From Cow to Cream: A Dairy Adventure

Check Back for 2026 Dates!

Monday – Thursday, by appointment only

Recommended for: Preschool- 2nd Grade
Length of Tour:
Approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on group size.

Did you know the site where Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Inc. is located was a dairy farm before it became a fruit and vegetable farm? Join us for a fun and educational adventure and learn all about our dairy history and all things, perfect for young explorers! On this hands-on tour, participants will discover where milk comes from and follow its journey from the cow to the bottle, learning about the milking process, pasteurization, and how milk is processed and packaged. Along the way, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for farm life and the hard work that goes into producing dairy products. Plus, they’ll get a behind-the-scenes scoop on how we make our delicious farm-fresh ice cream right here on the farm. To top off the experience, students will enjoy a tasty sample of our homemade ice cream—straight from our farm to their spoon!

Minimum of 10 paying guests/Maximum of 125 total Participants (Students, Parents, & Teachers).
If your group is expected to be larger than 125, please split your group and book two separate times on the same day. You all may arrive at the same time and play or eat lunch while waiting on your tour to begin.

Tour Includes:

• Barnyard Theater:
  • Explore the journey of milk from cow to cream
  • Explore How to Dress a Cow
  • Discover The Cow’s Unique Stomach System
  • Learn the difference between Pasteurization and Homogenization.
• Feed our Barnyard Friends
  • See different breeds of cows
• Compare hand milking vs. machine milking:
  • Try hand milking an artificial cow.
  • See a simulated milking machine used by modern dairy farmers.
• Hands on Activity
• Get a behind the scenes peek of our ice cream parlor where we make our very own ice cream
• One scoop of ice cream (choice of strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla). Dairy-free option available upon request
• Activity Book per student
• Just for Teachers: Pre and Post Tour activities to reinforce tour activities.

All tours include access to Pawpaw Carl’s Playground and Picnic Area. Participants are welcome prior to or after their tour.

[ Info for Teachers ]