Great Lakes Farms — Attraction in Southwold

The orchard part of the experience was great to start off. Although the price of the apples was a lot steeper than other orchards we normally go to - the perks of the kids zone in our opinion made it worth it for us. We bought 3 x35lb bags of apples and upgraded one to honey crisp apples which cost us $110. We then spent $65 in the gift shop buying jams. We also bought the two kids wrist bands for $8.75 each. We waited around in kids area for the tractor rides and that’s when my experience went bad. These boys were so excited for the ride -we waited an hour to go on it. Especially the 3year old was excited. We get on the tractor and then are told we could not go on the ride because the adults didn’t have wrist bands… are you kidding me?? They also wouldn’t let kids go on without an adult. I’m sorry but spending $200 here to be told we couldn’t take the kid on a tractor ride is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Recommend changing that. I think it’s terrible to disappoint kids over $8.

Edit: Thanks for responding. I just want to point out it is not a matter of the money (although I do still think that it’s wild to charge adults to watch their kids in a kids activity zone). We spent $200 so it’s actually not about $8 more dollars being “too expensive”. The issue I had was actually the way we were singled out, confronted in an aggressive way in front of others, that upset and confused kids were kicked off a tractor, and that it was an honest mistake because in NO way was it clear that we were meant to pay to enter that area as adults. So yes I think it’s a money grab to have adults pay considering the amount we had already paid but no that’s not my issue with my visit. It was how it was handled and how it made us feel like criminals. I just want to clear that up because as I said when we spoke - I understand it’s the policy but it’s honestly the fact that it is not clearly labeled (yes you have a tiny sign but it isn’t clear an adult would have to also pay to accompany kids in and supervise them on the kids activities) and when buying the wrist bands for the kids it was also not explained. So although your response is in regards to whether I can afford it or not - that is not what ultimately...

I get things are different with Covid, but the way things are being ran here I was not happy with. We drove all the way from London for an afternoon of the fun zone area and the corn maze. Even asked when pulling into the busy driveway to the employee directing traffic if the corn maze was open and he said Yes. Stood in the long line just to be told that the “Fun zone” was full. I asked if we could stand to the side and wait until a family was done and the girl informed me that it doesn’t work like that, I could either go apple picking and come back or walk around and come back and see if there was space. I asked if I would have to wait in the long line again to see if there was space or even just pay and keep checking in. She said no they are not aloud to do that. So pretty much I can wait around with hopes that we will get in but no for sure with kids that where excited for an afternoon of fun. I feel like this should definitely be more better organized. To have kids that where so pumped for this adventure and just to be let down cause there was no for sure of getting in. Either have time limits, or a wait list, or an option to line up for the fun zone / corn maze and wait. Definitely disappointed. UPDATE** It won’t let me reply to the owners response but I just want to say Thank You for the reply back. We have went there many times over the years and had an amazing time. I was definitely just very upset the I got the kids hopes up for nothing and if I would have known it was only a 20mins wait I would have waited no problem and that’s when I had even said to the staff member but then she acted like that wasn’t an option. I do appreciate the things you have there and it’s an amazing place for a family afternoon but just wasn’t happy with the experience yesterday. Thanks again for the response to...

I've been going to Great Lakes Farms for years and my children have always enjoyed it. This year though, it seemed different and was really disappointing. It seemed like the farm owners have just gotten a bit greedy. It always angers me that adults have to pay to go into the fun farm. I have no issues with paying for my children, but when adults (who in all honesty don't want to go into the farm, but have to for the safety of their children) have to pay $8 each to get in. That just seems wrong. I asked today why the adults have to pay and was told that it is because of the wagon ride and corn maze. In my opinion, those 2 things don't warrant the $8 fee and personally, I would much rather pay a couple of dollars if I wanted to go on the wagon ride, rather than have to pay to get in. Also, I thought the sign about only sampling one apple was a bit silly. Some people won't sample any and others will sample 5. There is no real way of monitoring this and I would imagine it would all even out in the end. Also, the rules about no overfilling the baskets and things like that, just seemed to make the experience a little less fun. Not that I overfill my basket, but they do only hold so much and the idea that if my basket isn't perfectly flat that another $5 will be added to the already expensive price of the apples is a bit silly. Anyways, I don't generally write reviews, but my husband and I were really disappointed with our visit today and will be looking elsewhere next year for...