Looking for something to do this summer? Clovermead offers family fun all season

Clovermead Adventure Farm combines outdoor adventure, family fun and agricultural education. ~ Amanda Nelson photo

By Amanda Nelson

What started in 1975 with founder Henry Hiemstra has grown into an adventure park for children of all ages. The park features a corn maze, bee discovery station, bee barrel train rides, super slides, pedal carts, an animal barn, a water park and so much more.

Hiemstra started the Aylmer commercial beekeeping and honey business in 1975. He was also a hobby artist whose paintings and drawings are featured in the on-site art gallery, along with antiques, including old organs displayed near the entrance.

“My grandpa had beekeeping in his blood,” said Caitlyn Suderman, granddaughter and general manager. “He was also an artist and loved to paint and draw. Some of his artwork is displayed here in the gallery.”

Hiemstra moved to Canada from the Netherlands and passed his love of beekeeping on to his six sons. He started selling honey out of a small garage and named his operation Clovermead Apiaries. In 1987, Henry and his wife, Ann, moved and restored an old log cabin, which is now home to the honey shop.

Henry’s son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Christy Hiemstra, took over the farm in 2000. They quickly realized they needed a way to attract visitors to the small town of Aylmer, so, in addition to operating the honey business, they began adding family attractions to the property.

By restoring and repurposing antique buildings and barns, they transformed the farm into something unique. Restored barns, corn cribs, pig houses and even an old train became part of the attraction.

The countless activities range from a water park to petting and feeding animals, including goats, miniature cows, sheep, chickens, a peacock and even a friendly turkey. There are also a variety of play structures, including a small combine, a kid-sized hamster wheel, a bike track, a rock-climbing wall, pillow-jumping structures and even an old airplane, allowing children’s imaginations to run wild.

On-site, visitors will also be able to attend a short presentation where they learn how honey is made, the life cycle of bees, and the different roles bees play within the hive. Visitors learn about everything from baby bees to worker bees.

“Part of the tour is getting to touch a stingless drone bee, which is a male bee,” said Suderman. “Male bees don’t have stingers, so visitors can safely hold one. They also get to see a real-life queen bee. We have a single frame behind glass, and one of our staff members points out the queen so guests can see her up close.

“Inside the hut, we have what we call the ‘five senses’ experience,” said Suderman. “Guests can place their hand on top of a beehive to feel its warmth and vibration, put their ear up to another hive to hear the sounds inside, and even smell a beehive. It’s a hands-on way to experience the world of bees through all five senses.”

Throughout the farm, there are accessible washrooms with infant and adult changing tables, helping ensure all visitors can enjoy their visit comfortably and without worry. Guests will also find a variety of food options available on-site, with the family recently adding more locations across the property. Offerings now include everything from ice cream to smash burgers, all available at affordable prices.

“What we were finding is that with the three food locations on our busy weekdays, we couldn’t keep up with the volume, so we just needed to offer more food entries and different locations,” said Suderman.

Now with the fourth generation of the family involved, Suderman and her brother Justin Hiemstra work on the farm in various capacities. Caitlyn plans to take over the farm one day, while Hiemstra continues to use his handyman skills to create fun and imaginative rides and attractions for visiting children.

The pair lost their youngest brother, Jordan, who died by suicide at age 17. The family continues to honour his memory and named one of the farm’s attractions Jordan’s Play Fort after him. Located near the entrance, the large play structure allows children to climb high among the trees.

The family believes the foundation of healthy families is built through shared experiences and multi-generational play, something they strive to provide for visitors every day.

Tickets are available online and at the gate, although families are encouraged to purchase them in advance due to potential lineups upon arrival. Prices vary throughout the season, with tickets starting at $22 when purchased online.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clovermead.com 