Farm Rules and FAQs
When are you open?
Farm hours vary seasonally, and different aspects of the farm may be open at different hours. Please visit our Hours page to see a full list of current hours.
When are the playgrounds open?
The playgrounds and slides are always open to the public during the day from March to December. There is no admission fee to use the playgrounds except for during the Fall Harvest Celebration in September and October.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well behaved dogs on leash are always welcome at Critz Farms. We have two resident pups at the farm: Emmy Lou and Watson. Our Tap Room is dog friendly too!
Do you serve food?
We do not have a year round restaurant at Critz Farms. However, we do serve light snacks and farm-aged cheddar cheese and crackers in our Tap Room. The Critz Cafe is open weekends only during our Maple Celebration, Fall Harvest Celebration, and Holiday Traditions season. During the summer, we host a variety of food trucks at the farm from Thursday to Sunday. Check our Facebook for a list of which trucks will be at the farm and when.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, please feel free to bring your own food to the farm to enjoy on the playground, on the patio, or in the Tap Room. Outside alcohol is not permitted. We serve beer, hard cider, and wine from the Tap Room. You are welcome to walk around with drinks from the Tap Room in plastic cups. Sale of bottles, cans, and growlers are for take home only. On site consumption is not allowed.
What is there to do at Critz Farms?
Visit our animals, playgrounds, and nature trails from March to December. Our Balsam Barn Gift Shop is open from September through December. The Critz Farms Brewing and Cider Co. Tap Room is open from March to December. We offer a wide variety of events year-round. Find live music and food trucks every Saturday in the summer and lots of music and fall fun on weekends in the fall. We offer U-pick blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and Christmas trees.
What kind of animals do you have?
We have some resident goats, ponies, and a llama here at the farm. Folks are always welcome to visit. In the fall, we bring in visiting animals from other local farms during our Fall Harvest Celebration. At that time, you’ll find lambs, calves, piglets, chicks and ducklings, and more. Do not be alarmed if you see one of our friendly goats roaming the farm. She loves to jump the fence when visitors are here. Now you know why we have a beer named G.O.A.T.’s Out Oatmeal Stout!
How much does it cost to enter?
During most of the year, entrance to Critz Farms is free. However, during our Fall Harvest Celebration and for a few other special ticketed events, there is an admission/ticket fee.
Do you charge for parking?
No. There is never a charge for parking at the farm. Because we collect the Fall Harvest Celebration admission fee from folks in their cars before they park, this sometimes gets misconstrued as a charge for parking.
What kind of apples do you have for picking?
We offer a wide variety of apples for picking. The farm grows Cortland, Empire, Macoun, several Macintosh varieties, Gala, and Honey Crisp apples. Pre-picked apple varieties change weekly in the fall.
Do you host weddings at Critz Farms?
No, we do not host weddings at the farm. But we do host smaller celebrations, private parties, and corporate events. Visit our events page for more information and please inquire about your special event at info@critzfarms.com.
Where can I find your beer and cider locally?
We distribute our products to a wide variety of stores and bars in the Cazenovia, Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester areas. Please visit here for a full list of retailers. *Subject to change frequently.*
Do you sell kegs directly to the public for home use?
Yes, we do! Please inquire about kegs and pricing in our Tap Room.
Will you fill growlers from other breweries?
Yes, we will! Make sure to ask about our Growler Club when you get yours filled.
Are all of your ciders gluten free?
Yes, they are all gluten free. We do not currently produce any gluten free beers.
Which entrance should I use?
Depending on the season, we ask visitors to enter and park in different places. Here is a general outline, though subject to change.
Main Entrance (by sign) between big Main Barn and house: Use this entrance on weekends during most seasons, and always during the week. Park in asphalt and gravel parking lots.
Second Driveway: This is the smaller driveway just south of and close to the house. Use this driveway on weekends during the Christmas season. Follow parking signs to asphalt and gravel parking lots.
Festival Entrance: This driveway is about 300 yards south of the house and barns at the south end of the big lawns. Use this entrance on weekends during the Fall Harvest Celebration, and during certain special events such as the Blueberry Jam. Follow directions of parking attendants and signs to park in lower lots or on the lawns as directed.
Have a question we haven’t answered? Please email any additional questions to info@critzfarms.com or give us a call at 315-662-3355.