Policies & FAQs

Center Grove Orchard is a family-friendly location for all! 

We do, however, have a few rules we ask you follow to ensure you have a farmtastic time!

FARM POLICIES

Watch Your Children

We are a working farm, with a working train and tractors and lots of farm animals.

Please monitor and protect your children during your visit, for their safety and ours.

No Smoking, Please

We are tobacco free. Please refrain from smoking, using other tobacco products or vaping while visiting Center Grove Orchard.

No Alcoholic Beverages

During the Farmyard Season please help us maintain a family-friendly environment. 

Our Grounds & Facilities

WHERE IS YOUR ACCESSIBLE PARKING?

Our accessible parking for those with government-issued placards or license plates is at the front of the main parking area. Follow the signs into the parking area and you’ll find the spots at the front.

When we are very busy and have staff present to direct parking, simply stop at the first parking attendant and let them know your needs. You will be re-routed to accessible parking.

HOW FAR DO I HAVE TO WALK BETWEEN ACTIVITIES?

The Orchards, Pumpkin Patch and activities are spread over 25 acres. There will be some walking involved to get to and from the activities. Our Hayride (which is handicap-accessible) transports passengers to and from certain activities. Wear comfy shoes! Feel free to bring your own wagon or stroller for kids.

DO YOU HAVE RESTROOM FACILITIES?

Yes! We offer the Potty Barn in the Farmyard. There are also restrooms in the Country Store.

CAN MY DOG COME ALONG?

Please don’t bring your dog or your pets. While we love dogs, it’s safest for everyone (dogs, too) that way. Of course, trained service animals are always welcome!

HOW LONG SHOULD WE PLAN FOR TO ENJOY THE ORCHARD AND ALL THE FARMYARD ACTIVITIES?

Exploring Center Grove Orchard and all our activities can easily take all day, but if you are coming with children, plan for at least 2-3 hours to enjoy what that the Orchard has to offer!

ARE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WELCOME TO TAKE PHOTOS AT THE ORCHARD?

Yes. Please review our photography policy here

ARE ALL ACTIVITIES WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

While the paths across the Farmyard are not paved, many of our attractions are accessible by wheelchair—including CGO Express, feeding the farm animals, riding on the hayride, duck races, the sandbox, barn shows, and picking apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers! Unfortunately, the Corn Pool, Super Slides, and Jumping Pillow are not wheelchair accessible.

Admission & Payment

SEASON PASS: WHY CAN'T I DOWNLOAD MY SEASON PASS TICKETS?

Tickets to use your Season Pass cannot be downloaded until all three criteria are met under the Complete Registration button in your confirmation email: 
  • Name
  • Email address
  • Photo uploaded (please see related FAQ about Season Pass photos)

SEASON PASS: CAN I HAVE MY PHOTO TAKEN AT THE ADMISSIONS AREA?

If you wish to avoid having your entry delayed when you visit, upload the photo prior to your first visit. Need help? Email us at fun@centergroveorchard.com. If you do not have your photo uploaded prior to your first visit, plan accordingly for your entry to take longer.

SEASON PASS: CAN I SHOW A PHOTO ID INSTEAD OF UPLOADING A PICTURE?

Yes and no. In order for your season pass to register a photo must be uploaded. Please write your name on a piece of paper. Take a picture and upload. When you check in at Admissions, please bring a photo ID with you.

STRAWBERRY/FALL SEASON: CAN I GET A REFUND ON DAILY ADMISSION TICKETS OR CHANGE THE DATE OF MY TICKETS?

Admission Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable to another date during the season. To transfer your tickets, simply view your order confirmation email and change your tickets by editing them to the new date. 

Tickets can be transferred to a new date anytime up until one hour before closing time of the purchased ticket's date.

STRAWBERRY/FALL SEASON: DO YOU CLOSE/CAN I GET A REFUND IF IT BEGINS RAINING WHILE I'M THERE?

We open and stay open even in rainy weather. Some of our attractions or areas may close for safety reasons (slippery Jumping Pillows, for example). Our farm as a whole stays open and refunds, credits, or date transfers are not available due to inclement weather once you have redeemed your tickets at the Admissions area. Please check the weather forecast before purchasing your ticket or planning your visit.

HOW MUCH IS ADMISSION AND WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Full admission details can be found here

CAN I SHOP THE COUNTRY STORE WITHOUT PAYING ADMISSION?

Yes.

CAN I PICK MY OWN APPLES WITHOUT PAYING ADMISSION?

No. Admission is required for age 3 and older in addition to paying for the apples you pick. Apples are also offered in the Country Store without the need for Admission.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. We also accept purchase orders for tour groups. Gift certificates are available for purchase in our Country Store or by phone. They may be used in our Country Store and at Admission Bins. Currently, they may not be used online or at food locations. We are happy to mail certificates purchased by phone to either the buyer or the recipient.

DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS OR PROMOTIONS ON WEEKENDS?

Yes, we offer discounted admission for weekends when purchased online in advance. By purchasing your tickets online, you can take advantage of our special discounted rates for weekend visits. We recommend visiting our website to explore the available discounts and promotions and secure your discounted tickets in advance. This way, you can enjoy all the attractions and activities at Center Grove Orchard while also saving on your admission costs. We look forward to welcoming you for a fun-filled weekend experience at our orchard!

CAN I VISIT ON A WEEKDAY TO AVOID THE HIGHER ADMISSION COST?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid the higher admission cost associated with weekends, we encourage you to plan your visit on a weekday. Our weekday admission prices offer a more budget-friendly option while still providing an enjoyable experience at Center Grove Orchard.

ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO VISITING ON WEEKENDS DESPITE THE HIGHER ADMISSION COST?

Visiting on weekends allows you to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with more activities and entertainment options. Additionally, weekends often feature special events or themed activities that enhance the overall experience for our guests.

HOLIDAY SEASON: CAN I GET A REFUND ON TICKETS OR CHANGE THE DATE OF MY TICKETS?

Winter Wonderland tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another date during the season. To transfer your tickets, simply view your order confirmation email and change your tickets by editing them to the new date. Winter Wonderland tickets can be transferred to a new date anytime up until one hour before closing time of the purchased ticket's date.

Brunch with Santa tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another date during the season. To transfer your tickets, simply view your order confirmation email and change your tickets by editing them to the new date. Due to limited seating, transfer of Brunch with Santa tickets is allowed up to 24 hours before the purchased ticket's date and time.

Strawberries

IS VISITING THE STRAWBERRY PATCH INCLUDED WITH FARMYARD ADMISSION?

Yes! Regular admission to the Farmyard includes access to visit and the Strawberry Patch. There is an additional cost for the strawberries you pick.

IS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THE STRAWBERRY PATCH?

Yes. Regular admission to the Farmyard includes access to visit and take photos in the Strawberry Patch. If you wish to take professional photos or work with a professional photographer or with professional equipment, please review our photography policy here.

CAN I BRING MY DOG FOR PHOTOS?

Please don’t bring your dog or your pets. While we love dogs, it’s safest for everyone (dogs, too) that way. Of course, trained service animals are always welcome!

Apples

HOW DOES IT WORK WHEN I PICK MY OWN APPLES? WHERE DO I GET A BAG? WHICH APPLES CAN I PICK?

Full apple information can be found here

WHICH APPLES ARE GOOD FOR PIE, CRISP, CARAMEL APPLES, ETC.?

Full apple information can be found here

WHAT ARE YOUR APPLE PRICES?

Please see our U-pick and pre-picked sizes and pricing here.

WHY DO HONEYCRISP, EVERCRISP, & LUDACRISP APPLES COST MORE?

They are our premier apple. They are harder to grow, are more labor-intensive than our other varieties and are also in higher demand.

HOW MANY POUNDS ARE IN A BUSHEL OR A PECK?

1/4 peck = 3 lbs. 
1/2 peck = 6 lbs. 
1 peck = 12 lbs.

1/2 bushel = 24 lbs.
1 bushel = 48 lbs.

IS YOUR APPLE CIDER PASTEURIZED?

Yes.

ARE YOUR APPLES ORGANIC?

Our apples are not organic. If we had a choice, we would not spray our trees. It’s simply not an option with so many insects and different diseases pressuring our crop. We spray as little as possible to get by, enough to have good quality fruit. We spray to make sure you don’t find a worm in your apple.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR APPLES?

Honeycrisp and Jonathan

HOW LONG DO APPLES LAST ONCE PURCHASED?

Apples need moisture to stay fresh. We recommend you keep your apples in a crisper drawer in your fridge. To keep them moist, place a small cup of water in the drawer with them. In doing so, your apples will stay fresh for 4–6 weeks.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR SECONDS?

Our seconds—apples with bruises or blemishes—are sold at a discount in our store.

Sunflower Meadow

IS THE SUNFLOWER MEADOW INCLUDED WITH FARMYARD ADMISSION?

Yes! Regular admission to the Farmyard includes access to view and take photos in the Sunflower Meadow during blooming. Sunflowers may be picked at an additional cost

IS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED IN THE SUNFLOWER MEADOW?

Yes. Regular admission to the Farmyard includes access to view and take photos in the Sunflower Meadow during blooming. If you wish to take professional photos or work with a professional photographer or with professional equipment, please review our photography policy here.

CAN I BRING MY DOG FOR PHOTOS?

Please don’t bring your dog or your pets. While we love dogs, it’s safest for everyone (dogs, too) that way. Of course, trained service animals are always welcome!

Miscellaneous

DO YOU HAVE A LOST AND FOUND?

During the Farmyard season, items found by staff or turned in by visitors are held in the Season Pass Admission Bin, and during the holiday season, they are relocated to the Country Store. Please look for your item there. 

You can also fill out the form HERE regarding your missing item, leave your name, contact information, and item description so that we can notify you if it is discovered later. 

Lost and found items are kept through the end of the year. After December 31, unclaimed items are donated to shelters and other service agencies.

IS CENTER GROVE ORCHARD FAMILY-OWNED AND -OPERATED?

Yes, it is (with the help of an amazing staff)! Learn more here.

CAN MY GROUP'S FOOD BE SUPPLIED BY AN OUTSIDE CATERING SERVICE?

Yes! Please see requirements on our Corporate & Large Groups.

DOES CENTER GROVE ORCHARD MAKE DONATIONS TO FUNDRAISERS?

WHAT ARE THE BAKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FROZEN PIE / CRISP / DUMPLINGS AVAILABLE AT THE BAKERY, OR FOR COOKIE DOUGH PURCHASED IN A FUNDRAISER?

Always place your frozen item on a baking sheet before placing in the oven to catch any spillover! Times are approximate, so be sure to keep a watchful eye as ovens may vary.
Farmhouse Apple Pie – Bake at 400° for 40 minutes, then decrease temperature to 350° for 50–60 minutes or until golden brown.
Country Apple Pie – Bake at 400° for 40 minutes, then decrease temperature to 350° for 50–60 minutes or until golden brown.
Deanna’s Dumplings – Preheat oven to 400°. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until golden brown, basting the last 10–15 minutes.
Apple Crisp – Bake at 350° for 90 minutes
Cookie Dough – Preheat oven to to 350°. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

IS YOUR FUDGE HOMEMADE?

Yes, we make our fudge from scratch!

DO YOU OFFER SCHOOL TOURS?

Yes! For more information view our school tours page .