Explore Autumn Family Fun: Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Picking
By Candyce H. Stapen
Embrace the joys of autumn with family activities like navigating corn mazes, picking pumpkins, and enjoying illuminated walking trails adorned with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns. Getting “corn-fused” in expansive mazes made from 10-foot-tall corn stalks offers a thrilling adventure for families. Many features include surprise figures, clues, and after-dark flashlight tours, making the experience even more exciting.
Adventure Farms to Visit
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Great Vermont Corn Maze, Danville, Vermont
- Details: Spanning 24 acres, this maze is hailed as New England’s largest. Expect to spend 3-4 hours navigating its twists, dead ends, and attractions like dinosaurs and blacklight sections.
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Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks, Pennsylvania
- Details: This farm offers a customizable maze experience with easy to ultimate sections over a 5-acre, 2.5-mile space. Families can interact with animals and enjoy various farm activities.
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Cool Patch Pumpkins, Dixon, California
- Details: Once the largest maze in the world, the current 40-acre maze will take about 2 hours to traverse. Attractions include color-coded bridges and a corn bath.
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The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, New York
- Details: Marvel at over 7,000 glowing jack-o’-lanterns, including artistic displays like the pumpkin carousel and Literary Lane, featuring beloved children’s characters.
Tips for a Fun Visit
- Attire: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water and snacks for an enjoyable experience.
- Planning: Check each farm’s schedule for open dates and hours, and consider arriving early to enjoy additional activities.
Important Dates
- Great Vermont Corn Maze: Select dates through Oct. 12 vermontcornmaze.com
- Cherry Crest Adventure Farm: Select dates through Nov. 7 cherrycrestfarm.com
- Cool Patch Pumpkins: Select dates through Oct. 31 coolpatchpumpkins.com
- Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze: Select dates through Nov. 1 hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze
Image Highlights
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
- Pumpkin picking is a beloved activity.
Baby Animals
- Children can hold baby chicks, enhancing the farm experience.
Vermont Corn Maze
- Navigate twists and turns among towering corn.
For family-friendly fall adventures, these destinations offer a blend of fun, creativity, and hands-on experiences that create lasting memories!
