NOTE: This Post was written in 2016. As such, the content and exhibits in the review below may be outdated. Please look out for updated content on this location in the near future!
Nothing screams fall like corn mazes, pumpkins, hayrides and mud.
Wait, mud? That’s not right. Yet, somehow, I managed to pick the one day this week that had rain. That’s okay though – because sometimes you need to just play in the rain. And that’s what we did at Foster Family Farm!
This had been a fall to-do activity on our list since they opened for the season on October 1. I had heard some really great things about this place- from the corn maze to the fun activities in the courtyard and of course, the pumpkins. We hadn’t had any time the last two weekends, and I didn’t see any available weekends for the rest of the month, so I decided we would check it out on a weekday.
We headed over right after nap time, so we arrived a little after 3:30 p.m. It was not busy at all. Probably because everyone was making a mad dash OUT of the farm when the rain started. And here we are, coming in. It was a little drizzle. At first. Then it picked up a bit. But they said we could stay so long as we didn’t care. I’m not a play in the rain person at all but sometimes, you do things outside your box!
Foster Family Farm is easy to get to from I-84. We came in through the back roads from Enfield. That was a little more confusing – I had no idea where the GPS was taking me. By the way, a big tip for the GPS: when you plug the address in, make sure you choose Foster STREET not road (they both exist in South Windsor). Anyway, as you see, it’s really close the the Buckland Hills Mall and the highway.
The farm is on Foster Street, and there are lots of signs on the end of the road.
The sign for Foster Family Farm is pretty obvious too. Unless of course, you’re me and have to turn around in an apartment complex because you miss it…
You’ll see a nursery in front, and then a big driveway that leads behind the farmhouse up to the corn maze and open field.
There are signs pointing you towards the parking area.
And LOTS of signs telling you to drive slow. So, take the hint, and drive slow!
The parking lot is in the open field, and there is plenty of space to park. Again, we did arrive in the afternoon on a Thursday, during the rain, but it looks pretty spacious.
Right when you approach the courtyard and corn maze, there is a ticket booth. The cost to enter the corn maze and courtyard varies based on weekday/weekend. They have a great breakdown of the cost of admission on their website. Since my boy and I were skipping the larger corn maze, and only participating in the mini maze and courtyard activities, we paid only $5 for me (he was free since he is only 2). Pretty great deal if you ask me!
They take credit cards, but only for a minimum purchase of $15. They also take checks.
Right when you enter, they have a sign that points you towards the major activities.
The whole area is large and there are a lot of things going on: the corn maze is their big feature, but you will absolutely want to allow time to visit the animals, pick a pumpkin out, ride in the pedal cars, play on all the playscapes, take a hayride and enjoy a snack.
The corn maze at Foster Family Farm is their big attraction and it is quite impressive! This year’s corn maze is a tribute to our emergency responders!
(from the Foster Family Farm website)
The corn maze entrance is clearly marked, and there are several signs that post the rules for the corn maze. Two important ones: stay on the path – don’t create your own. And don’t smoke in the corn maze.
Since it was just me and my boy, we did NOT brave that corn maze. Instead, we had a fun time going through the mini maze!
I am not sure what he was doing but somehow we ended up walking out of the maze with like four huge rocks.
I have to say, it was pretty challenging even for a mini maze! I had a few moments of, “oh boy what if we get lost in here??” But then I found the exit!
The corn maze at Foster Family Farm is just the start of all the fun things this place has to offer. They have lots of animals! We saw the sheep, chickens, goats and alpacas. Most were hiding since it was raining but the alpacas were happy to be in the rain! They also have cows, which were further down the hill. We saw them as we were leaving.
Right behind the sheep, Foster Family Farm has a pumpkin patch if you want to go pick your own pumpkin, right off the vine!
If you prefer, they also sell pre-picked pumpkins right by the main entrance. There were A LOT of pumpkins to choose from! The pumpkins ranged in prices from $4 for small, $7 for large, or any 3 for $18. They also are offering a special deal to fill a wheelbarrow with pumpkins and pay only $39 when you purchase admission to the farm.
For my two year old, the real hit of the day at Foster Family Farm was all the fun play areas. There is a lot for the littles to climb on, hide in, play on, and get completely filthy in… especially when it’s raining.
This was a fun tractor to climb on and it had a slide!
We loved the firetruck and the bell. I think we rang it a few hundred times. Every time I turned my back, my child was making a mad dash to climb back onto that firetruck!
What child doesn’t love crawling through a big tunnel? And there are a few to choose from!
There are two displays of big tires for climbing on and through, plus they’re set in sand. We know how much I love sand.
Oh boy, a big choo choo train! This was super cute and a big hit for my child. 
All Aboard!
The other big playscape is this massive ship! It’s pretty incredible, with a plank to walk, as well as a ladder to climb up. There’s a slide and there is a little hidden play area underneath. This is also set in sand, and they provide lots of buckets and trucks so your child can play in it. Super.
Over by the big ship is where they do the hayrides. I think because it was raining, they weren’t running, but that’s okay. We were pretty dirty and wet at that point, I don’t think I would have enjoyed a hayride. We did see the big tractor come in with the pumpkins! A big thanks to the farmers at Foster Family Farm for waving hi back to my child who was screaming at them – HI!! HI!!
Also in this corner is a concession stand that is open only on weekends. They sell burgers and hot dogs as well as other snacks and drinks.
In addition to all those playscapes and fun activities, Foster Family Farm also has two race tracks with pedal cars. Sadly, my child is a little too small to reach the pedals, but these look really fun! They are for ages 3 to 8. With it raining out, no one was using them but I would imagine these are very popular on the weekends!
Worth noting, they do not have actual restrooms or a changing table here at the farm – but there are port a potties.
They also have a big covered seating area… which worked out great in the rain! 
We had a blast here at Foster Family Farm! I am so glad we ended up going, even despite the rain. Sometimes, it’s fun to play outside even in the rain! This is a must visit during the fall if you live in the area. I know people are often looking for a place to go visit that has a corn maze, animals, hayrides and pumpkins. Well, here you go! Here’s the place!
Oh and before you leave, make sure to take your obligatory fun photos!
This about sums it up…
90 Foster Street – South Windsor, CT
Hours: Opens October 1 (seasonal)
OPEN EVERYDAY
Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (last ticket sold at 9 p.m.)
Cost:
Weekends, Day & Night Maze Admission (price includes corn mazes, all courtyard activities, and hayride (Hayrides are only included in the daytime admission last hayride is at 6 p.m.): Adults (13 & older) : $10, Children (4-12): $7, Toddlers (3 & under): FREE, Seniors (60 & older): $9
COURTYARD PRICING for Week Days Only (ONLY available on WEEKDAYS – includes courtyard play areas, mini maze and hayride – does not include admission to the large maze) : Ages 4 & older: $5, Ages 3 & under: FREE
Features:
- Off Road Strollers could work but I’d honestly leave them in the car.
- Large parking lot with plenty of available spaces
- Port a potties
- Cash and Credit accepted
- Food for purchase
