Working farms are a wonderland of sights, smells and sounds. Imagine spending an afternoon picking fresh fruits and vegetables, enjoying a good old-fashioned hayride, or adventuring through a corn maze. Agritourism helps independent family farms supplement their income and introduce the general public to farm life.

A fun and educational way to teach kids about plant life and food sources, more people are planning trips to the local farm. Here are some of the top agritourism destinations in the U.S.

You-Pick Farms

Johnson’s Corner Farm – Medford, N.J

Owned by Bill and Bette Johnson, the Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, N.J. was voted the “Best Place to Pick Apples” by Philadelphia magazine in 2009. Open year-round (weather permitting) farmer Johnson will shuttle you to orchards on a tractor hayride, where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. Kids can meet and greet sheep, pigs and chickens in the petting zoo, and adults can buy home-baked goods from the bakery. The Discovery Barn playground is equipped with kid climbing structures, kid go-carts and shaded areas for the adults.

Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill – North Carolina

Settled in the South Mountains of North Carolina the Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill has been home to the Prewitt family since 1955. Opened to the public in 2000, visitors can check the harvest calendar that runs from July to late October and plan a trip when the farm’s favorite variety is in harvest. Apple lovers can choose from 15 different varieties including Ginger Gold, Pink Lady and Limbertwig. Opening in late August, the Country Store sells fruit preserves, jams, baked goods and its award-winning apple cider.

To find a you-pick farm near you check out the PickYourOwn.org site.

Corn Maze Farms

Long Acre Farms – Macedon, N.Y.

Long Acre Farms in Macedon N.Y. is a leader in the “agri-tainment” industry. Each year the five-acre Amazing Maize Maze is transformed into a themed interactive adventure. The two-mile path features two bridges, 12 hidden mailboxes, a tower and big top puzzles. Open during the evening, the Moonlight Maze is the perfect way to enjoy a crisp fall night. In September and October, visitors can enjoy cow train rides and feast on candy apples, sweet corn and cider donuts. The Back 40 play area features a mini maze, duck races and for the brave, a giant sling shot. In 2009, the farm opened JD Wine Cellars, a year-round tasting room.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze – Danville, Vt.

Best to visit in August and September, The Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville is located on a family owned dairy farm. A great spot for leaf lookers and agri-adventurers, the farm features a two-acre ultimate laser tag field, kids village and a gigantic corn maze. The Barnyard Nature Center includes a petting zoo, indoor-underground tunnels so kids can feel like a farm mouse, and a barnyard golf game where players use wooden cow canes and plastic balls. Thrill seekers can visit in October and experience Dead North, a terrifying half-mile walk through a haunted cornfield.

Cool Patch Pumpkin Corn Maze – Dixon, Calif.

Spanning 45 acres, the Cool Patch Pumpkin Corn Maze in Dixon, Calif., is owned by farmers Mark and Matt Cooley. Taking over the family farm, the brothers started with tomatoes, wheat, alfalfa and walnuts. In 2000, they began growing pumpkins, but sales were slack. In an effort to boost the pumpkin sales they built a corn maze. As the pumpkin buyers increased, so did the corn maze. In 2009, they won the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest corn maze and its popularity has steadily increased.

When planning a farm visit remember these basics. Since most of the activities are outdoors, make sure you check the weather and dress appropriately. Wear sensible shoes. Hiking boots are a great option especially if you are visiting a farm with a petting zoo where mud and manure are present.

Have you visited a farm?