By Elaine Kish
Who will discover the largest pumpkin and find their way through the corn maze to the end? It’s time for the annual family adventure to choose the perfect pumpkins which will eventually be carved into Jack O’lanterns and used for decorations during the fall holidays. At Nickajack Farms in North Lawrence, Ohio you can pick out your pumpkins, add some additional fun in the corn maze, and throw in a hayride for good measure.
The 2016 Fall Festival opens on September 12 and is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm through October 31. With activities for all ages, you can start with a visit to Farmer Joe’s Barnyard Animals where visitors meet dozens of farm animals. The Discovery Barn allows for hands-on learning about the animals. Moving on to the 7-acre corn maze, you will need to solve the mystery of where Farmer Joe has gone in order to find your way out.
The Activity Barn is home to the corn box and farm-related fun. Rascals Roundup, for the older kids, has games, peddle carts, a teepee, bean bag challenge, bowling with pumpkins and other carnival-type activities. Hayrides are offered hourly on week days and as often as necessary during the weekends. There are tractor rides and pony rides, as well as a Horse Education Center for those wanting to learn more about these beautiful animals. You can purchase a bucket of corn ammo for your corn cannon to get in on the action. Challenge family or friends to a round of gourd golf in Gourdville. Playgrounds and family picnic areas, as well as an abundance of photo opportunities, add to the fun.
Admission to the Fall Festival is $10 per person. Seniors are $9 and children 2 and under are free. Individual tickets must be purchased for pony and tractor rides. The Wagon Wheel Snack Bar is open for a cool drink or a snack. After choosing the perfect pumpkin, which might even be a pie pumpkin, you will need to visit the Market to make your purchase. While in the Market, you can check out their selection of fall decorating supplies and treats.
Nickajack Farms offers several types of horse programs including classes for all levels, summer horse camps and horse fun days. They also offer pony rides and pony birthday parties. There are numerous educational programs throughout the year suitable for school field trips. The newest feature at Nickajack Farms is The Mane Barn, a wedding venue which can accommodate the ceremony in a small chapel and the reception in another area of the same building. Our recent tour of the property revealed a clean, well-maintained facility along with numerous resident animals. To learn more about the Fall Festival and all activities at Nickajack Farms located at 2955 Manchester Avenue, NW, visit their website at nickajackfarms.com.
Nickajack Farms
