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We have a new process for field trips this year!

We are now asking ALL GROUPS to prepay by September 15th. We will send you an email invoice after your trip is booked, and kindly ask that payment is submitted by September 15th.  We can accept payment via Credit Card, Check, or Cash (delivered in person - please don't mail cash!) We will send you with a pumpkin and a Happy Acres Activity Sticker for any children that are unable to attend so they can come at a later date. This will help us immensely to streamline the check-in process.

FIELD TRIPS

 

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​We have been selected to be the exclusive regional site to host the nationally recognized "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" program. This adventure offers a great lesson with a message about accepting and appreciating the differences in all of us. Children will learn Spookley's story as they walk through the Spookley Storybook Trail. The story of Spookley promotes diversity and discourages bullying.

October is both National Bullying Prevention Month and National Farm to School Month. Our Storybook Trail is a great opportunity for educators to tie the field trip into a larger curriculum that focuses on bullying prevention and/or local foods and farming. Spookley is the “Official Spokes-Pumpkin” for National Bullying Prevention Month through a partnership with the National Bullying Prevention Center.

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Teacher Self Guided Field Trips - $15 per child
25 child minimum morning time slot (10:15 a.m.)
15 child minimum early afternoon time slot (1 p.m.)
10 child minimum late afternoon time slot (3:30 p.m.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Teachers: After payment for your group is received, we will e-mail you with a .pdf file that includes a 15 page packet of reproducible coloring sheets and classroom materials.​​​  You will be sent .pdf format leaders and teachers guides as well.


 

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Cost is $15 per participating child and includes a small palm sized pumpkin.  Siblings in strollers or carried by adults may attend at no charge. All other siblings attending will need to pay the $15 fee.

There is no charge for teachers or chaperones.


We also have Spookley Story Books and Spookley Plush available inside the farm market for purchase. Dates are booked on a first come first served basis. We offer morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon visits.

Morning visits - 10:15 a.m. - have a $375 or 25 child minimum.
Early afternoon visits - 1:00 p.m. - have an $225 or 15 child minimum.
Late afternoon visits - 3:30 p.m. - have an $150 or 10 child minimum.
Please note - minimums will be enforced!

Groups of smaller than 10 children should plan their
visit on a Saturday or a Sunday.

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All field trips will be self-guided. Teachers will check in on arrival and will give you a packet that contains 2 Sharpies, and admission stickers for the number of children you paid for.  If there are any siblings that want to attend, they MUST come inside and purchase an admission sticker BEFORE the start of their farm tour designated time. Activities will include: A visit with the farm animals, Fort Polliwog Maze, Tractor Tire Garden, Spookley Storybook Trail, Laundry House, Egg Gathering, Farmer's Market, Buckaroo Cafe, Sand Trough, Lemonade Stand, Corn Bin, etc.

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At the conclusion teachers will help their students choose a small palm sized pumpkin in the field trip pumpkin patch.

This tour does not include a snack or a formal talk. Each tour lasts about 1 hour, 1-1/2 hours if you stay for a snack or pariticipate in additional activities. Groups are welcome to bring a snack. If you are having a snack please bring your own disinfectant hand gel and plan on taking any left over lunch packaging trash you bring home with you. (pack it in - pack it out)

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We ask that you have 1 chaperone on hand for each 5 children to ensure a safe visit for your group.  We want everyone to have a good time, but we respectfully ask that you ask any volunteer chaperones to know that they will be expected to "chaperone", and to avoid chatting during our farm orientation at the beginning of your tour. 

 

Dates and Times:

 

October pre-school and school-age children field trips are offered on weekdays throughout October.  Morning tours begin at 10:15 a.m., early afternoon tours begin at 1:00 p.m. We can also book late afternoon tours at 3:30 p.m. 

The calender below is updated regularly. Please view for available dates.​​​​​

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Morning visits - 10:15 a.m. - have a $375 or 25 child minimum.
Early afternoon visits - 1:00 p.m. - have an $225 or 15 child minimum.
Late afternoon visits - 3:30 p.m. - have an $150 or 10 child minimum.
Please note - minimums will be enforced!

Groups of smaller than 10 children should plan their visits on a Saturday or a Sunday.

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We ask that your group arrive on time as a courtesy to other guests that may be coming later in the day.
 

We suggest that children wear long pants and closed toe shoes.  (Seating is on hay bales and pumpkin plants can be prickly!) We have portable restroom facilities, a hand wash area and picnic tables on site. We are located directly off of Highway 46 West for convenient access.  We have a large parking area that can easily accommodate school buses.
 

Please note:  As the tour is outdoors, we are fully exposed to weather.  Significant rain will necessitate canceling and rescheduling your tour.  Please give us at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel your tour for reasons other than weather.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Please call 805-239-1915 if you would like to schedule a 2025 Field Trip for your group.  We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.   
        

We feel honored to have the opportunity to share our way of life with your students and families. Small family farms are fast disappearing in today’s global marketplace.  We are striving to educate young people about the value of wholesome fresh foods, and the many benefits agriculture brings to our community.

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Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Spookley Book Cover
2025-field-trip-calendar.jpg
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Kids playing on our wooden train
The hay stack is a great photo op

                            PUMPKIN SEASON FIELD TRIPS

ALL GROUP VISITS must be scheduled in advance.

We will send you an invoice at the time of scheduling and we request payment by September 15th to hold your spot.

Unannounced groups will NOT be allowed access to our
"Happy Acres" activity area if a field trip is in session!

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in October
are available for field trip reservations.

Tractor Tire Garden
Field Trip Learning
Pumpkin the Bunny
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