What days and times are available to schedule a field trip?
Most school days during September, October, and November — Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM. We do not book tours on Mondays or Fridays.
How much does a field trip cost?
There are no charges or fees for children visiting as part of a pre-scheduled public, private, or home school field trip, and qualifying in numbers (35 or more students).
Are there age restrictions?
Cider Mill field trips work best for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade ages. Most Pre-K and Kindergarten ages, and some 4th and 5th grade students, also enjoy their visit. Home school groups are welcome as well.
How long is a Cider Mill field trip?
Typically, no more than 45 minutes.
What if we don’t have 35 people in our group?
If your group is smaller than 35 people, it may be possible to find another class to schedule a trip with you. Also, our facility is set up in such a way that a group can walk through and see what we are doing at any time, though one is not guaranteed to see cider being pressed. Our doughnuts are made on an as needed basis as well, though new batches are made often. Fresh cider is always available in our store for sampling, and anyone can down load a copy of our coloring book.
What will we see and do?
A guide will lead students around the Cider Mill starting with a peek through the kitchen window where doughnuts, pies, breads and other goods are made fresh daily. Along the way students see, first hand, apples being selected, chopped, spread into layers of “cheezes”, and squeezed by the Mill’s big press into premium cider. Our tours conclude where everyone samples a cup of fresh cider and an old-fashioned doughnut. Teachers may download a copy of the Cider Mill Coloring Book for students to color if they choose, to help them recall the importance of apples and apple-cider in America’s history. All are encouraged to walk through the Cider Mill Farmstand with its ever-changing varieties of apples, flowers, pumpkins, gourds and other fall delights.
Do adults in the group get cider and a doughnut, too?
Absolutely. And don’t forget your bus driver!
Can we buy Cider Mill goodies while we are there?
Many groups do, but it’s wise to consider that not all students are prepared with extra money, and you may wish to restrict “extra goodies” to the adults.
Can you accommodate the disabled/impaired?
Wide doors and ramps provide easy accessibility. Ample and handicap restrooms are available.
The goal of our school field trips is to keep an interest alive in all things healthy for body, mind, and soul, including the traditions of apple growing, cider-making, and harvesting the gifts of the seasons.
