Farm 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.

Pineland Farms requests that all groups over 10 participants contact the education department via the group visit sign-up form to reserve a date for their visit. Visit requests are processed in the order received and we do our best to reply to all requests within 5-7 business days. Group visits are often booked several months in advance and we may not be able to accommodate your requested date.

Pineland Farms’ group visits are offered year-round, Tuesday through Thursday and typically last 1-2 hours. Morning visits can start between 9:30-10:30 and afternoon visits can start between 1:00-2:00. Friday-Monday visits and extended timeframes are available on a limited basis. Group Visits are available to guests of all ages from pre-school to adults. Programs can be modified, within reason, to meet the curriculum and/or experiential needs of your group. Group Visit experiences may vary due to the unpredictable nature of working with animals.

If you are interested in other group gatherings at Pineland, follow these links: Weddings & Events or Recreational Group Events.

Fees:
Guided group visits are $7 per participant.
Staff are admitted free of charge. Adult chaperones are not limited by Pineland Farms but are considered participants and therefore are $7 each. We grant one free chaperone for every 10 participants.

Self-Guided group visits are $6 per participant.
Staff are admitted free of charge. Adult chaperones are not limited by Pineland Farms but are considered participants and therefore are $6 each. We grant one free chaperone for every 5 participants.

If you select a program add-on there is an additional fee depending on your selection.

A limited number of scholarships are available for non-profit organizations. Along with filling out the group-visit sign up form, a letter on official organization letterhead should be submitted to education@pinelandfarms.org detailing your scholarship needs and how a visit to the farm will benefit your group.

Cancellations Policy: All group visits take place rain or shine, with the exception of 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, we cannot guarantee a refund.

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 lower attendance on the day of your visit.

Group Visit Programs

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

MULTI-SEASON: NOVEMBER – EARLY AUGUST

2-hour Self-Guided Tour (All Ages)

Embark on a delightful journey through our farm with a self-guided tour. This experience offers you the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the farm, explore all the open spaces, and meet our wonderful animals at your own pace.

Farmyard Exploration (All Ages)

Come with us on a guided tour of our farmyard for a unique experience to delve into the essential roles that farm animals play in our everyday 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.

Discover Pineland (6th Grade to Adults)

Join us for a guided driving tour (in your bus or van) around the Pineland Campus. We will discover what Pineland is today while touching on the 100+ year history of the campus. The tour will include opportunities to get out and explore in our Family Farmyard and other seasonally available locations.

Our 24-passenger trolley is available on a limited basis, inquire on request from in “Special Accommodations” box.

Autumn: Mid August – October

2-hour Self-Guided Tour w/Corn Maze (All Ages)

Explore and get lost at Pineland Farms! In addition to the regular 2 Hour Self-Guided Farm tour, our 5-acre corn maze is ready to twist and turn you around. While you wander, allow yourself to be captivated by the changing of the seasons at Pineland Farms.

Winter: January – March

Winter Wonderland (Kindergarten to 5^th Grade)

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, and/or tracking skills. Some activities are snow-dependent.

Magnificent Maple (Kindergarten to Adults)

Dive into the fascinating world of maple syrup production with us! Participants will engage in hands-on activities, allowing them to tap into their curiosity as they learn about the process of harvesting sap from maple trees and turning it into delicious syrup. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through every step; from tree tapping to boiling and bottling.

Spring: May – July

Pond Exploration (PreK to 3^rd Grade)

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 (Kindergarten to 5^th Grade)

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 (Kindergarten to 5^th Grade)

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.