Indiana fall has a short window, and it closes fast once the first cold snap rolls in. Before the fields go bare and the coats get heavy, there is still time to get lost in a corn maze, bounce on a giant pillow, and ride a wagon out to pick the perfect pumpkin.
The seven farms below stretch from Fort Wayne to Evansville, and each one brings its own twist, from apple cannons and underground slides to baby calves and Bigfoot hunts. Pick one close to home, or turn a weekend into a farm road trip the kids will talk about all winter.
1. Exploration Acres, Lafayette, IN
Eighteen acres of corn is a lot of corn. That is the size of the maze at Exploration Acres, and it is the reason many Indiana families put this Lafayette farm at the top of their fall plans.
The maze is known for detailed designs and miles of winding paths, so bring patience and maybe a snack. Plenty of folks consider it one of the largest in the state.
Once you find your way out, the rest of the property keeps going. There are hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, a playground, gem mining, pumpkin tossing, go-karts, and an outdoor laser tag area.
Food stands and vendors are spread around the grounds, and there is a rustic country store for browsing. Fire pits make evening visits a good option.
Timing matters here. The farm is open Friday from 6 to 10 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM, with Monday through Thursday closed.
2. Beasley’s Orchard, Danville, IN
Kids get to launch apples out of a cannon here. Honestly, that alone might settle the weekend plans.
Beasley’s Orchard has been family owned since 1946, and it mixes classic farm fun with orchard perks. Fall brings a corn maze, hayrides out to the pumpkin patch, apple picking, and flower picking.
Younger visitors can climb a giant hay bale pile or jump on a big bouncy pillow. There is also a barnyard area, food trucks, kettle corn, and live music during the fall festival.
I would save room for an apple cider slushy. The orchard sells apple cider all year, along with fresh produce in its roomy farm market.
Lines can build on busy days, so buying tickets online ahead of time is a smart move. Market hours run Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from noon to 6 PM.
3. Kuehnert Dairy Farm, Fort Wayne, IN
Where else can a kid pet a calf that is only a day old and then tackle a ninja course? Kuehnert Dairy Farm is a working dairy, and that gives it a hands-on edge over a typical pumpkin patch.
Families can see the barn and cows, take a tractor ride and tour, and even learn how milking works. It turns a fun outing into a pretty good farm lesson.
The play side is just as strong. Expect a hay mountain, a corn pit, a very large corn maze that has featured a Scooby Doo theme, ninja warrior courses, pumpkin painting, hayrides, and a huge bounce pad.
Hungry crowds head to the concession stand and cafeteria. A grilled cheese with chocolate milk is a fitting order at a dairy farm.
Plan around the schedule: closed Monday, open Tuesday through Friday 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday noon to 5 PM.
4. Mayse Farm Market LLC, Evansville, IN
Down in the southwest corner of the state, Mayse Farm Market has been growing food for Evansville since 1940. The family-owned farm covers 90 acres, and pumpkins take the spotlight each fall.
Wagon rides carry visitors out to the pumpkin patch. Back near the market, there is a corn maze, a flower patch, a jumping pillow, a play area, animals to pet, and quirky extras like rat races and duck races.
The mix works well for families with kids of different ages. Little ones stay busy in the play area while older kids take on the maze.
Leave time for the on-site bakery. It turns out pies, cookies, and a signature fruit bread, which makes a nice treat for the ride home.
Hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM.
5. Hobson Adventure Farm, Rockville, IN
A slide that dips underground is not something you see at every farm. Hobson Adventure Farm near Rockville has one, and it tends to become the ride kids want again and again.
The farm also has a zoo with exotic animals and a petting zoo. That variety sets it apart in Parke County, which is better known for covered bridges.
In autumn, the corn maze opens alongside a tractor hayride out to the pumpkin patch. A giant trampoline adds more bounce to the day.
Here is a handy tip: head to the maze first during harvest time and grab a few ears of corn. Sweet treats and lunch-style food are sold on site.
The farm is open Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday noon to 6 PM.
6. Thistleberry Farm, South Bend, IN
Bigfoot has been spotted in South Bend. At least, his hiding spots have, inside the corn maze at Thistleberry Farm.
The big maze doubles as a scavenger hunt, with kids tracking down each location as they go. It gives the walk a goal, which helps keep younger explorers moving.
Hay rides, a bounce pad, and a petting zoo round out the activities. Doughnuts are a popular grab, and you can shop for pumpkins and mums before heading home.
Some seasons also bring a sunflower field, which runs on its own separate schedule. Check the farm website before you go.
Corn maze hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 1 to 6 PM, so this one is strictly a weekend adventure.
7. Lark Ranch, Greenfield, IN
If your crew wants a little carnival with their corn maze, Lark Ranch in Greenfield leans all the way into it. It is one of the busiest-looking fall farms east of Indianapolis.
A miniature train loops around the property with pretty views. There are also carnival rides and games, giant slides, ziplines, pedal cars, play houses, and inflatable bounce areas.
The farm basics are here too. You will find a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay ride, petting zoo, and a sandbox filled with corn kernels.
Plenty of rides suit toddlers, so it works well for families with babies in tow. Food trucks keep everyone fueled, and seasonal photo ops are set up around the grounds.
Dogs are allowed. Hours run Saturday noon to 8 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM.
Whichever farm you choose, go soon. These fields only stay open until the weather turns, and a crisp fall afternoon in a corn maze beats waiting for next year.
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