This weekend was packed with quintessential New Hampshire Fall activities! Yesterday we made a return trip to Sherman Farms in East Conway, NH to partake in their annual “Maize” festivities. We had gone to this for the first time last year when Alex was just over one year of age. This year at just over two years old Alex was really able to enjoy it. This event is open every weekend though October 27th and is definitely worth it if you are within day-tripping distance! Kids 2 and under are FREE, and adults are only $7ea., or $10ea if you want access to the main “Maize”.
PROTIP: You and your kids can enjoy the entire “Courtyard” of farm activities, hayrides to a pumpkin patch, giant jumping pillow, petting pens, “corn pits” <- Alex’s favorite, and the “Moo Express”, and the mini-kid maize for only the $7 per adult entrance fee. While we paid the $10ea we had plenty of fun without experiencing the full size Maize. 1st time older kids/adults will appreciate doing the full size Maize!
Entrance to the courtyard
What a difference a year makes at this age! Here’s a shot from our trip last year:
Last year
This year
Alex’s favorite activity hands down was the “Corn Box”… a giant sand box filled with corn to play in.
This is going to be fun!
Bliss
Bury me Mom!
Alex has also discovered a strong affinity for farm animals following our camping trip last weekend on a working farm! Here he was able to pet coats, cows, and a small pig!
Goats
Piggy piggy
The “Moo-Express” was pulled by a tractor on a round-about circuit. Alex enjoyed the mellow 10 minute ride while proud parents watched on…
Here we go!
Next up we entered a mini-version of the Maize. If it isn’t clear to everyone “Maize” is both another name for corn, and a double play on the word “maze”. It is a “maze made of corn”. Very New England clever! Farms that make these often design elaborate “Maizes” that when viewed from the air display their ingenuity. I remember one year they did a great “Old Man in Mountain”. This year was a “Stand up to Cancer” montage with some sponsors thrown in. Since I don’t have a helicopter to fly over for a shot you can see it here.
As I said, we opted to do the mini-maize, which is included in the $7pp price. Alex loved leading us through the simple maze telling us which way to go at each turn!
This way Daddy
This way Mommy!
Next we hopped onto the hayride to go to the pumpkin patch and pic out Alex’s 1st pumpkin!
Cruisin’
Pre-picked pumpkins
Alex preferred to explore the pumpkins out in the patch that were not pre-selected, and found the perfect one!
This one!
A quick look back at this time last year:
Last Year (Alex I still didn’t know your mother was going to take this picture)
Back to the present!
Ready to ride back to the festivities
We wrapped our visit up with some fresh kettle corn and headed home. We definitely needed our rest as the next day we were heading to the iconic Sandwich Fair! Originally I planned to combine these two events into one weekend post but I think there is enough to share about both events to keep them separate! I’ll share the info on the Sandwich Fair in a post either later tonight, or tomorrow!
On a side note I am trying to commit to a weekly post, every Sunday, so consider subscribing so I know people are reading! It’s at the top right of the website!
What other quintessential Fall activities should I share with Alex before the snow flies? Please comment below!
[…] then loaded into a tractor wagon much like the one from last week’s trip to Sherman Farms! The view to the north was […]
David,
Just stumbled upon this post as I was doing a little website clean up. Your link showed up and I couldn’t help but click and read! Love the photos and it is so nice to know that all the hard work we put into the maze is enjoyed by others. We look forward to seeing you and the family this fall.
All the best,
Michele @ Sherman Farm