Friday Night on the Farm, Country Critters, Alvarado

Some men see pumpkins as they are and ask why, I dream pumpkins that never were and ask "Why not"?  ~  U.S. President John F. Kennedy dreaming about a 1500 pounder in the oval office.

Who, during a hot and sweltering Texas Summer, doesn't if for only a moment or two leave the confines of their sunscreen coated body and travel forward in time to imagine the cool of fall, and pumpkins?  As much as I love summer, I certainly admit to transporting myself to a time of falling leaves and fields of orange occassionally. 
Country Critters is a farm in Alvarado that offers seasonal activities to the public throughout the year.  They also offer rental for birthdays and special events.   Located in a rural area, it's a big farm with lots of room for your kiddos to run around, explore and enjoy country life!  During Autumn, they bring out the pumpkins and the decorations for a fun, not at all scary, good time! 

The Pumpkin Patch- After a week full of visiting Pumpkin Patches, I'll tell you that I love that Country Critters has real pumpkin vines growing in their patch.  The pumpkins have been purchased, but the vines are real, and even has some little pumpkins growing!  On admission price included one of these pumpkins for each of us!

The Maze - Their permanent standing maze is lots of fun, with tricky turns.  My four year old and my 11 and 12 year old both had a terrific time.  We visited during Friday Night on the Farm, which was from 5 - 9pm.  After dark the maze is lit up with white Christmas lights! 

Pony Rides and Petting Zoo -  I appreciate places that can cater to my children of various ages.  All 3 of my children were able to ride the ponies, even though my oldest son's feet were almost dragging the ground on their large pony, Shiloh!   We enjoyed the petting zoo, which was mostly goats we could go inside and pet.  They also have some young Brahma cows, a donkey, peafowl, and chickens. 

Hayride - I love fall hayrides, and we usually do at least 4-5 a year, but many of those are, sadly, on city streets.  This hayride is all offroad, taking you around the farm, which is really big!  Because we were there at night, we were able to take both an evening ride to watch the sun setting, and a ride after dark!  We even heard a coyote howl in the distance, and I loved how all 3 of my children leaned in just a little towards me! 

Storytime-  Awww, this was so cute.  In a little area decorated for the season we listened to a book about a pumpkin who lost her nose.  Afterwards, the kids are treated to apple juice and cookies and the adults, a slice of homemade pumpkin bread!  Yum!  The bread can also be purchased at the food stand for $6.00.  My little boy kept going back to hear more stories, preferring that over the bounce house!  Score!

Bounce Houses and more- They offer two bounce houses, one is a barn and the other a cactus. It has a slide inside, and was hard to get my four year out of once he was inside!  They also have a couple of climbing structures and wide open areas for plenty of play!   
 

My Mommy Tips -

• They take cash and credit cards.  Parking is close and it's FREE. 
• Portapotties, but they were clean!  No changing tables, so bring a pad. 
• Pack a lunch, they have plenty of tables under shady trees.  The food stand sells nachos, corn dogs, etc. too.  Be sure to pack your hand sanitizer.  Sunscreen and bug spray, too. 
• Bring your camera and phone with a charged battery, there is not anywhere to charge them. 
• Slow down.  Relax on a bench and let the kids be kids.  Don't be in a hurry to the next activity, just let them run and explore.  Encourage a little pretend play, too.  Think of all the possibilities with this great, wooden train!  

Photo Ops- To a mom, the most important part of these activities are lots of photo ops, and Country Critters has them.  Several times different staff members offered to take family pics for me, too.  Love that customer service! 

For more information about Country Critters, please visit their website; http://countrycrittersfarm.com/

Thanks to R We There Yet Mom?  for letting this post be a part of their Friday Daydreamin' link up!  Please check them out for some travel daydreamin' of your own!