Cracker Country
Reliving Rural Florida History
What to Expect
Extended School Tours
Designed for Students in Grades 4-5
Bring your students to learn about Florida's industries as well as everyday pioneer life in our extended field trip adventure!
Students will attend our Cracker Country in the morning and visit our Florida Industry exhibits in the afternoon.
Check-in: 10:00am
Time: 10:15am-2:30pm
Lunch: 12:15pm
Dates: Tuesday - Fridays on the following dates:
November 2 - December 2, 2021
Student Cost: $16 per student
Chaperones: One adult (teacher or chaperone) per ten students is required and admitted for free. Additional adults pay the student rate of $18.
Submit a Request for a Reservation here
About the Tour
One of our educational guides will lead your group through activities and exhibits in our Florida Industry program and throughout Cracker Country.
Rural Home Life Cracker Country Tour
Spend the morning immersed in a rural Florida community of the past and learn how a late 19th century rural family survived. Try your hand at farm and household chores, explore community buildings and learn the skills of Florida’s pioneers. All groups will dip a candle, visit our train station and shop in our Cracker Country General Store.
Florida Industry Tour
What makes Florida a good place to raise cattle? What resources do we get from the forests around us? Did orange trees always grow here? Why was steam power important to the development of Florida? This tour takes place in the Florida Forestry/Cattle Ranching exhibit building and the Steam Engine Pavilion.
What to See
10:00am Check-in
10:15 Introduction
10:30 Visit a Historic House / Butter Making
10:45 All About Candle Dipping
11:00 Rope Twisting Demonstration
11:15 See our Depot Station and Model Train Display
11:30 Discover How Pioneers Did Laundry
11:45 Participate in a School House Lesson
12:00 Shop in the General Store*
12:15 Lunch**
1:00 Florida Industry Introduction
1:15 Florida Cattle Ranching: 500 Years of Tradition
1:30 Pack Like a Cowhunter / Leather Craft
1:45 Florida Forest Discovery Center
2:00 Liquid Sunshine: Florida Citrus Display
2:15 The Power of Steam
2:30 Depart
*All groups have the option of shopping in the General Store. If your group opts not to shop, you will instead visit the Terry Store, a historical store exhibit. Proceeds from our General Store help support our education programs.
**Picnic area available adjacent to Cracker Country.
Stop & Shop
In the Cracker Country General Store you will find a wide selection of historical toys, games, candy, books, 1890s reproductions and much more. Prices start at an affordable $0.30.
The General Store accepts cash, Visa, Master Card, and personal checks with ID. No checks or credit cards accepted from students.
Proceeds from sales in the General Store help support Cracker Country's education programs.
Lunch
Groups are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are provided for use after the morning tour ends at 12:15pm.
Please leave all lunches and coolers in a vehicle until it is time for lunch.
Please note there are no food services facilities on the Fairgrounds.
The Florida State Fairgrounds requires one adult (teacher or chaperone) per every 10 students. All required adults receive free admission for the field trip. Adults accompanying the group beyond the required number of chaperones pay $14 each. All student and adult admissions must be included in one payment.
Chaperones and adults are responsible for the behavior of the group and are required to supervise and stay with students at all times during the visit.
All adult chaperones must arrive on time and enter the field trip with the school. The gates into the Fairgrounds will be closed once the field trip program begins, so late chaperones CANNOT be admitted.
Field Trip Funding Resources
Please ensure that you have a funding source prior to scheduling a field trip. If you need anything from us in order to apply for a grant please let us know.
DonorsChoose.org
This organization connects public schools to a community of donors eager to fund classroom projects.
Some Helpful Information
Field Trip Policies
Browse Policies
Weather
Field Trips take place rain or shine. Please encourage your group to dress appropriately for outdoor activities.
In the event of severe weather... During heavy rain or severe weather we may cancel your tour the day of the tour by calling the phone number you provide. Due to Florida's quickly changing forecasts a decision to cancel will never be made prior to the date of your tour. If we cancel your tour due to severe weather, we will make every effort to reschedule your group on an alternative date.
In the event of severe weather... During heavy rain or severe weather we may cancel your tour the day of the tour by calling the phone number you provide. Due to Florida's quickly changing forecasts a decision to cancel will never be made prior to the date of your tour. If we cancel your tour due to severe weather, we will make every effort to reschedule your group on an alternative date.
Group Size
A minimum of 15 participants is required for a field trip program. Groups with fewer participants may be booked for a minimum fee of $150.00 (equivalent to 15 paid admissions).
Chaperones
One adult (teacher or chaperone) per ten students is required and admitted for free. Additional adults pay the rate of $12 each. Adults are responsible for the behavior of the group and are required to supervise and stay with students at all times during their visit.
All student and adult admissions must be included in one payment.
All student and adult admissions must be included in one payment.
All adult chaperones must arrive on time and enter the museum with the school group. The gates into the Fairgrounds will be closed once the field trip program begins, so late chaperones cannot be admitted.
Deposit
A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is due within 30 days of booking your field trip. The deposit is required to hold your reservation.
Make checks payable to the Florida State Fair Authority and mail to:
P.O. Box 11766
Tampa, Fl. 33680
Pay Online: https://floridastatefair.ticketspice.com/cracker-country-school-tour-deposits-2022-2023
Make checks payable to the Florida State Fair Authority and mail to:
P.O. Box 11766
Tampa, Fl. 33680
Pay Online: https://floridastatefair.ticketspice.com/cracker-country-school-tour-deposits-2022-2023
Forms of Payment
Please make all checks payable to the Florida State Fair Authority. We accept all major credit cards.
All student and adult admissions must be included in one payment.
All student and adult admissions must be included in one payment.
Cancellations
We understand that this will be a difficult school year and that plans may change due to necessary response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please reach out to us if you have any concerns.
All cancellations must be in writing and emailed to Jennifer Wanecski (jennifer.wanecski@floridastatefair.com)
or mailed to: Attn: Cracker Country
P.O. Box 11766
Tampa, Fl. 33680
All cancellations must be in writing and emailed to Jennifer Wanecski (jennifer.wanecski@floridastatefair.com)
or mailed to: Attn: Cracker Country
P.O. Box 11766
Tampa, Fl. 33680
Food & Drink
No food or drink is permitted inside of the museum. Please leave all lunches and coolers on the bus. There are water breaks built into your tour and numerous water fountains located throughout the museum that you may use at any time.
Backpacks
For the safety of historic artifacts and the comfort of all visitors, students are not allowed to wear backpacks. However, adults may bring bags if necessary.
Covid-19 Policies
The health and safety of our students, teachers, guests and employees is of paramount importance. It is our mission to keep everyone safe while also continuing to make your visit a memorable experience.
Masks: Masks are welcomed, but not required.
Hands-on Stations: Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the field trip.
Masks: Masks are welcomed, but not required.
Hands-on Stations: Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the field trip.