Children of the Corn – Florida Corn Maze

Some of you may remember the eighties cult classic movie, Children of the Corn.  As a kid it was one of those movies I was forbidden to see.   Of course that means I watched it at  sleepovers around Halloween.  Since then I’ve always wanted to go into a cornfield maze.   I’m fascinated with them but also still slightly creeped out.   I came across a Living Social deal for a cornfield maze at a farm right here in central Florida so I jumped at that chance to have a Florida corn maze adventure.

What better way to get into the Autumn mood (although living in Florida doesn’t offer much chance to experience true seasons).   I shared this awesome deal with the Harry Potter fan groups I’m apart of.   Stick a pin right there… [Important fact about me if you plan to read more of my blogs is that I am a ginormous Harry Potter fan.  I don’t mean the “yeah I’ve seen the movies kind”.  I’m all the way in, own all the books hardcover and digital, cosplay, conventions, etc.  I’m a certified Potterhead.]    Back to the story — Of course the HP group was all for it and decided to make it one of the official events for the Central Florida Slugclub based out of Orlando.  I’m also a member of the Portkey to Magic group in Tampa/St.Pete.

The maze is an annual event that runs from the end of September to mid December at Long and Scott Farms, located in rural central Florida.   It literally crops up out of nowhere.   You’re driving and driving and driving and driving and then BAM! CORN!!!!!!!  Every fall a new maze is created for thousands to come and enjoy.   They also collect donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank organization so not only is it fun but it’s for a good cause.     It’s really a great place to bring the kiddies.   There’s fishing, super  slides, a mini maze, zip line, water wars, hay rides, and a jump pillow.   You can also go on a tour of the farm.

Of course the star attraction is the supremely awesome, massive, cornfield maze.  Once you pick up your tickets and watch a quick video about the rules, you’re released to go and “Get Lost”.  I’m not really sure exactly what I was expecting, but I was completely blown away by the sheer size of the field.    If you climb up on the observation tower you can really get a sense for just how massive  and sprawling this maze is.    I would definitely not want to attempt this at night time!    There is also a coded map of the maze provided to you that can only be read with the decoders placed randomly throughout the maze or you can splurge and purchase the $1 maze vision glasses.  In order to incorporate our HP fandom love, the event was named the Cedric Diggory Memorial Challenge.   In the 4th book/movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, there is a tournament.  The last and most difficult task in the tournament is a giant maze with all kinds of dangers,perils, and creatures.  While we couldn’t recreate the magical elements from Potter, we were happy to find that guests are issued a game sheet  to collect clues hidden throughout the maze which would reveal a secret word.  For our purposes  we decided to split into teams and the group that made it out of the maze first with all of the clues solved was the winner.   

I work smarter not harder so I purchased the cheat glasses and attempted to read the map but it was still pretty confusing.  We found our way out of the maze in 30 minutes, but we only found 2 clues initially.  Clearly we missed some things!    I was actually kind of glad we found our way out because I was really afraid I’d be the dork raising my red help-me-I’m-a-loser flag that they give you when you enter.    I felt more confident trudging back in to find more clues because I was pretty sure I could definitely find my way out again.    We darted around here and there finding more clues for about another hour until another team called and said they were out and had collected all of the clues.  So we  made our way back out again in search of something cool to drink because it was HOT!  I’ll take the moral victory of knowing my team found our way out first. (always a winner!)

This was a fun time but I do wish the temperatures had been a bit milder.  Oh well, that’s Florida.   Everyone on the farm was nice and helpful.  I enjoyed looking at the produce market.  I swear I saw the biggest cucumbers ever and they had watermelon samples.  They also had some yummy things in their store, like apple cider, peach butter, and kettle corn.   I plan to add this to my fall traditions for sure!  Thanks Long and Scott Farms for allowing your land to be our playground.

Things to know before you go:

• This is a great activity for groups, teens, big kids, and little kids.    It is kid friendly and there are picnic tables and places to bring a cooler.
• This is a significant amount of walking and it’s sandy/dusty.  You don’t want to do this wearing sandals.   I repeat you will walk….a whole lot!
• Bring cash for food truck snacks, fresh lemonade, and cold water to buy inside of the maze.  You are allowed to bring your own but if you don’t want to carry a backpack you have the option to buy there.
• Buy your ticket online to save yourself some time in line.   There’s a separate line for online and pre-bought tickets.

Looking to plan your own outdoorsy adventure or want to know more about the Potter Fan groups?  See the helpful links below:

• Long and Scott Farms – www.longandscottfarms.com/
• Central Florida Slug Club – www.facebook.com/groups/cfslugclub
• Portkey To Magic – www.facebook.com/PortkeyToMagic