Plan a Farm Outing Everyone Can Enjoy
Planning a birthday party, school trip, family reunion, corporate event, or larger group outing is easier when the setting already gives people something to do, see, eat, and remember. At Tanners Orchard, groups can gather on the farm, enjoy seasonal activities, make time for food and treats, and spend the day in a place that feels fun for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, school tour, reunion, or larger event, the best place to begin is with the type of visit you have in mind. From there, you can review package information, reservations, time slots, food add-ons, pricing, and booking notes for that type of visit.
Because many group options are seasonal or tied to Festival Days, it’s best to plan ahead. Some spaces and tours require reservations, and availability can fill quickly during the fall.
Find the Right Group Visit
Birthday Parties & Group Outings
Birthday parties and smaller group outings are a fun way to celebrate Tanners style. Depending on the rental option, groups may be able to reserve a private space in or near the Back 40 Fun Acres, enjoy apple cider and donuts, include Back 40 admission wristbands, and build the day around farm activities.
These options can work well for birthday parties, family gatherings, friend groups, casual reunions, and smaller celebrations. Some rental spaces require admission to access, while others are located outside the Back 40 Fun Acres.
School Tours
School tours bring fun and learning together on the farm. Students can learn about apple trees, gourds, pumpkins, fruits, vegetables, apple sorting, the cider press, cold storage, and more while enjoying hands-on farm activities.
Tours may include a tractor-drawn wagon ride, an interactive farm presentation, an apple or gourd based on availability, cider donut and cider samples, the animal area, and playground time. School tour spots are limited, fill quickly once school starts, and are not available on Festival Days.
Large Group Events
Large group events are designed for groups that need more space, more flexibility, or a gathering area where guests can come and go throughout the day. These options can work well for corporate events, family reunions, church groups, clubs, teams, organizations, and larger gatherings.
Depending on the rental space, groups may use a large tent, fire pit area, or reserved gathering spot on the farm. Some spaces are outside the Back 40 Fun Acres and do not require admission to access, which can be helpful when guests want different activity options throughout the day.
Choose a Space That Fits Your Group
Tanners Orchard offers several types of gathering spaces depending on the size of your group, the kind of visit you’re planning, and whether your guests want access to the Back 40 Fun Acres or other farm activities.
Covered Tent Inside the Back 40 Fun Acres
This covered tent includes picnic tables and serving tables inside the Back 40 Fun Acres. It can work well for birthday parties, family gatherings, and Back 40-focused celebrations where the group wants a reserved place to gather between activities.
Because this tent is inside the Back 40 Fun Acres, admission is required for guests entering that area.
Covered Tent Inside the Back 40 Fun Acres
This private fenced-in fire pit area includes picnic tables and a fire pit inside the Back 40 Fun Acres. It can be a good fit for groups that want a cozy reserved space while still being close to Back 40 activities.
Since this fire pit sits inside the Back 40 Fun Acres, guests entering that area will need admission.
Fire Pit on the Farm
This fire pit area is located outside the Back 40 Fun Acres, so guests do not need admission just to reach the gathering space. It can be a good fit for groups that want a simple place to gather on the farm without tying the whole visit to Back 40 admission.
Guests who want to add paid activities like the Back 40 Fun Acres, U-Pick, or the Corn Maze can still choose those separately.
Large Tent on the Farm
This larger covered tent is located outside the Back 40 Fun Acres and includes picnic tables for bigger gatherings. It can work well for corporate events, family reunions, organizations, and larger groups whose guests may want to come and go throughout the day.
Since this tent is outside the Back 40 Fun Acres, guests can gather without needing admission to reach the space. Paid activities can be added separately based on what each guest or group wants to do.
More details about these gathering spaces, package options, rental fees, wristbands, time slots, food add-ons, and reservation steps are organized with the group visit option that fits your plans best.
Make Farm Fun Part of the Day
A group visit to Tanners Orchard can be as simple or as full as you want it to be. Some groups come mainly for a reserved gathering space. Others build the day around the Back 40 Fun Acres, U-Pick apples, the pumpkin patch, the Corn Maze, food, shopping, and seasonal activities.
Depending on your group option and the day you visit, your outing may include or connect with:
- Back 40 Fun Acres
- U-Pick Apples
- Pumpkin Patch
- Corn Maze
- Farm Market
- Apple Bin Bakery
- Weekday Eats
- Weekend Eats
Some admissions are separate depending on the rental space, package, activity, and day. For a broader look at what guests can do during a visit, explore Farm Attractions & Activities and Food & Market.
Plan Ahead for Festival Days, Reservations & Weather
Many party and rental options are available on Festival Days, which include Saturdays in August and Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. Festival Days are some of the busiest and most activity-filled days at Tanners Orchard, so reservations and advance planning are important.
Some group options have specific time slots, and optional food add-ons may need to be preordered before the day of your event. School tours follow a different schedule and are not available on Festival Days.
Weather can also affect outdoor plans on the farm. Rain, storms, mud, snow, or unsafe conditions may affect activity availability, reserved spaces, or event plans. Details like rain policies, availability, package options, and booking steps will be covered with the group option that matches your visit.
More Planning Info for Your Group Visit
Groups and party planners usually need a few extra details before the day arrives. These planning resources can help you think through timing, arrival, parking, safety reminders, and guest expectations.
You can also start with Plan Your Visit for the full planning hub before you bring your group to the farm.
Groups & Parties FAQs
Tanners Orchard can be a good fit for birthday parties, school tours, family reunions, corporate events, church groups, clubs, teams, organizations, and other group outings.
Yes. Birthday parties, school tours, fire pit rentals, tent rentals, and large group events should be planned ahead. Some options require reservations and may only be available on certain days.
Many party and rental options are available on Festival Days, which include Saturdays in August and Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. School tours are not available on Festival Days.
Yes. Depending on the package, rental space, and day, groups may be able to include Back 40 Fun Acres, U-Pick, Corn Maze, food options, bakery stops, or other farm activities. Some admissions may be separate.
Guests can call 309-493-5442, email events@tannersorchard.com, or use the online reservation calendar for available booking options.
Start Planning Your Group Visit to Tanners Orchard
Ready to bring your group to the farm? Start by choosing the group visit that fits your day best, then review the details for reservations, availability, time slots, package options, and planning notes.
Call 309-493-5442, email events@tannersorchard.com, or use the online reservation calendar to start planning your group visit.
With a little planning, your group can gather comfortably, enjoy the farm, and make the day feel easier from the moment everyone arrives.