Striking a Balance with Screen Time — at School and at Home

By

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October 26, 2020

While online instruction has become a necessity during COVID-19, the question of how much screen time is a healthy amount for children has been replaced at the top of the list of our concerns. Many parents are just trying to get used to hybrid schedules, working from home while keeping an eye on their children’s learning progress, and— let’s face it— trying to stay sane.

Beth Barrow, Executive Director of Student Services at Toledo Public Schools, weighed in on how to maintain a healthy balance when it comes to technology usage, emphasizing that structure is key to getting through this complex period of your child’s education. “COVID-19 has made it so much harder,” Barrow said. “Our statement before the pandemic was ‘we need to reduce screen time and limit kids’ exposure’. With our students being online for quite a long period of time for virtual learning, that can be tough.”

TPS has adopted a hybrid schedule, segmented by student groups with two days of in-person instruction, two days of supplemental virtual instruction, and another virtual day for teachers to interact with students who need extra assistance with lessons. Parents also have the option to enroll their students in a completely virtual academy.

Advice for virtual learning days

For virtual learning days, Barrow recommends keeping a schedule and avoiding scenarios where your child has free-reign to explore online. “It’s okay for students to do something they enjoy online that also happens to be educational, but it’s also really important to interact with the people in your family,” she explains. “All of the things to concentrate on to increase socialization and take a break from being absorbed on the screen— playing games, doing puzzles, coloring— it’s important to focus on those things to strike that balance.”

In terms of socialization, Barrow acknowledges that in-person interactions with other children and adults is key to development. Children model the behaviors they see from their instructors at school along with the behavior they see exhibited by adults at home.

In person interactions are key

“In-person interactions are different — you can read emotions and body language — an email or a text make it easier to not account for someone else’s feelings,” says Barrow, adding that students with developmental challenges are especially affected by isolation. “With the disconnect caused by COVID, it’s very easy not to take into account the emotions and feelings of others. Learning to connect and interact with people is still so critical.”

While virtual learning has become a valuable tool to keep students safely engaged in an educational setting, children thrive most when they have balance and structure. It’s not easy to keep your child on task when they’re in front of a computer screen, but by concentrating on the issue, it is an adjustment you can make. Stay on schedule, go for socially distanced outings, and make sure your child maintains safe in-person contact as much as possible.

Communication is Key

By

Erin Holden

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October 21, 2020

Joey & Emmah Artino1 — Joey Artino wears his “I’m Deaf” mask so that hearing people know he’s not ignoring them.

Masks pose challenges for the Deaf Community.

Now that wearing masks in public is pervasive— and mandatory in shared indoor spaces— most have adapted to the accompanying hurdles. For community members who are Deaf and hard of hearing (HH), masks have created communication challenges, an obstacle that hearing people often fail to consider.

Certified ASL interpreter Emmah Artino and her Deaf husband, Joey Artino, have had to adjust to communicating while wearing masks. Joey’s mask has the phrase “I am Deaf” printed on it so that people know that he is not ignoring them when they try to speak to him in a store. With facial cues obscured by masks, it can be hard for people to get his attention. “I’ve had some people try to talk to me when I couldn’t see them,” Joey explains. “Then, when I turn around and they see my mask, they’re friendlier.”

Watch your tone
Unfortunately, most masks hide facial expressions and mute tone, which are fundamental to communication for people in the Deaf community. Hearing the inflection in someone’s voice and observing their facial expressions— sad, surprised, annoyed— are incredibly important aspects of communication, especially for the Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). There are times when tone can make all the difference in what you glean from a conversation. For people who are DHH, facial expressions help fill in the gaps left by not hearing someone’s tone, but with masks, those facial cues are nearly impossible to interpret.

The same is true of automatic closed captioning on television and YouTube. Emmah’s father is profoundly Deaf and faces this problem while watching the news. Emmah explains, “The automatic captioning just doesn’t capture everything. Plus, the reporter has a mask on and we can’t hear the tone. It just leaves a lot of pieces missing in the communication.”

“You should also be willing to learn [about the hurdles the DHH community face],” Joey adds. “Patience and understanding go a long way.”

It’s also important to never assume that those who are Deaf can read lips. “Even the hard of hearing people that do read lips really only capture about 30 percent of information, and then they fill in the gaps [using tone and facial expressions], assuming what’s being said,” Emmah says. “The biggest thing is not to exaggerate expressions, say ‘read my lips’ or to take your mask off. What are some other ways to communicate?”

Other means of communication include typing something on your phone or jotting a note down on a piece of paper with a combination of gestures to clarify communication. Emmah also points out that hearing people sometimes don’t make eye contact with each other because we aren’t as reliant on expressions, but eye contact is very helpful in communication with Deaf individuals.

“Hearing people typically talk at each other and look elsewhere, but Deaf people need that eye contact,” Emmah says.

Help in a hearing world
One avenue for making communication easier is to use a clear face shield or a traditional mask with a clear window insert so that those who are DHH can see your facial expressions and read your lips. While those are not always readily available, one fail-safe way to communicate is to take the time to learn some basic ASL. Online classes are available through Deaf Services Center NW Ohio, and there are multiple websites and programs that teach basic ASL (even some for kids). Or begin by following someone on Instagram or TikTok who is DHH or a certified interpreter. Just beware of those who are hearing and using (incorrect) sign language as a way to garner fame; cultural appropriation exists within the Deaf community as well.

Overall, for hearing people, it’s about awareness and being prepared to step outside your comfort zone with communication.

“Deaf people live in a hearing world,” Emmah points out. “They encounter hearing people every day, but hearing people don’t encounter Deaf people very often. Deaf people know what to do [when it comes to communication]. They may have a pen and paper ready; Joey’s got a notepad on his phone that he uses. It’s just a matter of having patience, leaving your mask on, and smiling.”

**Emmah Artino opts for clear shields so Deaf/HH folks can see her facial expressions**

Children’s Discovery Center brings Kindergarten Learning to the Great Outdoors

By

Erin Holden

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October 21, 2020

Bringing the classroom outdoors is far from a new concept— the benefits of using the natural world as a tool for learning has been touted for many years. During the pandemic, however, outdoor learning is being widely embraced as an alternative to traditional classroom settings. The Discovery Center’s Waterville location has a newly renovated Outdoor Classroom that serves as an excellent example of an intentional, structured curriculum in an outdoor setting to help Kindergarteners thrive.

The Kindergartners in this program use what they find in the Outdoor Classroom for mathematics, a variety of science lessons, literacy and phonics, and social studies. There really is no limit to the props available for use outside.

“Children were born with an undeniable desire to go outside, and research lists countless benefits of increased time in nature,”says Lindsay Stechschulte, a Discovery School Kindergarten teacher at Children’s Discovery Center. “The initiative of creating an outdoor classroom began before COVID-19; however, planning around the pandemic provided an opportunity to expand even further and create a space that helped increase the chance of a safe re-opening while continuing to offer exceptional learning opportunities for our students.”

This isn’t just a free-for-all playtime for the kids involved (though they are certainly having lots of fun). It’s a nationally certified Nature Explore Classroom, meaning that the methodology behind it is backed by field-tested research. The Kindergarten teachers at The Discovery Center attended a workshop to learn how best to implement lessons in the Outdoor Classroom to help their students progress in this enriching environment.

The Outdoor Classroom allows the teachers to maintain a “hands-on” approach that has proven most effective for sustained learning outcomes while still following CDC guidelines for social distancing. The program sets the stage for what is possible for education during COVID.

“We are excited that the expansion of our Outdoor Classroom has provided new opportunities to educate children in the midst of COVID-19,” said Jessica DeViney, chief operating officer of Children’s Discovery Center. “Not only does this creative environment go hand-in-hand with our Reggio Emilia philosophy but also provides the students with a safe environment for all types of learners.”

Sylvania Mom Creates Custom Masks to Honor Son

By

Aya Khalil

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October 21, 2020

Trigger warning: infant loss

Julie Kaser and her family were able to spend only 29 precious days with their newborn son Oscar, yet his legacy shines on.

Kaser started a small business, Oscar’s Garage in honor of her second son, Oscar, who had Trisomy 13 and died in the NICU at Toledo Children’s Hospital in 2017.

Kaser said if Oscar had lived, she would have created custom items to make his life easier and more comfortable. “Since I don’t have that opportunity to use my talents for Oscar,” she explained, “I am using my gift to make handmade products for others.”

Kaser makes masks, lanyards and other products and sells them through her Facebook group, Oscar’s Garage & OscarStrong. The masks include fun children’s prints and characters from Peppa Pig, Frozen and Marvel. She started making the masks when the pandemic first started for healthcare workers. She recalls, “I saw a need and thought what a beautiful way to honor Oscar by making and donating masks in his memory. I posted on Facebook what I was planning to do and I began getting requests for masks from non-frontline workers, so I began making and selling masks [for anyone].”

Oscar was born five weeks early, and the Kaser family did not know if they would have minutes or hours. She said they were blessed to have 29 days with him.

“During his time on earth he was never left. Someone was always with him in the NICU, whether that was me, my husband, or one of his grandmas. He was tiny most of his life, under five pounds, but you wouldn’t believe the joy and hope that child brought to so many that didn’t even know him,” she confesses. “Through Oscar we learned that every life is precious, regardless of an individual’s ability, and that we will be reunited again someday with Oscar in heaven.”

Trisomy 13 is a genetic disorder in which the baby has three copies of chromosome 13, instead of the usual two copies in the cells of the body. It also includes a combination of birth defects.

Kaser would like to tell fellow parents who have gone through an infant or pregnancy loss that they’re not alone: “Your grief is real and you are allowed to grieve. I encourage you to eventually use your pain and sadness to help others. My husband and I are better people because of Oscar.”
Kaser takes mask request orders via email at [email protected] and hopes to have an Etsy shop up soon.

Halloween & Fall Festivities 2020 Round-Up

By

Emily Remaklus

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October 19, 2020

Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean we need to hunker down for winter just yet. There are plenty of fun fall activities just starting to kick off around the area. So get outside, enjoy the beauty of autumn, and explore some of the Toledo area!

Toledo Fall Festival at Ottawa Park
Oct. 17, 6-9pm
2532 Upton Ave.
Free

Looking for a fun, family-friendly and safe Halloween activity for the kids? The free Fall Festival, hosted by the City of Toledo, will feature a drive-thru pumpkin path with a free bag of candy for each child. The first 150 kids will receive a free pumpkin as well, handed out by volunteers in costume. Then, families can stay at the park to watch a drive-in screening of the 1998 Disney Channel movie Halloweentown starring Debbie Reynolds. The screening will begin at 7:30pm. Families who don’t wish to stay for the movie are welcome to leave right after getting their candy. Food trucks will be on hand selling coffee, hot cocoa and more. Masks are required whenever you exit your vehicle.

Country Lane Tree Farm
Open daily 11am to 7pm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
Countrylanetreefarm.com

The largest animal farm in NW Ohio offers animal tours, corn mazes, animal play, and birthday parties! See and feed real live animals, take a barrel train ride, play at the playground, pick your very own pumpkin from the pumpkin path and more. No reservations required.

Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
10am-7pm daily
7133 Seaman Rd. Oregon, OH
419-836-7613
fleitzpumpkinfarm.com/

Since 1991, Fleitz Pumpkin Farm has been growing pumpkins to sell to the public. In addition to pumpkins, the farm also has corn mazes, children’s play areas, and freshly made donuts, cider, and hot sandwiches for snacking. During COVID, the farm decided to start an online ordering for their donuts and snacks as well as some of their pumpkins and squash. So if you want to enjoy the tastes of autumn while still socially distancing, ordering online and picking up is a great option.

MacQueen Orchards
9am-8pm daily
7605 Garden Rd. Holland, OH.
419-865-2916
macqueenorchards.com/

For some of the best cider around, MacQueen’s Orchards is the place to go. Along with their cider, they offer delicious baked goods made fresh daily. The orchards grow a variety of apples and peaches, and starting in mid-September through the third week of October visitors can drive their own vehicle in the orchard and pick their own apples. This is a great way to socially distance while still enjoying some fall fun.

Pumpkin Pete’s & Gwen’s Gourds
Fridays 4-8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-9pm
10988 Neiderhouse Rd. Perrysburg, OH.
419-654-6304
facebook.com/PumpkinPetesGwensGourds

Pumpkin Pete’s & Gwen’s Gourds has opened for the 2020 season and will be selling a variety of fall decor including pumpkins, mums, and squash. While visiting be sure to stop by and say “hi” to the animals . Kids will also enjoy the play area. If you can’t make it during their hours, Pumpkin Pete’s & Gwen’s Gourds offers a self-serve roadside stand to purchase pumpkins and gourds.

Kackleberry Farm
Sept.11-Nov.1: Th. 5-10pm, Fri. 5-11pm, Sat. noon-11pm, Sun. noon-10pm
6421 North Stoney Creek Rd. Monroe, MI
734-240-0825
Kackleberryfarm.com
Admission: $14

For the ultimate fall festivities, check out Kackleberry Farm. This farm has just about everything fall-related that you can imagine including hayrides, bonfires, corn hole, barnyard animals, kids’ games, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. And as it is really a full day of fun at Kackleberry Farm, food is also available. Enjoy Kat’s Hungry Chicken for a delicious dinner, Gen’s Country Fixin’s for tasty snacks and treats, or enjoy cider and donuts (among many other goodies) from the bakery.

Stevens Gardens
Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm; Sundays 10am-6pm
4550 Weckerly Rd. Monclova, OH
419-392-2065
facebook.com/farm.monclova

Stevens Gardens is a great place for family fun. Not only can you get your fall veggies, pumpkins, and autumn decor here, but the family can enjoy a corn maze, petting zoo, hayride, corn cannon, and the cowtrain. Snacks and treats are also available for hungry visitors!

Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm
Season runs Sept. 12-Oct. 31, 9am-7pm daily
13639 Mulberry Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI
517-486-2237
Gustbrothers.com

For your fall decorating needs and for a great day spent with family, Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm is the place to be. The farm offers a variety of pumpkins, straw bales, corn shocks, gourds, mums, wreaths, and crafts for your decorating needs. Additionally you can enjoy amish jam, apple butter, soy candles, and local honey. While visiting the farm be sure to stop at the you-pick pumpkin patch and visit the you-cut flowers to build your own flower bouquet. The farm also has many animals to visit, and a hayride that runs on the weekends. Snacks are always available and include donuts, pumpkin cookies, candy, apple cider slushies, and popcorn.

Cedar Point’s Tricks and Treats Fall Fest
Weekends Sept. 12 – Nov. 1
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH.
419-627-2350
cedarpoint.com/play/events/tricks-and-treats-fall-fest
Admission: $57 with reservation

Due to COVID-19 Cedar Point had to cancel their usual Halloweekends; however, they have plenty of fun still in store with their new Tricks and Treats Fall Fest. The festival is a family-friendly event with great food, activities, and entertainment. And of course, like the name says, treats will certainly play a major role in the festival. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and go candy hunting. Cedar Point is working hard to ensure that social distancing and sanitation procedures are followed to make sure the event is safe and fun for everyone.

Haunted Hydro
1333 Tiffin St., Fremont, OH.
419-307-6985
Thehauntedhydro.com
Admission $20

COVID-19 won’t stop Haunted Hydro for opening their spooky doors this season. The Haunted Hydro is one of the scariest attractions around, so this might be more fun for the older kids and adults of the family. Two haunted attractions will be open this season including The Curzed Woodz and Bizarre Bazaar. Additionally escape rooms will be another fun activity that will be taking place. Haunted Hydro is working hard to keep a safe and fun environment, so on your arrival, you will be asked to fill out a COVID related safety questionnaire. Masks will also be required and gloves will be provided for visitors enjoying the escape rooms.

The Toledo Zoo’s Little Boo at the Zoo
October 15 & 16, 10am-3pm
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH. | 419-385-5721
toledozoo.org/boo
Adults $22 / Children $19 / $2 discount for Lucas county residents

For your littlest trick-or-treaters, The Toledo Zoo will be hosting their annual Little Boo at the Zoo. This fun event allows the kids to trick-or-treat in one of the most fun places possible, the zoo! Along the way the kids will enjoy magic tricks, puppet shows, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and will get to see some of their favorite characters brought to life.

The Sandpiper Public Cruises
Weekends in October
1 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, OH.
419-537-1212
sandpiperboat.com/

For a unique weekend event take a cruise down the Maumee River on the Sandpiper. During weekends in October you can enjoy the Fall Color Cruise. This trip is a two hour cruise that will take you past some beautiful fall colors. Be on the lookout for the Halloween Boo! Cruise which will take place at the end of October. This cruise is thirty minutes with Halloween treats and fun. Everyone is invited to dress in their costumes.

Pumpkin Train
Every weekend Sept. 19-Oct. 25, 1pm-5pm
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
12505 C.R. 99, Findlay, OH.
419-423-2995
nworrp.org/pumpkin-train.html
Admission: $3 for adults and $2 for children under 12

Looking for an exciting new way to get to the pumpkin patch? Try taking the Pumpkin Train. This quarter scale train will take the family to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin. After the train trip, enjoy games and family activities at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation museum.

Great Pumpkin Drop-Off
November 7, 10am – 3pm and 4pm – 9pm
Bracy Gold Bison Ranch
11616 Co Rd 4, Swanton, OH.
419-360-3395
facebook.com/BracyGold/
Admission: $3-$6

When the fun of Halloween is over usually pumpkins just go to rot in a dumpster or in the backyard, but why not drop those pumpkins off for bison to enjoy? The bison at Bracy Gold Bison Ranch love munching on pumpkin, and this would be a great family outing! Be sure to dress warm as you will be taking a wagon ride through the fields with North American Bison. And when you get back you can enjoy some tasty food and great music.

Olander Hallo-Boo Drive Thru
Oct. 24, 4pm to 7pm (every 15 minutes)
6930 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-8313
Olanderpark.com
$5/car; pre-admission ticket required.

Decorate your car, wear your costume, and drive through Olander Park for a “spooktacular” time! This is a safe alternative to TOPS annual Halloween Hike. This family-friendly Halloween event can be enjoyed from the comfort (and safety) of your own car, and costumed characters will deliver sweet treats via tubes, pipes and baskets contact-free.

Waterville Boo-to-do
Oct. 29, 5m-7pm
Waterville Downtown Businesses
419-878-5188
Watervillechamber.com

Waterville businesses are hosting their annual Halloween Fun event, a safe, fun Halloween activity for children. Don your costume, bring your trick-or-treat bag, and travel from business to business and fill up with goodies handed out by the businesses! Look for the “BOO” sign; various businesses will set up tables in the downtown area as well.

Local Trick or Treat Times:

Oct. 29
Napoleon: 6-7 p.m.
Village of Rocky Ridge: 6-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31
Fostoria: 5:30-7 p.m.
Swanton: 6-7:30 p.m.
Archbold: 6-7 p.m.
Bowling Green: 6-7:30 p.m.
Elmore: 6-8 p.m.
Fayette: 6-7:30 p.m.
Genoa: 6-7:30 p.m.
Grand Rapids: 5-7 p.m.
Holland: 6-8 p.m.
Luckey: 5-7 p.m.
Lyons: 5:30-7 p.m.
Maumee: 6-8 p.m.
Metamora: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Millbury: 6-7:30 p.m.
Monclova Township: 6-8 p.m.
Northwood: 6-7:30 p.m.
Norwalk: 4-6 p.m.
Oak Harbor: 6-7:30 p.m.
Oregon: 6-8 p.m.
Ottawa Hills: 6-8 p.m.
Pemberville: 5:30-7 p.m.
Port Clinton: 4-6 p.m.
Rossford: 1-3 p.m.
Springfield Township: 6-8 p.m.
Sylvania: 6-7:30 p.m.
Sylvania Township: 6-7:30 p.m.
Toledo: 6-8 p.m.
Walbridge: 3-5 p.m.
Washington Township: 6-8 p.m.
Waterville: 6-8 p.m.
Wauseon: 6-7:30 p.m.
Whitehouse: 6-8 p.m.
Woodville: 6-8 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Bedford: 6-8 p.m.
Blissfield: 5:30-7 p.m.
Lambertville: 6-8 p.m.
Temperance: 6-8 p.m.
Whiteford: 6-8 p.m.
Ottawa Lake: 6-8 p.m.

Corn Maze Round-Up 2020

By

Josephine Schreiber

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October 15, 2020

There’s nothing more refreshing than the smell and feel of the crisp autumn air. With the ever-present global pandemic, enjoying typical fall activities can get tricky while social distancing. If you want to participate in fall fun but don’t want to mingle with big crowds, consider a nearby corn maze. Each maze offers ample room for social distancing and has guidelines in place to keep guests safe.

LUCAS COUNTY CORN MAZES

Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa, Ohio 43430
419.461.1298 | Countrylanetreefarm.com
Open daily 11am-7pm.

The largest animal farm in NW Ohio not only offers animal tours, but also TWO corn mazes and acres of u-pick pumpkins! The Little Tots Maze is ideal for families with small children and is FREE! The second corn maze, which encompasses 3 acres, is packed with autumn fun for all ages and is only $3. Families purchasing the Farm Animal Tour get both mazes included, along with a pony ride, Barrel Train Ride and many more activities! The farm also has a complimentary family game area by the Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patch.

Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
7133 Seaman Rd. Oregon, OH 43616
(419) 836-7613 | Website
Open daily 10am-7pm until Oct. 31.

Fleitz Pumpkin Farm in Oregon, OH has been operating for almost 20 years. What started as a small pumpkin stand evolved into one of the most popular fall festivity spots in the Greater Toledo area. While admission into the farm is free, along with many other activities there, the corn maze is $1/person for the one-acre maze and $2/person for the five-acre maze.

Leaders’ Farm: ScreamAcres
0064 Co Rd. 16 Napolean, OH 43545
(419) 599-1570 | Website
Hours vary; open until Oct. 31.

Looking for a scare? Check out ScreamAcres, the haunted version of Leaders’ Farm’s corn maze. Admission to ScreamAcres is $20/person and is non-refundable. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly option, their regular corn maze will be open as well. Tickets for the regular corn maze are $10/person and children four and under are free.

They also offer a season pass and a variety of “combo” options. Masks are required during the hayride and when social distancing isn’t able to be enforced.

Sadowski’s Produce
12815 Airport Hwy Swanton, OH 43558
(419) 826-0863 | Website
Open daily until 8pm.

This maze is completely free. The final entry into the corn maze is at 7:30pm. The Sadowski’s corn maze is family friendly and only takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Stevens Gardens
4550 Weckerly Rd. Monclova, OH 43542
(419) 392-2065 | Website
Monday – Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sundays 10am-6pm.

You’re encouraged to find the selfie station while making your way through the maze. Once you find it, snap a photo to be entered into a weekly prize drawing. In order to enter, you must use the hashtag #SGMAZE2020.

Wheeler Farms Corn Maze @The Butterfly House
11455 Obee Rd. Whitehouse, OH 43571
(419) 877-2733 | Website
Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday noon-10pm, Sunday noon-6pm.

The “hometown heroes” corn maze by Wheeler Farms at The Butterfly House is open until Oct. 31. Keep in mind that the terrain is sandy and isn’t wheelchair or stroller friendly. Guests must follow social distancing guidelines while on the property. Entrance into the maze is $12 for adults and $10 for kids aged 4-9 and senior citizens. Children under 4 are free. The maze is open until one hour before closing time.

ALLEN COUNTY

Suter Produce
4678 Road R Pandora, OH 45877
(419) 384-3331 | Website
Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 1pm-7pm.

Suter Produce’s themed corn mazes are a popular fall attraction every year. They’re family-friendly and don’t include any haunts or scares. This year’s theme celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower. Social distancing is encouraged and masks are required if social distancing isn’t possible. The final maze entry ends at 6pm. The corn maze will be open until Nov. 1.

AUGLAIZE COUNTY

The Furry Tail Farm
19407 S.R. 117 Waynesfield, OH 45896
(419) 231-1032 | Website
Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Furry Tail Farm offers a wide variety of fall activities along with their corn maze. Admission is $12 for children older than three and adults. Grandparents and senior citizens are free. You can enjoy everything Furry Tail Farm has to offer until Nov. 1.

More across the line in MICHIGAN…

LENAWEE COUNTY

Carpenter Farms Pumpkins
2534 US-233 Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 265-8399 | Website
Open daily 10am-7pm until Oct. 31.

Social distancing is required and masks are recommended; however, the maze is 15 acres and provides plenty of space to practice social distancing. The cost of entry is $5/person and children 5 and under are free. Throughout the maze are five hidden placards that reveal a new hidden word every week.

MONROE COUNTY

BJ’s Farm
9777 Secor Rd Temperance, MI 48182
(734) 856-6740 | Website

BJ’s Farm has a search and find corn maze laden with hidden items to make your experience more fun. Admission is $5 for ages 10 and up, $4 for ages 5-9, and $2.50 for children 3-4. It’s a one time fee and you’re able to reuse your admission for the entire season.

Erie Orchards
1235 Erie Rd. Erie, MI 48133
(734) 848-4518 | Website

Perhaps one of the more popular fall attractions in the area, Erie Orchards offers a corn maze among a smorgasbord of other activities as well. The corn maze is open during business hours all week. The orchard and cider mill will be open until their season is done on Nov. 15.

Farmer J’s Corn Maze
16405 Pherdun Rd. Dundee, MI 48131
(734) 216-1089 | Website
Open Friday to Sunday.

Farmer J’s record-breaking corn maze is open for the season until Nov. 1. Admission is $11/adults and $5/kids. Children 5 and under are free. Keep in mind, you’ll need to purchase your tickets online ahead of time if you plan to pay by card. Cash is the only payment accepted on site.

Kackleberry Farm
6421 North Stoney Creek Rd. Monroe, MI 48162
(734) 240-0825 | Website
Open Thursday to Sunday; hours vary.

The Kackleberry corn maze features 12 acres of corn to wander through and they offer daytime admission along with special flashlight nights. Rather than charging for just the corn maze, the farm offers all day passes that grant you access to all farm activities.