Corn mazes have gained popularity in recent years as a way for farmers to add extra income while providing family-friendly activities for the community. Exploring corn mazes with children is a fun autumn field trip for the whole family or schoolchildren. Learn tips to have a successful outing and where to find corn mazes in your area.
What is a Cornfield Maze?
A cornfield maze is a maze that has been cut into a field of corn (maize). The challenge of the corn maze is that the walls of corn are taller than the people who are trying to work their way through it. Many corn mazes have intricate designs that can be seen from above.
There are two different ways to cut a corn maze, according to Scott Skelly, the corn maze designer for Skelly's Farm Market in Janesville, WI. Skelly is the author of Corn Mazes: Is There a Pot of Gold in Your Cornfield? and the creator of Corn Mazes America.
Skelly says corn mazes can be created using GPS or a grid system. Cornfield mazes come in all designs and sizes, ranging from just a couple acres to those that claim to be the largest corn mazes in the world. Several companies like The MAiZE sell patterns and cutting systems to farmers to help them create their own corn mazes.
Corn Maze Trips with Kids
Taking a trip to a corn maze with kids can be a great way to spend a family day together. Many farms with mazes also offer hayrides, a pumpkin farm and other forms of entertainment. When planning a trip to a corn maze there are several things to keep in mind. The most important is to dress properly for a hike around a cornfield. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing and casual dress are a must. Rain boots may be preferred if there has been any rain in the days prior to the trip.
Since September, October and November weather can be variable, it is best to dress children (and adults) in layers to make sure everyone is comfortable. A hooded sweatshirt that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack is ideal. Other must-haves for a trip with children, according to Skelly, include sunscreen, bottled water and bug repellent.
Corn Maze Trips With Families and Schools
Planning ahead for a family or school trip to a corn maze is the best way to address any safety issues in advance. Keep in mind kids are likely to run ahead in the maze so child ID bracelets are useful to have on the children. For large groups of children, choose a meeting place at the end of the maze in advance and have a designated adult wait at that location instead of going through the maze. While keeping a head count is important, every adult on the trip should carry a list of the children’s names to make it easier to determine which child is missing and to locate the missing child.
Bring enough adults to split the family or school trip into a group who want to run ahead and try to find their own way and a group of younger children who need adult assistance. Two-way radios and cellular phones can be useful to keep track of stragglers. Always check cell phone reception before going into the maze. PumpkinPatchesandMore.org advises that daytime mazes are best for children. Nighttime mazes are fun for teens, but can be creepy. Haunted mazes at night are not suitable for children.
Find a Maze in the U.S., U.K and More
Although Americans may think of corn mazes or field mazes as uniquely American, the corn maze craze has spread to the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Poland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For example, The MAiZE has more than 200 mazes in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. The MAiZE is a cornfield maze company started by Brett Herbst in 1996.
There a few different ways to locate a nearby corn maze. CornMazesAmerica.com has a free directory of corn mazes created by farmers using plans from several different companies as well as individual farmers. The MAiZE and other cornfield maze companies have directories listing farmers who use their products.
Another option is to search PumpkinPatchesandMore.org for a corn maze, pumpkin farm, pick-your-own farm stand, petting zoos and more. This website lists corn mazes in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Remember to contact the corn maze or pumpkin farm prior to planning a trip to make sure online information is up to date.
To have a great family-friendly afternoon, load up the kids and head to a corn maze. Be sure to wear clothes that suit the weather and pack drinks and snacks. Child ID bracelets, two-way radios and lists of schoolchildren’s names can help to make the experience a safe one.
For more autumn fun, read Family-Friendly Pumpkin Carving Templates and Rainy Day Activities and Crafts Kids Love.
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