Field Trips

Field Trips at the Farmhouse

Tour Agenda:

•  Welcome & Storytime - 30 min

•  Equipment Tour - 20 min (photos on tractor as available)

•  Store Tour - 10 min. (snack provided)

•  Upick Berries – 25 min.

•  Optional Lunch* or Departure

(*The Farmhouse can provide group lunches for $8 per person for 4” Cuban sandwich, chips and drink) If more than 2/3 group brings your own lunches, a $25 per table fee will be assessed per hour – tables seat approx. 10-12 people)

Do your little ones think that their food is made in the grocery store? It’s time to take the next generation back to the farm, and The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms welcomes school groups, daycares and VPK programs to learn firsthand about the importance of local farming.

The Farmhouse is surrounded by more than 100 acres of strawberry fields, pasture and natural Florida beauty, and is a safe, hands-on field trip opportunity. Farm family and staff lead interactive, age-appropriate tours on strawberry life cycles, farm equipment, harvest practices and more. Groups are treated to stories about “Sara the Seedling” and her adventures on the farm. Children are allowed to safely examine farm tractors and implements used in the strawberry operation. A walking tour includes time dedicated to picking their own strawberries (weather and season permitting) and learning about the plants and how they are harvested.

“Brax loved getting to pick the strawberries, sit on the tractor and listen to the cute story Ms. Dixie read about how strawberries grow,” said Lauren Herold, who joined her 3-year-old son’s preschool field trip. “The whole experience was so special and joyful, we are very thankful we got to do it!”

From late December through mid-March, pre-K through 5 th grade groups can schedule farm tours for up to 40 students (weekdays only). The tours typically last about two hours, and groups can access the large, covered porch for lunches upon request.

Tour costs start at $9 per participant which includes snack (cookie or ice cream cone)

and 1 lb of Upick berries. Catered group lunches can be arranged for additional fees.

Chaperone requirements vary per age group. For more information on field trips,

contact Dixie Gillman, General Manager, 813.967.4146.