Group Visits

As our culture in southern Maine shifts to an increasingly urban and suburban way of life, it is more important than ever to emphasize the vital role of agriculture and to foster the appreciation of our natural surroundings. We invite you and your group (of any kind or age) to join us for a visit on the farm.

Please keep scrolling to review our group visit program offerings and fill out this form to sign-up.

Click here to inquire about Weddings & Events or Recreational Group Events.

GROUP VISIT

SIGN-UP

If you do not see an option below that meets your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our education department to design the perfect visit for your group. education@pinelandfarms.org


Group Visit Programs

(groups of 10 or more)

Our programs are presented seasonally.


Multi-Season

(November – August)

2-hour Self-Guided Tour (all ages)

Prepare to be enchanted at Pineland Farms, where you can come face-to-face with our magnificent Holstein herd while exploring our three distinctive dairy barns. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit our Family Farmyard and meet an assortment of charming farm animals. –  $6 per person

Dairy Discovery (pre-K – adult)

Join us for a hands-on journey through our working dairy barns. While exploring our barns you will interact with our Holstein cows and enjoy a behind the scenes look at dairy farming. Our Dairy Discovery curriculum can be extended to include genetics, heredity and sustainability for grades middle school and up.

Farmyard Exploration (pre-K – adult)

Come with us on a guided tour of our farmyard to explore the vital role farms play in our lives. You’ll have hands-on opportunities to safely interact with a variety of farm animals, observe their contributions to the farm, and get to know their big personalities.

Pineland Farms Tour (ages 9 – adult)

During your tour of Pineland Farms, you will examine the role of agriculture in Maine’s economy, visit our dairy and poultry operations and get a chance to meet the animals that provide so much of the food we consume daily.

Pineland’s Past (ages 11 – adult)

The 100-plus year history of the Pineland Campus encourages us to reflect on the changing perspectives of society regarding the education, care, and social development of individuals with disabilities. The group visit will consist of a driving tour (on your bus or in personal cars) of the Pineland Campus, as well as visits to the Pineland Cemetery and Malaga Island Memorial. This program pairs well with the reading of ‘Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy’ by Gary D. Schmidt, a work of historical fiction that explores the history of Malaga Island and its residents.

Autumn

(September and October)

Veterans in corn maze

2-hour Self-Guided Tour w/Corn Maze

Get ready for an amazing experience at Pineland Farms! In addition to our year-round attractions, our 5-acre corn maze is ready to twist and turn you around. The pumpkin patch is also open, with pumpkins available for an additional fee. While you wander, allow yourself to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of this season at Pineland Farms.

Or, make it a 4-hour experience by adding 2 hours at the Outdoor Fitness Center.
2-hour self-guided tour w/ corn maze
As described above.

AND

2 hours of open gym/lawn games at the Pineland Farms Outdoor Fitness Center

  • $11 per person

Winter

(as conditions allow)

Winter Wonderland (Grades K-5)

Explore and discover the beauty and wonder of Maine’s winter. You will learn how to be a winter wildlife detective in our cozy classroom before heading outside to practice your skills while learning about woodland creatures, winter survival, snow science, or tracking skills.

Spring

(mid-April – mid-June)

Pond Exploration (ages 3-5)

Step into the captivating world around the pond as we embark on a quest to uncover the fascinating world of amphibious creatures. Immerse yourself in their natural habitat and prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with wonder and discovery!

Habitat is Home (ages 5 and up)

Animals, insects, and plants have specific habitats, from ponds to forests. We will use nets, cups, and buckets to catch, identify, and release pond organisms. Additionally, we’ll take a brief hike through the woods to compare the forest habitat and observe insect life in the fields. This hands-on experience will help students develop better observation skills, learn about different habitats, and have fun exploring the pond, woods, and fields at Pineland Farms.

From Seed to Harvest (ages 3 and up)

We are excited for you to roll up your sleeves and experience the Produce Department at Pineland Farms.  You will learn about what seeds need to grow, explore the different parts of a plant, and experience the various cycles on a farm here in Maine through fun games and activities. (also available during summer months)

Program Additions

Butter Making – $2 per participant

Ice Cream Making – $2 per participant

*Cheese – $7 per block


Pineland Farms’ group visits are offered year-round, Tuesday through Thursday and last between 1 and 2 hours. Other days are available on a limited basis. Group Visits are available to guests of all ages from pre-school to adults. School-age guests will participate in activities that address grade level Next Generation Science Standards while adults enjoy trips tailored to their needs.

Each program can be modified to meet the curriculum and/or experiential needs of your group. Group Visit experiences may vary due to the nature of a working farm.

Pineland Farms requests that all school groups contact the education department vis the group visit sign-up form to reserve a date for your visit.

FEES:
There is a $7.00 fee per student/per program.
Teachers are admitted free of charge. One adult chaperone is admitted free with every 10 students, the fee for additional chaperones is $7 per person unless noted otherwise (subject to availability). Limited scholarships are available, please send a written request on your organization’s letterhead to education@pinelandfarms.org.

Cancellation Policy: All group visits take place rain or shine. We will cancel during thunderstorms, school snow days and severe weather. If you need to cancel your field trip for any reason a one-week notice is required. If you cancel after this time you will be billed for the cost of your trip.

Confirmation and Directions: Upon confirmation of your reservation you will receive an email that will contain directions to where you will meet your educators, a letter for all chaperones who plan to attend and an invoice for your upcoming visit. We are a large facility, please review these directions and provide them to anyone who is driving to the farm on the day of your trip.

Changing your Group Size: Additional participants’ admittance is not guaranteed and is dependent on space and staff availability. If space is available, additional participants will be charged applicable program per person.

If your group size changes after you make your reservation, you must notify us at least one week prior to your visit. Contact the Pineland Farms Education Department at 207.650.3031 or education@pinelandfarms.org. There are no refunds for dropped numbers on the day of your visit.