Taking a school trip to a local farm is the perfect way to teach kids where our food comes from and many other important life lessons. From milking cows to picking apples off of a tree, experiencing farm life first hand will give kids a new found appreciation for how hard people work to put food on our table each day.

Many things to learn at a local farm

There are so many things that students can learn at a local farm. Though there might be a bit of planning involved to get all your students on the same page for their field trip, once all of that work is out of the way all that you’ll have to do is board the bus and head out into the field to see what kind of adventure you can find!

At Switzer-Carty Transportation, we proudly transport children from our school communities to educational trip destinations year-round. If you’re a school administrator stuck for ideas, call our charter bus trip department and we’ll be happy to share the most popular destinations for learning and provide a quick quote!

Great teaching at farms can include:

  • Where food comes from, whether that’s meat, eggs, milk, grains, fruit or vegetables
  • What kind of process different foods undergo to grow from seed/baby to something we can get nourishment from
  • How to collect things like milk and eggs from the farm animals
  • What kind of chores are involved with living on a farm
  • The hard work and responsibility that comes with growing the food we eat
  • How to care for animals including feeding, grooming and housing
  • Safety skills
  • The cycle of life
  • How the weather plays a role in the success of a farm

6 Great Farms for a School Trip in Southern Ontario

Though there are hundreds of farms that you can visit in Southern Ontario, these are a few that we find particularly fun for a school group. While there are still restrictions in place for the Covid-19 pandemic we advise contacting each one before planning a trip to ensure they can accommodate your group.

1. Riverdale Farm, Toronto

Located right in the center of Toronto, Riverdale Farm is a working farm that is home to many animals including horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and more. There is over 3 kilometers of nature trails on site, making it the perfect place for kids to experience the outdoors and blow off some energy.

2. Chudleigh’s Farm, Halton Hills

This apple orchard and farm offers tractor rides, apple picking, farm animals, nature trails and a play area. With multiple slides, rope swings, hay bales to play on and a tower to climb. Located right on the Niagara Escarpment, Chudleigh’s Farm is a beautiful school trip destination.

3. The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Visit the over 75 rescued donkeys, hinnies and mules at this farm just outside of Guelph. Students will learn about many of the animals that live on site and about the history of the sanctuary.

4. Mennonite Farm Tours, St Jacobs

With the Mennonite heritage such a strong part of the history of the St. Jacob’s area, Mennonite Farm Tours are the perfect way for students to learn about both their history and importance in the area, and how they farm using traditional practices that aren’t seen at most other farms. Students will be able to visit an apple orchard and learn about how maple syrup is produced on these tours.

5. Downey’s Farm Market, Brampton

Students will love their tour of this working farm just outside of Oshawa. With endless entertainment onsite, kids will not only learn about farm life, they’ll also get to experience a corn maze, slides, wagon rides, mini gold and fruit picking.

6. Steckle Heritage Farm, Kitchener

With the ability to coordinate your visit to align with the curriculum you are working on with students, this working farm will be the perfect way to blend fun with learning. Choose from a gardening session, spring themes or a dive into harvest on the farm with your group.

A farm trip is the perfect spring excursion

After a year so filled with changes and restrictions, a spring field trip to the farm might just be what the doctor ordered! Kids will have fun, learn a lot about farm life and get to enjoy the great outdoors.