By Maria King, grandmother extraordinaire and founder/president of Events Crazy
That was a pretty corny title wasn’t it? (sorry it was just too darn easy not to exploit) I found a great idea this week for all of you who love fall, being outside and who enjoy family outings; Corn Mazes. I promise you that just because it is a maze do not conjure up images of a crazed Jack Nicolson chasing a little boy through frozen hedges as in “the Shining.” Yikes! I hear that music again in my head. Have no fear, the mazes I am talking about can be excellent family outings for youngsters during the day and at night, many of them transform into scary adventures for the older, braver among us.
Do not be fooled into thinking that these are the kind of simple mazes that were featured in Highlights magazine when we were young. These are very massive undertakings with some extending well over 40 acres. They typically have a new theme every year which have grown more intricate and exotic with the onset of computer mapping and GPS. The mazes showcased here include the recreation of a Salvador Dali painting, a diagram of the State of Minnesota, a visit to the jungle, an undersea adventure and so much more. The sophistication of the designs will really A-maze you. (ok last time, I promise)
Many of the mazes have games, contests and rewards for small achievements accomplished in the mazes. They include puzzles throughout the maze which you must solve. Get it wrong and you are lost! There are treasure hunts and games which rely on you finding certain items on your walks as well as points on the map for breaks and special surprises. Many include bridges and other features you would never expect to see in a cornfield. It will be a terrific adventure for young and old, I assure you.
I looked over the whole U.S. and found corn mazes just about everywhere. That means that you will be able to get to one pretty much wherever or anywhere that you live with very few exceptions. In an initial search, I found 3 within 20 miles of my home. The fact that they are so easily available and that they are great fun for all ages makes them one of the best Halloween/ Fall attractions. So gather the ghosts and goblins and visit one this season for some safe, family fun.
Note: Many of the mazes have daytime and nighttime events. Nighttime events require flashlights (you bring or they may rent them) and are typically geared to adults and older children as they can be very intense. Check with the event to be sure. Also, unfortunately the fact that these are in cornfields means that they are not handicapped accessible.
Kernel Coopers Corn Maze
Sep 13, 2013 – Nov 03, 2013
Kernel Coopers Corn Maze Van Wert, OH 45891
This season’s maze is a train – engine, coal car, and passenger car. Come and take the “lines” through the maze and stop at all 18 “depots” along the trail. Stop at the “Whistle Stop” and grab something to eat and drink as you hang around the “ole train yard.” Come, get your tickets, and climb aboard for a fun family adventure. Held on weekends.
Corn Maze Madness
Sep 06, 2008 – Oct 25, 2008
Wild Things Farm Pocola, OK74902
Visit our 5-acre cornfield, transformed into a twisting and winding fun-filled maze! Free ride to the maze by haywagon!
1,000 Attendees
Corn Maze and Pumkin Patch
Oct 05, 2013 – Oct 27, 2013
Fort Vannoy Farms Grants Pass, OR97526
Come get lost in the huge corn maze, (maps available), take a hayride to pick out the perfect pumpkin, pet some animals, ride a zip line fire the pumpkin cannon and don’t forget to eat some cotton candy fudge and burgers and drinks!! Some activities have a fee.
Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Sep 13, 2013 – Nov 02, 2013
Devine’s Farm Harrodsburg, KY40330
Come to Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch for all of your fall family fun! There is fun for all ages. Get lost in the corn maze, pet the critters, go through the hay maze, bounce on the corn hopper, and pick a pumpkin (included in admission) and much more!. Visit Halloween weekend for trick or treating or if you dare, go through the “Field of Horror”! Please check website for dates and times as they vary.
The World’s Largest Corn Maze
Aug 03, 2013 – Oct 31, 2013
Richardson Adventure Farm Spring Grove, IL60081
Many farms have cool cornmazes, but none can live up to the size and detail of the Richardson Farm Corn Maze with it’s 4 separate mazes winding through 33 acres of living corn. many great activities and attractions are on site as well. The admission fee includes admission to the maze, observation tower, pedal bikes, pedal trikes, 50′ tube slide, and much more. Pumpkins, food, zip line, wagon rides, and ORBiting and some more activities are available for an additional fee.
Cool Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Oct 01, 2013 – Oct 31, 2013
Cool Pumpkin Patch Dixon, CA95620
Coming in at 53 acres (13 acres larger than 2007’s Guinness Book of World Records layout) this year’s design will be bigger and more challenging that ever before. Starting out with just a few acres and a lofty goal, the brothers began building their mazes with an eye to the Guinness prize. They create a fresh design each year for the maze, starting with an idea and hand-cutting each and every turn of the massive design. The patch also features a scarecrow contest, tee pee village, and pedal carts and big tricycles for a ride through the patch. Oh, and they’re selling pumpkins too. Thousands of them. Come get yours at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon! No strollers or wagons allowed in the maze. Backpacks are recommended for small children.The corn maze opens every day at 9am and closes at 8pm. When going through the maze at night we highly advise that guests carry a flashlight and warm clothing.
Severs Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Sep 13, 2013 – Oct 27, 2013
Severs Corn Maze Shakopee, MN55379
Since 1996. Hello Maze Goers family fun will be bigger and better than ever celebrating the great state that we live in – Minnesota. New attractions included in admission this year are an Extreme Corn Pit and a Spider Web! We are not a haunted event, but bring a flashlight for fun at night! In the meantime, be sure to check out all of our past mazes and don’t forget you can pick your own pumpkins at our Sever’s Farm Market pumpkin patches starting in October.
Treinen Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Sep 27, 2013 – Nov 11, 2013
Treinen Farm Lodi, WI53555
Explore our 200-acre farm nestled in the beautiful driftless area of Wisconsin near Lodi (just 20 miles north of Madison.) Challenge yourself, friends and family to Wisconsin ‘s largest corn maze–15 acres (14 and1/2 football fields) of outdoor adventure. Search for the perfect pumpkin in our thirteen-acre pumpkin patch, with hayride provided by our gentle draft horses. ONly the maze is open after October 26th.
Cherry Crest Farm Corn Maze
Sep 07, 2013 – Nov 03, 2013
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Ronks, PA17572
Spend about an hour in the world’s most dynamic and interactive 5-acre corn maze with over 2.5 miles of paths, scenic bridges, and clues. And don’t worry if you take the wrong path! Our two Maze Masters are always on hand to get you back on track! Kids of All Ages LOVE Our Corn Maze! Whether you’re 5 or 55, our corn maze offers a challenging and fun adventure that inspires creativity and teamwork. In fact our corn maze is the perfect activity for school field trips or corporate team building programs. Just call us for details on group outings to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm!
Sauchuk Farm Maze
Oct 03, 2013 – Nov 02, 2013
Sauchuk Farm Plympton, MA02367
Our giant corn maze and pumpkin patch is now open on weekends. In addition to the maze, we have many activities including a haywagon ride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins right off of the vine. Fresh apple cider donuts are available at the farmstand on Saturdays and Sundays. Special holiday opening and also FlashLight nights. Check the website for times and dates.
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter
or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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