There's not really enough space in the heart of the city for a corn maze, so most of the best corn mazes are a slight drive from Los Angeles. We've organized this list according to county, so you can easily find a corn maze near you.

Check with the venue when you get there before sending kids in alone, as most have age recommendations (or requirements) based on how big and tricky the maze is. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort (sneakers are best), as corn mazes involve walking on uneven ground amid broken cornstalks. Some corn mazes are stroller-friendly. 

Corn Mazes in Los Angeles

Who says you can't push a baby stroller through the Tapia Bros. corn maze? Photo courtesy of Gina Ragland

1. Tapia Bros. Farm — Encino

This corn maze is pretty darn huge, but Tapia suggests that kids ages five and up can go in alone, with consideration to the child's temperament. Take it from me and get the kettle corn to take with you in this enormous maze that you'll probably find yourself in longer than you might have imagined. There's a scavenger hunt with clues to search for throughout the maze.

If you have a stroller with heavy-duty wheels, you can probably get it through the corn maze but do expect uneven terrain. Train rides also take place around the perimeter of the corn maze, and there's even more fall fun, like a pumpkin patch and petting zoo, across the street from the corn maze. There's a separate fee for the corn maze which has to be purchased on-site. 

2. Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Fest — Pomona

Don't get lost here in the giant corn maze! The corn is as high as an elephant's eye, and with all the twists and turns, it's easy to get lost. If your kids are older, try doing the maze at night for a little added atmosphere. There's a separate fee to enter the corn maze. Tickets can be purchased online. The corn maze closes earlier than other attractions at the fest, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Orange County Corn Mazes

3. Tanaka Farms — Irvine

Tanaka Farms' corn maze is much smaller than the others on this list—which means it is ideal for younger kids; even preschoolers can negotiate it alone. And if kids do get lost, parents can hear them calling from inside or outside of the maze. An entrance fee includes the corn maze and other fall activities like wagon rides, a petting zoo, u-pick vegetables, and a pumpkin patch. There's an additional parking pass fee on weekends, and a timed reservation must be made. 

You can find another corn maze at the Tanaka Farms Hana Field Field location in Costa Mesa on Saturdays and Sundays for a slightly cheaper entrance fee. 

Ventura County Corn Mazes

4. Underwood Family Farms — Moorpark

Underwood's corn maze in Ventura County is part of the Fall Harvest Festival (and included in the admission ticket). Approximately 2.5 acres in size, it requires some time to get through. The Fall Harvest Festival features many other activities, some of which require additional tickets. Underwood Family Farms also has a pick-your-own area; check the farm's calendar to see what's in season. On weekdays, you have to buy tickets at the gate, but if you're planning on visiting on a weekend, you will need to purchase the tickets online.

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Big Horse's corn maze claims to be the biggest in SoCal. 

Corn Mazes in Riverside County

5. Big Horse Corn Maze and Harvest Festival — Temecula

Temecula is in the heart of Riverside County, so a bit far afield, but this corn maze stakes a claim to be the biggest in Southern California. There are certainly options closer to home for Angelenos, but the magnitude of this one makes it worth the drive, especially for bigger kids who relish the challenge. 

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The Pumpkin Factory's Live Oak Canyon corn maze contains a game.

San Bernardino County Corn Mazes

6. Live Oak Canyon Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch — Redlands

In addition to featuring more than 12,000 feet of pathways, this corn maze also has a game within. Find the hidden numbers, as they provide the combination to pass into the next section of the maze. Everyone who finishes receives a small prize. Kids' rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and aviary, a hay castle, and live music (see schedule) are all part of the fun.

7. Los Rios Rancho — Oak Glen

It might be a little far to drive just for a corn maze, but if you happen to have an apple picking trip planned to Oak Glen, definitely stop at Los Rios Rancho, where not only can you pick apples, press cider, take a tractor and horse-drawn wagon rides, make candles, and visit the petting zoo, and leave some time to get lost in the corn maze, as part of their Farm Fair. 

All photos courtesy of the venues unless otherwise noted. 

Originally published September 25, 2013