As the Valley of the Sun continues to grow, so do the entertainment options available to its residents.  Where the various communities were once somewhat isolated from each other, the tremendous surge in infrastructure within the past decade has made just about every nook and cranny in the Phoenix metroplex within easy driving distance.  The 202 and 101 Loops specifically have made exploring Scottsdale's neighboring communities a more inviting proposition.

This past Sunday, I took advantage of the convenient access to the Southeast Valley.  Heading south on the Loop 101 from Scottsdale, and then east on the new section of the Loop 202, I was in Queen Creek in no time.  Past the working agricultural centers and new home subdivisions alike, I made my way to Schnepf Farms with my wife and kids.

We arrived just before noon, and were pleased to find sparse crowds.  We didn't make it two steps out of the car before my 2 year old noticed the little train which runs along the perimeter of the visitor area.  If you follow my blog, I don't have to tell you that time virtually stops for my son at the sight of a train. 

Watching the train pull away from the loading area to my son's delighted squeals of "Choo choo, choo choo!" we made our way to the restaurant near the entry.  We weren't looking to eat, but rather peruse the selections of homemade jam. 

After a little window shopping, we sauntered past the outside eating area.  We were disappointed to learn that the breakfast/lunch with Santa that we were looking forward to was only offered on Saturdays, but the boys were enthralled with the staging area all the same.

Any lingering disappointment with missing the Christmas festivities were quickly forgotten as the boys caught their first glimpses of some of the farm's inhabitants.  Peacocks were a big hit, especially when they fanned out their feathers for their new friends. 

Next up were the petting zoo creatures.  Piglets, goats and lambs set my boys into fits of laughter as they mouthed their little fingers in search of food. 

The playground area was a big hit with the boys as well.  Hay barrels, replica trains, tricycles, slides, sand ... what more could a little one want?  How about a carousel and amusement park type rides?  Check.  Schnepf Farms offers those, too!

And what would a day at the farm be without a maze of corn?  Recreate your favorite moments from The Shining as you walk amongst the giant stalks.  Well, maybe just enjoying the stroll without the crazed Jack Nicholson impression would be better the more that I think about it.  It certainly got me a few funny looks.

As our excursion wound to an end, there was really only one thing left to do. 

So we strolled back to the train's loading platform and climbed aboard for our ride around the farm.  You've never seen a grin so big in your life.  My boys enjoyed it, too.

The next time you are considering leaving the comfort of Scottsdale to explore the rural reaches of the Valley, I highly recommend packing the family in the car for a trip to Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek.  Please visit their site to view a calendar of activities and driving directions. 

I'm already excited about making a return trip in the spring for the annual peach festival.  Hope to see you there!

Paul Slaybaugh is your Scottsdale AZ Realtor.  Selling Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate since 1999.  Living the Arizona lifestyle since 1975!