As the Valley of the Sun continues to grow, so do the entertainment options available to its residents. Where the various communities were once somewhat isolated from each other, the tremendous surge in infrastructure within the past decade has made just about every nook and cranny in the Phoenix metroplex within easy driving distance. The 202 and 101 Loops specifically have made exploring Scottsdale's neighboring communities a more inviting proposition.
This past Sunday, I took advantage of the convenient access to the Southeast Valley. Heading south on the Loop 101 from Scottsdale, and then east on the new section of the Loop 202, I was in Queen Creek in no time. Past the working agricultural centers and new home subdivisions alike, I made my way to Schnepf Farms with my wife and kids.
We arrived just before noon, and were pleased to find sparse crowds. We didn't make it two steps out of the car 
before my 2 year old noticed the little train which runs along the perimeter of the visitor area. If you follow my blog, I don't have to tell you that time virtually stops for my son at the sight of a train.
Watching the train pull away from the loading area to my son's delighted squeals of "Choo choo, choo choo!" we made our way to the restaurant near the entry. We weren't looking to eat, but rather peruse the selections of homemade jam.
After a little window shopping, we sauntered past the outside eating area. We were disappointed to learn that the breakfast/lunch with Santa that we were looking forward to was only offered on Saturdays, but the boys were enthralled with the staging area all the same.
Any lingering disappointment with missing the Christmas festivities were quickly forgotten as the boys caught their first glimpses of some of the farm's inhabitants. Peacocks were a big hit, especially when they fanned out their feathers for their new friends.
Next up were the petting zoo creatures. Piglets, goats and lambs set my boys into fits of laughter as they mouthed their little fingers in search of food.
The playground area was a big hit with the boys as well. Hay barrels, replica trains, tricycles, slides, sand ... what more could a little one want? How about a carousel and amusement park type rides? Check. Schnepf Farms offers those, too!
And what would a day at the farm be without a maze of corn? Recreate your favorite moments from The Shining as you walk amongst the giant stalks. Well, maybe just enjoying the stroll without the crazed Jack Nicholson impression would be better the more that I think about it. It certainly got me a few funny looks.
As our excursion wound to an end, there was really only one thing left to do.
So we strolled back to the train's loading platform and climbed aboard for our ride around the farm. You've never seen a grin so big in your life. My boys enjoyed it, too.
The next time you are considering leaving the comfort of Scottsdale to explore the rural reaches of the Valley, I highly recommend packing the family in the car for a trip to Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. Please visit their site to view a calendar of activities and driving directions.
I'm already excited about making a return trip in the spring for the annual peach festival. Hope to see you there!
Paul Slaybaugh is your Scottsdale AZ Realtor. Selling Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate since 1999. Living the Arizona lifestyle since 1975!
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Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate. A Slaybaugh family tradition since 1974! We haven't sold every home in the Valley, but we're working on it!
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This looks like fun. Your family is great looking. Thanks for the info on the farm gonna pass it along to my friend who likes to visit places like this when in a new state.
Paul, you have the cutest darn family! Your boys are adorable..I wanted a whole houseful of boys. Got one! Girls are pretty good, too..I have one of those, also. I love when they're small like yours. These are the BEST times! Don't miss it!
Paul, Looks like you had a fun outing! The pictures of your family are great! Your boys are at a good age for all of you to enjoy Christmas.
Paul... I absolutely love when you put up your family pictures! Even if you write nothing... they tell such a beautiful story. You are one lucky guy!!!
It's nice that you offer little side trips like this. When my kids were little, I was always looking for something simple we could enjoy together. Even people living in the area may not know about treasures like this place. How fun!
Paul, great pictures of a fun family day. As a young kid, I always wanted to go to one of those corn mazes but never got the chance. In early October of this year, I finally got the opportunity while visiting my friends in New Jersey. We walked through the maze with their kids. It wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Must be more fun for the kids! The fun part for me was the apple cider and fresh pumpkin pie for lunch from the farm store.
Love the photo from the back - suitable for framing :)
Paul, Nice family photos. Each tell a thousand tale. I would come to the Peach Festival if you come here for our Strawberry Festival.
Mana: You've got a deal!
Lisa: My wife has already ordered that one in black and white :)
Brian: Thank you for commenting.
Elaine: I'll be happy if a few people decide to visit the farm after reading this. Thanks for reading my local piece.
Jen: I am indeed. Thanks for the compliments for my peeps!
Roberta: It was a lot of fun, and you're right. The boys are the perfect age for this kind of stuff.
Linda: Thanks for the advice. I'm milking this time for all it's worth!
Linda (Futral): Thanks for the kind words, and I hope your friend gets a chance to visit!
Paul -thee are some posts where not much needs to be said. You just need to look at the pictures to see what great fun you guys had on the trip. Someone who is interested in Scottsdale real estate will see it too.
Thanks, Faina. Much like your Princeton restaurant review, I think a little local flavor goes a long way for buyers and residents alike.
Paul - This looks like a lot of fun for the whole family. Thanks for sharing your day with us! Very cute pictures, too! I have a place near our house that I need to do a write-up on sometime.
Look forward to seeing that piece, Jason. I plan on doing a series of these as there are ton of great places to visit on quick day trips in and around Scottsdale. I'm a bit spoiled as there seems to be a park on just about every block.
Paul,
Nice pictures and a great family excursion! Is that loop 202 straight into Queen Creek already completed? I was visiting Queen Creek about 2 years ago and it was still under construction. It took forever to get there by surface street at that time.
ShanDave j/k....really i'm kidding. That goat image is still following me around.Paul - Great photos! You really captured the moment. There's a place not far from me called Tom's Farms which has a similar feel. Wonderful post.
Oh, those photos are super. Thanks so much for sharing.
Dave: I bet my reference to the petting zoo goats didn't help! Thanks for taking the time to give this a read.
Tom: Don't be bashful! Do tell of the farm in your area that was named in your honor!
Jessica: When I asked if she wanted to bring the stroller, my wife just kicked me. That means "no" in the female lexicon, right?
Diane: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this.
Paul- I love the photos of your wife and sons! That makes my day! I love seeing you with your family having fun and I am sure that prospects and clients feel the same way! Katerina
Paul, isn't that a kewl place to take your kids? Schnepf Farms has lots of activities during the year. Great little tour of what they have to offer.
Katerina: Thanks so much. An outing like this is the highlight of my week. Glad enjoyed the post.
Teri: Good to see you again! It is a great place to bring the family for that little something different.