Central Alberta Living • September 28, 2026

Kraay Family Farm 2026: Our Favourite Fall Tradition Just Got Even Bigger

Carrie Meir, her son and their best friends from Edmonton on the giant swing under the Kraay Family Farm sign near Lacombe, Alberta

Our crew on the big swing at Kraay Family Farm.

Every fall, my son and I have one date on the calendar that doesn’t move: our trip to Kraay Family Farm. It’s become our tradition, the thing we both look forward to as soon as the leaves start turning. This past Friday we made our yearly visit, and I have to say, this one was extra special.

First, we brought company. Our best friends made the drive down from Edmonton to join us, and there’s nothing quite like watching the kids run ahead of you while you catch up with people you love. Second, the farm has had a full renovation, and it’s bigger than it’s ever been.

What’s New at Kraay Family Farm This Year

If you haven’t been in a while, you’re in for a surprise. From the moment you pull in, you can tell things have changed. The farm has been completely renovated, with a brand-new entrance and a layout that feels bigger and more open than ever. Even after all our years of visiting, it felt like discovering the place for the first time.

Two kids posing beside the red vintage Kraay Family Farm truck decorated with pumpkins and fall mums

The kids at the classic red Kraay truck photo spot.

Fall flower bed at Kraay Family Farm with purple ornamental kale, mums and ornamental grasses

The fall planters around the farm were gorgeous this year.

The New Farm Store (Bring Your Wallet!)

The highlight of the renovation for me was the new Farm Store. It’s beautiful, bright and packed with Kraay merch: shirts, hoodies, hats and plenty of fun souvenirs so you can take a little piece of the farm home with you. It’s a great spot to pick up a keepsake from your visit or grab an early Christmas gift for someone who loves the farm as much as we do.

Don’t Leave Without Trying the Dirty Chai

This is my official recommendation: try the Dirty Chai. It’s amazing. Warm, spiced and exactly what you want in your hands on a crisp Alberta fall day while you wander the farm. Trust me on this one.

Our Favourite Things to Do at Kraay Family Farm

With 60+ attractions, everyone has their favourite. Here are ours.

My Favourite: Feeding the Goats

I grew up on a farm in BC, so maybe it’s no surprise that my favourite part is the animals. Feeding the goats never gets old. They’re curious, a little pushy and completely hilarious, and I could honestly stand there all afternoon.

Carrie Meir taking a selfie with a curious goat poking its head out of a red barn window at Kraay Family Farm

This goat was ready for its close-up.

Carrie Meir hand-feeding a white goat through the fence

Carrie Meir crouched by the goat pen feeding goats at Kraay Family Farm in Lacombe

Grab a cup of feed and you’ll make friends fast.

Boy making a kissy face beside a black and white goat peeking out of a red barn window

My son got in on the goat fun too.

Brown goat sticking its head out of a window

And it isn’t just goats. The kids also fed the fluffy Highland cows and the sheep down by the pond.

Girl feeding a shaggy brown Highland cow through a wire fence

Cream-coloured Highland cow with long shaggy hair

Woman and girl feeding a woolly sheep near the pond

My Son’s Favourite: Shooting the Pumpkins

For my son, there’s no contest. Shooting the pumpkin cannon is the highlight of the whole day, every single year. Watching him line up his shot and cheer when a pumpkin flies across the field is one of my favourite fall memories, and he’d happily spend the entire visit there if I let him.

The Lacombe Corn Maze

Of course, it isn’t a trip to Kraay without the world-famous Lacombe Corn Maze. This year’s maze was designed in support of Make-A-Wish with the message “Wishes Are Medicine,” which makes getting lost in it feel even better.

Girl waving from the giant corn cob chair in front of the sunflowers and Lacombe Corn Maze at Kraay Family Farm

Striking a pose on the giant corn chair at the edge of the maze.

Planning Your Visit to Kraay Family Farm

There’s still time to make it this season, but don’t wait too long:

  • Where: Just west of Lacombe, about 20–25 minutes north of Red Deer
  • Last day of the 2026 season: Saturday, October 17
  • Fall hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays), plus open Thanksgiving Monday
  • Tickets: Fall Saturdays and Thanksgiving Monday need date-specific tickets, so book ahead
  • Tip: Go on a weekday or Friday like we did if you can. It’s a little quieter and you get more time with the goats!

Check hours and tickets on the Kraay Family Farm website before you head out.

Why I Love Raising a Family in Central Alberta

Traditions like this are a big part of why I love living here. I moved to Red Deer from BC in 2008, and one of the things that’s kept us here is how much there is to do as a family, all within a short drive. From corn mazes and farm days in Lacombe to beach days at Sylvan Lake, Central Alberta has a way of turning ordinary weekends into the memories your kids hold on to.

If you’re thinking about making Red Deer, Lacombe, Blackfalds or anywhere in Central Alberta home, I’d love to help you find a place where your own family traditions can begin. Take a look at my Buyer’s Guide to Central Alberta, or get in touch anytime — no pressure, just a friendly chat.

See you at the goat pen!

Carrie Meir, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker OnTrack Realty
403-872-8865 · carriemeirrealty@gmail.com