Fall is (sort of) in the air and we’re ready for to spend more comfortable hours outdoors. One of our favorite spots has always been Berry Farms in the Redlands, where country fun spans fields of bright sunflowers, hayrides, pumpkin patches, homemade fruit milkshakes and u-pick produce.
This longtime venue used to be very rustic, a big lot with sunflower fields, fresh fruit, impromptu BBQs, a small playground and porta potties. But if you’ve been there in the last year, you’ve seen some big changes. Mainly, they’ve moved a few blocks away from their original location (but don’t worry, the strawberries are still bright red, juicy and super sweet). While their focus is currently on fall fun—pumpkin patches and corn mazes—the strawberries will be back in December.
With the move, the owners decided to add more attractions, seating areas, bathrooms, a restaurant and a produce stand. In its first year at the new location, there was more to love, including shaded pavilions, expanded playgrounds, hayrides and easy food for the little ones. The sunflower field, corn maze and pumpkin patch are also an integral part of the experience.
Last summer, during the off-season, the farm continued its expansion with even more kid-friendly attractions. We couldn’t wait to see all the updates for ourselves—and to get the kids off their tablets—so we drove down to the Redlands for their reopening weekend. The outdoor space has been transformed once again. There’s so much to do—and everything is bigger.
We didn’t know where to start, but the kids were most excited about the corn maze, so we headed to the back of the property where a 5-acre field has been landscaped into a very sophisticated labyrinth. Literally, we couldn’t get out after 20 minutes, but the kids had a blast running through 6-foot-high corn stalks. We finally made our own shortcut through a sparse patch of corn to exit. One pro tip: If it’s been raining, the approach to the corn maze can get very muddy. All our sneakers were covered in mud by the time we got to the entrance. Bring boots if it has rained for more than one day.
The all-new ropes obstacle course features everything from zip lines to rock climbing walls. There are 16 different stations, which will keep bigger kids active and occupied for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Little ones will enjoy the new playground with interactive wooden pirate ships and castles, all including slides.
Other little touches we noticed were dispensers of hand sanitizer and sunscreen throughout the property (for us caregivers who regularly forget the SPF back in the car) and shade over the bounce area, which they call the Kangaroo Jumping Pillow. There’s also an 15,000 square foot artificial turf field with cornhole games and sports.
Come hungry because there’s plenty to eat and drink. On the weekends, enjoy brunch with chicken and waffles, avocado toast, “Classic” egg platter and mimosas. Kids can snack on more standard fare like burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and grilled cheese. New this year are BBQ ribs and pulled pork, cooked in an authentic smoker, and tacos. Of course, Berry Farms is renowned for their delicious homemade milkshakes with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, mango, pumpkin, key lime and strawberry (the latter starting in December). There’s also beer, wine and mimosas for the adults. (Yes, please!)
Berry Farms’ annual Harvest Festival just started—and runs through November 20—with a pumpkin patch, Instagram-friendly fall-themed photo ops, hayrides and the aforementioned corn maze. For a spookier experience, on select Saturday nights, guests are invited to navigate the corn maze by moonlight.
Berry Farms
13720 SW 216th Street
Tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for children (ages 3-12) on the weekends and $11 for adults and $9 for children (ages 3-12) during the week. Follow their Instagram for updates @theberryfarms.
