Fun for all Ages:

As autumn approaches, families are often looking for last-minute things to do before winter weather forces them indoors. Many farmers cut mazes into their cornfields and open them to the public. Spending the evening navigating a corn maze can be fun for the entire family, but it's an especially enjoyable evening for children, who'll love being inside the puzzle.

Choosing a maze
Some mazes are quite large and could easily take hours to navigate, while others are much smaller. Choose one that fits your family's likes and patience level.

Spending hours trying to find your way out of a maze with crying children does not make for a happy weekend, and neither does learning the maze will take all of twenty minutes to complete. Many mazes have websites you can visit to learn more about their size and difficulty.

While it may be tempting to visit the maze in the evening, especially if this is for Halloween, don't rule out a daytime trip. You'll avoid the worst of the crowds, and the temperature is likely to be much more comfortable. If you have small children, they're less likely to be frightened, and you'll be able to find your way out much more easily should you decide to leave early.

What to take
First off, take whatever other supplies you'd need for the trip-length you're planning. If the maze advertises that it takes an hour to complete, count on an extra hour to park the car, buy the tickets, listen to any instructions given by the guides, etc. Bring snacks for small children and even diapers if needed. Remember, there are no bathrooms in the corn maze!

If you've chosen a night trip, bring a flashlight for each person in the group, with spare batteries. You may want to attach reflective tape to your children's clothing, just as you would for Halloween. It will make them easier to spot in the darkness if you get separated.

Since the weather is likely to be cold, be sure everyone wears a jacket and gloves or mittens. If children become hot after walking, the jacket can always be tied around their waist until it's needed again. Check the weather reports as well and be prepared if rain or snow is predicted.

And finally, wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting messy. This is not the place for your children's good shoes.

Tips for a Fun Outing
Try to keep your group together, or if children are older, designate a time and place to meet up again. Mazes can be very crowded and are usually unlit, so it will be easy to become separated. If you do lose someone, stay in one place and call them. Small children should be told to do the same if they find themselves separated from you.

If you find you haven't brought enough flashlights or batteries, conserve by using only one or two flashlights for the group. Begin to make your way out of the maze as soon as you realize you may run short on batteries. You don't want to find yourself literally feeling your way in the dark.

If the maze offers maps, take one and try to keep track of where you are and how to get back out. This will be invaluable if flashlights give out or someone needs an emergency trip to the bathroom.

Finally, relax and enjoy an evening outdoors before cold weather drives you inside.