Northern California: Best Corn Mazes & Fall Festivals for Family Fun. From the largest corn maze in the world to ziplining, cow tipping, and corn texting, we have discovered plenty of things to do with kids.

We have assembled a list of the best opportunities for families of all ages to relax, disconnect, laugh together and share earthy fun.
 
Dixon: Cool Patch Pumpkins, The Largest Labyrinth Corn Maze in the World. In 2009, not far from Oakland, the Guinness World Book of Records designated the Cool Patch 45-acre corn maze the largest on the planet. It must be seen and experienced to be believed. Onsite Cool Patch also has an African grass maze for tykes and Corn Bath quicksand pit plus pedal carts, big tricycles, wagon rides and a tee pee village. The atmosphere is family friendly and crazy fun for all ages – be prepared to laugh. Bonus points: During the season they support a creative scarecrow contest worth the trip just for the photo opportunities. Best part: They have every kind of pumpkin imaginable – not just common orange, smooth and round. (Cool Patch Pumpkins, Dixon, CA 95620. (530) 304-0163 or www.coolpatchpumpkins.com)
  
Biggs: Max's Miracle Ranch Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival. Anchored by a corn maze and acres of pumpkins at Max’s family activities abound. You will find a straw maze for kids and a hay bale maze for tykes.  There are tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, haunted rides, and a great Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Bonus points: Youngsters will enjoy face painting, a bouncy castle or moon bounce, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Best part: This is a terrific spot any time of year because it is possible to pick your own fruit and vegetables,  ride on a vintage logging train, play with friendly farm animals, pan for gold, and sometimes enjoy story time. (Max’s Farm 3476 Smith Avenue, Biggs, CA 95917. (530) 354-7168, 868-1026 or www.maxmiracles.org)

Historic Hawes Ranch Farms Fall Celebration. Located  along the Sacramento River between Anderson and Palo Cedro, Hawes celebrates the season with a giant pumpkin patch, seven-acre corn maze and plenty of crazy-fun  activities.   Try the ziplining and cow tipping; roast marshmallows and mine for gems; enjoy pony rides and farm animals; ride Harley the mechanical bull and share a horse-drawn hay rides.  Best part: Maze passports with different themes and totally awesome corn texting. Bonus points: Family-friendly movies begin just after sunset with late night scary movies on weekends. And for older kids, checkout “Screams by Night - Hawes Haunted Acres.” (Hawes Ranch 21923 Dersch Road, Andeson, CA 96007. (530) 949-9997, 365-8488 or www.hawesfarms.com)

Redding: Nash Ranch Pumpkin Patch Festival Weekends.  Impressive (and pesticide-free) is the best way to describe the 15-acre pumpkin patch. On festival weekend families can enjoy a farm animal petting zoo, hay maze, and free-form hay stack fun. There are train rides, a large corn maze as well as a child-sized hay bale maze. Share a tractor-pulled hay ride, little ones love face painting, and gentle pony rides. Best part: The Dreams of Darkness Haunted House offers everyone thrills in every room – not a place for wimps. Not–to-be-missed is the Vortex Tunnel.  Bonus points: Enjoy fright- night movies each Friday night.  (Nash Ranch 10925 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA 96003. (530) 241-0763 or www.nashranch.com)
 
Orland: Country Pumpkins and Corn Maze. Each year Country Pumpkins and Glenn County 4-H clubs coordinate weekend of good old fashioned country fun. Visitors can select from pumpkins already gathered or head to the field and pick from the vine. In addition to traditional pumpkins, visitors will find a wide selection of heirloom pumpkins, specialty gourds, and delightful locally produced honey.  Best part: Navigate the 10-acre corn maze during daylight hours and return for a family night maze adventure under the light of the moon. Bonus points:  For more thrills navigate the haunted corn maze with or without a flashlight. Be prepared to be scarred. (Country Pumpkins 7152 Highway 32, Orland, CA 95963. (530) 865-1575 or www.countrypumpkins.net)

We want to expand the list and need your help. If you have a favorite fall festival or know of an awesome corn maze please "Tell Mom" and we will add it to the list. Make sure to include the name of the festival or event and its location on the planet as well as why you like it or what makes it worth the trip Our next round up will include family-friendly winter celebrations and enchanting Santa Trains.  We are building the list right now and would love to have your feedback. So just "Tell Mom!".
 
Content generated from reader’s comments and verified by FTF staff. Images provided by respective locations. Copyright 2012.