School Tours
School children are very special to us, and we are happy to help them learn about how the apple trees grow. Children on the tour see how the orchard works to produce healthy fruit, and enjoy an instructive walk through part of the orchard. Most days, the children have an opportunity to visit with the picking crew.
Is there a right way to pick an apple? You bet-you twist the apple so you avoid jarring loose other apples that are not ready to pick. You'll be surprised how many kids will go home and share this trick with their parents.
The children see different varieties of apples, and learn that some are tart, and some are sweet, some are crunchy, and some are not. They also learn about a variety of products made from apples, including jams, jellies, deserts, applesauce, and, of course, apple cider.
Every tour groups sees how we wash the apples, sort them, and select some for munching, and some for the cider press. "Eww..." is a favorite expression when they see what 2,500 lbs of pressure can do to a pile of apples.
Children will also see our walk-in cold storage (the "really big refrigerator") where we may be storing up to 35 different varieties of apples, plus apple cider and other apple and peach products.
At the end of the tour in the orchard store, the "Apple Express" will bring a hearty farewell to the children, running round the track high above their heads. Each child also receives a coloring book, a coupon for a fresh donut in our shop, and the class will take home a basket of apples.
Classes may purchase additional cider, apples, donuts and other treats, or they are welcome to bring a lunch with them, which can be enjoyed in our tension-fabric apple dome, rain or shine.
School tours cost $1.75 per student and siblings, or $3.50 each to also play on the inflatable train and to use lunch areas. Teachers and adult escorts are free. Openings for school tours usually fill rapidly, so we'd encourage you to book your tour soon. Call (989) 453-2851, or click here to register online.