plan in advance and do everything possible to arrive on time. Make sure to allow enough travel time to account for weather, traffic, road conditions, etc.

If your group is going to arrive later than your scheduled arrival time, please contact Farm Wisconsin at 920- 726-6000 as soon as possible. All scheduled programs begin at the time stated on your confirmation and contract. Late arrivals may result in the cancellation of discovery center activities (including any labs, programming, movies, and/or tours) without refund regardless to the reason behind the tardiness, even issues with busing. No refunds or credits will be given for missed programming and programming cannot be held or pushed back for groups that arrive late.

Upon arrival, the first question you will be asked is the actual count of how many total students and total adults you have in your group. This is the total amount present at that moment, NOT the amount that you submitted or have paid for. Please be ready to be flexible, noting that some things do occasionally change in the schedule. Having this information will get your group off on the right foot! It is a safety requirement that we know the exact number of people in our building on a particular day, so your field trip cannot begin until we have those numbers. Please come prepared with this exact count ready to relay to our staff.

Please assign your students to your adult chaperones BEFORE your arrival at Farm Wisconsin. Materials and space are only prepared or available for the amount of attendees listed on your confirmation. Please respect this number and split your group up as we have specified in your confirmation materials. Please inform your adult chaperones of group splits and make sure each one knows their group’s schedule for the day. Schedules within the same school/organization may differ depending on programs requested or lunch times available.

Even though our name says Farm Wisconsin, we are a tourist destination. There is no need for barn/old clothes or boots during your visit. You will remain on the bus throughout the tour of the dairy farm. Please wear comfy shoes as we will be moving around a lot!

Farm Wisconsin has a coat rack available to use upon your arrival. You will not be needing them for the dairy farm tour as the bus is warm. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center assumes no liability for lost, stolen, or damages items. Please advise all students and adult chaperones to leave valuable items at home

There is a $10 clean-up fee for groups that wish to eat brought-in lunches at Farm Wisconsin. Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center does have a lunch room available to eat packed COLD lunches. However, you must let us know upon reservation that you will require a lunch time as a time and space must be pre-arranged. Due to the number of seats available in our lunch room, we pre-assign all groups a specific lunch time. Your group may be split up for lunch times based on seating availability and/or programming.

It is a courtesy for us to store lunches and provide help unloading for groups. However, to remain so, we do require assistance from each group in regards to containing their lunches. As such, we will require that all groups who have reserved a lunch time MUST bring their lunches contained in suitable containers labeled with your group name/letter. Such suitable containers include boxes, coolers, laundry baskets, plastic storage totes, etc. No containers will be provided to you.

Due to programming, other scheduling issues, or lunch space capacities, groups my be divided into different lunch times. Thus, we highly suggest groups separate their lunches into separate containers based on lunch times and label those containers with the group letter. When groups arrive, lunches will be collected and stored for your group.

Yes! Our Farm House Store merchandise reminds us of the dedication our Wisconsin farmers have for producing healthy food in a clean and sustainable way. You’ll find a wide variety of farm-themed gifts, toys, and snacks. Whatever you choose, you’ll remember your trip to Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.

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Welcome to the MN Field Trip Library!

This is your best resource for activities & field trips.

The MN Field Trip & Activity Library is a free resource for schools & groups of all types, all sizes and all ages that helps PLANNERS like you find MN’s  BEST  field trips, activities, entertainers, camps and even livestream programs! Plus fundraising programs that can generate needed funding!

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BASE CAMP • NORTHERN STAR SCOUTING

Field Trip Destination for Scout Troops, Schools, Youth Groups and even Corporate Team Building • Click Pic for more info

WILL BJORNDALL, WILL SINGS SONGS

Educational & Entertainment Programs for Schools, Libraries, Scouts & Youth Groups

DAZZLING DAVE, NATIONAL YO-YO MASTER

On Site Performances and Science/Phy Ed Classes – Click pic for more.

THE SCIENCE CREW

Bringing hands-on science experiences directly to you!

BIG ROCK CREEK - ST. CROIX FALLS, WI

Good Ole’ Fashioned Family Fun

SKYROCK FARM & CAROUSEL

Field Trip & Tour Group Destination • Click the pic for more info

MISSISSIPPI PARK CONNECTION

Field Trips on & about the Mississippi River • Click the Pic for more info

SNAPOLOGY OF PLYMOUTH & APPLE VALLEY

Located inside Urban Air Plymouth. For more info, click the pic!

Fundraising Programs Featuring American Products Only! • Click the Pic for more info

STEM Builders Learning Centers

On Site Classes • Summer Camps • Fundraising • Click the pic for more info

OWATONNA AREA ATTRACTIONS

NATIONAL FARMERS BANK – an amazing Owatonnas tour stop! Click the pic for more info.

Teddy Bear Band

Great Music for Kids… around for 35+ years! Click the Pic for more info!

The Museum of Russian Art

Experience TMORA • Click the Pic for more info

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES

Tour Group Destination • Theatre Camps & Workshops • Click the pic for more info

CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE MALL OF AMERICA

Fun and educational field trips for school & youth groups! Click the Pic for more info

TAYLORS FALLS SCENIC BOAT TOURS

Scenic cruise tours & Field Trips for all ages on the spectacular St Croix River.

NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER

Student, Youth & Adult Classes & Programs • Special Eagle Viewing Events • Click the pic for more info

SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

Have Fun at the Tropics Waterpark! Click the pic for more info.

SEA LIFE MALL OF AMERICA®

Field Trip & Tour Group Destination • Click the Pic for more info

HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES by Arn Kind

Customizing On-Site Programs for you • Supporting Minnesota Education Standards • Click the Pic for more info

GERTENS FUNDRAISING

Fundraising for every season. Click the pic for more info.

MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Field Trips & Family Programs • Outreach Programs • Click the Pic for more info

PARADISE CHARTER CRUISES & MINNEAPOLIS QUEEN

Field Trips, Charter Groups, Corporate Events & more… Click Pic for Video

NORTHROP MINNEAPOLIS

Educational Programs and Field Trips Grades 6-12 • Tour Group Performances • Click pic for more

KEVIN HALL - THE MAGIC MANIAC

Magician, Scientist, Teacher, Entertainer • Schools, Youth, Corporate • Click Pic for info

NICKELODEON UNIVERSE® MALL OF AMERICA®

Field Trip & Student Travel Destination • Educational Physics Program • Click the Pic for more info

SIDEKICK THEATRE

Performances for students, youth and adults! Click the Pic for more

INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER

Our WolfLink Virtual Learning Programs are now free to schools. Click here to learn more!

SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM

Offering field trips & tours of music-making through the centuries! Click the pic for more info.

TO FIND IF YOU’RE A DRAWING WINNER, CLICK THIS IMAGE

Did you sign up at a recent conference? Click the pic to see the winners and how to claim your prize if you won!

EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Hours of Interactive, Indoor, Physical Fun!

BRIAN RICHARDS, EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER & MAGICIAN

Educational & Entertainment Programs for Schools, Libraries, Scouts & Youth Groups • Click the Pic for more info

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• GERTENS FUNDRAISING | Fundraise with Gertens Plant Cards!

ANDERSON RACE MANAGEMENT | School 5k Fundraiser

• A TOUCH OF MAGIC | Everyone LOVES Bubble Parties!!!!

TEDDY BEAR BAND | Get Their Attention!

SEALIFE AT MALL OF AMERICA | Come Join Our Turtle Rescue Team!

SIDEKICK THEATRE | Fantastical Fun Musical For All Ages

THE NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER | Eagles Nest Indoor Playground!

DAZZLING DAVE YO-YO MASTER | Students Love Dazzling Dave!

BLUE SUN SODA SHOP | Star Tribune Readers: Best MN Tour!

TRIPLE SHIFT ENTERTAINMENT | Pizza, Shoes & Pop – OH MY!

THE BAKKEN MUSEUM | Interactive exhibits for all ages.

CAN CAN WONDERLAND | Fun Field Trips

WILL SINGS SONGS | Book Now!

PAPA JOHNS TWIN CITIES | Make your next event CHEESY!

NINJA ANYWHERE | We Added More Event Dates!

ORBIT EARTH EXPO | Whole School Astronomy Experience!

APEX LEADERSHIP | Dare to Be Different

KINNI CREEK LODGE & OUTFITTERS | Book spring kayak trips NOW!

HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES | A REVOLUTION to end the School Year

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VISIT OWATONNA | The Owatonna Mystery Tours

PARADISE CHARTER CRUISES | The Best Tours Include a Cruise!

CAN CAN WONDERLAND | Something fun for everyone!

AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT | We bring Laughter to your Group!

RICH & RESISTORS | Music, Joy & Laughter!

SKYROCK FARM AND CAROUSEL | Enjoy the Food, Fun and Magic!

TAYLORS FALLS BOAT TOURS | Absolutely Elvis by Todd Anderson

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

TRIPLE SHIFT ENTERTAINMENT | Pizza, Pins & Pop! Oh My!

DAZZLING DAVE NATIONAL YO-YO MASTER | Dazzling Dave’s Show is Perfect for ALL Generations!

KINNI CREEK LODGE & OUTFITTERS | BOOK SPRING kayak trips NOW!

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | Group Programs & Tours

SAINT PAUL BREWING | On the site of the historic Hamm’s

HOCOKATA TI | Learn About Dakota Culture

ESCAPE ROOM PARTIES | Exercise the BRAIN!

THE MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ART | Experience Surrealist Art at TMORA

NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER | Enjoy SOAR: Spring Hatch in March

HOCOKATA TI | Learn about Dakota Culture!

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Field Trips

Bring your group out to the farm for a tour and engaging discovery lessons and activities., 2023-24 school year field trips.

Zenger Farm Field Trip Inquiries are currently full for the 2023-24 school year. If you would like to join our field trip waitlist in case of last minute openings, please fill out our Field Trip Interest Form below.

Field trips for the 2024-2025 school year will begin being scheduled in early fall 2024.

Thank you for your interest in visiting Zenger Farm! Zenger Farm field trips are for education-based programs. If you are interested in scheduling a field trip, please fill out the following form.

Field trips are for educational groups. If you are interested in corporate or organizational volunteering, teambuilding, or tours, please visit our volunteer page.

Please expect to schedule your field trip date at least two (2) weeks in advance.

Email [email protected] for more information.

When: Field trips are offered Monday through Thursday, from September- Early June.

Group Size: We can generally accommodate up to 60 participants at a time, depending on the type of field trip you are interested in.  If you are hoping to bring out a larger group, we may be able to schedule multiple trips to accommodate you. Field trips will always be a 12:1 ratio with our farm educators. 

Cost: For   student/child groups we offer a sliding scale payment of $5.00-$15.00 per participant, for a typical Farm Tour Field Trip, which includes a check in, game, a farm tour, stewardship project and a closing. Cooking, Herbalism, Nature Craft, & Native Tree field trips are sliding scale $8.00-$20.00. All work and activities will be accessible for the age group and need s.

* One chaperone for every four students is free of charge. Additional chaperones are asked to pay the participant fee.  Exceptions made for participants that need one-to-one support.

Note:  All field trips can include a stewardship component which gives youth a chance to connect with and give back to the land. For field trips that are 2.5-3 hours in length, we like to include an optional 30 minute lunch. We also welcome mixed groups of multiple grade levels.

Year Round Field Trips

Farm tour field trip (preschool - 1st grade).

Our Pre-K through 1st grade farm field trip begins with a farm tour which focuses on connecting kids to the land and helping them to enjoy all the sensory experiences the farm has to offer. This includes feeding our chickens, digging for worms in our worm bins, watching the birds, smelling the herbs, and tasting what delicious things are growing on the farm. We walk around the urban farm fields, explore the wetland and enjoy the children’s garden. We like to include a short break following the tour for groups who wish to bring a snack and take a break at our picnic tables. For the last portion of the trip we will work on a land stewardship project around the farm.

Our all ages farm field trip includes a farm tour in which we dive a little deeper into the science of the farm. We talk about compost and decomposers while playing with red wiggler worms, introduce plant parts while tasting what's growing on the farm, explore the importance of wetlands while playing with the cattails and learn about plant medicine in our First Foods garden full of native plant species. For upper grade levels we also make sure to discuss our various programs at Zenger and how we can all participate in a healthier food system. We make sure to tailor the information, discussion, and tour to include the information that is most relevant to that group. For the last portion of the trip we focus on a land stewardship project that allows students to build a relationship with the land and become involved in the health of the farm ecosystem.

Cooking Field Trip (All ages)

Cooking is such a valuable and important skill for young people to build! This is a hands-on cooking field trip where groups will rotate between stewardship and cooking projects. Half of the group will begin their day in the kitchen making a recipe together using ingredients harvested from the farm. We aim to incorporate culturally relevant foods into our recipes.This is a hands-on opportunity to learn knife skills, build connection, and share stories from the kitchen. The other half will spend the first hour of the day performing a stewardship project as a way to thank the land for the food it’s providing us to cook with. The groups then switch and the other half cooks while those who cooked during the first half work on a stewardship project. We then all eat together and clean up as a team.

All field trips include a stewardship component which gives youth a chance to connect with and give back to the land. For field trips that are 2 hours in length, the stewardship component is one hour. For three hour long field trips the stewardship project is an hour and a half and includes a 30 minute lunch. We also welcome mixed groups of multiple grade levels.

Herbalism Field Trip

This field trip will offer students an entry point into the magical and healing world of plant medicine and herbalism! Students will start their time on the farm with an herb and plant medicine walk/scavenger hunt. They will later harvest herbs from the farm to prepare an herbal product as a group. Trip organizers can choose which herbal product their students will make- either a salve, herbal syrup, tea blend, candles, burning bundles, or kid-friendly tinctures.

Nature Craft Field Trip

This field trip offers students a chance to get creative and comfortable with nature crafting. Nature crafting is the practice of building relationships with nature through crafting! Students begin their time on the farm with a farm tour and scavenger hunt for fallen and/or bountiful beings on the farm to craft with. The group will later spend time crafting. Crafts can range from basket weaving, printmaking, flower pounding, and so much more. Trip organizers can choose ahead of time which nature craft they would like their students to create.

Macrocatch Investigation Field Trip

This field trip offers students a chance to immerse themselves in the wetland at Zenger Farm, and learn the ins and outs of water health and wetland landscapes. Students will begin their time on the farm taking a farm tour, with a focus on the wetland and their relationship to the farm. Later in their day, students will have the opportunity to practice macrocatch in the wetland. Macrocatch is an investigative activity that introduces students to water and ecosystem health, as well as resource preservation. Students will spend time in the wetland doing a critter catch and recording their observations in order to test a hypothesis about the health of the wetland here at Zenger Farm.

Native Trees Field Trip

Here at the farm we are super lucky to work with land that hosts many native trees! From Firs to Cedars to Maples, the farm is home to plenty of amazing elder trees, who have so much to teach us. This field trip introduces students to plant identification, the role of trees in the natural environment, and the different relationships trees have formed with humans and other plant beings. Students will start their time taking a farm tour, with a focus on native and evergreen trees and their relationship to the farm. Later in the day, students will have the opportunity to create their own nature craft inspired by the tree they took most interest in that day.

Pollinator Field Trip

This field trip offers students a chance to learn about how and why to support pollinators. Students will spend time observing pollinators in our farm fields, including honeybee hives and mason bee homes. Students will start their time on the farm taking a farm tour, with a focus on pollinators and their relationship with the farm. Later in their day, students will have the opportunity to inspect an empty beehive and beekeeping equipment, taste local honey and/or honeycomb, and make seed bombs with pollinator-friendly flowers.

Opening Day

Closed Today

November 2019

Make School Cool Again

Field trips and educational experiences.

Offered September 11, 2024 - October 25, 2024

* The Mega Super Slide and the Corn Maze are NOT included in the field trip experience.*

Field Trip sign up will open up in August.   

Learning is an educational adventure on the farm!  Field Trips to Rader Family Farms are a great way to educate children through entertainment. We have designed a fall field trip that is a memorable learning experience for preschool through 4th grade children.  Each year we host around 5,000 school children and their parents from in and around McLean County. We hope you make a trip to the farm part of your learning experience this fall.  

Our fall field trips are 1.5 hour rotations of fun on the farm. Receive an itinerary at check-in and enjoy your day!  

Please make a reservation for your Field Trip on the calendar below.

• Register online at the bottom of this page by selecting a time slot in the calendar. An email confirmation will be sent once your reservation is complete.
• All field trips MUST be paid in full two weeks prior to your field trip date.
• Payment may be made in one of two ways : Come to Admissions during regular farm hours to make payment (check or credit card) and pick up bands OR call the farm (309) 454-6880 ext. 116 to make a credit card payment, then pick up your bands the day of your field trip.  
• If additional wristbands are needed for children, they can be purchased at Admissions the day of the field trip. Please note : We ask that you do your best to get numbers correct and finalize ALL payments prior to the field trip.
• Parents need to pay at Admissions the day of the field trip. Teachers should NOT submit admission payment for their parents.

Things to know regarding Field Trips

• The Mega Super Slide and the Corn Maze are NOT included in a field trip.
• Field trips are intended for those age 3 through 4th grade.
• Field trips begin at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays. No field trips on Mondays or Tuesdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
• You are welcome to play first if you arrive prior to your scheduled start time.
• Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Allow at least 2 hours for your field trip and play time on all the activities.
• Please be at the Round-Up starting point promptly at your designated time. We reserve the right to shorten the field trip of groups that arrive 15 minutes past their start time.
• Dress appropriately for outside weather. Shoes must be worn! Closed-toe shoes are best. Wear jackets, hats, and gloves on cooler days.
• Accessible restroom facilities are available around the farm.
• Water fountains are not available on the farm. ONLY when on a field trip are you allowed to bring drinks. Drinks are available for purchase. A 24-bottle case of water is available for $10. 
• NO OUTSIDE FOOD is allowed on the farm except for scheduled field trips. 
• Please review the Farm Safety Information on our website prior to your visit.

Field Trip admission charges

• No charge for 1 teacher per class.
• No charge for 1 parent/teacher for homeschool groups.
• $12 charge for each child/student.
• $12 charge for additional teachers.
• $12 charge for each parent. No limit on number of parents. 
• Season Passes MAY be used by a parent, sibling or teacher on a field trip.  Season passes may NOT be used by students on a field trip. 
• The Mega Super Slide and Corn Maze are NOT included with a field trip experience. 
• There is no minimum number of children required, but there is a minimum charge of $150 per field trip/per visit . This minimum dollar amount includes admission cost for children and teachers and the picnic area fee.
• Smaller groups may need to be combined with another group to meet the minimum charge for the field trip.
• Full payment is required two weeks prior to  the  field trip and admission bands must be picked up at the farm prior to your visit.
• Once you have paid in full for your group, there are no refunds if the students do not end up coming. Please double check your numbers before paying.
• Cancellations made more than 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the field trip date will receive a refund. There are NO refunds if a field trip is canceled within two weeks of the field trip date.
• In case of rain, Rader Family Farms will make any cancellation decisions the morning of the trip.  Please call that morning if you have questions.  (309) 454-6880 Ext x116.

 The $12 reduced admission fee includes:

A Farm Adventure they won't forget, including:

• Take a tram ride in the pumpkin patch and learn "how does my pumpkin grow."
• Visit the school house to see "what's all the buzz" and watch our digital bee hive.
• Visit the animal barn and "meet the critters."
• Visit the crop circle and learn the "top crops in Illinois."
• Visit the big pizza box and learn "how to grow a pizza on the farm."
• Slide down the Double Barrel Shoot slide; play in the Little Village; bounce on the colorful Jumping Pillow and much more. We have 50 activities to choose from!
• All-day admission pass to all the "farmtastic" adventures at Rader Family Farms. (Apple Blasters and goat cups not included)
• The Mega Super Slide and Corn Maze are NOT included in the field trip experience. 

Additional Field Trip Options (select when booking field trip)

• 50 people or less = $10 fee   
• 51-100 people = $20 fee                                                                                                                      
• 101-150 people = $25 fee
• 151-200 people = $35 fee
• 201-250 people = $45 fee       
• 251-300 people = $55 fee
• Bonfire and sticks:  $30 fee (maximum of 1 hour)
• Pick your own pumpkin from the patch:  $4/pumpkin
• Ranch Hand Special: Two dozen donuts, one gallon apple cider and 24 cups. $35/order
• Goat food:  Purchase goat food for your class to feed the goats during your field trip. You do not need to purchase one for each child. Purchase a few cups to share among your class. $5/Cup
• Case of water:  24 bottles of cold water $10

Teachers: Tips for planning your field trip

As the teacher, you know the needs of your class best. We at Rader Family Farms encourage and expect a student to teacher/chaperone ratio of 5 to 1 or better. This will help us ensure the safety of your children as we are not able to supervise them. You as the teacher will lead. your group around the farm following the itinerary you are giving at check in.  If eating your lunch at the farm, we will unload your coolers in to wagons and park them at your reserved lunch tables. It is then your responsibility to get coolers loaded back on to the bus at departure time.  

• Please bring inhalers, etc., for any child who may have allergies or asthma or may experience difficulties while playing on and around straw or other farm activities. A list of emergency contact phone numbers is always a good idea, too.
• Please remind students and parents that much of the field trip is outdoors and to dress appropriately. We recommend closed-toe shoes, jackets, hats, and gloves for those cool fall days; boots and raincoats if it is rainy or has rained; and play clothes that can get dirty. 
• Please know that our field trip schedules are tight, so we ask that your group arrives at your designated time. We may not be able to accommodate late arrivals.
• Water fountains are   not   available on the farm. When on a field trip, you are allowed to bring drinks or else purchase drinks. A 24-bottle case of water is available for $10. Indicate on the signup form if you would like to purchase water bottles. 
• The Mega-Super Slide and Corn Maze are NOT included in the field trip special pricing. 

How can I ask questions ? [email protected]

Fulper Family Farmstead

Farm Fresh Dairy Products, Farm Events & Farm Adventures

We open our doors to visitors of all ages because we believe in open communication with our customers, on-farm education, and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. During a Farm Tour, you will get the opportunity to navigate our farm including the milking parlor, newborn calf barn, maternity suites, composting program, and renewable solar energy system. Our Farm Tour also includes:

• A Fun, Interactive Tour Guide
• Calf Meet and Greet
• What Goes into Raising Calves and Caring for our Dairy Cows
• Learn about our Family History, Values, and National Award for Sustainability
• Our Farm’s Evolution over the Last Century
• If You’re Lucky, Catch a Glimpse of the Farmers at Work (They are always on the move)

Schedule a Tour

Complete the sign-up form below so we may personalize your visit depending on your groups’ interests. A one hour tour for a group of 1-10 people costs $140 plus tax ($149.28). Reach out for pricing information for your group if larger than 10 people.

281 Rocktown Lambertville Road Lambertville, NJ 08530

Directions: Click Here

Get in Touch

Phone: 609-651-6474

Email: [email protected]

Quick Links

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Field Trip Programming 

Whether you are a traditional school or a homeschool group – Students visiting Learning Tree Farm will enjoy exploring our barns, garden, wooded trails, and Century House in a hands-on and interactive way that meets state standards for life and plant cycle lessons through the following activities:

• Visiting with our sheep, pigs, ponies, goats, cows, ducks, chickens, and more
• Seeing what is growing in our teaching garden and sampling a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs
• Hiking in our woods and fields; take a special trip to the tire swing and observation deck
• Visiting the Century House – an 1800’s era farmhouse
• Playing on the tractors in our outdoor play area as well as climb, balance and explore our nature playscape.
• Bringing a lunch or snack to enjoy in our covered picnic shelter

Programs are held rain or shine. Make sure students have dressed appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities.

Cancellations must be made 14 days in advance of the scheduled program or you may be responsible for 25% of your field trip cost. If possible, your visit may be rescheduled for another date.   Summer Cancellation policy: Cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance or you will lose your deposit.  If possible, deposits may be transferred to another date.  If we cancel your program due to severe weather, we will attempt to reschedule a date convenient to both parties at no additional cost.

EMAIL US  WITH ANY QUESTIONS

CLICK ON ANY OF THE FIELD TRIPS BELOW TO REQUEST YOUR DATE

Spring on the Farm

Education staff guided , developed for prek – fifth grade.

What new animals are at Learning Tree Farm this year? Spring on the farm is a great opportunity to bring your students for a day to a beautiful outdoor classroom. Our friendly livestock will be ready for visitors, including lambs, kids, chicks, piglets, and more!   Our tasting garden is designed to have fresh vegetables ready to taste, touch, and smell in every season and spring brings us lettuce, spinach, peas, and other delicious cold-weather crops.

  Students will learn about the life cycle of a plant and will get to plant a flower of their own to take home. Emphasis is on the growth of plants and animals as we kick off a new season at the farm!

Cost: $10 per student and for chaperones.

Teacher admission is always complimentary!

Summer Farm Adventures

Develop ed for pre-k to fifth, mixed school-aged is permissable.

Summer brings warmer weather, fresh vegetables in the garden, and extra time to enjoy all that the farm has to offer!  In addition to our popular hands-on stations, children will run a farm-themed obstacle course and create a summertime craft to take home.

Deposits are $70 per group. Any remaining balance m ust be paid on the day of the visit.

Autumn on the farm, education staff guided,   developed for prek – fifth grade.

Fall means pumpkins, cooler weather, and an opportunity to see the farm as we prepare for winter. Students will play our popular Pumpkin Scramble Game and choose a pumpkin to take home. Gross motor skills are emphasized as children jump over hay bales, swing on ropes, take a turn on the tire swing and run across our 10-acre hayfield. 

As with all our field trip programs, hands-on activities are emphasized throughout your visit as you meet our calm, friendly livestock, taste, touch, and smell the fall vegetables and herbs and hike our wooded trail. (There is a tire swing in the woods that is a popular destination!)

Cost includes a pumpkin for each child!

The Ohio Pioneer Experience

Live the history of ohio during the 1800s .

Program offered in the Spring and Fall Only

DEVELOPED FOR THIRD-FIFTH GRADE

Hands-on activities throughout the day will give the students a sense of farm life for Ohio pioneers as they work with our staff at multiple stations. Students will use authentic 19th-century tools, including corn shellers, wheat grinders, and washtubs. They will also discover Ohio’s Native American influence through the story of “The Three Sisters”, grinding corn, and hiking through the woods to find Indian symbols. As a special treat, students will make their own butter!

As with all staff-led field trips, we will visit with our calm, friendly livestock as we discuss their importance to the survival of the pioneers and their importance in our lives today. We will also taste, touch, and smell the vegetables in our gardens as we again compare the gardens of the 1800s with gardens today.

Homeschool Days

The Farm hosts Homeschool Days, a day especially for homeschooler’s in our community. Themes will vary but are always full of hands-on fun for a wide range of ages.

As with all our regular field trip programs, hands-on activities are emphasized throughout your visit as you meet our calm, friendly livestock, taste, touch, and smell what’s going on in our gardens and hike our wooded trail. (There is a tire swing in the woods that is a popular destination!)

( Homeschool groups of 12+ students are always welcome to schedule their own privately guided field-trip day )

Cost: $10 per student 

$8 per adult, 2 years old and under are free!  

REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2024 HOMESCHOOL DAY OPEN APRIL 1st.

CLICK HERE to join us Friday, June 7th from 10am-1pm

Stories Alive

Developed for second – fifth grade, can accommodate k-first grade with adjustments.

Come visit the Learning Tree Farm where stories really come to life! Whether it’s your book club, homeroom class, grade level or an all-school-read, see the farm as you never have before, through the eyes and ideas of some of your favorite stories. This field trip experience will provide a unique look at the characters and themes of your chosen title while visiting all of our favorite farm spots along the way. We are always looking for new Stories Alive titles to add to our library, so please reach out to us if you have an idea for a book that isn’t listed below but would really come “alive” on the farm!

Stories Alive Library Titles Ready to Choose From…

Charlotte’s Web, BY: E.B. White

Marty McGuire Digs Worms, BY: Kate Messner

The Birchbark House, BY: Louise Erdrich

Would you like the Farm to come to you?

Visit the ltf comes to you page for more information.

Field Trips

A field trip to 1870 Farm is a fun and educational addition to the school year! 

A field trip at 1870 Farm offers a hands on experience where students will come face to face with a goat and get their hands dirty in our garden all while learning the importance of agriculture. 

Perfect for preschool, elementary, and homeschool groups- our field trips are rotational based and include a farm tour, access to animal pens, and a lesson that can be catered to any curriculum or grade level.  We also offer hayrides and gem mining for an additional fee.

When are tours available?

We schedule field trips seven days per week and can adjust the start time to fit your needs.

How long does a field trip take?

Our field trip programming typically takes between 1-2 hours, depending on your group's size and agenda for the day.  Your group is welcome to stay on the farm and explore independently after your rotations.

Do you have a place to eat lunch?

Our large barn and patio are the perfect place for a picnic lunch we ask that no glass is brought to the farm.

How much do your field trips cost?

Our prices vary depending on your needs and the staff required. When you speak with our coordinator, we can customize a rate and your farm experience.

What does your field trip include?

Our field trips include a guided walking tour of the farm, access to our petting zoo, and a hands-on lesson that is personalized to your curriculum and standards.

What happens if it rains on our field trip day?

1870 Farm runs field trips, rain or shine.  In the event of adverse weather we are happy to reschedule your group.

Any questions can be sent to Info@1870farm.  We look forward to having your group on the farm!