Students and parents taking two days off from school this week might want to consider visiting a farm. Minnesota agricultural officials said that a variety of farms allow children to pick apples, traipse through pumpkin patches, and view farm animals and equipment up close.
The free visits might be a low-cost way for kids to spend some time when school's out on Oct. 16 and 17 for the annual Education Minnesota professional conference.
The Minnesota Grown Directory lists about 60 Minnesota farms that offer tours, including some that raise buffalo, grow Christmas trees, produce maple syrup and make cheese from dairy cows and goats.
"It's the perfect time to get out and go local," said Minnesota Grown spokeswoman Jessica Miles.
The directory lists 116 apple orchards, 142 pumpkin patches, and 26 corn mazes, and is available at www.minnesotagrown.com or by phone at 1 800 657-3878. After checking the directory, visitors are advised to view specific farm websites or phone ahead to confirm hours of operation.
