Published on October 31st, 2014 | by Nakia Tyler
0Sioux City Adventures: 13 Fun Things to Do at Scarecrow Farms
I’m kind of a selective fan of Halloween. I love trick-or-treating, decorating, wearing costumes, carving pumpkins, and Hocus Pocus.
But I really, really don’t like being scared. Haunted houses and horror movies are the things my nightmares are made of. Literally. And who actually LIKES having nightmares?
So, when my co-workers suggested Scarecrow Farms in Lawton, IA for my next Sioux City Adventure, I was slightly skeptical. But after doing a little research, I decided that it would probably be a safe and enjoyable adventure for me. Plus, they said that they would come with me, and I always love spending time with my awesome co-workers, so boom – decision made.
Jess and I (Mal couldn’t make it, sniff-sniff) pulled up to the farm a little before 5pm on Tuesday, October 28th. The amount of people there was underwhelming, but we figured that was probably typical, since we were coming so late in the season. It was easy to picture the scene much differently, crowded with laughing kids and their parents.
Since there were so few people around, Jess and I had free reign to explore, and we found many awesome activities – 13 to be precise – that make Scarecrow Farms an awesome, family friendly adventure for the Halloween season.
#1: The Hayrack Ride
The ride was bumpy, the music was loud, and the wind was cold, but I still had a blast on the hayrack ride. We took a fun little jaunt around the apple trees and corn field.
#2: Feeding the Goats
One of my favorite activities happened early on in the adventure, when I got to feed a goat from my hand! Such a sweetheart! We were besties after that.
#3: The Singing Chickens
I was just finishing up with the goats when Jess tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Take a look in there.” She was gesturing to a barn that music was coming out of. As I approached, I came across one of the most awesome sights I’ve ever seen. Two electronic chickens singing, “If You’re Happy And You Know It.”
Behold!
#4: The Corn Maze
Okay, so it seemed like this might have been more exciting earlier in the season when there were more people and the corn stalks weren’t so trampled and thinned out. It was less like a maze (it had the same entrance and exit!) than a path through a corn field, but we still had a good time.
Jess made a good point when she said it would be really cool for little ones, who weren’t tall enough to see the buildings over the corn stalks.
#5: The Hay Maze
For the smaller children, there is the Little Tike’s Hay Maze, which was actually more like a maze than it’s taller, corn version. And just as much fun!
#6: Jace’s Choo Choo Express
Jess and I thought we might be a little too big to experience the train ride, but it looked pretty sweet. Younger kids would no doubt enjoy this!
#7: Bucky’s Ghost Stories
After seeing the singing chickens, I should have been prepared for more automated activities. But when I approached the old house labelled “Bucky’s Ghost Stories,” I was so distracted by the creepiness of the old man in the rocking chair, that I didn’t hear the ominous music until it was too late. One moment it was soft and barely audible, then suddenly, it got SUPER loud, and it legitimately scared me so much that I jumped and screamed a little! According to Jess, it was pretty hilarious.
#8: A Bug’s Life!
These adorable characters weren’t exactly identical to their Pixar counterparts, but they were still cute, not to mention a nice place to rest my heart after my scare at Bucky’s house!
#9: The Hay Swing
Jess and I took these bad boys for a swing, and not only were they more comfy than your typical playground equipment, but they were a lot more fun because, hey. It’s hay! Ha!
#10: The Corn Box
Are you sensing a theme yet? Lots of hay, and lots of corn! Oddly enough, it never got old. I wasn’t initially going to play in the corn box, but after having fun with all of the other activities, I decided to give it a go. And I have to admit, it was a blast! It went much deeper than I had anticipated, and I almost got stuck doing the splits!
#11: Lil’ Sprouts Playground
This was the only exclusive part of the farm – only kids age 5 and under! Jess and I didn’t make the cut, but I could imagine my 2 year old niece having a great time in there!
#12: Mason’s Jumbo Jumper
The Jumbo Jumper was like a giant bouncy house, and I totally would have tried it, but A) it required me to take my shoes off; B) it was way to cold for all that, and C) there were a few kids playing on it and I was a little too shy to join them. Next time I’m taking a kid with me, and I’ll go on with them!
#13: Pick Your Own Pumpkin?
Let me preface this by reminding you that Jess and I visited Scarecrow Farms very late in the season, so there were like, hardly any pumpkins to pick from. The ones that were left were at varying stages of death and decay, which was awesome in its own way, but you wouldn’t want to take them home, unless you like your pumpkins pre-carved, hehe. But I’m sure that there is an impressive selection to choose from if you get there early enough, and at $.35 per pound (with a $1.50 minimum), it’s a good deal!
All in all, I would totally recommend this adventure for fun-lovers of all ages! Jess and I sure had a great time!
What are your favorite Halloween traditions? Where should I go on my next adventure? Let me know by leaving a comment below. I’ll try anything as long as it’s not illegal, dangerous, or harmful to myself or others.
Nakia Tyler is a Project Manager at Team Creative Fire. When she isn’t exercising her creative muscle, she spends her time fan-girling over Doctor Who, playing with her adorable niece, and fueling her shopping addiction. If you see her out and about having adventures, feel free to say hi. She’ll probably be wearing pink.