Field Trips
at Hidden Valley Orchards
For Grades Pre-K to Grade 5
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Explore, Learn, and Grow on the Farm
At Hidden Valley Orchards, a working farm in Lebanon, Ohio, we invite students to roll up their sleeves and dive into the wonders of farm life. Our field trips offer a fun, hands-on learning experience where elementary students can connect with nature and discover the amazing ecosystems that make our farm thrive. Through two exciting field trip units, students will have the chance to explore farm life in an interactive way:​​​​​
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Baby Animals & Apple Blossoms
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What's in a Pond?
Developed in accordance with Ohio’s Learning Standards, Hidden Valley Orchards’ field trips provide an educational foundation for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5. Through observation and exploration, students will deepen their understanding of essential scientific concepts such as plant and animal interactions, life cycles, ecology, and environmental stewardship.
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Each field trip includes multiple hands-on learning stations led by our friendly and knowledgeable Field Trip Guides, ensuring an engaging and enriching experience. To help educators prepare, we provide downloadable lesson plans and teacher resource packets, making it easy to support student learning both before and after the visit.
Field Trip Units (Designed for different age levels Pre-K to Grade 5)
Baby Animals & Apple Blossoms
Available for Students Pre-K to Grade 5
In this hands-on field trip, students will explore the essential relationships between plants, animals, and their environments on the farm. They'll have the opportunity to observe baby farm animals, learn about their healthy development, and learn about the life cycle of apple trees, from blossoms to fruit. Students will also discover how seasonal changes impact plant growth and how pollinators, such as bees, play a crucial role in this process.
Grade-Level Learning Objectives
Developed in accordance with Ohio’s Learning Standards for science, the Baby Animals and Apple Blossoms field trip offers age-appropriate lessons for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5. These lessons cover essential topics such as the needs of living organisms, plant growth, and the relationships between plants, animals, and their environment.​
For a detailed breakdown of how the lesson plans are customized for each grade level, check out the Grade-Level Lesson Plan Overview for Baby Animals and Apple Blossoms.
What's in a Pond?
Available for Students Grade 3 to Grade 5
This exciting field trip allows students to explore the ecosystems within ponds. They’ll observe various life forms that thrive in these habitats, such as frogs, fish, and insects, and learn about their roles within the pond ecosystem. Students will also explore the water cycle and discover how seasonal changes affect the pond environment.
Grade-Level Learning Objectives
Developed in accordance with Ohio’s Learning Standards, our What’s in a Pond? field trip offers age-appropriate lessons for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5. Students will investigate ecosystems, explore the physical properties of water and pond life, and discover the interconnectedness of living things within their environment.
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For a detailed breakdown of how the lesson plans are customized for each grade level, check out the Grade-Level Lesson Plan Overview for What's in a Pond?
Teacher Resource Packets
To ensure that teachers have excellent resources to provide their students with the best possible learning experience, we offer downloadable Teacher Resource Packets for each field trip. These packets include:
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Pre-field trip and post-field trip lesson plans tailored to individual grade levels
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Guided and independent activity sheets for classroom engagement
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Additional resources and ideas to enhance the learning experience
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Each resource packet is customized for the specific grade level and theme, ensuring that teachers have everything they need to effectively teach and prepare their students for their field trip to the farm. These resources are designed to deepen students' understanding before and after the trip, ensuring they get the most out of their time at Hidden Valley Orchards.
Why Choose Hidden Valley Orchards For Your Farm Field Trip?
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Hands-on Learning on the Farm: Our field trips bring science to life through direct observation and exploration in the farm’s natural environment.
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Aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards: Each field trip is designed to meet educational standards and enrich students’ understanding of scientific concepts.
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Teacher Resources: We provide comprehensive Teacher Resource Packets with lesson plans, activity sheets, and resources to support both pre-field trip and post-field trip learning.
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Engagement with Nature: Students will develop a deeper appreciation for ecosystems, biodiversity, and the environment while having fun on the farm.
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Ideal for All Elementary Grade Levels: We offer age-appropriate lessons and experiences for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Ready to Bring Your Class to the Farm for a Day of Fun and Learning?
We’re excited to welcome your students to Hidden Valley Orchards! Start the fun by filling out the form below to book your field trip. We can’t wait to share our farm with your class and create an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience together!
For more information or questions about our field trips, feel free to contact us! mary@hiddenvalleyorchards.com
Field Trip FAQ
How do we book a field trip?
Ready to visit us at Hidden Valley Orchards? Simply fill out the booking form on our website or give us a call or email. We’ll help you pick the perfect field trip and lock in your spot for a fun-filled day on the farm!
Do we need to worry about parking or arrival instructions?
No worries! We have plenty of parking for buses and cars. When you arrive, just check in at our welcome center, and we’ll direct you to where the fun begins!
Can homeschool groups book a field trip?
Yes, absolutely! We welcome homeschool groups to visit Hidden Valley Orchards for a fun and educational field trip. Homeschool groups are welcome to book just like any other group by filling out the booking form on our website or reaching out to us via phone or email.
What if the weather isn’t great on field trip day?
Rain or shine, we’re here to make sure your field trip is a success! Many of our activities take place under cover, and if the weather’s really bad, we’ll reach out ahead of time to discuss options.
Are teachers, parent chaperones, and bus drivers free?
Yes! Teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff are free of charge. Parent chaperones and siblings are welcome to join too at the same rate as students. Bus drivers are also our guests and join free!
Do we provide food during the field trip?
We don’t provide meals, but feel free to pack a picnic lunch or snacks! We have designated areas where students can take a break and refuel for more farm adventures.
How long is a field trip?
Our field trips typically last 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time for hands-on learning, exploring, lunch, and playtime. It’s a jam-packed day of farm fun!
Will students have time for free play?
Absolutely! After all the learning, students can burn off some energy in our activity yard. They’ll have time to explore farm-themed activities and enjoy the outdoors.
What's the cost for a field trip?
Is the field trip accessible for all students?
Yes! We want every student to have an enjoyable experience. Our farm is wheelchair accessible, and we can accommodate students with special needs. Please let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure everything is set up.
Is there a limit to how many students can come on a field trip?
To preserve an exceptional learning experience, we limit our field trips to 250 students per day.
Field trip pricing is $10 per student.
What should students wear?
We recommend comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes for walking and exploring the farm. It’s also a good idea to wear layers in case the weather changes, and sunscreen is a must on sunny days!