Adventure for all at Richardson Farm

Wholesome Family Fall Fun

As the rich colors start to take hold of the leaves and the air begins to take on that comfortable chill of Autumn, what could be a more idyllic setting than heading out to the country in search of pumpkins for Halloween? Memories of childhood trips to the pumpkin patch in search of the Great Pumpkin abound.

Okay, to be honest, I don’t recall ever visiting a pumpkin patch as a child and am pretty sure that is because we never made such a journey. However, that’s not to say that I can’t appreciate the joy and wonder that such a journey and memory can be. And after all, part of a parent’s job is to give our children the memories that we never had.

Richardson Farm

This year, we decided to take a nice drive up to Spring Grove to visit Richardson Farm. As is the case, it would seem these days the pumpkin patch is so much more than that. The current versions bring a whole day’s worth of activities and attractions for all ages, and with that, an admission charge. While not “extreme,” admission can certainly add up quickly at $13 for 13 and up, $10 for ages 4-12, and under 4 is free. Fortunately, there’s no fee for parking, and there are lots of activities that are free…however, that’s not to say that everything inside is free by any means.

Once inside the entrance, we were greeted and given the general lay of the land. There’s also a big map posted on a board of the grounds, which we somehow missed initially, as well as the giant corn maze. It’s definitely worth checking this out if you’ve never been here before.

Towering Above

The alternative to this is to head to the observation tower. At 50′, the tower will give you a great view out over the farm and pretty much as far as the eye can see. It is from the tower that you get a much better impression of how large the farm is, even beyond the corn maze. On the ground, the view is very open and uncluttered, to the point that it may seem like there isn’t much here or that it isn’t very large. Don’t be fooled, and definitely don’t forget to wear your comfortable shoes.

The tower is also where you can zipline your way across the grounds. However, that will run you another $15.

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World’s Largest Corn Maze

The tower is also about the only way you can fully take in and appreciate the expansive corn maze. At 33 acres, they claim it to be the world’s largest corn maze, or should that be mazes. The corn maze is actually 5 mazes combined, featuring a graphic design. Each year, a new design is created, and I can’t help but say that it truly is amazing. The individual mazes vary in size and difficulty, and if that wasn’t enough, there are various “maze games” that are incorporated as well. If you are into corn mazes and games, this may be reason enough to make the trip.

More than Pumpkins and Corn

You can take a free wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch, or just take a ride. The more traditional hayride is actually a group, scheduled event, so you may have to rely on the wagon ride to get your fix; however, it is a bit of a rough ride. You can also get a glimpse of the trees being grown for Christmas and perhaps find one to come back for in December.

Every farm needs animals, and you can certainly find some here…though perhaps a few different ones than Old MacDonald has. The little ones will enjoy watching the bunnies and chickens, perhaps petting some goats, watching pigs race (they don’t start until noon, though), but then it gets taken up a notch at the newly added exotic animal petting zoo (additional fee).

If you prefer the less exotic animals, they’ve also introduced a carousel for 2014. While we thought we saw it operating when we pulled in, unfortunately, it wasn’t running while we were there.

There is an assortment of other activities, from jumping pillows, which are like inflatable trampolines, slides made from plastic sheeting going down the hills, swings made from barrels, pedal cars, and more. What we appreciated the most was that there were varying levels to the slides and jumping pillows so that all ages could have fun. Kiddie Country is, in fact, made for the youngsters with a height limit to make sure the smallest ones can safely have fun too.

If you’ve ever wanted to roll around in a giant inflatable ball, then perhaps Zorbing is for you. This will, however, also set you back a good $20 a ride, $30 for two riders. Or if you’ve ever desired to shoot corn cobs out of a canon, now’s your chance, and fortunately, that comes at no charge.