So I love Fall. I love going to Linvilla Orchards. We do this yearly. I have a blast and so does the kids. So this year was no different. If you aren’t familiar with Linvilla check it out here.
Family Fun
We had a blast from the food to the apple slinging, it gets better yearly. What I am most excited about was watching me and the kids’ growth over the years. For instance when we first went my oldest was about 2 and my son wasn’t even walking. Now they can participate in all of the events. My youngest who is the pro at apple slinging was in my belly a few years ago and loves to run around playing. Linvilla has something for everyone. If you love country fall foods, they have it. If you like hay rides, they have it. It is an all year round treat for the entire family.
Highlights of the Trip
So of courses let me give you our highlights. I love corn. But nothing is better than corn than corn on the cob hot with piping hot butter drizzled on it. They have corn down to a science and literally is the first stop on the trip. Oh and the seasoning station, has everything you can think of for a messy good time.
The kids didn’t want any parts of corn. So they opted for funnel cake instead and cotton candy, duh!
Kid’s Corner
Nothing to do but to sit for a bit than let them run all of that energy out. We let them play on everything. You pay a dollar a ticket but the adults are free. PSA, if you have more than one parent or a friend, designate one person to take a few pictures at the beginning and then focus back on the kids. I see too many parents either taking pictures or just on their phone. Your kids can still be injured or lost because you’re taking a parent time out. Linvilla has the kids within a fence but its super easy for kids to wander out if you’re not looking. So keep an eye out and be vigilant.
Petting Zoo
The kids took advantage of us not saying no. Kids need room to run so for me I enjoyed letting them be free. Super grateful for having my husband come because the age ranges allowed the kids to play with their age of kids without worry that a bigger kid will over power my 3-year-old. It allowed us to conquer and divide. I definitely think having a group of parents and kids will allow a better time. Not to mention not everyone wants to do the same things at the same time. You can have some do face painting, while others are playing, etc. They also have pony and train rides for a fee too as well as a petting zoo station.
Bring Cash on Hand
The kids enjoy asking for things and getting them. Always try to have cash to spend. They do have ATMs but they are usually a bank no one has and I am on team save money. You don’t have to pay to get in or for parking but the amount of money you will spend inside quickly covers it. So be prepared. We always get a pumpkin so we can either carve or paint them later at the pumpkin patch. Linvilla has pumpkins of all sizes and even some black and white pumpkins too.
The highlight of the kids day outside of the hay ride, is apple slinging. They also have corn and straw mazes, and a pumpkin toss. The kids being able for $5.00 a barrel sling apples onto targets is always a great time. The recommended age is over 5 but with our 3-year-old we just had to assist her. If you don’t want to assist your little ones, avoid this area as they aren’t going to be content watching others sling them.
I love being in Linvilla. It is very crowded. Everyone pushing up against one another but not in a bad way. I have never seen an incident take place there because of the crowds and I have been going there since 2012. It is a true family oriented spot with everyone just enjoying themselves. I love the apple cider. They make it themselves so if you are an apple cider connoisseur you will love it. Also never leave without trying an apple cider donut. These things are super addictive.
I made sure I ONLY bought one to eat because if you buy any more than that, it’s not going to make it home and that’s a promise. And of course a candy or a caramel covered apple too. My kids snuck theirs and almos them done before we got home. You can imagine our home being an immediate candy fest. I was never so happy for bedtime.
So if you like fun, family, and a little outdoors mixed in with Fall activities then Linvilla is your spot. I hope you enjoyed my little glimpse into our yearly indulgence. If you can make it out, make it a priority. They even have a friendly hayride to the witches house for apple cider and a marshmallow roast.
Extra Hints to get through with kids
- Wear pants-the hay can be itchy so if you’re allergic to hay obviously avoid it. We also bring blankets to lay down
- For asthma adults/kids, bring your inhaler, the air is different because it’s not city air. We always have to use the inhaler before and after,
- Bring a first aid kit that can fit in a bag. Kids seem to gravitate to scrapes and to avoid having to find a station, bring your own.
- Have enough money and space your time out-kids will ask for everything to do at the same time.
- Plan to be there for at least 2 hours and even then you may not get through it all
- Be patient as some lines are longer than others
- They have a market to purchase frest fruit, etc
- You can pick your own apples at this time too
- If your little one can walk but may get tired, bring a fold up stroller. Also keep in mind you can’t take a stroller on the hay ride, but you can park it in a designated area but never leave valuables in it, it’s family oriented but like my momma would say, everybody ain’t saved.
- Have fun!
