Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm — Local services in Beach Park

I brought my son here to celebrate his 4th birthday. He had a great time. However, there was a staffer there that seemed to go out of his way to make us very uncomfortable. The staffer appeared to be in his late 60's, very tall (maybe 6'2 or thereabouts), was dressed in Bears attire and was the one that rung us up. It seemed to really get his goat that I chose to dress up my child in a Paw Patrol costume, in order to make him feel special on his special day, going to one of his favorite places. I was looking forward to having a cute picture to remind him of the first time we were able to actually celebrate his birthday openly. My son and I are victims of domestic violence and this is the very first year that we were in a good enough place to celebrate. The staffer knew none of this, yet took it upon himself to try to antagonize us while we were trying to support the farm by purchasing a few items (my son had hand picked a pumpkin for some very special people). It wasn't simply the questions he asked, it was the way in which he did it, with such annoyance and irritation. Asking us whether my son "barks, too", in addition to all of the other statements and questions was none of his concern. He was out of place and disrespectful. I've heard those tones coming from people before, and it is usually when they can't hide their bigotry, so they try to mask it with contempt. I cannot and will not raise my child to be blind or ignorant to the world, but I will not purposefully bring him to places where his being a child will disrupt someone's day so badly that they feel compelled to ruin ours.

To the staffer whose day we ruined: please accept our apologies for enjoying our day... I am a terrible mother for wanting my son to wear a costume on his autumn birthday at a farm on a beautiful sunny day. I should not have wanted to capture such a beautiful occasion or enjoy his first birthday beyond the yoke of our abuse. Please forgive us. We won't upset you so, again.

UPDATE: In response to my review, I have been accused of being confused about where I was. 1. I worked on the other side of Yourhouse Road for 3 years. I know where I was. 2. I've been to Kroll's Farm before. I know where I was. 3. The family member with me has been to Kroll's Farm on separate occasions, with her child. We know where we were.

It's easy to deny that someone was wronged, because it seemingly washes away the responsibility to take action. Relax, you have been absolved. We're not coming back, so you don't have to fix anything. (Just be aware that you have people working the checkout that you now say are not on staff.)

P.S.: attached is a picture I took of my son on said visit. Unless I am not mistaken, someone has stolen your...

What great family fun at a reasonable price and only a 5min drive south from my house in Beach Park.

Such a joy seeing my kids and other children in general having fun feeding and petting the animals.

I haven't been to the farm during the cold months and not sure if at a time like right now if any activities are happening other than Christmas tree sales.

Nice to know that they open at various times of the year and not just confined to summer fun while the kids are out of school.

Friendly staff, always have to pick up a few small pumpkins and fresh pumpkin donuts during the fall, the farm animals are always a must and the hay ride is a bit short but relaxing.

This past Oct when we visited, could've wandered around the corn maze but the kids were tired of walking around so oh well. It's neat what the corn maze from an aerial looks like!

An interesting fact about the corn they harvest is that it's used as corn feed and not the corn you'll find in a produce section of a supermarket.

Simple & excellent family fun not far from home and I thank you guys for being there! Always happy to support a...

I wrote this two years ago - if you change the 15 years to 17 years the rest still applies. What this farm offers to children and families is amazing.

Last day at the farm for this season was a little soggy. Can't believe I have been helping out with field trips for 15 years - although I am certain I can now recite my animal speech word for word in my sleep! So many children, so many families, so many memories made - Ruthann & Randy should be proud of what their farm has become and what it means to those who visit. Most rewarding moments - seeing the joy on the faces of the special needs students and the wonder on the faces of those who were afraid when they feel how soft the chickens really are. Favorite farm critter - no doubt, it would be Jenny the donkey. At 25+, she and I are the old ladies. Looking forward to next fall and the children who will visit and the memories that...