There
is a hidden treasure in Moore. Well, maybe not hidden a huge sign does
mark the entrance to the Orr Family Farm. But it is definitely a
treasure of 106 acres where families can experience a train ride,
horseback riding, fishing, maze running, and a 1974 carousel. Created
for family fun, the farm offers an amazing array of hands-on
educational activities and lots of things to do.
Agri-education
The $8.50 admission covers lots of activities focused on exploring farm
life. If you wash your hands, you can feed the rabbits and any of the
other farm animals the Orr family has quite an assortment! Llamas,
pot-bellied pigs, lambs, chickens, and pygmy goats can be found in the
animal barn, and your kids will want to try their hand at milking
Bessie, the fiberglass cow. In fall, visitors may pick 12 varieties of
apples from the orchard and there might be a few pumpkins left in the
pumpkin patch.
Fishing, Horseback Riding, and Maze Running
After feeding the livestock and picking apples, head to Hidden Lake
with your fishing pole. The pond is stocked with bass, crappie, and
bluegill. There's no extra charge for fishing, and you can take your
catch home. (You will need your own equipment, and those over 16 must
have a state fishing license.) For $3, kids weighing under 100 pounds
can take a ride on a miniature pony. And of course, there is the Amazen
Maze. Here, families race to see who can run the 4,900 square foot maze
in the shortest time. Timers placed at either end of the maze encourage
healthy competition. As you enter the maze you receive a passport.
There are four passport stamps to collect within the maze. You can even
run the maze after dark and the Orr family hands out flashlights. Your
first maze run will cost $3 per person; subsequent runs are $1.50.
Mining for Treasures
Check out the Neal Simpson Mine, where children and adults will learn
about panning for semi-precious stones. You first purchase a bag of the
stones, then enjoy the fun of panning for them.
Carousels, Trains, Pedal Cars
The fun doesn't stop when the farm activities are over. Relax with a
ride on the Orr family carousel created by Carl Theel in 1974. It
features hobby horses that move to old-time carousel music. Take a ride
on the farm's replica of the first transcontinental locomotive, the
Jupiter Express. It takes about 25 minutes for the train to circle the
farm. The train station concession area offers jellies, jams, and
salsas made on the farm. The Orr Grand Prix Race Track pedal cars make
racing safe for all ages. In addition to all the rides, the Orr family
hosts face painting, paint-a-pot, child ID kits, T-shirt coloring,
friendship necklaces, and sand art just check at the ticket booth to
see which activities are being offered. Want a great souvenir? Stop by
the photo booth to have your family photo taken in old-fashioned
western wear.
Farm Details
Orr Family Farm, 799-3276, 14400 S Western in Oklahoma City. For
detailed directions and information about upcoming events and
activities, go to the farm's web site.
Open: Every Friday, 6-8:30pm; every Saturday, 10am-6pm.
Friday Family Nights: 6-8:30pm, $6.50 per person; pays for fishing, pedaling, riding, petting, feeding, or picking.
Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the
University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been
married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended
family of five children.