Six of the Best Corn Mazes & Fall Festivals in Northern California.  From the largest corn maze in the world to ziplining, pumpkin blasting, pony rides, cow tipping, and corn texting, we have discovered plenty of things to do with kids at harvest time.

We have assembled a list of the best opportunities for families of all ages to relax, disconnect, laugh together and share earthy, screen-free fun. This is the opportunity to get a jump on the season and be a kid for a day with your kid. 

Dell'Osso Family Farm with Corn Maze Quests, Pumpkin Blasters and Ziplining near Lathrop (October). Each year the folks at Dell'Osso create a corn maze large enough to be viewed from orbiting space craft. In addition to corn alleyways the innovative design also includes linking bridges and a few deceptive dead ends. Along with the maze challenge they run a pumpkin tram; have a line of pumpkin blasters, and offer gem mining. Additional activities include face painting, jumping pillows, and awesome tire pyramid, play area, pony rides with a petting zoo, a lively hayride, a scarecrow ride, and a tractor train for transportation. Bonus Points: There’s a country store with seasonal delights and a picnic area. Wait for it! If running through the corn maze is not enough, Dell'Osso also provides ziplining, aerial ropes course, and a plank plunge.  (501 S. Manthey Road Lathrop, CA 95330. (209) 982-0833 or www.pumpkinmaze.com)
 
Cool Patch Pumpkins with the Largest Labyrinth Corn Maze in the World near Dixon (Mid-September - October). In 2009, not far from Oakland, the Guinness World Book of Records designated the Cool Patch 45-acre corn maze the largest on the planet. It must be seen and experienced to be believed. Onsite Cool Patch also has an African grass maze for tykes and Corn Bath quicksand pit plus pedal carts, big tricycles, wagon rides and a tee pee village. The atmosphere is family friendly and crazy fun for all ages – be prepared to laugh. Bonus Points: During the season they support a creative scarecrow contest worth the trip just for the photo opportunities. Best Part: They have every kind of pumpkin imaginable – not just common orange, smooth and round. (Cool Patch Pumpkins, Dixon, CA 95620. (530) 304-0163 or www.coolpatchpumpkins.com)
  
Max's Miracle Ranch Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival near Biggs (end of September - early November). Anchored by a corn maze and acres of pumpkins at Max’s family activities abound. Max's Miracles has been formed to provide hope and direction to families with special children dealing with heart defects, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.You will find a straw maze for kids and a hay bale maze for tykes.  There are tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, haunted rides, and a great Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Bonus Points: Youngsters will enjoy face painting, a bouncy castle or moon bounce, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Best Part: This is a terrific spot any time of year because it is possible to pick your own fruit and vegetables,  ride on a vintage logging train, play with friendly farm animals, pan for gold, and sometimes enjoy story time. (Max’s Farm 3476 Smith Avenue, Biggs, CA 95917. (530) 354-7168, 868-1026 or www.maxmiracles.org)

Historic Hawes Ranch Farms Fall Celebration (end of September - early November).  Located along the Sacramento River between Anderson and Palo Cedro, Hawes celebrates the season with a giant pumpkin patch, seven-acre corn maze and plenty of crazy-fun activities. From ziplining and cow tipping to roasting marshmallows and mining for gems, screen=free family fun is the order of the season. Kids love to ride Harley, the mechanical bull and to share a horse-drawn hay rides to the pumpkin patch.  Best Part: Maze passports with different themes and totally awesome corn texting. Bonus Points: Family-friendly movies begin just after sunset with late night scary movies on weekends. And for older kids, checkout “Screams by Night - Hawes Haunted Acres.” Here’s the deal! Each Thursday night in October is family night with rubber ducky races, train rides and farm animal encounters and pony rides (Hawes Ranch 21923 Dersch Road, Andeson, CA 96007. (530) 949-9997, 365-8488 or www.hawesfarms.com)

Nash Ranch Pumpkin Patch Festival Weekends in Redding (October). Impressive (and pesticide-free) is the best way to describe the 15-acre pumpkin patch. On festival weekend families can enjoy a farm animal petting zoo, hay maze, and free-form hay stack fun. There are train rides, a large corn maze as well as a child-sized hay bale maze. Share a tractor-pulled hay ride, little ones love face painting, and gentle pony rides. Best Part: The Dreams of Darkness Haunted House offers everyone thrills in every room – not a place for wimps. Not–to-be-missed is the Vortex Tunnel.  Bonus Points: Zombie paintball is part of the entertainment mix.  (Nash Ranch 10925 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA 96003. (530) 241-0763 or www.nashranch.com)
 
Orland Country Pumpkins and Corn Maze (October). Each year Country Pumpkins and Glenn County 4-H clubs coordinate weekend of good old fashioned country fun. Visitors can select from pumpkins already gathered or head to the field and pick from the vine. In addition to traditional pumpkins, visitors will find a wide selection of heirloom pumpkins, specialty gourds, and delightful locally produced honey. Best Part: Navigate the 10-acre corn maze during daylight hours and return for a family night maze adventure under the light of the moon. Bonus Points:  For more thrills navigate the haunted corn maze with or without a flashlight. Be prepared to be scarred. (Country Pumpkins 7152 Highway 32, Orland, CA 95963. (530) 865-1575 or www.countrypumpkins.net)


If you have a favorite fall festival or know of an awesome corn maze please "Tell Mom" and we will add it to the list. Our next round up will include family-friendly winter celebrations and enchanting Santa Trains.  We are building the list right now and would love to have your feedback. So just "Tell Mom!"
 
Content researched and posted by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Curator of the good Stuff for the Family Travel Files. Images provided by respective locations. Updated copyright 2015.