Looking for something to get you in the mood for fall and Halloween? Visit these Valley locations that specialize in pumpkins, petting zoos and plenty of terror for just that.
MacDonald’s Ranch
Nestled in the heart of North Scottsdale lies the 1300- acre MacDonald’s Ranch. The ranch started operating back in the late 1950’s and today stands strong with a colossal amount of fun things to do for fall. Enjoy a hoarse- drawn hayride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your very own pumpkin to bring home and carve. Or enjoy a visit to their the petting zoo where you can meet little pig, Charlotte, and her son, Jimmy Dean, their miniature pony, Chocolate, their goats, Shrek, Fiona and Baby Friday, as well as their donkeys, Pete and Repeat. The ranch also has pony rides and a hay maze. Admission is $7; MacDonald’s Ranch is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit www.macdonaldsranch.com.
Schnepf Farm
Queen Creek’s family-owned Schnepf Farm is home of the Pumpkin and Chili party is family owned Schnepf Farm. For $15 dollars, guests can enjoy a variety of fall activities perfect for the entire family. Watch their pig races, visit their the pumpkin patch or enjoy a hayride. Challenge yourself to their the farm’s 10- acre corn maze or the celebrity corn maze which this year features country mega star couple, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. A visit from the country couple is expected soon, according to a Schnepf Farm employee said. When the sun goes down, gather around the bon fire with your family and roast some s’mores. The farm will be hosting a fireworks show all Friday and Saturday nights throughout the fall. For more information visitwww.schnepffarms.com.
Mother Nature’s Farm
This family- friendly farm in Gilbert encompasses family values with tons a dose of fun. (The owners live and raise their family on this farm.) Admission is $7 dollars and includes a pumpkin which you to decorate, access to the air bounce and a chance to feed their farm animals. When hunger strikes, enjoy Mother Nature’s Farm’s home made cotton candy. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information visit www.mothernaturesfarm.com.
Arizona’s Original Scream Park
Arizona’s Original Scream Park is sure to scare the pants off of you. The park, which was voted one of America's Scariest Halloween Attractions in 2007 by the Travel Channel, will celebrate its 13th year in operation. Exhibits include Alice’s House of Nightmares, 3-D Fear Factory, Castle of Darkness and Goldminers Revenge. On Friday and Saturday nights, guests also get the option of attending the Monster Mash where you can shake your booty alongside ghosts, goblins and monsters. Rates vary depending on which exhibits you choose, and the park is open every night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until one1 a.m. For more information visit their website at www.azscreampark.com.
The Nest at Rawhide
Taking up 50,000-sq. ft. of Rawhide’s main street, The Nest is ready to scare Valley dwellers this Halloween season. The haunted house was voted among the top 10 scariest haunted houses by MSN and one of the top nine spookiest in all America by ABC and because of this reps for the The Nest have extended a challenge to the queen of scare Ellen DeGeneres. It’s no wonder considering close to $1 million has been poured into animatronics, special effects and a brand new 3-D animation maze. General admission is $25. www.rawhide.com
