Bass Family Farms just outside of Cedar Rapids, IA

Every once in awhile you start a trip with a plan in place; say, a day of hiking at Palisades-Kepler State Park, and then discover something you never seen before which will make you want to plan a return trip. I found that stop directly across from the entrance to Palisades-Kepler State Park, in Bass Family Farms.

Not only do they have a fully stocked country store with about anything you could want, but it's overflowing with fresh veggies, dips, mixes, meats, arts and crafts, wines and loads more.

Even better, on a hot day, you can grab an ice cream and relax on their back patio, complete with a gigantic wooden chair.

The area is full of fun spots where the kids can take pictures at and plenty of wonderful flowers fill the area.

And the fresh produce you can grab from Bass Family Farms looks almost too beautiful to eat... almost.

And if all of that wasn't enough, the reason my family and I will be making a return trip is the fun we will have when it's time to grab your pumpkins! Yes, Bass Family Farms has an entire kids/family entertainment area to enjoy.

Their Fall Festival happens in September and October! You can bring the family to enjoy a hay rack ride, pick out your pumpkins, or shop the specialty food store for the best tasting apple butter or a scoop of Snap O' Lantern ice cream on a crunchy waffle cone! There are fees associated with the play area during events, but the fun is well worth it. In fact, the farm can also be rented for special occasions and parties! Families can enjoy...

2 different spider web roped play areas,

pedal style go-karts,

a slingshot area (can you hit the targets),

a mini-golf course

sand play area and obstacle course for kids,

and one of the coolest things ever, a jump pad, and trust me these things are a blast with the family!

So a day of hiking at Palisades-Kepler State Park turned in to future plans at Bass Family Farms, and what looks to be a really fun pumpkin harvest with the kids this year!