Hands-On Farm Field Trips for Homeschool Groups in Merrill, Wisconsin

On weekdays or evenings, homeschool families can book Field Trips • Home School Groups at a working farm just outside Merrill, Wisconsin. The three-hour, hands-on program invites groups of up to 100 students and 40 chaperones to meet gentle animals—ponies, goats, sheep, bunnies, ducklings, chickens, and sometimes chicks, turkeys, and small pigs. The experience centers on animal interaction, a carving pumpkin from the patch, and straightforward, age-friendly learning stations. The morning or daytime weekday option runs 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for groups of 75 or more; evenings run 4:30–7:30 p.m. with a 50-person minimum. Each attendee is charged $12 (children two and under free); a refundable deposit applies. The visit is self-guided in format—animals are placed in temporary enclosures brought to the program area, and staff can provide demonstrations when available (note: cow milking is limited to weekend schedules). There is no rotating class schedule; instead, the layout encourages open, supervised exploration with chaperones moving between stations. Key features are the small-breed farm animals, the pumpkin patch selection, and tactile learning: holding bunnies, grooming a pony, meeting ducklings, and observing young pigs. These close-up interactions are especially valuable for early learners who benefit from sensory engagement and questions about life cycles, domestication, and animal care. The setting in Merrill provides a rural agricultural backdrop typical of central Wisconsin farms; visitors will notice common Midwestern pasture grasses and fenced paddocks rather than dramatic geology. Organizers emphasize safety and calm handling; animals are chosen and sized for comfortable interactions with children. That focus makes this program stand out for homeschool groups seeking a lower-pressure, small-animal encounter instead of a large-scale working-farm tour. It’s also flexible for summer and select September–October events when pumpkins are available. Practical tips: bring closed-toe shoes for muddy paths, sun protection for outdoor stations, and a small hand sanitizer for post-petting. The program adapts well to varied ages, but large groups require active chaperone participation to split supervision across enclosures. While the farm supplies enclosures and staff demonstrations when possible, expect a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground day where learners rotate informally among animals rather than following a scripted lecture. For educators, this visit can anchor lessons in biology, agriculture, and stewardship. For families, it’s an inviting, tactile break from classroom walls. Bookings are seasonal—late April through Labor Day as standard, with occasional September and October events—and are best arranged in advance to meet minimum-group requirements. Ask organizers ahead about allergies, restroom access, and shade for hot days; they can often accommodate dietary restrictions or special needs with notice. Parents should plan staggered arrival times to reduce crowding and pack a labeled bag for each child with a spare shirt. Photographers will find close, candid shots. Check weather and arrive prepared daily.