🎟️ Ticket Policies & Guest Agreement

(Please read carefully before purchasing)

⏰ Timed Entry Policy

Tickets are valid only for the date and check-in time selected at purchase. Based on your selected time, tickets may scan up to 30 minutes early for check-in purposes.

   Late arrivals may miss their scheduled experience. Missed entry is considered a no-show.

🔄 Ticket Change Policy

• Ticket changes may be made up until November 15

• No changes, vouchers, or refunds are available for: No-shows Missed time slots Requests submitted after the scheduled visit date

🌧️ Inclement Weather Policy

This is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event.

Weather conditions may require adjustments to the experience for guest comfort and safety. Certain attractions or rides may temporarily close due to weather or operational needs.

• Tickets are non-refundable for weather conditions such as cold, rain, snow, or wind

• Rain checks or vouchers are issued only if the Farm closes for the day

• If you choose not to attend due to weather, no refunds or make-up dates will be provided

• To request a date change, refer to the Ticket Change Policy above

📣 Weather-related closures will be communicated via:

• Our information hotline: (810) 632-7692

• Spicer Orchards’ official Facebook page

💳 Refund Policy

All purchases are final. No refunds.

Failure to redeem tickets or complete the visit as scheduled—for any reason—is considered a no-show, and tickets are forfeited. In such cases, services are considered rendered.

🚫 Closure Policy

If Spicer Orchards Farm Market LLC. cancels operations for any reason (including severe weather or emergency conditions), ticket purchasers will receive a voucher valid for a future visit during the same operating season. Refunds will not be issued.

📧 Communication & Media Policy

By completing a purchase, you consent to receive event-related emails and occasional text messages from Spicer Orchards. You may opt out at any time.

   Spicer Orchards Farm Market LLC. may photograph or record video of guests for educational or promotional purposes. Entry onto the premises grants permission for use of such images without notification or compensation.

⚠️ Agritourism Liability Warning (Michigan Statutory Notice)

There is no liability for injury or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this location if the injury or death results from the inherent risks of agritourism activities.

Inherent risks include, but are not limited to:

• Natural land conditions

• Equipment and structures

• Animals

• The potential for participant negligence

By entering, you acknowledge and assume these risks.

🛝 Playground & Activity Warning

Play at your own risk. Adult supervision is required. Playground attendants are not on duty.

   Spicer Orchards is not responsible for injuries resulting from use of playground equipment or inflatable activities. Inherent risks include, but are not limited to, sprains, fractures, or other injuries.

🦠 Health & Communicable Disease Warning

By visiting Spicer Orchards, you acknowledge the inherent risk of exposure to communicable and zoonotic diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.

   Certain individuals—including young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems—may be at higher risk and should take appropriate precautions.

📝 Release & Hold Harmless Agreement

By purchasing tickets and/or entering the premises, you acknowledge the risks described above and agree to hold harmless and release Spicer Orchards Farm Market LLC., including its owners, employees, volunteers, vendors, and affiliates, from all liability for injury, illness, loss, or death arising from your visit, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

🎄 Christmas Code of Conduct

(Because the magic matters)

🌟 Purpose

To protect the spirit, wonder, and joy of Christmas for all children.

🎅 Respect the Magic

• Every family—and every child—has a different vision of Santa

• Please be respectful of differing beliefs, traditions, and backgrounds

• Keep conversations positive; little ears are always listening

📸 Expectations

• This experience is designed for children, not for perfect social media photos

• This is not a professional photo session

• Costume malfunctions or background imperfections are unintentional

• If you get a great photo, that’s a bonus—not the goal

✨ Bring the Joy

• Children take emotional cues from adults—stay calm and present

• Avoid expressing stress, frustration, or disappointment during the experience

• Encourage curiosity and imagination rather than skepticism

🚦 Behavior: Naughty or Nice

This is a family-friendly environment.

• Inappropriate language or behavior will not be tolerated

• Poor adult behavior toward staff or guests may result in removal without refund or reschedule

• Do not threaten children with the naughty list—Santa should never feel scary

• Do not force a child to meet Santa; staff will help create a positive experience at the child’s comfort level

🎥 Security cameras are in use throughout the property.

✅ Agreement to Terms

By checking the box and completing your purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all policies, waivers, and conduct expectations listed above.

🎟️ Ticket Policies & Guest Agreement

(Please read carefully before purchasing)

🎄 All Sales Are Final

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Failure of the ticket purchaser or any member of their party to arrive, redeem tickets, or complete the experience at the scheduled time—for any reason—is considered a no-show, and tickets are forfeited. In such cases, services are considered rendered.

🎄 Facility Closure Policy

If Spicer Orchards cancels a scheduled visit due to facility closure on our end, ticket holders will receive a voucher code to reschedule for another available date within the same operating season. Refunds will not be issued.

🎄 Rescheduling & Late Arrival Policy

• No rescheduling after November 15.

• Missed trains and late arrivals cannot be rescheduled and are considered a no-show

• The train departs exactly at the time listed on your ticket

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. There is no guarantee we can accommodate you if you miss your train.

🎄 Weather Policy

This is an outdoor, winter experience and operates in cold, rain, and snow. There are no refunds for weather conditions, except in the event of government-mandated road closures due to blizzard or emergency conditions.

🎄 Experience & Photography Expectations

This event is designed as an interactive holiday experience, not a professional photography session.

• There are no refunds for dissatisfaction with photos

• This includes lighting, appearance of Santa or staff, costume issues, or personal photo results

• Professional photographers are not permitted

Great photos are a bonus. The experience is the product.

🎄 Expectation Disclaimer

There are no refunds if the experience does not meet personal expectations, preconceived ideas, or comparisons to previous visits at Spicer Orchards or other venues, provided the experience is delivered as described.

🎄 Santa Belief Clause

There are no refunds if a child has outgrown Santa, questions the magic of Christmas, or chooses not to participate after arrival. There are no refunds if another family on the train causes your child to question Santa.

🎄 Elf Mail (Optional)

At check-in, guests may complete optional Elf Mail to share helpful information with Santa, including:

• Child’s name or Elf on the Shelf name

• Gift wishes or gifts Santa should not promise

• Birthdays

• Special needs or sensitivities

Santa may or may not reference Elf Mail depending on the situation.

🎄 Age, Comfort & Participation Disclaimer

This experience is designed for children who enjoy festive characters, seasonal environments, and outdoor winter activities. Parental discretion is advised.

There are no refunds for early departure due to illness, fatigue, fear, discomfort, weather sensitivity, or personal choice.

🎄 Accessibility Notice

This is a seasonal, outdoor experience that may include uneven ground, stairs, limited lighting, and varying weather conditions. Not all areas may be fully accessible. Guests with accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact us prior to purchase.

🎄 Behavior & Safety Policy

Spicer Orchards reserves the right to refuse service or remove guests from the property for unsafe, aggressive, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior. Removal does not result in a refund.

🎄 Force Majeure / Beyond Our Control

Spicer Orchards is not responsible for delays, modifications, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to mechanical issues, power outages, staffing limitations, or emergency situations.

🎄 Ticketing Requirements

Tickets are required for all attendees, i2 and under are free. If you have a family of 5 and 1 child is under 2, you can book a group of 4.

🎄 Payment Disclosure

Charges will appear on your credit card statement as “Wix.com”, our website provider.

🎄 Chargeback & Dispute Policy

By purchasing tickets, the ticket purchaser agrees not to dispute or initiate a chargeback for reasons covered by these policies, including but not limited to no-shows, missed trains, weather conditions, dissatisfaction with photos, or unmet personal expectations.

🎄 Agreement to Terms

By purchasing tickets and completing this transaction, the ticket purchaser acknowledges and agrees to all policies listed above and waives any claim for a refund except as expressly stated herein.

🎄 Itinerary & Guest Expectations

(A little planning = a lot more magic ✨)

⏰ Event Itinerary

• Check-In: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure at the Elf Depot, located in front of the market (Yes, even if everyone is already bundled and looks ready.)

• Train Departure: The train leaves exactly at the time listed on your ticket (Santa runs on schedule—even in December.)

• Check-In Activities: Complete your donut & drink order slip Fill out Elf Mail (optional, but often magical)

• Train Ride to Santa: Approximately 15 minutes (Just enough time for excitement to peak.)

• Santa’s Sleigh Cabin Experience: Approximately 30 minutes total Each family visits Santa individually (about 5 minutes per family) (Short, sweet, and just right for little attention spans.)

• Enjoy the Grounds: Walk the Mistletoe Trail Warm up near the bonfire Visit with an elf and make reindeer food (Yes, this is where mittens usually go missing.)

• Return Train Ride: Approximately 15 minutes back to the market (Twinkly lights make everything better.)

• Treats at the Market: Enjoy 1 drink and 1 donut per ticket upon return (Because everyone behaves better with snacks.)

⏱️ Total experience time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours

❄️ What to Expect

• This is a primarily outdoor experience, so plan to be outside for 1–1.5 hours (Think winter adventure, not indoor playdate.)

• There are shelters and a fire pit for warmth and wind protection

• The Gingerbread Barn has a heated room

• Santa’s Sleigh Cabin is not heated (Santa likes it brisk—it keeps the reindeer happy.)

• The train and/or wagon is not heated, but is about 90% enclosed to block wind (Blankets, hats, and extra layers are encouraged—and admired.)

🚂 Train & Timing Expectations

• The train/wagon departs promptly at scheduled times

• We do our best to announce departures, but parents are the real timekeepers here

• Late arrivals may miss the train and be considered a no-show

• If needed, a wagon may substitute for the train due to mechanical issues (Same magic, different wheels. No refunds for this change.)

🎟️ Tickets, Groups & Check-In

• Payment is required at the time of reservation

• Tickets are required for everyone, including infants (They’re adorable—and often end up in photos.)

• Infants are usually included in visits and photos, which takes extra time and care Any unused donuts or cider may be taken to go

• The conductor will check group tickets before boarding

• Your group will receive a call tag so Mrs. Claus can call families in order (No line cutting—even at the North Pole.)

🍩 Donuts & Drinks

• Each ticket includes 1 drink and 1 donut

• You’ll fill out your order slip at check-in so everything is ready when you return (Future-you will be very grateful.)

🎄 Elf Mail (Optional for you and for Santa)

• Elf Mail can be filled out at the Elf Depot before boarding

• It helps Santa with: Names and ages Elf on the Shelf names Helpful details to keep the magic alive

• Santa may or may not reference Elf Mail, depending on the moment (Magic works in mysterious ways.)

⚠️ Important Reminders

• Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in (Winter coats take time. We get it.)

• The train leaves exactly on time (Even if someone suddenly needs the bathroom.)

• Bookings are non-refundable, and no rescheduling is allowed after December 1st

• Dress warmly—this is a winter experience

• Refunds are not issued for weather conditions (Snowy nights are kind of the point.)

✨ Our Goal

This experience is designed to be magical, memorable, and joyful for children. A little patience, flexibility, and holiday spirit go a long way—for kids and parents.

Should I Confirm My Reservation Before My Field Trip?

Yes. We ask that the group organizer contact the Farm Market approximately one week before your scheduled field trip to confirm your reservation details.

During your confirmation call, we will:

• Confirm your final attendance count

• Verify your arrival time

• Review your tour selections and any optional activities

• Answer any remaining questions you may have

• Make any last-minute updates to your reservation, if needed

You will also receive a reminder email prior to your visit with important information and arrival instructions.

To confirm your reservation, please call the Farm Market at (810) 632-7692.

Taking a few minutes to confirm your reservation helps ensure your field trip runs smoothly and allows us to have the appropriate wagons, tour guides, staffing, and activities ready for your group.

At Spicer Orchards, our "Pick Your Own Fruit" experience is not only fun but also educational and memorable for all ages! After checking in, your group will start with an engaging introduction where you'll learn all about the fruit-picking process on our farm. Next, you'll hop on a wagon for a scenic ride through the beautiful orchards to your designated picking location. Everyone will get to enjoy the satisfying experience of picking fresh fruit straight from the trees. Then you'll ride back on the wagon and head to our playground area for donuts and cider. Please designate several adults to pick up the cider and donuts from the bakery. Perfect for some extra fun and relaxation. It's a full day of enjoyment at Spicer Orchards!

Teachers, chaperones, paraprofessionals, and teacher aides are charged the same admission price as students, as they participate in the same educational experience. We encourage all adults to actively participate in the activities alongside the children to help make the visit more engaging and enjoyable.

Please collect all admission fees before arriving. To keep your group on schedule and ensure a smooth check-in process, we are unable to collect individual payments upon arrival. One payment from the group is appreciated.

A nonrefundable $50 deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your group's date and time.

If you need to change your reservation, we will make every effort to accommodate your request. However, our field trips fill quickly, and rescheduling is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

If Spicer Orchards cancels your visit due to severe weather or other circumstances beyond our control, we will work with you to reschedule your trip. If no suitable date is available, your deposit will be fully refunded.

If your group cancels, chooses not to attend, or is a no-show for any reason, the $50 deposit is nonrefundable.

Group Size Changes

Please provide your most accurate attendance estimate when making your reservation. We use these numbers to schedule wagons, drivers, staff, and activity stations so we can provide a smooth and enjoyable field trip experience for all groups.

If your group arrives with more than 5 additional guests beyond your original reservation, a $50 additional wagon fee will be charged. This fee helps cover the last-minute scheduling of extra wagons and drivers, which can be difficult to arrange on short notice.

To avoid this fee, please call us at (810) 632-7692 at least one week before your visit if your attendance numbers change. We are happy to adjust your reservation whenever possible with advance notice.

Lunch Reservations

Groups wishing to stay for lunch must reserve lunch space at the time of booking by selecting the lunch option during the reservation process. A $50 lunch fee applies to help cover the additional maintenance and cleaning required for our lunch areas.

If you decide to stay for lunch after making your reservation, please call us at (810) 632-7692 as soon as possible. We are happy to add a lunch reservation if space is still available. Because our lunch areas have limited capacity, we cannot accommodate every group, and lunch reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

While we make every effort to honor all lunch requests, Spicer Orchards reserves the right to contact your group after booking if lunch space is no longer available due to capacity limitations.

Groups that stay for lunch without reserving lunch space in advance will forfeit their $50 booking deposit. This policy helps ensure adequate seating, staffing, and cleaning for all visiting school groups.

Pavilion & Lunch Area Policy

Spicer Orchards has two large covered pavilions with picnic tables available for field trip groups. Because these pavilions are shared by multiple schools throughout the day, pavilion space is limited and is often reserved in advance for groups that have purchased a lunch reservation.

If your group plans to bring lunch, you must reserve lunch space in advance by selecting the lunch option when booking or by calling us before your visit (subject to availability). A $50 lunch fee applies to help cover the additional maintenance and cleaning required.

Please note that we cannot guarantee pavilion availability for groups that have not reserved lunch space, as both pavilions may already be reserved for other field trip groups.

Groups that have reserved lunch are allotted additional pavilion time. We kindly ask that all groups be considerate of their scheduled pavilion usage so we can accommodate everyone throughout the day.

Groups that bring and eat lunch without reserving lunch space in advance will be charged the $50 lunch fee or will forfeit their booking deposit.

Thank you for helping us provide a well-organized and enjoyable experience for all of our visiting schools.

Arrival, Parking & Check-In

Please check in at the red "Pick Your Own" Barn, located east of the Farm Market. This is the departure location for all orchard tours and field trip activities.

For the easiest access, please use the westernmost entrance, marked "Deliveries." Continue up and over the hill until you reach the playground. This entrance leads to a large parking lot with ample space for school buses and passenger vehicles, including plenty of room for buses to safely turn around.

After parking, your group will walk a short distance to the Pick Your Own Barn to begin your tour. Your field trip will conclude near the playground, making it convenient to return to your buses at the end of your visit. The main parking lot can be crowded or narrow at times making it difficult for busses to park or turn around.

To help your visit begin on schedule, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved tour time. This allows time for parking, restroom breaks, collecting payments (if applicable), organizing students, and checking in before your tour begins. Because we host multiple field trips throughout the day, arriving on time helps ensure a smooth, organized, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Restrooms & Handwashing

Handwashing stations and restrooms are conveniently located at the playground pavilion. Additional restrooms are available on the north side of the Farm Market.

Please note that handwashing stations are not available out in the orchard or pumpkin fields, so we recommend bringing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes with your group. They are especially helpful after picking fruit, handling pumpkins, feeding animals, or participating in other farm activities.

A little extra preparation helps keep everyone clean, comfortable, and ready to enjoy their day on the farm!

What Should We Wear?

Field trips take place almost entirely outdoors, so we recommend dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable clothing that can get a little dirty.

• Warm weather: T-shirts, shorts, and comfortable closed-toe shoes or tennis shoes are ideal.

• Cool fall weather: Jeans or long pants, long-sleeve shirts, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a jacket or coat are recommended. Dressing in layers is often the best choice, as Michigan weather can change throughout the day.

We encourage all visitors to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground, gravel, grass, and dirt paths.

Please keep an eye on the local weather forecast in the days leading up to your visit and dress accordingly. Morning temperatures can be quite cool, even if the afternoon warms up. Being prepared for changing weather conditions will help ensure everyone has a fun, comfortable, and enjoyable day on the farm.

Can Students Visit the Farm Market?

This depends on your group's schedule and your school's policies.

The Farm Market is open during regular business hours and is available to all visitors, including students participating in field trips. If your school permits students to shop, we recommend allowing adequate time in your schedule for market visits.

Please note that teachers and chaperones are responsible for supervising students at all times while they are in the Farm Market. Our gift shop contains breakable merchandise and toys that can be easily damaged if children are not closely supervised. Active adult supervision helps ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone.

What If Rain Is in the Forecast?

If rain is in the forecast, please call us the day before or the morning of your field trip before heading to the farm. Because nearly all of our activities take place outdoors, weather and field conditions can significantly affect your visit.

Please remember that weather forecasts are not always accurate. Sometimes rain is forecast and never arrives, while other times unexpected showers develop with little warning. For this reason, we closely monitor both the forecast and the actual conditions at the farm.

After periods of rain, the playground equipment, picnic areas, orchard, and pumpkin fields may be wet, muddy, or temporarily unavailable for safety reasons. Spicer Orchards will determine whether weather and field conditions are suitable for field trips to proceed as scheduled. This decision is made with the safety of your students and the quality of your experience in mind.

If conditions are not suitable for your visit, we will work with your group to reschedule whenever possible. If we are unable to find a mutually agreeable rescheduled date, your $50 deposit will be fully refunded.

Our goal is for every group to experience everything that makes a visit to Spicer Orchards special. Rather than having your students visit when weather limits activities or prevents access to parts of the farm, we will work with you to determine the best course of action based on current conditions.

Payment Information

We accept credit cards, cash, and corporate or school checks for field trip groups.

Payment is due before your tour begins. Upon arrival, your tour guide (Mr. or Mrs. Spicer) will meet with your group to collect payment before the field trip starts. If you prefer, payment may also be made in advance by phone using a credit card.

Please have your final attendance count available before making payment, as your admission total will be based on the number of students, teachers, and chaperones attending. Having an accurate final count helps us check your group in quickly and keep all field trips running on schedule.

Final Attendance Count

Your final attendance count includes everyone participating in the field trip, including students, teachers, paraprofessionals, aides, chaperones, parents, and siblings.

The group organizer is responsible for providing a final headcount upon arrival, as this number will be used to calculate your admission and confirm that your reservation is accurate.

We understand that it isn't always possible to know your exact attendance when you first book your trip. As your visit approaches, please contact the Farm Market approximately one week before your scheduled field trip to provide your updated final count and confirm the details of your reservation. This allows us to properly schedule wagons, tour guides, staffing, and activity areas so your group has the best possible experience.

When planning your visit, please decide in advance whether parents, siblings, or other guests will be participating in the tour. Your reservation should accurately reflect your expected attendance and remain within the attendance range you selected when booking.

If your group arrives with more than five additional participants beyond your reserved attendance range without prior notice, your reservation will be considered outside the terms of your booking, and your $50 deposit will be forfeited or added as an additional charge. Large, unexpected increases make it difficult to accommodate additional guests and can affect the experience of other visiting groups.

We encourage you to keep us informed of any changes as early as possible. Advance notice allows us to better accommodate your group and helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit for everyone.

Large Group Reservations

To provide the best possible experience, large groups must be divided into smaller tour groups rather than attending as one large group. Smaller groups allow students to better hear their tour guide, participate in activities, and enjoy a more organized and engaging experience.

If your organization has a large number of participants, please reserve multiple tour time slots instead of booking one oversized group. Staggering groups throughout the day helps us provide adequate wagons, tour guides, staffing, and activity space while ensuring every student receives the same high-quality experience.

If you're unsure how to schedule a large group, give us a call! We are happy to help you determine the best way to divide your group and select reservation times that work well for your schedule. Our goal is to make your visit enjoyable, organized, and stress-free for both your group and our staff.

How Long Does a Field Trip Last?

Most field trips last approximately 2 hours, though the exact length depends on your group size and the activities you have selected.

• Guided orchard tours typically last 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your group and whether you have chosen a combination tour.

• Most groups spend about one hour enjoying the playground and other outdoor attractions after their tour.

We recommend planning for at least two hours to fully enjoy your visit. Larger groups or those participating in multiple activities may wish to allow additional time in their schedule.

Can our group stay longer than our scheduled field trip time?

Unfortunately, no. Our field trips operate on a carefully planned schedule, with multiple groups rotating through the playground and activity areas throughout the day. Allowing groups to stay beyond their reserved time can create overcrowding and negatively impact the experience for other schools.

In addition, extended stays often result in children becoming spread out or less closely supervised, creating potential safety concerns.

We kindly ask that all groups plan to arrive and depart within their scheduled time so we can provide a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Lunch Reservations

Groups wishing to stay for lunch must reserve lunch space at the time of booking by selecting the lunch option during the reservation process. A $50 lunch fee applies to help cover the additional maintenance and cleaning required for our lunch areas.

If you decide to stay for lunch after making your reservation, please call us at (810) 632-7692 as soon as possible. We are happy to add a lunch reservation if space is still available. Because our lunch areas have limited capacity, we cannot accommodate every group, and lunch reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

While we make every effort to honor all lunch requests, Spicer Orchards reserves the right to contact your group after booking if lunch space is no longer available due to capacity limitations.

Groups that stay for lunch without reserving lunch space in advance will forfeit their $50 booking deposit. This policy helps ensure adequate seating, staffing, and cleaning for all visiting school groups.

A drinking fountain is located in the playground pavilion. Bottled water is available for sale in the farm market. If your group prearranges to stay for lunch or an extended time, groups leaders should consider bringing additional water for their group as it is not included in the fieldtrip package. A small glass of cider and a donut are included.