The wonder and excitement of a New England apple harvest has been brought to life in an educational and entertaining environment. Beginning with a scenic and historic setting, then combining the experience of farmers and teachers, we have developed a series of unique programs which will captivate and enlighten your students.

Tree-mendous Maze & Apple Picking
Preschool-Grade 1

If your little ones are just too little for our Apple Tree Theater show, then they will love getting lost in our apple-tree maze. As they wind through the trees, apple-tree enemies may block their path while friends will guide them to the end.

This unusual educational adventure includes materials for the teachers as a guide in helping children learn about the friends and enemies of the apple trees.

Apple Tree Theater & Apple Picking
Grades 1-4

It’s fun, unique, never been done before, entertaining, and LIVE! Better yet, your students are the stars of this show. They are also in charge of lighting, sound effects, and props. Yes, this is fun, sometimes even silly, but most importantly, educational; and they won't even realize they're learning.

Where else could you find out about the friends of an apple tree, or—watch out—the enemies? Who would have guessed that people have much in common with the apple trees and their delicious fruit?

This production, in conjunction with the hands-on experience of apple picking,** delights thousands of children each year and proves over and over again that learning can indeed be fun!

Cider Pressing & Apple Tree Theater                                                                Grades 2-6

In a place where touching and turning and splashing and crawling and squeezing are all wholeheartedly encouraged, it’s hard to imagine anyone could learn anything at all. But that’s just what happens as our guests work together to accomplish their goal. Imagine the smiles as your students witness the thrilling result of their efforts—freshly pressed apple cider.

Everyone participates while being guided through each step of the apple-pressing process, from gathering apples, to washing, grinding, and pressing, using a miniature version of a Rack and Cloth commercial press. 

Pumpkin Picking

Think of autumn—cool days, blue skies, colorful leaves, and . . . pumpkins!  When you’re ready, we’ll take you and your students on a hayride to our patch where each child can choose a sugar pumpkin to take home. A cup of cider and a fresh cider donut will finish the experience.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

2010 Date and Price Information*

September 14-17
This is the time of easiest picking for preschoolers, since the apples are plentiful and easy to reach.** Early season discounts apply.

$3.50 1/4 Peck and Theater
$3.50 1/4 Peck and Tree-mendous Maze

Sept. 21-24, 27-30, October 1, 5-8                                                                        This is peak season when apples are abundant.**                                                                 Call early to reserve these dates because they fill up quickly!

$4.00 1/4 Peck and Theater
$4.00 1/4 Peck and Tree-mendous Maze

October 12-15, 19-22
Our cider season begins. Fall colors are at their peak, making this the most beautiful time period. Apples are still available on the trees although they may be more difficult to find on the lower branches to accommodate young children.**

$4.00 1/4 Peck and Theater
$4.00 1/4 Peck and Tree-mendous Maze
$4.75 Cider Pressing and Theater

October 26-29
This is the main cider season, producing the best tasting cider. Apples cannot be guaranteed on the trees but will be available in bulk bins if necessary.** We recommend our cider program during these dates; however, if you cannot come at any other time and still wish to participate in the Apple Tree Theater/Apple-Picking program, it will run through the end of the season.

$3.35 1/4 Peck and Theater
$3.35 1/4 Peck and Tree-mendous Maze
$4.25 Cider Pressing and Theater

$4.00 Pumpkin Picking (Call for dates)
Includes sugar pumpkin or gourds, hay ride to and from pumpkin patch, glass of cider and a cider donut.

Also available in each time period:

$ .40 Cup of Cider
$ .45 Cider Donut

For 1/2 peck of apples, add $1.75 to 1/4 peck program.

*Prices reflect cost per student. There is no charge for adults who do not pick fruit.

Adults wishing to participate in harvesting and the snack will be charged:

$2.00 1/4 peck of apples.

$3.75 1/2 peck of apples.

$ .40 cup of cider.

$ .45 cider donut.

**Quantities of apples available for picking may vary from year to year. As in all farming enterprises, weather plays a major role in determining the size of a crop. At times guests may need to harvest apples from bins rather than trees.

© 2010 George Hill Orchards
P.O. Box 1181
582 George Hill Road
Lancaster, MA 01523
Phone: (978) 365-4331
Directions to George Hill Orchards