Spooky Hayrides, Giant Teepees, and Colorful Chickens...oh my!

A few days ago, when my Kindergartener got home from school, we decided to head out for a little Halloween-inspired fun. We had driven by Powers Farm Market the day before, and the boys were excited to go see the giant teepees. Since I've reviewed Powers Farm Market already, let's just take a look at the fall festivities.

First, the boys had fun looking at all of the pumpkins. They walked up and down the rows, pointing out the exceptionally large ones, the deformed ones, and especially the smashed ones with the insides spilling out. The white pumpkins are also fun to look at; we call them ghost pumpkins!

Next stop: the giant teepees.

 I mean, these things are huge.

Inside, it's dark and a little spooky...but not too scary. The first teepee has a bajillion jack-o-lanterns. They are hand-carved and absolutely spectacular. Walk in and absorb the creativity and diligence and glow of a room full of jack-o-lanterns.

Then follow the string of lights through the tunnel and into the second teepee. Look up as glowing eyes eerily peer down at you. Clap your hands, and see what happens next! When you've had enough of the spookiness, just make your way out of the teepee.

After the teepees, we highly recommend the haunted hayride. You can purchase tickets inside the farm market. Be sure to sit on an angle so you can face forward; the sights are on either side of the path. The tractor will pull you into Witches' Hollow for a ghoulishly fun ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Okay, it's not that crazy but I was impressed with the mechanical figures, the moving trees, and all the scarecrows and witches. And the sounds, too. They really did a fantastic job decorating the woods and bringing in a tremendous amount of detail. It's not really a scary ride, but it is definitely entertaining for the pre-schoolers, Kindergarteners, and (I would guess...) even kids a few years older.

Just beware of giant creepy crawlies that might jump out at you!

After the hayride, we used up some quarters to feed the animals. Be sure to see the new rescue chickens there! They look like walking fluffs of cotton candy, and were rescued from the New York State Fair.

If you need a snack after your Halloweenish adventures, stop inside for some apples, doughnuts, or cookies. We are big fans of the giant Powers Farm Market cookies. My Kindergartener loves the snickerdoodles, my two-year-old is partial to chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin - depending on his mood,  and my personal fave is the Heath bar cookie. Mmmm...now I want one.

I hope your family is having fun celebrating fall! There are certainly tons of farms in the Rochester area with activities just for the kids. As long as the weather cooperates, we'll be visiting as many of those farms as we can.

As always, thanks for reading.

A Fun Afternoon at Powers Farm Market

It's nice outside. The kids want to go somewhere. You only have an hour or two. Where should you go? Powers Farm Market. You can browse the fresh produce, annuals, and perennials, grab a snack, feed and pet some friendly farm animals, and still be home by nap time (or dinner time, et cetera).

Powers Farm Market is located at 161 Marsh Street in Pittsford, at the intersection of Golf and Marsh. When you park your car, you might be greeted by a chicken. They're basically the welcoming committee. This time of year, there are myriad hanging plants and flowers waiting to be planted in your garden, as well as whimsical garden accessories. In the fall, you'll have your pick of pumpkins and gourds.

Inside the market, pick up a big basket and have your kids help you on a Fruit & Veggie Scavenger Hunt.  We usually check out the freshly baked cookie selection (I just can't pass it up!) and pick out a couple to share. They're huge, so I don't let my kids eat a whole one.

There are some benches on the front porch of the market where you can enjoy your cookie - or banana, apple, or peach if you have the will power to avoid the sweet treats.  

After your snack, walk around back for some real fun. You'll find chickens, deer, goats, sheep, alpaca, rabbits, miniature donkeys, and a pony. Be sure to bring some quarters for the animal food machines. We usually also bring some plastic cups or zip-top bags to collect the food (otherwise handfuls tend to get dropped), and antibacterial gel plus wipes. I keep Method antibacterial all-purpose wipes in my glove compartment just for times like this.

You can feed the deer, goats, sheep, alpaca, and donkeys by hand. They're all friendly and tame; they're just a bit slobbery. There is a feeder chute for the pony because he can bite; drop the food in at the top and it lands in a bucket for the pony.

And of course, no trip to a farm-related establishment would be complete without a tractor sighting!

There are benches by the animals, so after you're through feeding them, you can sit and watch them for a while. There is also a good-sized lawn to run around.

In the fall, the three giant teepees on the property become a super-fun haunted house filled with jack-o-lanterns, lights, scary eyes, and more. The kids can run through the haunted teepees over and over and over again (for free). Plus there are hayrides, for a fee, which the kids love. If you're looking for something to do this spring, summer, or fall, check out Powers Farm Market.

As always, thanks for reading! If you have a fun farm story to share, please Post a Comment. Thanks!