Skip to main content

How to get out of a corn maze without getting lost

Navigating your way through a corn maze is typically a family-friendly fall activity. There are even nighttime jaunts through corn mazes complete with people dressed up as zombies to give maze goers a fright. Evening corn maze treks are for teens and adults who enjoy a good scare. For the rest of us, a winding trip through the maze of corn stalks is enough. Sometimes though people do actually get lost. A Massachusetts family made national news when they called 911 because it was starting to get dark and they couldn’t find their way out of a seven-acre corn maze near Salem.

In 2014, a few people got turned around in the world’s largest corn maze in Dixon, California. Officers weren’t exactly surprised. It turns out getting lost inside a corn maze isn’t as uncommon as you’d think, especially in mazes spread over multiple acres. While it can be kind of fun to lose your way in a maze, darkness and having small kids in tow do make getting lost a lot less appealing. Since no one plans on getting lost in a corn maze, it’s helpful to be prepared before heading in to avoid becoming a fall news story.

two girls having fun in a fall corn maze
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to get out of a corn maze

Hedge mazes were a thing in England back in the 18th century, but mazes actually go back all the way to Ancient Greece and Rome. In the United States, the first corn maze was created in Annville, Pennsylvania in 1993. At the time, the almost two miles of winding paths through the cornfield took up three acres. The current Guinness Book of World Record for the biggest corn maze belongs to Cool Patch Pumpkins and their 60-acre corn maze in California that caused numerous folks to reach out to the police for help locating the exit. Most corn mazes tend to be between four and 20 acres. An acre is about the length of a football field. So, it’s easy to see why people get turned around in those very large corn mazes. Don’t worry though, we have some corn maze navigating tips.

sprawling California corn maze
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Scope out your maze

Before heading out to a local farm for fall fun, take a look at the size of its corn maze. If you have young kids, don’t choose a 10-acre corn maze. Look for a smaller one that is easier to navigate with little ones. If you have older kids or teens, larger mazes can be a lot of fun to explore together.

Identify entrance and exits

Take a moment to see if the corn maze you’re about to enter has a separate entrance and exit. Some mazes are designed with one point of entry and exit. Others have a marked entrance with an exit on another side of the corn maze.

Look for landmarks

Those corn stalks can grow pretty tall, but take a look around before entering to see if there are any distinguishing landmarks like a water tower to help orient yourself once everyone is inside the maze. Some mazes have little quizzes along the way or other signs. Take note of those when you pass, including trash like water bottles.

Work as a team

Like the commercial says, the letter “i” isn’t in team. When families work together to try and find the exit, the trip through the corn maze typically goes better. Don’t discount the kiddos. Kids are more observant than adults give them credit for and they may realize you’ve passed the same bent corn stalk five times before you do.

Download the app

What?? There’s an app for that? Of course. Some of the larger corn mazes have developed apps to avoid those embarrassing 911 calls for help. If you’re giving a super large corn maze a try, download the app before entering. Don’t use it if you don’t need it. Then, if you really do get lost and can’t figure out the way to the exit, open the app.

Use your smartphone

Even if the corn maze you’re heading into doesn’t have a map app, your smartphone can still be an asset if the family gets lost. Make sure it’s fully charged before starting out. A compass app and your GPS can both come in handy if the exit keeps eluding you.

Listen for noises

Pay attention to the noises around you. People tend to congregate around corn maze exits to chat or take selfies.

Note the farm’s telephone number

Before entering the corn maze, be sure to write down or record the telephone number of the farm in the note section of your smartphone. If you end up lost, call the farm for a guide.

Entrance to a fun fall corn maze
Derek Hatfield / Shutterstock

Ask fellow maze goers

Unless you’re the last family to enter the corn maze, chances are, you are passing other people in your effort to locate the exit. While it may take some of the fun out, it’s okay to ask others for help especially if the sun is going down.

Navigating a corn maze is a fun fall activity. Kids enjoy it as do adults. Sometimes, though, corn maze exploration can turn into a nightmare especially if you happen to be in the middle of one of those monster labyrinths. Since no one wants their 10 minutes of fame as the focus of an embarrassing lost-in-a-corn-maze story, pack these handy corn maze tips before heading into a winding maze with the kids in tow.

Editors' Recommendations

Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before returning to her first love, writing. In…
Road trip games for laugh-out-loud fun in the car (and no devices!)
Keep your sanity in the car with kids and try these classic and new road trip games
Image of a road

Road trips can be a lot of fun for the entire family. From the scenic mountains to the majestic plains, no matter where you're going, there's always something exciting to see when you are on the road. However, when you have kids, sometimes, even 20 minutes into the trip, you may start to hear things like, "Are we there yet?" The other problem with road trips is that kids, especially tweens and teens, retreat into their devices. Instead of the scenery, kids are getting even more screen time.

So how can we help kids find creative ways to pass the time in the car that don't involve electronics? It's not any different from when you were a kid. Road trip games are a tried-and-true way to keep kids busy in the car without zoning out on their screens. Don't remember car games from your childhood? We've got some classic road trip games and some new ones to help you keep the kiddos engaged so you can drive to your destination in peace.
Road trip games for kids
No one really knows when road games became a thing, but playing games has been around for centuries. Archeologists even found a pair of dice that were thought to be 3,000 years old. So, it stands to reason car games became a thing pretty quickly because kids haven't changed much. They get bored easily, especially on long car trips. Road trip games are a great way to keep the kiddos occupied in the car, off their devices, and engaged with each other. Family bonding is a big part of a road trip, and the fun doesn't have to start when you reach your destination.

Read more
Tasty Easter side dishes to bring to the table that will get the kids excited
Dish out these delish Easter sides this spring! Even the kids will like them
Table set with side dishes for Easter

Not everyone is a fan of ham, which is what makes Easter side dishes a big part of any holiday dinner this spring. Like Thanksgiving, Easter sides are usually the most sought-after dishes on the table. Unlike Turkey Day though, side dishes for Easter Sunday aren't always traditional like cranberry stuffing or a green bean casserole.

It's spring, which means Easter sides can go in a lot of different directions. It's also important to have some Easter sides the kiddos won't turn their nose up at. So, what side dishes do you need to have on your table this Easter? Let's hop into the kitchen.

Read more
How many presents should your child get for Christmas? Here are some insights
Less is more when it comes to holiday gift giving
Family decorating tree

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what brings more joy on Christmas morning than your children running toward the tree to see what Santa brought for them? (A quick cup of strong coffee also helps.) A child's wish list can seem endless and no parent wants to see their child disappointed on Christmas morning. However, parents should consider budget and need and know where to draw the line when it comes to gift giving.

Before arriving at that point, you’ve been planning and shopping for the gifts on your child’s list for Santa. If you have ever wondered just how many presents an average child gets at Christmas, we have a few insights to share with you about gifting your little ones.

Read more