Our First Family Tree Cutting Expedition at Richardson Christmas Tree Farm

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary Christmas tree for the purpose of conducting an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

This past year, I have really been working on checking items off of the bucket list pretty rapid fire. One thing that I had never done **until last weekend** was cut down a Christmas tree. In the past, I have had allergy issues with Christmas trees. So, we have opted to have an artificial tree. However, this year we had the opportunity to visit Richardson Christmas Tree Farm we would cut our own tree to spice things up a little bit. **And, the pine tree we chose has not been bothering my allergies! Hooray!**

When we visited Richardson Farm this past fall for the Corn Maze, I was pretty impressed by the overall warmth of the family experience. We experienced that same warmth when we visited Richardson last weekend as well! The Richardson Family has created an atmosphere to make all families welcome in their home!

For those who have never cut down their own Christmas tree before, cutting at tree at Richardson is incredibly easy and enjoyable. The family has streamlined the process so that some of the less pleasurable tasks are handled by staff and some pretty interesting machines.

To begin our expedition, we headed for the free wagon ride to the trees. Before hopping aboard, we took a look at sample trees {my daughter decided that we had to have one with soft needles} and grabbed a saw. We were given a little orientation before joining other families for our wagon ride.

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Getting Lost {Sort of} at Richardson Adventure Farm

**Disclosure: My family received complimentary admission in order to make an accurate review. All opinions are 100% my own.

We are always up for a new challenge. This fall, we tackled the World's Largest Corn Maze at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois. When we first decided to visit the maze, I had a little voice in my ear telling me that maybe we had bit off a little more than we could chew. Would my daughter go into full meltdown mode in the middle? However, what is life without a little challenge! Carpe diem! So, we took on the maze:

Navigating the maze:

When you arrive at the farm, be sure to grab a map of the maze. This will prove invaluable. Plus, if you are planning an evening visit, be sure to bring a flashlight. You can run the maze in the evening which we found to be pretty invigorating!

The maze has several exits which can put those visiting with youngsters at ease. Additionally, it is divided into sections making it a little less daunting. Several of these sections have special activities associated with them like trivia. This amps up the fun value. There are bridges between sections where you can view your location from above. The bridges also serve as landmarks while winding around.

We ran the maze as day was turning into night. Running through the maze in the moonlight was fun, but you can quickly get turned around! We ended up completing a little over half of the maze before my daughter was ready for a change of scenery. However, we all agree that we would love to go back to the maze! Our advice: Don't be daunted by the maze's size--you will not notice while you are running around!

The fun doesn't stop:

Richardson Adventure Farm has so much more to do aside from the maze. There are activities that appeal to both adults and children. We particularly enjoyed feeding farm animals at the petting zoo. {Except for the alpaca that wanted n-o-t-h-i-n-g to do with us!}

The children's zip line delighted my daughter for quite some time. For older children and adult, there is a higher zip line for an extra charge.

The pig races were fun! I a mean, who would not route for a pig named "Love Me Do?" {Do check the race schedule before beginning the maze. They only run during daylight.}

Trikes, orbiters, a playground, a big slide and more--there is so much fun!

Special fall fun with the fam

You can rent a picnic spot with a campfire for a special gathering with your family. We saw a number of families gathering for a fun evening!

Richardson Adventure Farm is a wonderful fall destination. The maze sports a different theme each year and they are expanding their offerings, so there will be something new each year! 

For more on our visit, read my review on Trekaroo!

Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 9405 Richardson Rd., Spring Grove, IL. The attractions are open through October 27, 2013 for this season. Admission costs $13 for those 13 and up, $10 for kids 4-10 and is free for those 3 and under. Check website for more details on opening times and costs for additional activities.
 

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