Homeschool Days on the Farm

Homeschool Days at the Back 40 are a great way to bring your homeschool groups to enjoy the farm. We offer a fun and educational farm experience where students learn about our orchard, crops, and daily farm operations through an engaging presentation. Afterward, they get to explore and play in the Back 40. Apple picking is also provided—when available*—or receive a fresh apple from our harvest. It’s a hands-on way to learn about agriculture while enjoying time outdoors! *Apple picking is not always available depending on the dates of harvest and crop size.

Purchase Tickets Here

Why Come on a Homeschool Day?

To better serve our homeschool families, we've created special days designed specifically with your needs in mind!

During our regular weekday tours, we typically host preschools and elementary school groups. These tours are focused more on the educational experience and, due to staffing and scheduling limitations, do not include full access to our Back 40 play area.

However, we’ve found that homeschool families often appreciate both the educational component and the opportunity for more extended playtime. That’s why, on designated Homeschool Days, your family will get the full Back 40 experience—a perfect blend of learning and fun!

Please Note:
If you book a group tour on a day that is not a Homeschool Day, your visit will include limited access to the Back 40 and cannot be upgraded to the full playtime experience. Due to the number of groups we accommodate, we are no longer able to make exceptions or customize tours on standard school tour days.

Dates and Pricing: October 9th, October 10th, and October 24th. Cost: $6/person ages 3 and up. Ages 2 and under are free.

Hours are 9:30 am - 2 pm.

All guests will be required to leave the Back 40 at 2 pm. So make sure to come early enough to enjoy your time here!

What to expect during your visit:

  • Arrive at the barn (make sure to come early enough to enjoy all the Back 40 has to offer!)
  • Scan your tickets at the ticket booth.
  • Wait for the next wagon to take you to the Back 40. Wagons come about every 10-15 minutes.
  • Note: Due to a short crop from spring frost we won't be able to provide apple picking or an apple this year.
  • Next Stop...The Back 40! We provide an educational presentation under the big pavilion every hour on the hour. At 10 am, 11 am, Noon, and 1 pm. You can attend any one that you choose (you don't have to attend if your group just wants to play).
  • Playtime (See rules and expections)
  • Last Stop...Back to the Barn. Grab your donut as you load the wagon, and then head back to the Barn.

Back 40 Rules

Follow the directions and rules for each attraction. In addition, please observe the following:

  • Read carefully and follow all posted rules at all the attractions.
  • Guests are not allowed in the orchard. Please stay within the Back 40 grassy area.
  • Guests are allowed in the corn maze but need to be out and ready to load before 2 pm. We aren't able to check the maze to make sure everyone is out, you don't want to miss the last wagon to the Barn!
  • Apples at the apple cannon are not for human consumption and should not be eaten.
  • Do not feed the animals.
  • After entering the Barnyard, all guests need to wash their hands.

Failure to follow the rules of the Back 40 could result in you being asked to leave. Thank you for following the rules!

Slide image
Slide image

Consider this

What to bring:

As you prepare to join us for the Homeschool Day you may want to bring:

  • Appropriate footwear and clothing. While the back 40 is groomed, it is an outdoor event and exposed to the elements. Most paths are dirt or gravel and may become uneven and/or muddy. Please plan your clothing and footwear accordingly.
  • Portable restrooms are available in the Back 40. Hand washing stations are located by the Barnyard.
  • Bring your own water. We have potable water to refill bottles in the Back 40.
  • Lunch and snacks. Feel free to bring lunches and snacks into the Back 40.
  • Leave your pets at home. To maintain the comfort level of all our guests, we ask that you leave your pets at home. Service animals are welcome.

Where to go:

Check in at the Ticket Booth to redeem your tickets if purchased online (you may purchase tickets the day of the event but please purchase online if possible so we know about how many people are coming). Wagons arrive at the barn every 15 minutes to take you to the Back 40..

You made it!

Enjoy your time at the Back 40. If you have questions, or need help please contact the Red Barn and ask for Megan or Paden.

Singe day and festival Passes can be purchased here.