By Katie Moosbrugger

One of the best kept secrets in our area is located within minutes from all three Triad cities, and Fall is the perfect time of year to visit. I'm talking about Kersey Valley Attractions in Archdale. I made my first trip out to Kersey Valley a few years ago for a child's birthday party, and it just so happens that I've returned every year since for a different attraction.

From Spookywoods, Dark Circus and its pumpkin patch - to one of the world's largest zip line tours - to birthday parties, corn mazes, gem panning, bouncy mattress and outdoor laser tag - Kersey Valley is literally a playground for kids and adults, alike!

Zip Lining

Recently a few of us from the TMoM team took a special team building afternoon and spent it at Kersey Valley on its zip lines. When they say it's one of the largest zip line tours in the world, they are not kidding. I've gone zip lining only once before, and that was in a rain forest in Mexico. While that sounds cool, the zip line tour at Kersey Valley was much more impressive. They have over 1.5 miles of cable to zip along between 17 Sky Decks perched on top of 10 different Sky Towers. Distances from 200 to over 800 feet in length up to 100 feet off the ground.

Needless to say, we had an absolute blast! A typical tour on its closed-course zip line adventure takes about two and a half hours - during which your feet will never touch the ground! It's a one-of-a-kind experience with an incredibly friendly staff who serve as your flight captains. If your child is at least 10 years of age and 70 pounds, he can join you too. Tours operate year-round, including at night and over Spookywoods (see below) and its Christmas tree farm! Click here for more information on zip lining at Kersey Valley, and to book your reservation!

Spookywoods and Dark Circus

Just like their web site says,  zip liners are not the only things flying around Kersey Valley - be on the watch for ghosts as well! Spookywoods is open every weekend throughout October, plus October 30 and 31.  Spookywoods was voted the #1 Scream Park by HauntWorld Magazine in 2010 and it's been featured on the Travel Channel. I can see why....My husband and I - along with two other couples - attended this freaky show last year and it scared the bejesus out of me. If you're into being spooked, this makes for a great date night. I would leave the kids at home, though. I think the youngest customers I saw last season were in their late high school years. Click here for more information and tickets.

New this year is Dark Circus, a two-day adult (21+ and up) "ultimate Halloween party" at Kersey Valley on October 26th and 27th from 10 pm to 2 pm. It includes everything from aerial performances to live DJ shows  - all themed around Halloween. Click here for information and tickets.

Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches and Cow Rides

Our first trip to Kersey Valley was a couple years back for a child's birthday party at Maize Adventure (part of Kersey Valley). The party took place in October, and it was one of the best parties we've attended. Kids had access to a giant bouncy mattress (pictured left), a kid-sized corn maze where they search for hidden alphabet letters (Kersey Valley also has an adult-version of a corn maze), a pumpkin patch, a cow ride (pictured below), picnic tables for lunch and cake, plus other attractions you can add on to your visit (see additional activities listed below).

That was the first party my husband and I had almost as much fun as the kids! Just like the web site states, Maize Adventure is the perfect way for your family, school, home school or church group to experience a day of camaraderie and fun! Plus a portion of their proceeds benefit the Guilford County Animal Shelter Trauma Center. Bring your pet on a leash any day they're open to enjoy its doggy bar and miles of corn pathways.

Gem Panning, Dinosaur Discovery and Fossil Dig

A birthday party at MaizeAdventure can also include gem panning where you just might find a raw gemstone like an Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Tourmaline and many more. Or a fossil dig for your future paleontologists to experience the thrill of scientific discovery by unearthing and identifying  endless supplies of fossils. Additionally, you can take part in the Dinosaur Discovery which allow kids to replicate the work of real scientists as they dig through layers of sand while learning the skills of observation, communication and classification.

Laser Tag

For the older kids, Kersey Valley offers tactical outdoor laser tag which is incredible fun for adults and kids age 10 and up. Kersey Valley Laser Tag uses the most advance RF technology in the laser tag industry. Its laser tag guns fire harmless infra red light and give instant audio feedback. And you can tell your tween and teens that Kersey Valley doesn't use "silly vests with plastic toy guns;" this is Tactical Laser Tag with real military grade equipment.

Have you been? Tell us your favorite activity at Kersey Valley!

*Sponsored by Kersey Valley Attractions. Some information and images came directly from its web site