Fall is my favorite time of year, and North Carolina is an amazing place to be in the fall. The foliage is gorgeous, the weather is perfect, and we could spend every weekend outside doing something different. Living close to the mountains and close to farmland, there is no shortage of fall activities in the area.
Our favorite annual tradition is going to AW Shucks farm in Monroe, NC. Our first visit was in 2010 when the boys were 9 months and 2.5 years old, and we have been back every year since. Check out these munchkins on their first visit!
The farm was an immediate hit with the kids (despite JB’s less-than-impressed look in the pumpkin patch) and we love coming back each year to see what new attractions they have added and visit our old favorites.
The main attraction is always the corn maze. The AW Shucks corn maze strikes a great balance between being challenging enough for older kids but not too overwhelming for younger ones. Each year it has a different theme – this year was the state of NC with the word “home” across it. You can get a (slightly) birds eye view from the viewing platform and then grab a map and head in. It usually takes less than half an hour to complete. There was one year where I think the kids forged their own path out through the corn stalks, but otherwise we have had great success there.
The farm does a great job of entertaining kids of all ages. They have a mini corn maze, a small slide, and a separate play area for pre-school age kids. There are dozens of things for elementary aged kids. And in the evenings, older kids with brave constitutions can ride through the 13th Acre haunted hay ride.
Some of our long-time favorite activities at the farm include the Tumbleweed Roll, the Grain Bin Slide, the Animal Barn, the Hay Bales and Fort Shucks. New this year was Human Foosball and gem mining – both a big hit with our older son.
The 1950s Soda Shop is a great place to end your visit. The homemade ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes are the perfect way to cool down after a busy day of activities at the farm. But be careful that you don’t lose anything while you’re there…
