Warner Ranch: Seasonal fun with a touch of horror
Pumpkins. Corn mazes. Haunted hay rides.
For another season, Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm’s 90-hectare property has been turned into a haven for fall lovers.
“We have pick-your-own pumpkins, as well as pre-picked. We have apples for sale. We have a petting zoo, a pony ride, Belgian horsedrawn hay rides and a corn maze,” says owner Donna Warner.
There’s no general admission, but visitors can pay to take part in various activities on the property at the corner of Schisler and Montrose roads.
Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm is one of the largest pumpkin farms in Niagara, and hosts seasonal activities around Easter and Halloween.
It’s also introduced horse-drawn sleigh rides for Christmas and birthday parties.
Warner says the property, which grows about 100,000 pumpkins each season, has hosted a fall festival for 27 years.
“It’s about letting kids be kids,” she says.
“They come out here, they get away from the computer and the TV, they jump in the hay … they’re with nature, learning about the animals, doing the horse-drawn hay rides. There’s many people who have never been exposed (to these animals and activities).”
Warner says families and their kids enjoy watching the chickens as they lay eggs, and enjoy hanging around with the rabbits.
“We have pygmy goats and alpacas, and a pony, and this year we have a unicorn.”
She says the property is open during the week from the morning until dark, so at this time of year, 7 p.m.
On Fridays and Saturdays (Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28), it’s open later because of the haunted hay rides which take place between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
“It goes through 50 acres of bush with 20 live actors,” says Warner, adding the haunted forest is filled with terrifying displays.
The rides last approximately 30 minutes, and are covered, running rain or moonshine.
Infants are not allowed on the ride.
Warner says it’s become a passion to host special seasonal activities, birthday parties, school trips and group outings.
“We’ve met such nice people, and watching the kids just play, they love it and we love it.”
For more information, visit warnerranchandpumpkinfarm. com.