Spend a day at one of these local farms offering pumpkin picking, animal feeding, and, even, stargazing. All season long, there will be plenty of opportunities to get outside and embrace fall.
Falls Church Farm Day
October 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Head to Cherry Hill Farm to learn about the farmhouse and barn history, visit farm animals, and enjoy live music and entertainment. Volunteers will give demonstrations on historic trades including beekeeping, basket weaving, and blacksmithing. Family-friendly activities include pumpkin and birdhouse painting, a haystack hunt, a stick horse craft, apple fishing, corn grinding, seed sowing, and pony rides. 312 Park Ave., Falls Church, free admission, activity tickets $2 each
Loudoun Fall Farm Tour
October 17 and 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This twice-annual event offers free tours and educational events at dozens of Loudoun farms. You can explore local produce suppliers, dairy farms, and apiaries producing honey, mushrooms, traditional vegetables, garlic, craft beverages, and more. If you want to narrow down which farms to visit, you can find curated routes. For example, an animal-focused route will include farms that are home to goats, donkeys, and alpacas, while a “green thumb” route includes stops that grow flowers and greenery. Multiple area locations, free
Farm Harvest Fest and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park
October 16–18, times vary
Celebrate the fall season at this popular Fairfax County park’s three-day festival. The event kicks off Friday with a big truck night, and the weekend includes plenty of family fun, including carnival games and rides, barnyard animals, and hands-on farming demonstrations. There will be food vendors on site, and adults can enjoy beverages in the beer garden. 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, $25+
Great Country Farms Pumpkin Picking & Corn Maze
Through October 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Great Country Farms celebrates all things fall with pumpkin-picking, wagon rides, a corn maze, and a huge pumpkin jumping pillow. Kids can also run around the 15-acre play area, tee up at Cow Pit Putt Putt, and visit the chickens, goats, and other barnyard animals. Top off a day of farm fun by roasting marshmallows at the bonfire or indulging in a freshly made apple cider doughnut. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, prices vary
Yankey Farms
Through October 31
Explore the corn maze and pumpkin patch at this Prince William County farm, then take a hayride and visit the farm animals. Kids can climb aboard the cow train, visit the animals, and romp in the play area. 1812 Bristow Rd., Bristow, $8, free for kids under 2
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park
Through October 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Plan a fall outing to this Leesburg regional park. Kids will love exploring the pumpkin patch and running around the play yard. The exhibit barn allows children and adults to get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals while learning about their care and feeding. 15855 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg, free admission
Wayside Farm Fun
Through November 1
Each year, this farm creates a newly themed corn maze on its 10-acre field. Other fall activities include hayrides, slides, a barnyard ball zone, a jumping pillow, pig races, and a pumpkin-shaped playhouse for little ones. Reserve a spot online. 5273 Harry Byrd Hwy., Berryville, prices vary
Belvedere Plantation Fall Harvest Festival
Through November 7
You’ll find dozens of attractions at this Fredericksburg farm, including a pumpkin patch, giant corn box, 100-foot slide, barn filled with rope swings, petting zoo, and corn maze. Little ones can take wagon and barrel train rides and search for candy that was shot into the air by a giant cannon. The festival concludes on November 7 with pumpkin smashing from 10 a.m. to sundown. 1410 Belvedere Dr., Fredericksburg, prices vary
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Through November 8, hours vary
The annual fall festival at Cox Farms has been entertaining area families for generations. You’ll find multiple slides and swings, plus hayrides and a giant cornfield. Take a trip to the goat village and search for gemstones and fossils at the mining company. Live music includes bluegrass and classic rock, and visitors can indulge in seasonal treats like fresh apple cider doughnuts, kettle corn, and caramel apples. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, prices vary
The Observatory Park at The Turner Farm
When clear fall skies beckon, answer the call with a trip to this Fairfax County property for an astronomy program. The Observatory at Turner Farm Park hosts events like night sky tours where participants can discover planets, constellations, stars, and nebulas. Check The Turner Farm’s website for events, registration, and pricing. 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
Pick Your Own at Hollin Farms
This family-owned Delaplane property dates back to 1950 and is now run by a third-generation farmer. You’ll find a variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout the fall, including pumpkins, autumn sunflowers, arugula, peanuts, and winter squash. 1524 Snowden Rd., Delaplane, prices vary
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
