A Maze N Farmyard Offers Autumn Joy For All Ages
Do they have corn pits in other states?
One of the best parts about living in Central Minnesota is the sheer number of things to do outdoors with kids in tow. Disc golf, splash pads, playgrounds, hiking trails- the adventures never end!
In the fall we have so many fun 'pumpkin patch' type places to check out. While there are several in the area that we love, the big daddy of them all may just be A Maze 'N Farmyard in Eden Valley.
We made our second trip to A Maze 'N Farmyard this past weekend after checking out for the first time last year. For reference, we have a two-year-old and a seven-year-old and believe me when I say that we could have spent twice as much time there as we ended up having.
It's obvious that the people running the Farmyard put a lot of care and concern into the operation. It's very clean, the staff is friendly and helpful and the price is beyond fair for the sheer amount of fun the whole family can have.
ANIMALS
Our first stop was the petting zoo area, where kids can pet kittens, puppies, bunnies and almost everything in between. There are also animals that kids can feed (with seed purchased at the entrance), like goats and chickens.
BIRD BARN
The bird area is a popular spot for my kids to check out. They hold a popsicle stick full of birdseed until the birds dutifully perch themselves on the kids' fingers and/or heads. Hilarity ensues.
CORN PIT
My two-year-old LOVED the 'corn pit,' which is essentially a sandbox full of dried corn kernels. They even had buckets, excavators and dump trucks for the kids to play with.
GIANT SLIDES
There are several giant slides throughout the Farmyard. There is a barn structure with a bunch of really long tube slides coming out of the sides, a state-fair like slide ridden with potato sacks and an even bigger slide that has riders use an inflatable innertube to fly down its slopes.
KOI POND
My kids loved feeding the 'giant goldfish' in the pond, which is set in a really pretty area.
ROPES COURSE
I believe the ropes course is new this year and it was a huge hit for both of my kids, who love to be active. A great mix of obstacles for kids of all ages.
SPORTS AREA
This also looked new and featured soccer, football, baseball and basketball games carnival style. We spent a long time throwing baseballs trying for "grand slams."
BOUNCE HOUSES
Yes, bounce houses. We almost forgot about the bounce houses this time but luckily got in some jumping before closing time. They are located indoors near the concession stands, which gives parents a chance to cool off and have a snack while the kids bounce.
PONY RIDES
Staffed pony rides are available at certain times throughout the day, giving kids a chance to get familiar with the animals in a controlled environment.
MINI GOLF
There are several mini golf holes outdoors and one amazing blacklight mini golf course in the barn above the petting zoo.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: A Maze'N Farmyard
WHERE: 57645 State Highway 55; Eden Valley
WHEN: Open M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Labor Day; Weekends after Labor Day through October.
COST: $16.99 for ages 3+, 2 and under are free