Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Apple Orchards
Fall is here! It’s the season for apple orchards, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes. Here are some of the best spots in and around Moncton for family fun this season. You can find more about local farms and orchards by visiting the Really Local Harvest Co-op site; sign up there for Harvest and U-Pick alerts for the latest on what’s in season and special events.
Memramcook’s Belliveau Orchard is always a fall family favourite. There is a corn maze that stretches over nearly three acres, and is open daily. Family rate for three to five people is $20 (children five and under are free); the maze takes about an hour to complete. The Orchard’s apple u-pick opened September 12; choose from several delicious varieties! A lovely chance to make family memories, pick up some healthy snacks, and even grab some fun photos. For a great read about a visit to the Orchard, visit East, Meets, and Life’s Little Treats. Don’t forget: the orchard also has a wonderful winery!
Also located in Memramcook is Les Petits Fruits de Pré-d’en-Haut, a lovely farm overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch to choose your own, or pick one up from the farm stand. There is a picnic area, as well as a play area for children. The u-pick is open weekends until Thanksgiving Day; call 758-0987 to ensure openings, based on weather.
There are lots of options for family fun at the Green Pig Market in Salisbury. There is a mini corn maze perfect for toddlers, as well as a larger maze; each are open daily from 10am until 5pm. The main corn maze takes about an hour-and-a-half to complete, while the mini maze is full of activities for young kids and takes less than 30 minutes to walk through. Kids under three are free, and the mini maze is just $3 per person. On most Friday and Saturday nights, from 7pm until 9pm, you can explore the maze by flashlight; and on October 23, 24, 30, and 31, there will be a haunted maze ($12/person). The market also has a pumpkin blaster and Zombie Wars for the older crowd. The mazes are open until October 31.
Uris Williams & Sons Apple Orchard is a family farm and apple orchard in Saint Antoine (875 Murray Road), which also grows some pears and pumpkins. There are two sizes of U-Pick bags available, as well as jams, pickles, baked goods, and crafts for sale.
Want to mix things up a bit? Head to Le Verger Goguen in Cocagne, where you can visit their trout u-fish (they’ll supply the rods), as well as pick your own apples.
If you’re in the Sussex area, Hat Creek Farms (71 Mount Hebron Crossing Road) has a pumpkin patch u-pick open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm until 4pm. The farm has a lovely display, perfect for some family photos. They also offer a corn maze for little ones ($2) and wagon rides ($2).
Up for a road trip? Check out Captain Cob’s Crazy Corn Maze at Masstown Market. There is a six-acre maze, an inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, zip line, and much more! You can also visit the pumpkin u-pick. Open daily 9am until 9pm, with Flashlight Frolics on Friday evenings. Children under 4 are free; regular admission is $12/adults, $10/children, and $35 for a family of 4.
Driving a little bit further will bring you to Truro’s RiverBreeze Farm, one of the Maritimes most popular corn mazes and pumpkin u-picks. Admission ($12, free for under 3 – cash only) includes acces to the corn maze, a giant jumping pillow, cow train rides (our toddler loved this!), laser tag, petting zoo, tube slide, pig races, rope mazes, and more. Pony rides (also included with admission) are available on weekends – except October 3 & 4. Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch; pumpkins cost $5 each, even for their jumbo size. There are also play and picnic areas, as well as the Pumpkin Grill Cafe – boasting many treats, including deep fried Oreos. The maze hosts haunted events, as well; check their site for all the details. It’s a busy spot, so plan accordingly. RiverBreeze Farm is open Saturdays and Sundays (and Thanksgiving Monday) from 11:30am until 5pm.
Happy Fall Adventuring!
