Fall thrills: The perfect way to kick off spooky season

It is officially my favorite time of year. October has started, and fall is slowly beginning to come with it. Whether you are most excited for sweater weather or fall events, this season has a lot to offer. One fall staple is pumpkin patches, and there are many scattered all over Nebraska – so many, in fact, that it may seem difficult to choose which ones to visit. Since autumn happens to be my favorite time of year, I have spent my time at Union searching for the best ones. The top one that I have found happens to be right here in Lincoln.

         Roca Berry Farm is just 20 minutes south of campus, which makes it very convenient. It started as a small pumpkin patch in 1980 and has now grown into a full fall festival attraction. While they do offer an expansive pumpkin patch where you can pick out the perfect one to take home and carve, there are several other activities as well. There is a low ropes course, an 80-foot slide, a hayride, life-sized games, farm animals and more. I also can’t forget to mention their Nebraska fall staple—a corn maze! If you need a break in between all these endeavors, there are plenty of seating areas and food options scattered around the property.

         Fall is my favorite season mostly due to Halloween being a large part of it. If you are anything like me and are looking for more of a thrill than the daytime fall festival, Roca Scary Farm has you covered. At night, the entire property transforms into a spooky experience. There are four different attractions: a haunted hayride, a haunted manor, a house of illusion and a Psycho Path. All of these have live actors ready to jump out at you at any moment and scenes that are sure to give you a scare. I have been to many Halloween experiences, and this one is worth going to, as it is one of the best I have been to for the price.  

         The daytime fall festival is open all seven days of the week, but weekend tickets are a bit more expensive. Day tickets on the weekend are $14.95 plus tax. The scary farm, or nighttime experience, is only open Friday, Saturday and select Sunday nights. These tickets are $24.50 plus tax, but like I said, it’s worth the extra money if you are looking for a way to kick off the spooky season.

By Kelina Rodgers