I recently accompanied my child's class on a field trip to Johnson Farms. I've been here twice before but this was my child's first experience. She and her classmates were SO excited to play on the huge playground that is visible from the road and the giant jumping pillows. Unfortunately, they never got the chance to do either of those things.
The field trip coordinator spent the first 20+ minutes talking to the kids about the rules and expectations (and there are PLENTY). She went on and on and no one could even hear her because she did not have a microphone and the wind was blowing really hard. Did I mention these kids are 3 and 4? They didn't care nor understand what the heck she was talking about since most had never been there before. The lady could have just as easily filled the numerous teachers in on the rules to share with the kids as they pertained to our activities and we could have been on our way.
After the lengthy orientation speech we were directed to the tractor ride loading zone, only the driver wasn't ready, so we stood around and waited. Once in the field, we were told the kids had a whopping five minutes to pick out their pumpkin and get back on and be seated.
After we arrived back from the patch we were assigned another guide who walked us through the barn where the baby piglets were. They repeatedly told the kids they absolutely could not speak because the pigs did not like noise. (Remember, these kids are 3 and 4 years old). The guide Shhhhh'd into his microphone the entire time we were in there. It was pretty obnoxious and not necessary. Five minutes later we were shuttled out and told to look at the cow, and once you looked at it, move on past so others could see it. At this point they told us we had five minutes to load up and move out for the next group coming in. A teacher asked if the kids could play on the playground for a few minutes and was told No because other groups were scheduled to arrive any minute.
It was the biggest cluster of a field trip ever. The kids did not enjoy any of it because they were too busy being herded around like cattle. They didn't get to play on any of the equipment or do anything they were hoping to do. I don't know how much the school spent on the field trip but I certainly hope they request a partial refund. Their money would have been a lot better spent at Deanna Rose which is free on weekdays. Parents had to pay $6 to accompany the field trip which is rather silly in my opinion. The staff was not overly helpful, in fact, they acted annoyed to be there and one of the many old ladies employed there even scolded a mom for letting her son out of her sight. Not her place, at all.
As we were walking out I asked how much it would be to return and was shocked at the prices. It is cheaper to go during the week but you don't get to experience several of the activities that are only open on weekends. This place could be fun but definitely not worth the price of admission. For the same money (maybe even less) I highly recommend the KC Pumpkin Patch in Olathe (formerly Gardner). LOTS more bang for your buck and staff that seem like they genuinely want to be there.
Teachers and schools -- save your field trip money. This one was a bust. read more