Sun warmed fresh berries. Yes, Please!…read more We checked the website before hand. Blueberries, Cherries, gooseberries, currents and more were all ready for our choosing. You don't need a container cause they will supply you with a bucket. Keep in mind you are picking your own berries in bulk. We took the drive out from Ames and south of Nevada to check it out. They normally bring their berries to the Saturday morning Farmers Market but we were on an adventure. We stopped at the main little station and got the skinny on what to expect. The gentleman was blunt and straight up. We got a map, told where to go and what to do. This place is huge. Lots and lots of berries to be picked, but we were most excited about the blueberries. We had arrived in the perfect time as there were many to be had. It was a very warm early July day and the sun was high and berries ripped to be picked. My Mom and I parked and walked far out into the patch. We found some really decent sized berries and enjoyed the peace as we collected our bounty. I love that I know exactly where my food is coming from and I can even taste the product before committing to the plant. We made our way back to have our selection weighed and paid. There is also a little shop you can stop in and have a treat made from the berries on the property. I couldn't keep my hands out of my blueberries on the way home. I thought they tasted delicious. I would recommend this to anyone who is out for something a little different. The kids would really enjoy helping pick whatever you could desire. I thought it was interesting cause I will be honest and did not realize how a blueberry bush grew and learned something by visiting and taking on this new experience. Now I am just imaging all the different ways to eat my berries!

I purchased apples and one jam. I realized on the way home, I was charged for 2. I have called…read moretwice to get either a refund on my credit card or a check mailed to me. The first phone call, the guy said aren't you coming back? Then he said you can drive here and we will give you the cash. I said it will cost more to drive than the $8.00 dispute. He was going to try to figure out how to credit my card because he saw the transaction and if he couldn't he would call me back. Never received a credit or a phone call. I called again and he will send the check someday. What kind of business is this??? The apples were rotted even though I looked carefully at what I was picking. Stay away from this bad business.

I heard about this lovely little pick your own flower farm just northwest of Des Moines on Next…read moreDoor. I know the address says Madrid which seems about 600 miles away, but it's basically Granger as it's only 15 minutes from Urbandale. The couple that runs the farm will walk you through the pick your flower process and all you need is a bucket or vase to collect your goodies - they have the clippers and water there. When we went last week it was $30 for all you could fill in a 5 gallon bucket with lower pricing for stems in a vase. They also sell their lavender in batches of stems. The sunflowers and zinnias were lovely but I'm most looking forward to dahlias soon! Pro tip: Take your mom and make her wear your summer hat for cute photos you can laugh at later.

Such an incredibly fun way to welcome Fall!! We visited during the last weekend of apple picking…read moreand came back with 2 large bags of the most delicious apples! The grounds were huge; the activities & games for the children, the goats, the slides, and all of the treats sold there in the store were quite impressive!! Arrive early to beat the crowds and for parking. Staff was very kind and their recommendations were helpful. $15 a person is really nothing for the amount of fun and memories in the making we had. Those flower fields were so gorgeous as well!!

I loved coming to Deal's Orchard! Unlike other orchards or pumpkin patches I have been to you don't…read morehave to pay just to be there. The time that I came I got a flight of their alcoholic ciders which were delicious (the blackberry was my fave) and we also got a quick hay ride around the place. They have a nice gift shop as well with a lot of yummy goods and some little souvenirs. I definitely would recommend and want to go back and bring my nieces and nephews to take part in some of the other activities. I think some of the other kid activities might cost money but for this trip the only things I paid for were the goods I received (drinks and gift shop products) which was awesome compared to other places I've been.

This family owned and operated orchard is wonderful! They're all incredibly friendly and the prices…read moreare perfect! Everything we got was delicious and fresh. Going and picking out our pumpkins was such a fun experience and the orchard was beautiful! The kids had a blast too. 10/10!!!!!!

They have some of the very best apples in the area. If you want to pick your own, take a drive up…read moreto Story City. Their cider is delicious. The baked goods look wonderful, too!

Try the restaurant - it's worth it. This place is more than just an orchard with fun events. They…read morehave an excellent restaurant and also do monthly themed dinners in their event space. My photos and review are of the special event so these items aren't on their regular menu, but that food is excellent as well. We have been to several of the special dinners and have enjoyed them all. These photos are from the recent Portside Chowder House seafood themed dinner. It was fantastic! So much food! The table service was exceptional with explanations of the dishes and theme. They also have a well stocked bar if you prefer cocktails or beers instead of cider. It's kind of a gem in the central Iowa restaurant scene.

This place has a lot to offer. We were visiting family in the area and glad we stopped here for…read morelunch. The menu is larger but the brunch menu had some extra options. They do rotate some menu options to keep it fresh. The food was fresh and was flavorful. The service was friendly and prompt. And the vibe was modern/industrial farmhouse. They had an extensive gift shop that had so many goodies. So much more they offer that I am not mentioning. Food specifics I tried included a delicious fig & pig pizza and the duck poutine fries and I also had the dry cider flight to drink.

I am from California, moved to Minnesota in 2016 and Waukee the end of 2016 - needless to say, I've…read morebeen around and visited many pumpkin farm/apple orchard places. Wills Family Orchard is, by FAR, the best I've EVER been to. The lady in the shop, the gentleman leading the hayride and the young man overseeing the pumpkin patch were all very friendly and helpful! They went above and beyond to ensure my two young daughters and I had an amazing time. Every step of the way they were informative, friendly and engaging. The apple picking was amazing - petting the goats was unforgettable and the play area for the children was so much fun. We highly recommend this place!!

Had a great experience here! Went with my family and the kids really enjoyed all the activities and…read morewe picked apples. You must get some of their apple cider donuts- made fresh and so good!

Located in town. I didn't do any of the rides, but only entered market area for baked goods…read more Front of the house pumpkins for sale by weight. Plenty of pies, donuts, caramel apples and etc for purchase. 6 pack of apple cinnamon donuts will run you $7. I also picked up single serving baked apple oatmeal. Not very large facility, but enough parking spots.

This place has epic stuff. The baked goods are wonderful (pies, crisps, caramel apples, fudge,…read moreapple cider. Plus they are a full service orchard, pumpkin patch, berry farm. If you want it they have it. They also can accommodate large orders without a problem. Oh and did I mention this a family owned local place... well it is so I to support local! They treat everyone with respect. It isn't fancy like some of the other orchards but what they produce is quality. Fancy isn't always better! Especially in this case! Support local!

Came here for the Friday at Farm and had a great time! The music was not too loud and enjoyable,…read morethere is plenty of room for seating and shade leaves. There was a nice little farmers market and a few food vendors to choose from. I will definitely be going back. Relaxing and fun for all ages

We went there for Fridays at the Farm. But unfortunately out of the 150 people there none of the…read morevendors and 145 of the patrons did not wear masks. We will not be back to this COVID-19 petri dish. Because I would prefer to stay alive.

Awesome for kids and adults. You can easily spend a full day on all the activities! Staff very…read morefriendly!

Always a great experience at Howells. Lots of room for the kids to run and play and be loud. Every…read moreyear there is more fun added. This we we took in some food while hunting down the perfect pumpkin, got lost in the maze and enjoyed seeing and feeding the baby goats.

So much fun. We took Ana here. we all enjoyed it so much. it went the day before memorial day. it…read morewas free admission. a cup of food to feed them. there's a little shop. the staff/owners are wonderful, full of information and glad to share it. Abigail was glad to give information about the alpacas. Thanks for the great adventure for our Spanish daughter.

Since moving to Iowa last summer, one of the most fun things we have done is visiting Rusty Stars…read moreAlpaca. It's more than a half-hour from Ankeny but well worth the drive. Led by owners Kari and Aron, this place has such a good vibe. Their availability on the property makes the whole visit memorable, regardless of your age, your awareness of alpacas, or your experience with farm life. They have 42 alpacas and a llama on the property, and it is a unique experience to wander among them. Each of the alpacas has a name, looks different, and is interactive. As Kari described, they are "food-centric. " Being able to feed them from your hand was fun for this city boy. The alpacas have their own personalities, too. They have walking trips, too, but we refrained due to the snow and ice on a February day. We loved their gift shop, which was loaded with fun items and alpaca-themed apparel. I'm glad I bought a warm pair of valuable socks, which came in handy just a few days later! There is no paid admission to the property, just a suggested donation. The owners accept Venmo and cash. We were happy to contribute at the end. Aside from the obvious fun to mingle with alpacas, the owners elevate the entire experience, adding kindness, knowledge, and a great tone throughout. I wish everyone were as nice as Kari and Aron! Check out their social sites for fun photos and videos.