Our Most Frequently Asked Questions and Policies
- NOTICES AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AGREEMENT AND RELEASES OF LIABILITY WARNING: By entering Alpaca Acres Farm and Fun (also referred to as “Farm”), visitors acknowledge and agree to this warning in its entirety and all farm policies written or verbal.
The farm is open to visitors with a scheduled appointment or pre-purchased tickets only. Every visitor is required to register at the farm store immediately upon arrival before exploring or using any of the farm facilities, amenities or attractions. All minor visitors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times during farm visit. Farm visitor acknowledges that pets, smoking/vaping, alcohol, drugs, weapons, drones, and unapproved outside food are not allowed on farm. Be advised that entrance to the farm constitutes PERMISSION FOR MANAGEMENT TO PHOTOGRAPH OR RECORD anyone on premise and to use them for any lawful unrestricted purpose without further notice, permission or compensation to the individuals or guardians.
By entering the farm, visitors acknowledge that Alpaca Acres Farm and Fun is a real working farm as well as an agritourism venue, and as such, visitors understand and agree that there are INHERENT RISKS associated with entry including, but not limited to bodily injury, physical harm and possibly death. “Inherent risks” may include but are not limited to: (a) the natural tendency of any animal to behave in ways that may result in injury or death to persons and/or damage to personal property; (b) a farm and its animals can carry diseases (proper hand washing is required immediately after contact); (c) the risk of coming into contact with natural elements including, but not limited to, wild animals, snakes, bees, insects and poisonous plants; (d) farm surfaces are uneven and exposed to the elements of nature (and as such caution should be used at all times); (e) fenced areas and out of bounds areas may be dangerous and should never be entered (out of bounds areas are anywhere except for: the farm store, parking lot, attractions area, and staff guided alpaca visit); (f) farm equipment, campfires and campfire rings are dangerous (and should not be touched); (g) farm attractions can be dangerous (and should be used only as instructed verbally or on signage); (h) limited availability of emergency medical care; (i) the potential of others to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to others. Entering the farm is done so voluntarily and ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK and by entering the farm, each person, on behalf of themselves, their family members, their heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do so willingly and without duress INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE FARM AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ENTRY FOR THEMSELVES AND ANY MINOR CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE including, but not limited to, injury, death, property damage or loss of any kind, whether caused by the ordinary negligence of farm or otherwise, AND WAIVE AND RELINQUISH ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO SEEK RECOVERY OF DAMAGES FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WHICH MAY ARISE FROM ENTRY AND FOREVER INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND RELEASE FARM OWNERS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSISGNS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, AND ACTIONS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY CLAIM IS CAUSED BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE FARM OR OTHERWISE.
- Ticket Start Times
Why do I need to arrive at a certain time?
There are two reasons why Alpaca Acres uses “timed-entry”. One is to help provide each guest with an easy and pleasant check-in experience. The other is because some farm visits and events begin with a guided group walk to visit the alpacas at that specific start time.
Plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled start time to allow time for the check-in process so events can begin at the scheduled time. There is no need to arrive too early since we won’t begin your group until your ticket start time.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot scan in/admit tickets until everyone in your ticket order has arrived. (For this reason, we suggest each family purchase their own tickets.) As a courtesy to others who purchased the same start time, we will begin on time and latecomers will miss out without refund.
- Appointments Required
What’s the best time to stop by?
Since Alpaca Acres is a real working farm, we are open for visitors by appointment only; which means you’ll need to pre-purchase tickets. There are 2 ways to schedule an appointment:
- Buy a ticket online (best option)
- Call 570-851-8913
NOTES: (1) Online Ticket sales end 1/2 hr prior to start time and 1 hr prior to VIP Encounters. (2) If you choose to call, keep in mind that we may be in the alpaca field tending the animals or assisting other farm guests. If you leave a message and number, we will call you back; however, it may not be right away. For this reason, we recommend booking online.
- Ticket Ages
Does everyone need a ticket to enter?
We work hard to make sure there is plenty of fun, smiles and memories to be made for all ages- from tiny tots to giddy grandmas! Therefore, payment is required for every visitor that is age 2 or older who enters the property regardless of participation.
- Promotions
How do I use the promo code?
First, visit our website and select the ticket that you want to purchase. Then, click on the blue line that says “promotional code” and enter it there.
PLEASE NOTE: Refunds for discounts cannot be given after an order has been paid for. Let us know if you need assistance in applying a discount; we’re happy to help!
- Attractions
What attractions will be available for my visit?
We do our best to offer as much family-friendly fun as we can. However, some attractions may not be available at all times due to weather or repair and some attractions are seasonal. Alpaca Visits and The Alpaca Express are only available at scheduled times. Feel free to call ahead to check attraction availability.
It is also important to note that Alpaca Visits are not included in each ticket type and that standard Alpaca Visits are not the same as VIP Encounters.
- Alpaca Visits
What are the rules for alpaca visits?
Parents/Guardians please ensure that your children know and follow farm rules at all times.
- Alpaca visits are available ONLY at scheduled times and are not included with each ticket type
- Alpaca visits are only allowed when accompanied by farm staff
- You can NOT bring food of any kind to the alpaca visit for safety reasons
- Do not open gates, climb on, over or under fences, gates or barriers. Never enter pastures
- Do not feed animals anything other than the grain we provide
- Move slowly, talk softly and be gentle when petting the animals
- Hand washing is required after visiting animals, even if sanitizer was used. Do not touch your mouth or face until you’ve washed your hands
- Take care not to drop pacifiers, sippy cups and baby bottles
- People at high risk for serious infections, children less than 5 years old, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems should approach animals with extreme care
- Remember, animals are sensitive to smell and therefore, may not want to visit or eat from hands with strong smells of lotions, soaps and sprays
- Alpaca visits are available ONLY at scheduled times and are not included with each ticket type
- Exploring the farm
Can we explore the farm?
While we love sharing our family farm with visitors, we do ask that you remain in the attractions area for everyone’s safety. Alpacas are part of our family and we ask that you please do not visit them without a farm guide. Entering neighboring properties, animal pastures, barns or other buildings on the property are strictly prohibited. Do not touch farm equipment. Do not open gates, climb on, over or under fences, gates or barriers.
- Pets
Can I bring my dog?
Even though we love love love animals, we cannot allow visitors to bring their pets onto the farm for the safety of others and the safety of our alpaca herd.
PLEASE NOTE: This also means you cannot leave pets in your vehicle per Maryland law.
- Smoking
Is smoking allowed at the farm?
Smoking of any kind (including vaping and marijuana) is prohibited at the farm.
- Food
Is there food at the farm?
We do have food and drinks available for purchase at the farm most days; therefore, we do not allow picnics or outside food to be brought into the farm. If you want to see if it’s open on a specific day, just give us a call or send an email.
(You are welcome to bring your own food to eat at your vehicle in the parking lot) As always, alcohol is prohibited anywhere on the property.
- Restrooms
Are there restrooms on the property?
Alpaca Acres is a real farm that offers a completely outdoor experience including outdoor handwashing sink and portable restroom (“port-o-potty”). There are no indoor restrooms available.
- Weather
Does the farm close if it rains?
Since all of our activities are completely outdoors, the entire farm will close if we feel the weather will prevent a safe or happy experience. If the farm closes activities due to weather, the farm store will also close and all farm guests will be required to leave the farm. Unfortunately, refunds will not be issued for inclement weather.
- Photography Policy
What is your photography policy?
(1) Entrance to property constitutes permission for management to photograph or record anyone while on the premise and to use photos or recordings for any lawful purpose without written permission or compensation to the individual.
(2) Visitors are encouraged to take plenty of photos of their farm fun! Feel free to share them and don’t forget to tag us on social #AlpacaAcresMaryland #SmilesMemoriesTraditions
(3) No drones allowed on property
(4) Professional photographers are required to schedule sessions in advance.(5) VIP Encounters are welcome to take as many photos as they like; however, we do not allow recording of any kind during the VIP Encounters.
- Payment Types
What forms of payment are accepted?
The farm store accepts Cash and Credit Cards that have a chip. (We cannot accept Credit Cards without a chip- such as gift cards.) Be advised that admin fees may apply to Credit Card purchases.
- Clothing
What should we wear?
Alpaca Acres is an actual farm so be prepared for a completely outdoor experience. Dress according to the weather and be prepared to get dirty. You’ll want to wear closed-toe shoes and keep in mind that you will be walking on dirt, gravel and grass with some rolling hills and unpaved, uneven surfaces. Keep in mind that socks are required for jump pad use.
- Safety
Is there anything else I should know?
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children know and follow farm rules. For their own safety, please keep young children in eyesight and arms reach at all times.
Should you have an incident or concern while on property please notify a staff member immediately. An incident report must be completed prior to leaving the farm.
Anyone not abiding by rules and policies, both written or verbal, may be asked to leave without refund. Policies subject to change without notice.