A Maze, a Farm and a Mountain



Once I found out there were bathrooms, snack bars, and play areas INSIDE the corn maze, I knew we had stumbled upon something far beyond what I'd expected.

This was the first time we explored the Davis Mega Maze, way back in 2001. We'd picked up the brochure for the maze, which is located in the central Massachusetts town of Sterling, weeks before and knew we had to try it. We both like puzzles and I've always had a thing for mazes -- particularly one that bills itself as one of the largest and most complex field mazes in the nation.

We arrived and before setting out in the maze staff directed us to watch a video that included a message from world-famous maze creator Adrian Fisher, who designs the maze differently every year. Then they turned us loose -- and the maze lived up to all expectations. We ended up trekking down countless paths, twists and turns while looking up at corn towering over our heads while music serenaded us from speakers around the maze's perimeter. Sometimes we'd pass the same people over and over. Sometimes we ended up right back where we started or walk down long corridors only to hit dead ends. Periodic bridges gave us more of a bird's-eye view; staff stationed throughout the maze offered to throw out hints that we refused. We ended up spending about an hour to get out; in subsequent years it's taken us anywhere from 35 minutes to 2 1/2 hours.

Davis Mega Maze (now called Davis Mega Farm Festival) definitely lives up to its billing, and over the years the options available when you embark on your maze adventure have grown exponentially. In addition to clues and challenges you can do within the maze (along with funky play areas and games) the activities outside the maze run the gamut: from bounce houses to giant chess games to a zip line across the maze or corn kernel pit to jump in, to name just a few. Some are for an extra price. Of course. And the maze isn't all that cost-effective to begin with. But if you're the type that loves a fun fallish adventure and a good mental (and sometimes physical, depending on how long you're in there), challenge, I highly recommend it.

Victory bridge in the Red Sox-themed maze, 2016
A note: This maze is great for having a baby/toddler in a carrier/backpack, but it's not stroller friendly. It's tough for a two or three-year-old if they can't be carried. By preschool age, most kids start to get into the thrill of the hunt and seeing what new things they stumble across inside. But bring water, in case it takes you awhile to find refreshments in the maze.


Now what if you're just not a maze person? Some people don't get the allure of getting lost in the corn for no good reason. Those with kids under 10 will love Davis Farmland just across the street. Think a combination petting zoo, outdoor children's museum, and play area, and you have a bit of an idea. I've never seen anything quite like it. Kids can feed baby goats milk from bottles or take a hay ride; play vet and other pretend play in a miniature "town," get wet in the summer on the giant splash pad, pick apples or pumpkins in the fall, dig in a big sand pit, and so much more. If you have young kids you can definitely make a day out of it. 

Climbing Wachusett, early spring

If you are in the area and would prefer to do something a little quieter and a lot less expensive, why not try out Wachusett Mountain? This small peak in the nearby town of Princeton is a great starter hike for kids. Or even better, if hiking isn't an option - you can drive to the top during the non-winter months. We hiked this mountain when Chloe was just two and she made it fine -- and thanks to the paved road heading up the mountain, if your child seems to be having difficulty the trail meets the road at one point and you can walk more easily up the road the rest of the way.

The fall is a great time of year to head up the mountain and see the foliage as it spreads across the rolling central Massachusetts hills. And in general I recommend exploring this lesser known part of Massachusetts, far from both the Berkshires and Boston. What better time than when the colors make everything even more beautiful?







Tunnel in the corn maze





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