Maize Quest Fun Park Review: Fun Day Trip with Family

It was just a normal Friday evening, my sister on her laptop and me on my own. We really wanted to do something over the weekend, but were unsure as to what to do. So, there we were surfing the web, looking for ideas. I, of course, was on my go to website, Groupon, looking up deals around the area. Maybe I would find something that interested me and it would be discounted. Double win!

As I was scrolling, one deal caught my eye. A bundle deal for two for Maize Quest Fun Park in Pennsylvania. A corn maze? My sister and I always wanted to try one. We jumped on the opportunity. My sister hurried over to take a seat next to me as I clicked on the coupon to read the details. We would get a discounted price for two, which would not only include admission to the Fun park, but we would each get a free apple, a free sample of apple cider, and a free apple cider donut, too. What an amazing deal! One we did not want to miss. You know I was already clicking purchase on that deal without hesitation. It was decided, we were going to our first corn maze.

The day for our trip came and we hurried into our car and began our journey. We ended up going through the most random roads, roads that didn’t even look like roads, but we made it to our destination in one piece. If you have ever been out to Eastern, PA, you get to parts where you feel like you are literally in the middle of nowhere. And God forbid if something were to happen, it might be days before someone finds you. At least that was what we felt like on half of our drive. The details of the road trip are a story for another time.

As we pull in, we see the market on our left and a big silver cylinder with a cartoon corn painted on it saying, “Get Lost”. It was perfect and described our adventure through the maze to a T. We got lost for sure. One of the things, right off the bat, that I liked about this place was the amount of directions and signs they had throughout the area right from when you got near the farm. It made it super easy to find how to get there, where to park and how to get to where you wanted to go. Love when people are organized and helpful!

Entering

We parked our car and walked to the ticket desk and showed them our Groupon. They handed us a wrist band and papers that can be used for all the free goodies we would get from the farmers market.We were then handed a pole with a flag on it, an activity book, a pencil, and a crayon before being led into a dark room. A home video styled video started to play on the screen. The theme was Arabian Nights and the guy giving the instructions and rules of the maize was dressed as a genie. It was very cheesy, but entertaining and a great way to engage the participants, especially children.

The second the movie is over, the employee opened the door to the outside, and we were all blinded by the light of the sun. Our eyes were in shock from adjusting to the dark room to suddenly being exposed to the bright sunlight. At the entrance of the maze is an image of the entire maze, just so you can have some sort of idea what you are getting yourself into. And the adventure began.

Afraid you might get lost? Don’t worry!

We started off the maze strong, deciding we were going to keep going at it until we had found the answers to all the clues in the activity booklet. But once you make it through most of one colored section (1/4^th of the maze), you start to realize this maze is gigantic. You will most likely be in here for a while. So be prepared to spend a good portion of time in the maze if you plan to find all the clues.

Don’t worry if at any point you start to feel like you want to just get out or are done for today. There are two options of getting out.

First option is using the pole with the flag on the end in your hand. You were not just given this as a stick to help you walk through the maze. It does serve another purpose. And no, it is not to fan away bugs. Although, that was another way we did use it. All you have to do is stop where you are, raise that pole so it is above the corn crops, and start waving the flag like you are stranded on an island. The guy sitting on the really tall lifeguard type chair will be notified and he will send someone to come help you get out.

Second option is to use the tracker app. A new thing they came out with is an app that has a built-in maze tracker. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the back of your activity booklet and you can use the tracker to help guide you out of the maze. Although, there is no fun in using it unless you are truly lost, right? But if you are desperate and ready to get out, this is a viable and possibly faster option than the first.

Other activities at the farm.

After you complete the gigantic maze, head on over to the other part of the farm. You will find a bunch more smaller mazes, life-sized board games, and more. Not to mention, it is a farm, so hope on a hay ride and go pick your own fruit. And if you are not in the mood to pick your own fruit, head on down to the farmer’s market and buy pre-picked fruit. While you are there, try their apple cider donuts and apple cider. They are delicious!

Tips: Know before you go…

Before you embark on your adventure to conquer this maze, I have a few tips for you guys. Of course, the more obvious one is to dress comfortably. You are going to a farm and you will be doing a lot of walking. I would suggest comfortable walking shoes and depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses. With the way the seasons have been going recently, it has been warmer and sunnier than normal during the fall.

The most important thing to bring is plenty of water. Do not forget it. You will need it. Trust me. We only brought one each, but wished we brought more. And don’t worry about having to carry around empty water bottles through your adventure. Each clue station has a trash can, empty your load there. Again, I can’t emphasize this enough. Bring plenty of water.

If you have never been in a corn maze, then you have no idea how hot it can get in there. Corn gives off heat and combined with the warmer fall weather, it gets hot as you are walking through it. You will be glad you brought plenty of water to help keep you hydrated.

With that, gather your friends and family and head on over. Make it a competition or a family outing. And don’t forget to get lost!