A few years back, I participated in the Tour de l’Alberta – a one-day cycling event that, at the time, wound its way through a region North of Edmonton. There were a number of families that opened their farms to serve as pit stops for cyclists along the way. Word spread quickly among the riders – don’t eat too much at any of the stops. You MUST save room for the strawberry shortcake at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm!
I distinctly remember pulling into the farm on my bike that day. I loved everything about it – the lush, green setting, the quaint buildings and decorations, and of course, strawberry shortcake that was out of this world!
Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm, Photos Jill Footz
When I had my girls, I knew a farm adventure at Prairie Gardens was something we had to do. I waited until this summer – at 3.5 years, they are pretty much done with naps, and I knew they could get the most out of a long day at the farm. We chose the August Long Weekend Fairy Berry Festival for our first visit.
From the moment we entered, the girls were enthralled. They bounded past food, crafts and face painting, and made a beeline for all the good, old fashioned farm fun that awaits beyond the gates. Everywhere we turned there was something new – a huge variety of playground equipment including tire swings cut into horses; dozens of barn toys complete with animals; tires, tires and more tires – some to climb on, some to throw footballs through; the OK corral full of bouncy animals; face-in-the-hole-boards – I could go on and on. It’s all set up in a big open space, and kids can run from one thing to the next while parents can watch from a central location.
We passed on the big corn maze, but the Kids’ Dragon Maze was the perfect fit for my kids. (they also loved the simple straw bale maze, and the dirt trail “maze” that lead us to the big straw bear!
One of my daughters was captivated by a singing chicken, and they both got a kick out of the rubber duck races. We hopped aboard a tractor and wagon ride, sampled some treats and, keeping with the festival theme, even made adorable fairies to take home! In all, we probably spent about 4 hours at the farm, and I don’t feel like we even scratch the surface of the fun that’s to be had!
Labour Day’s Sweet Corn Festival is on our radar, as is the Haunted Pumpkin Festival. (it kicks off September 29, 2018, and runs every weekend until Halloween.) Want to have your own farm adventure at Prairie Gardens? It’s open to the public on weekends, and by reservation on weekdays, through the end of October.
Prairie Gardens is a 35 acre working family farm. In addition to all the farm fun activities they offer to the general public, they are open for all types of special bookings, from birthday parties to weddings. They have some U-pick produce, as well as fresh farm produce for purchase.
If you buy your tickets online before you head to the farm, you’ll save $2 per ticket. Better yet, if you’re thinking of making more than two visits to the farm per season, check out the Festival Six Pack Season’s Pass, which gets you in to all the special events, and offers some bonus savings on other things too.
A Farm Adventure at Prairie Gardens:
Where: 56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord
Phone: 780-921-2272
Email: info@prairiegardens.org
Website: prairiegardens.org
