Fall Fun: The Little Farmer

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My favorite fall activity is our visit to The Little Farmer in Malone, WI.  I went on a date to The Little Farmer in college 16 years ago, and I have visited every year since. Last year was a little different because of COVID, but we still had an awesome time and made a lot of memories. 

We have gone to The Little Farmer and spent nearly 4 hours there because there is so much to do.  I have listed below 10 different activities/areas that The Little Farmer offers.  They aren’t listed in any particular order, although I will be transparent and let you know that the absolute BEST part of The Little Farmer is the caramel apples – they are known around the state for them.

Playground with Pedal Cart Track:

My boys have spent a couple of hours running around the playground area.  The straw mountain is perfect for children of all ages to climb on/run around.  There is a straw maze and tricycles with a trike path that are both perfect for younger children and toddlers. There are swings made from tires, teepees, a slide, and a Diaper Depot (changing station) close to the play area.  Look for a box at the playground entrance where they accept donations. My oldest loves the pedal cart track where he can race around the track with other kids and intentionally drive through mud puddles.

Hay mountain
Track

Kids Garden and “Chick Truck”:

The Kids Garden is fun to walk around in and look at different vegetable plants.  The Chick Truck is home to several chickens, a rooster, and white peacock, and sometimes even peachicks (baby peacocks)!

Apples:

Unfortunately due to the frost damage this Spring, The Little Farmer does not have U-pick available.  They do have apples that are picked, washed, and bagged for you to purchase.  It is a good idea to check The Little Farmer’s website to see what is available before you visit the farm.

The Little Farmer Caramel Apples:

This is the highlight of every visit to The Little Farmer.  Their caramel is the best around and they offer a variety of toppings (Oreos, jimmies, sunflower seeds, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, nuts, M&Ms). They serve the caramel apples in slices which makes it easier to eat, but you can also get it on a stick.  I have seen people order extras to take home because they are THAT good!

Pumpkins:

U-pick pumpkins are available, and you are able to take a tractor ride to and from the patch. The prices vary based on size and you pay for them once you’ve selected the perfect pumpkin(s).

Applehouse: 

If you follow your nose, it will lead you to the Applehouse where the bakery is.  They sell apples, several bakery items (I highly recommend their pies and muffins), their well-known caramel, apple cider, kitchen items, and even toys in this building. It is called the Applehouse because this is where the apples are all washed, inspected, and stored.

Farmhouse:

This adorable coffee house has a cute gift shop, Kelly Country Creamery Ice Cream, slices of The Little Farmer apple pie, and delicious coffee drinks! Upstairs you can walk through themed rooms where home decor is available for purchase.  Mums, straw bales, and corn bundles are available outside for purchase to help you with fall decorating.

Barnyard:

Make sure to have your quarters ready when you visit the Barnyard. Goat pellets are sold for 25 cents per hand, and there is a fun pulley system that you can use to feed the goats.  The goats reach this feeding area by walking up a ramp.  You can also feed by hand through the fence.  You can visit goats, peacocks, Scottish Highland Cattle, and sheep in this area.  Make sure to stop and say hi to Baby Basil, the new baby Scottish Highlander. While you are walking around the farm, make sure to keep an eye out for the farm cats Crispy and Slim.

Hayrides ($4.60):

Hayrides are available only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am-4 pm. The hayride takes you past the orchards, beehives, fields, and on a trail that winds through 40 acres of woods.  Some of the trees in the woods are decorated with “faces” which is fun for the kids to look for.  The hayride is approximately 25 minutes long and is handicapped-accessible.  Pickup for the hayride is just past the goats – look for the signs.

Corn Maze ($3.50):

This is unlike other corn mazes I’ve been to.  It is interactive and the kids look forward to it every year.  At the start of the corn maze, you are given a card with suspects (animals) of who stole a pie from the baker.  As you walk through the maze, you hole-punch different animals when you find a picture of their tracks.  At the end, the animal that is left is the guilty one who stole the pie! It usually takes about 20 minutes to get through the maze. I highly recommend rain boots or old shoes if you go on a day where it has recently rained because we have gone when it is very muddy.

*The Little Farmer does not charge an admission fee. They accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards for activity fees and other purchases.

The Little Farmer
N9438 Hwy 151
Malone, Wisconsin 53049

Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Since this is about an hour drive and we spend a couple of hours at The Little Farmer, we make a day of it. We pack a picnic lunch and stop by Calumet County Park along Lake Winnebago to eat.  There are a lot of places to picnic there, there is a little playground the boys play on, and they always want to throw rocks in the water before we leave.  It breaks up the drive and allows us to save some money by not going out for lunch. 

If you haven’t already, please check out our 2021 Family Fall Guide, 2021 Guide to Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches, and 2021 Playdates and Events to plan more fun activities in the coming weeks!

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