Hill Ridge Farms opens for spring season

The popular spot for pumpkin patches and fall fun is actually open for most of the year - from about April to Christmas. The farm features a giant play area with an 80-foot slide, bounce house, jumping pillow, corn playhouse, hay jump, farm animals, train rides, hay rides and other diversions.

Jennifer Dunn, events manager, tells me that the farm's splash pad will open for its second season on May 22. She's also booking a lot of summer birthday parties, which includes the splash pad as part of the fun.

Also this year, Wednesdays are Welcome Wednesday when adults get one free admission with each paying child admission. The farm also sells season passes, which cover admission through Dec. 27, including the fall pumpkin festival and the Festival of Lights at Christmas.

Hill Ridge is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Admission is $7 for ages 2 to 12 and $5 for ages 13 and up. Season passes are $50 per person.