Fall
Family Adventures Fall is here! It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy a scenic hayride, get lost in a corn maze and lick ooey gooey- just-roasted marshmallows from your fingers. And that’s just what some local families did when Atlanta Parent sent them out to experience autumn adventures around the metro area. Each had a day – or night – to remember.
The Rock Ranch 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock 706-647-6374; therockranch.com Cost: $15; Season Family Pass $140. Children 3 and younger, free. Open: Saturdays through Nov. 16 ll I have to do is mention “The Rock Ranch” and my boys will stop in their tracks, eyes round, faces aglow and whisper ‘when’? Their wait is finally over: Fall Family Fun Days are here! Each Saturday, Rock Ranch hosts guests as they explore and enjoy a day in the country. While each Saturday is a different theme, the paddle boats, hayrides, pony rides, train rides, corn maze, corn box, pedal carts, petting zoo, cane pole fishing, carousel, jumping pillow, slides and family dodge ball are always open. Guests can also zip line for an additional cost. The ranch is breathtakingly beautiful with pristine grounds. Every Rock Rancher we had the pleasure of interacting with was helpful and genuinely cared about our experience, taking the time to ask us what attractions we’d already experienced and then directing us toward the next one on our list. Little ones loved the cow train rides, girls loved the dress up areas in Tiny Town, and older kids were zip line enthusiasts. We all enjoyed the live music playing throughout the day. We plan to save our Halloween pumpkin and bring it with us when we return to the ever-popular Pumpkin Destruction Day! – Dana diLorenzo
A
Cagle’s Family Farm Bonfire Hayride 355 Stringer Road, Canton 770-345-5591; caglesfamilyfarm.com Cost: Bonfire hayrides $7; Corn maze $10. Combo tickets available. Open: Fall activities through Nov. 17 e recently visited Cagle’s and spent a laid-back, lazy afternoon enjoying some farm-fresh fun. When we arrived, my children and their friends immediately spotted the jumping pillow. Shoes were kicked off and carefree jumping commenced. Friendly staff members helped us find our way and kept watch over the jumping area to make sure that the safety rules were being followed. From there, we navigated our way through the corn maze as my husband and I were led by our four excited explorers. We had a short visit with the resident goats, and then headed through the underground tunnel for our bonfire hayride. We eagerly climbed aboard the tractor with hay-filled rider space and had bounced our way through the pastures! We arrived at the bonfire site and were greeted by more friendly Cagle Dairy Farmers. Moments later, we had our complimentary marshmallows in hand and were relieved to see that each fire pit had an ample sized wall built around
W
50 Atlanta Parent October 2013
it and were spaced far enough apart that there was plenty of room for kids to freely frolic. We listened to music and enjoyed our treats by the fire until it was time to head back. We boarded our return hayride and got in a few more jumps before heading home, tuckered out from all the outdoor fun. – Dana diLorenzo
Family Fun Guide
atlantaparent.com