Phelps County boasts affordable fall fun for families of all ages. Spend an afternoon at the pumpkin patch followed by an evening of bowling. Or, let the kids burn off some energy at one of our beautiful parks followed by a splash in the indoor YMCA pool. Have kids who love nature? Take them fishing at Holdrege’s North Park or enjoy a stroll through the Funk Lagoon, where you just might see a whooping crane!
Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch
Plunge down a giant hillside slide into a canyon, get lost in a corn maze, ride the barrel train, pet goats and enjoy a hayrack ride to the pumpkin patch at this family-friendly attraction. New to the patch this year are duck races, adult and children’s pedal cars and a horse merry-go-round. Grandma’s Nook will be stocked with drinks and sweet treats, including a new offering this year – fudge!
Plan to take a hayrack ride to the patch to pick pumpkins of various sizes and colors. The pumpkin patch is open on Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 19-Oct. 25. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. Click for directions. For more information, go to www.gpapunkinberry.com.
Phelps County Parks
Holdrege’s North Park (between 18th and 14th Avenues just east of Highway 183) features a trout-stocked lake, a paved walking trail, six new tennis courts and a new handicapped-accessible playground. Fall is the perfect time to kayak around the lake and enjoy the splendor of fall leaves displayed in hundreds of trees surrounding the park.The kids will also enjoy climbing and playing on swings and playground structures at city parks in Loomis and Bertrand and Holdrege’s South Park, where there’s also a Frisbee golf course.
Don Sjogren Community YMCA
Although outdoor pools have closed, swimming is available year-round at the YMCA’s indoor pool. The pool features lap lanes for swimming and a slide and indoor water mushroom for those who just want to have some water fun. The YMCA also features a full-size gymnasium perfect for family pick-up games and other fun when the weather turns colder. Family day passes are available.
Visit www.ymcaoftheprairie.org or call (308) 995-4050 for details.
Nebraska Prairie Museum
Young history buffs will enjoy a tour through the Smithsonian-quality Nebraska Prairie Museum, which features antique farm machinery, period clothing and a World War 11 German POW exhibit.
Don’t miss the Oct. 3 Nebraska State Hand Corn Husking Contest and Fall Festival, which will feature farm animals and living history demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, knitting and more. Food trucks will be on-site serving a variety of delicious foods.
Funk Waterfowl Production Area
Spend an afternoon watching birds and learning about nature on this National Recreational Trail. In October, whooping cranes have been spotted in this area, and through September you might see cattle egrets, black-crowned night herons and other wildlife. Hiking trails in the area offer an excellent opportunity to view wildlife at any time of the year. A three-mile loop trail begins and ends at the main parking lot, which has an information kiosk and maps. Also be on the lookout for animal tracks along the way!
Gutterz Fun Center
Top off your day of fun in Phelps County with a family-friendly night of bowling at Gutterz. After you bowl, face off in a game of pool or sand volleyball. Enjoy delicious steaks, hamburgers or chicken strips at the Aviator restaurant right inside the bowling alley.
Good Eats in Phelps County
While in Phelps County, enjoy dining at one of our many family-friendly restaurants or grab some food to go for a fun picnic in one of our beautiful parks!
