A Black Island Halloween
By Darren Nelson, feature writer for My Local Utah
Searching for a fun Halloween experience for the whole family, then Black Island Farms in Syracuse has what you are looking for. A family-owned business for over 60 years, Black Island Farms is a Davis County landmark. I remember going on elementary school field trips to this place. Over the years it has become a Halloween tradition for my entire family. Something fun and age-appropriate spooky for both kids and adults.
Corn Mazes
Known for its large corn mazes, Black Island knows how to make a walk through the corn mysterious and sometimes suspenseful. And yes, I did say “mazes,” plural. They traditionally have several corn mazes, with varying degrees of difficulty. The mazes are dark and easy to get lost in. (They offer maps, but a maze is difficult when to navigate when you are in it.)
Nightmare Acres is part corn maze, part spook alley. If you like things that go bump in the night, are creepers jumping out at you, then this attraction is your speed. If you want to put a little more adventure in your maze, signup for the Zombie Apocalypse Laser Tag. This haunted corn maze has the undead waiting around the corner for you. Made for kids 12 years of age and older. So much fun for the brave at heart—and teenage girls who seem like magnets to the workers haunting the maze.
The Pumpkin Patch
One of the highlights for kids visiting Black Island farm is the hay ride out to the pumpkin patch where you pick your own pumpkin right off the vine. This year, growing conditions in the patch have made this option unavailable. However, any purchased ticket includes a hayride tour of the farm, which is still a fun experience. And pumpkins are still available in the Farmers’ Market.
The Courtyard
As you park and approach the entrance of Black Island Farm, you first get your tickets at the ticket booth, then you go through the Farmers Market and into The Courtyard. This is the happening place. The Corny Café Concession stand is sort of centrally located in what is a large grass area. Around the perimeter of the courtyard is plenty of things to do and see. Games, slides, and rides are ubiquitous.
Several slides are placed closely together and will be a hit with small children and teenagers alike, while the Gian Slide will entertain the more adventurous. There is also a Cow Train, Goat Mountain, Pig Races, and several other attractions to keep everyone entertained.
The conveniently located concession stand is available for quick meals or snacks. Lots of food kids will like and very affordable. I recommend the homemade deep-fried potato chips.
As part of your admission price to The Courtyard is the large corn maze. This is the big one. As in 16 acres big. This maze has three phases to it and even has a bridge (if you can find it) going over a roadway into another maze. I personally like to use the map to find the furthest corner from the maze entrance, then try and find my way out without the map. This maze will challenge your memory and sense of direction from beginning to end. This is fun for all ages.
So, bring your family to the farm this fall. Enjoy some farm-fresh food and the great outdoors. Play some games and explore a corn maze—and who knows, maybe you will see a ghost or two.
Details
Click here to learn more about Halloween at Black Island Farms
Location: Black Island Farms, 2075 South 4000 West, Syracuse, Utah
(Take the Layton Park exit from I-15, head west down Gentile Street, and follow the roaming spotlight in the sky.)
Festival Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm, Friday 4 pm – Midnight, Saturday 10 am – Midnight, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Nightmare Acres Hours: Thursdays 7 pm – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 7 pm – Midnight
(Note: The last ticket sold will be at 11 pm on nights that close at midnight.)
Prices —Courtyard and Large Corn Maze:
Adults $14
Kids (ages 3-11) $11
Children 2 years of age and under are free!
Prices —Courtyard, Large Corn Maze, AND Nightmare Acres:
All Ages $30
(Note: The farm will be offering free Farm Tour Hayrides with the purchase of any tickets until 8 pm)