A Maze’n Farmyard

October 21, 2007 at 10:20 pm · Filed under Amaze'n Farmyard, Eden Valley, Traveling with Children and tagged: a-mazen, amaze'n, amaze-n, animals, barn, Children, Eden Valley, farm, farmyard, kids, maze, Minnesota, Traveling with Children

57649 MN Highway 55, Eden Valley, MN. 320-453-6901. http://www.amazenfarmyard.net/
$5.95 ages 3 to adult, 2 and under free. Free parking. Stroller accessible. Restrooms available, with changing tables. Concessions available on-site.

We first visited the A Maze’n Farmyard two years ago and have made it an annual trek since then, and each year there’s more fun. When we first visited, the animals in the barn and outdoors, plus the permanent maze, were the main attractions. Last year, mini-golf and a giant slide had been added, and this year there were barrel train rides and carnival games. More new things are in the works for next year.

We’ve been to the farmyard in spring and fall, on busy days and quiet, and always have a good time. We start out in the barn, where our oldest loves to hold the kittens and puppies, and those children brave enough will feed the goats. Outside, you can see llamas and camels and go through the huts of chickens, birds, and other animals. The namesake of the place is the maze, made of wooden lattice walls. If you’re lucky enough to find your way through, you can have a card punched at each of five stations within the maze. If you get too lost, there are emergency exits. And if you’re not up for the big maze, there’s a kiddie maze where you can get a taste of it.

If you want to try the giant slide, grab a burlap sack and climb up the stairs. (This mom didn’t try the slide, although a dad and a grandma were happy to go down with the kids.) Afterward, let the kids go on a pony ride or play carnival games in the upper level of the barn.

When the kids need to let off some steam, let them jump in one of the inflated jumpers, play on the modern playground or in the sandbox, or play a round of mini golf. Pose for a picture at a photo spot or catch a ride behind a tractor or on a barrel train. There are two covered picnic shelters as well as a snack bar and nice gift shop in the main building.

This is a place that’s spread out nicely, so even if the parking lot is crowded, you still have plenty of space to wander around. Let the kids lead you to what they want to do–there’s such a variety that it’s hard to guess what they’ll want to do next.

The farmyard is on a hill, so on cooler windy days it can feel cold; on the other hand, the wind is nonexistent in the center of the maze so it’s sweltering in midsummer heat (although a well-placed vending machine can help cool you down). Being aware of the weather can help you dress appropriately for your trip.

This is one of the few places our kids ask for year after year, and they each have their favorite part. The staff are helpful and the entire place is very family-friendly. It’s a definite thumbs-up from this mom.

The Amaze’n Farmyard was amazing! It had two mazes, one big, one little. My most favorite was the big one because we got to punch holes in our cards. I liked the park and also I liked the jumping things.

I really liked looking at the animals and holding the kitties.  

Comments