Sunflower farm offers maze and photo spots in Stanislaus County. Here’s when and where

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Few things spark happiness as quickly as a sunflower. Plant thousands of them in a maze, and you’re assured a full day of smiles.

Nestled in the outskirts of Waterford, the newly opened Sunflower Maze at Old Tim Bell Farms is already a hit.

Opened on June 22, the first day brought out around 500 people, owner Rachel Springer said. She, her husband Tyler, and their young sons, Axel and Boe, embarked on this flower journey last fall after going viral with their family photos.

“We planted a wildflower garden with sunflowers to take our family photos last October. People went wild over the portraits and my photographer encouraged us to open this up for photo opportunities. It became popular and then we had the idea to create a maze,” Springer said.

Set on their five acres, the maze is about half an acre, but not daunting. Pleasant paths are abuzz with bees and dragonflies and the excitement of getting to the center. Once there, a charming wooden swing sits among the blooms, setting the scene for an incredible shot.

Photo opportunities are everywhere, with a rustic barn set beside the maze and a row of cosmos in white, purple, and pink varieties.

Springer rents the space for photography sessions and plans to add more varieties of sunflowers in different colors for next year. Currently, there are three varieties of sunflowers, all yellow but in varying shades, and they grow to about 6 to 9 feet tall.

There are plenty of activities for kids, including cornhole, a giant Connect Four game, drawing and music-making stations, and a ball-in-the-basket toss. A particular favorite may be the mascots, two goats named Dumbo and Milkshake and a very eager black pot-bellied pig named Porkie.

“We didn’t plan on having a pig,” Springer said, “but he was abandoned on a family friend’s property a few months ago and they realized how friendly he was. He especially likes children. My husband rescued him and gave him to me for Mother’s Day and now he’s a part of our family.”

On weekends, the farm hosts food and beverage trucks to be enjoyed at the on-site picnic tables. On Friday, June 28, the farm hosted its first night maze for those who prefer it a bit cooler when the sun goes down.

Though just opened, the maze may have limited open days because of the climbing temperatures. Springer said sunflowers tend to wilt and droop at high temperatures and they will eventually deteriorate quickly. For this reason, the Springers have planted another sunflower maze scheduled to bloom and be reopened in early August. If you miss your chance this month, keep an eye on their social media for the next open dates.

The family has a big vision for this fall and next year, including a pumpkin patch and a corn maze, replacing the sunflower maze when the cooler season comes, Springer said. She said they will have vendors and food trucks on select weekends and plan to expand the maze next year.

The maze is open through July 14, Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Springer said they may be closed certain days depending on the weather, so would-be visitors should check Instagram at Oldtimbellfarms for the latest information.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Kids 2 and younger get in free. Photographers and patrons interested in portrait sessions can call 209-853-0601 for rates and availability. The farm also sells sunflowers, apricots, cucumbers, zucchini, and bell peppers.

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