Fall is one of our favorite times of year to get outside and explore the DMV! From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to hayrides, farm animals, and plenty of seasonal treats, there are so many family-friendly farms to visit this fall near DC. This guide highlights some of our favorites, along with tips and things to know before you go.
Over the years, our family has visited farms throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia, and each offers a slightly different experience. Some are perfect for younger kids, while others have enough activities to keep tweens and older kids entertained for hours.
This isn’t a complete list of fall farms near DC. We’ll continue adding to the guide as we visit more farms and experience them for ourselves.
A few things to know about this guide:
- Approximate drive times from Washington, DC, were calculated using the U.S. Capitol as the starting point. DMV traffic is unpredictable, so travel times will vary depending on when you visit.
- We review and update this guide regularly, but farm hours, admission prices, attractions and policies can change throughout the season. Always visit the farm’s website for the latest information and to purchase tickets or make reservations when required.
Quick Guide: Which Farm is for My Family?
Not sure which farm to choose? Here’s a quick look at some of our favorites based on the type of fall experience your family is looking for. Click on any farm below to jump directly to its full listing for dates, admission, attractions and our family’s take!
Best for Younger Kids: Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, MD
Farm animals, slides, jump pads and plenty of attractions geared toward little ones make this one of our favorite choices for families with younger children.Best for Farm Market Finds & a Shorter Drive: Miller Farms in Clinton, MD
About 35 minutes from DC, Miller Farms combines hayrides, giant slides, jump pads and a corn maze with a nearby produce market where families can shop for pumpkins, apple cider donuts, seasonal ice cream and other fall treats.Best for a Full Day of Fall Fun: Cox Farms in Centreville, VA
Plan to spend several hours exploring the massive Fall Festival with its famous hayride, giant slides, farm animals, Cornundrum, live entertainment and plenty more.Best for a Corn Maze: Maryland Corn Maze in Gambrills, MD
Come for the Toy Story-themed corn maze and interactive maze game, then stay for the petting farm, ziplines, jump pads, hayrides and other activities.Best for Families with Kids of Different Ages: Magnolia Meadow Farms in Thurmont, MD
With a massive corn maze, mini ziplines, mountain slides, farm animals, pedal carts, jumping pillow and more, there’s a nice mix of activities for younger and older kids.Best for Tons of Activities: Summers Farm in Middletown, MD
More than 45 attractions and activities, including mini golf, ziplines, obstacle courses, slides, jumping pillows and a corn maze, make this farm a great choice for families who want to experience A LOT.Best for Pumpkin Picking: Temple Hall Farm in Leesburg, VA
Each paid admission includes a pick-your-own pumpkin and flowers, along with wagon rides, farm animals, jumping pillows, slides and other classic fall activities.Best for a Quieter Farm Experience: Sharp’s at Waterford Farm in Brookeville, MD
A good choice for families looking for a more traditional farm visit with animals, pumpkins and educational experiences without the massive festival atmosphere.Best for Combining Fall Fun with Apple Picking: Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA
Spend time exploring the farm attractions, then head to the orchard for pick-your-own apples when available.Best Free & Easy Fall Outing: Nalls Produce in Alexandria, VA
Free admission, Pumpkin Hill and a location relatively close to DC make Nalls an easy choice when you want some seasonal fun without committing to a large, all-day farm festival.Best for a Unique Farm Experience: Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, MD
Explore colorful storybook attractions from the former Enchanted Forest amusement park alongside farm animals, rides and seasonal fall fun.
Maryland Farms
Miller Farms of Clinton, MD
- Location: 10140 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD 20735
- Approx. Distance from DC: 35 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Weekends beginning Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, November 1
- Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Admission: $16 per person online; children under 24 months are free.
- Gate tickets are $2 more and subject to availability.
Miller Farms is a gem that’s fairly close to DC. We first visited during strawberry-picking season and enjoyed the jump pads and face painting. During Fall Family Fun, admission includes a scenic hayride, giant slides, massive jump pads, a corn maze, Barnyard Buddies, pedal carts, a tire mound, yard games, play areas and plenty of fall photo opportunities. Face painting and concessions are available for an additional cost.
Don’t skip the produce market, which is located a short drive up the road! You can grab pumpkins, apple cider, apple cider donuts and seasonal homemade ice cream after your visit.
Our take: Miller Farms doesn’t have as many attractions as some of the larger fall festivals, but its location makes it an easy option for families who don’t want to travel as far outside the Beltway. Older kids will likely get the most out of this experience with its slides, jump pads, pedal carts and corn maze.
Visit the Miller Farms website for current information and tickets.
Maryland Corn Maze
- Location: 389 Gambrills Rd. Gambrills, MD 21054
- Approx. Distance from DC: 50 – 55 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open weekends & select dates through Sunday, November 8
- Hours: Vary by date; daytime weekend hours generally begin at 10:00 am
- Admission: $17.95 per person when purchased online
- Gate tickets are $2 more.
- Night and Day + Night combo tickets are available on select dates.
- 2026 Theme: Toy Story
The Maryland Corn Maze is a unique experience that changes from year to year, with a new theme incorporated into the maze and activities each fall. For 2026, families can look forward to Toy Story! This year’s corn maze also includes an interactive game using QR codes you’ll find as you make your way through the maze.
Outside of the maze, there’s plenty to keep kids busy, including ziplines, a petting farm, jump pads, hayrides, corn pits, play areas and more. Some activities, including pony rides, are available for an additional charge.
Our take: This is a great option for younger kids! There are plenty of activities to keep them occupied beyond the corn maze, from the petting farm to the play areas and corn pits. I also like that much of the farm is on flat, open land, making it easier to keep an eye on kids when it’s less crowded.
Visit the Maryland Corn Maze website for the full 2026 calendar, current hours and tickets.
Butler's Orchard
- Location: 22222 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
- Approx. Distance from DC: 50 – 55 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open Wednesdays – Sundays through Sunday, November 1
- Hours:
- Wednesday – Friday: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm)
- Saturday – Sunday, and October 12: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm)
- Admission: $12 – $20 per person when purchased online
- Gate tickets are $2 – $5 more depending on the day.
Butler’s Orchard is a DMV favorite and one of our top picks for families with younger kids. The annual Pumpkin Festival includes plenty of activities for little ones, along with a corn maze, giant slides, jump pads and hayrides included with admission. Additional activities, including mini diggers and pony rides, are available for an extra fee.
There’s plenty to eat, too! The Farmer’s Porch serves kid-friendly options like hot dogs and chicken tenders, along with seasonal sweets. We’ve also enjoyed the caramel-dipped treats, including apples and marshmallows.
Our take: Butler’s is one of our favorite options for younger kids, but it can get extremely crowded as Halloween approaches. I recommend booking an earlier time slot if you’re visiting during October and coming prepared for lines, especially for food. If you want to pick your own pumpkins, note that the pumpkin field is separate from the festival area and requires a short drive. Pumpkins are priced by the pound.
Visit the Butler’s Orchard website for current festival dates, admission and tickets.
Sharp's at Waterford Farm
- Location: 4003 Jennings Chapel Rd. Brookeville, MD 20833
- Approx. Distance from DC: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open daily Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, November 8
- Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Admission: Free, including a hayride to the pumpkin patch
- Pumpkins and some special activities are an additional cost.
Sharp’s at Waterford Farm offers a more traditional farm experience than many of the larger fall festivals on this list. We first visited in October 2021 for one of their Toddler Open Houses and loved the focus on learning about farm life. Families can take a free hayride to the pumpkin patch, visit and feed farm animals, and pick pumpkins to purchase by the pound.
Sharp’s also hosts special events, tours and educational programs all year round for an additional fee.
Our take: It’s rare to find a fall farm near DC with free admission! Sharp’s is smaller and doesn’t have the slides, jump pads and amusement-style attractions you’ll find at some of the larger farms, but that’s part of its appeal. If you’re looking for a quieter outing with animals, pumpkins and an authentic farm experience, Sharp’s is a great option.
Visit the Sharp’s at Waterford Farm website for current hours, special events and fall activities.
Clark's Elioak Farm
- Location: 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
- Approx. Distance from DC: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open daily through Sunday, November 8
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Weekends: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Admission: $8 – $13 per person (age 1 and above)
- Some rides and activities are an additional cost.
Enter the Enchanted Forest at Clark’s Elioak Farm! This unique farm is filled with colorful storybook characters and attractions from the former Enchanted Forest amusement park. Families can explore the Fairy Forest, visit farm animals, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and enjoy plenty of play areas and photo opportunities.
Additional activities include pony rides, the Enchanted Express Train, Cow Train, gem mining and other seasonal experiences. Pumpkins, animal feed and additional activities are available for an extra fee.
Our take: Clark’s is one of our top three favorite fall farms to visit, especially with younger kids in tow! This farm is large with plenty to explore, but many of the storybook-themed attractions and smaller rides are geared toward younger children. The nostalgic Enchanted Forest attractions also make Clark’s completely different from the other farms on this list.
Visit the Clark’s Elioak Farm website for current hours, admission and fall activities.
Magnolia Meadow Farms
- Location: 13001 Creagerstown Rd. Thurmont, MD 21788
- Approx. Distance from DC: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open weekends through November 1
- Hours:
- Saturdays: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sundays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Open until 10:00 pm during select Moonlit Maze nights
- Admission: $17 per person online + $1.62 fee; children ages 2 & under are free
- Gate admission is $22 per person.
Magnolia Meadow is a farm we try to visit every year! From excellent customer service to extremely good strawberry lemonade, I appreciate the range of things this farm has to offer. It’s home to Maryland’s largest corn maze with more than 5 miles of trails, along with farm animals, a jumping pillow, mini ziplines, pedal carts, mountain slides, a barrel train, hayrides and plenty more. Some activities, including apple cannons and gem mining, cost extra.
You can also take a hayride to the U-Pick fields for pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers and cut flowers when available. For a different experience, check out the Moonlit Maze on October 10 & 24, when the farm stays open until 10:00 pm and you can tackle the massive corn maze after dark!
Our take: Magnolia Meadow is a great farm to visit with kids of varying ages. There’s a lot to do without the experience feeling overwhelming, and we find ourselves coming back year after year. If you visit on a sunny day, remember sunscreen and hats because there’s not much shade!
Visit the Magnolia Meadow Farms website for current hours, admission, U-Pick availability and tickets.
Summers Farm
- Location: 7503 Hollow Rd. Middletown, MD 21769
- Approx. Distance from DC: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open Wednesdays – Sundays through November 1
- Hours: vary by day with weekdays opening at 1:00 pm & weekends at 10:00 am
- Admission: $19.95 per person online; ages 2 & under are free
- Gate admission is $23.95 per person.
Summers Farm is HUGE with more than 45 attractions and activities for kids of varying ages. During our visit, we played mini golf, rode the zipline, ran through the obstacle course and tried tug-of-war. You’ll also find slides, jumping pillows, farm animals, wagon rides, playgrounds, a corn maze and plenty more.
Summers offers a few experiences you won’t find at every farm, including campfire rentals and fireworks on select Saturday nights in October. Check the farm’s special events calendar for additional entertainment happening during your visit.
Our take: Summers is one of those farms where you can easily spend an entire day. It can quickly become overwhelming because there’s SO much to do! I highly recommend reviewing the farm map before your visit and deciding which attractions are priorities for your family. Some experiences, including campfire rentals, can also be booked ahead of time.
Visit the Summers Farm website for current hours, admission, special events and tickets.
Virginia Farms
Nalls Produce
- Location: 7310 Beulah St. Alexandria, VA 22315
- Approx. Distance from DC: Under 30 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Pumpkin Hill is open daily through November 1
- Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Admission: Free
Nalls Produce & Garden Center isn’t a traditional fall farm, but its free seasonal activities and close proximity to DC make it one of our favorite easy fall outings! Each year, Nalls transforms for the season with its popular Pumpkin Hill and plenty of pumpkins and fall displays. Kids can climb and explore the pumpkin-themed play areas, dig in the straw and visit the pigs and chickens on-site while you shop for seasonal goodies.
Our take: Nalls is an easy, budget-friendly option for families who want some fall fun without committing to a large farm festival. Admission is free, but the on-site parking lot is relatively small and the property can get crowded quickly. I recommend visiting during the week or earlier in the day on weekends when possible.
Visit the Nalls Produce website for current hours and seasonal information.
Temple Hall Farm
- Location: 15855 Limestone School Rd. Leesburg VA 20176
- Approx. Distance from DC: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open daily through November 3
- Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Last tickets sold at 4:00 pm.
- Admission: $15 per person; save $3 per person on weekdays
- Admission is free for kids younger than 2.
- No online ticket sales!
Temple Hall Farm is a hidden gem in Loudoun County, Virginia. Families can pick a pumpkin from the patch, explore the sunflower fields, take a wagon ride, visit farm animals and enjoy jumping pillows, hill slides, roping activities and more. One of the best perks is that each paid admission includes a pumpkin and sunflowers!
Additional weekend activities include pumpkin cannons, along with food and drinks available for purchase.
Our take: Temple Hall is smaller than some of the major fall festivals, but there’s still a nice variety of activities to explore. We especially like the farm’s more traditional feel and the educational elements incorporated throughout the property. It’s a good option for families looking for pumpkins and classic fall activities without the massive festival atmosphere.
Visit the Temple Hall Farm Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields website for current hours, admission and seasonal activities.
Cox Farms
- Location: 15621 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA 20120
- Approx. Distance from DC: 50 minutes – 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Open Thursdays – Mondays through November 8 & Tuesday, November 3
- Hours:
- September – October: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- November: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Last entry is one hour before closing.
- Admission: $15 – $30 per person depending on the day
- Children under age 2 are free.
- Tickets are sold online only and may sell out on busy dates!
We’ve finally made it to our family’s absolute favorite fall festival! Cox Farms was also the first fall festival both of my kids experienced as toddlers, and we’ve returned many times over the years. There’s SO much to do and see, and they have the best apple cider donuts and apple cider in the DMV, in my opinion!
Admission to the massive Fall Festival includes the famous hayride, giant slides, farm animals, live entertainment, Cornundrum, hay tunnels, activities for little ones and plenty more. Some activities and food are available for an additional cost. Each ticket holder can also take home a small pumpkin at the end of their visit.
Our take: Cox Farms remains our favorite fall festival because there’s truly enough to keep our family entertained for hours. Because the festival is massive, I highly recommend reviewing the Fall Festival Map before your visit and deciding which attractions are priorities. Don’t forget to snap a family photo at the iconic Cox Farms entrance, and bring sunglasses and hats if you’re visiting on a sunny day!
Visit the Cox Farms website for current festival dates, admission and tickets.
Great Country Farms
- Location: 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA 20135
- Approx. Distance from DC: 1 hour, 5 minutes – 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Fall 2026 Season: Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival is open daily through Saturday, October 31
- Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Last weekend wagon goes out to pick pumpkins at 4:00 pm.
- Admission:
- Weekdays: $12/ child & $14/ adult plus $1 ticketing fee online
- $16 per person at gate
- Weekends: $14/ child & $16/ adult plus $1 ticketing fee
- $18 per person at gate
- Admission is free for children ages 2 and under.
- Weekdays: $12/ child & $14/ adult plus $1 ticketing fee online
Great Country Farms is another favorite with plenty to keep kids of different ages entertained. Families can explore giant jumping pillows, an 80-foot slide, farm-themed ninja course, putt-putt golf, mazes, farm animals, rope swings and plenty more. Weekend visits include additional seasonal entertainment and activities, with some experiences available for an additional fee.
One of our favorite things about Great Country Farms is combining the fall festival with a trip to the orchard. During our visit, we picked apples and later used them to make an apple pie! Pick-your-own availability changes throughout the season, and pumpkins and produce are purchased separately from admission.
Our take: Great Country Farms is a great place to spend several hours or even most of the day, especially if you want to combine traditional fall festival activities with apple or pumpkin picking. Bluemont Vineyard is also located across the street for adults who want to extend their visit. With the orchard, farm attractions and beautiful Bluemont setting, this is definitely a gem the entire family can enjoy!
Visit the Great Country Farms website for current festival dates, admission, pick-your-own availability and tickets.
Tips for Visiting Fall Farms with Kids
After visiting fall farms throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia over the years, we’ve learned that a little planning can make a BIG difference, especially with kids!
Book ahead when you can. Popular farms and weekend time slots can sell out, especially as you get closer to Halloween. Check ticket requirements and visit the farm’s website or social media before heading out for any last-minute changes to hours, activities or weather-related closures.
Go early. If you’re visiting on a weekend, arriving close to opening can mean smaller crowds, shorter lines and more time to explore.
Check what’s included with admission. Pumpkins, pony rides, food, animal feed and other activities may cost extra depending on the farm. A lower admission price doesn’t always mean a less expensive day.
Dress for the farm, not just the weather. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a must, and I recommend layers, sunscreen and hats. After rain, be prepared for mud!
Look at the farm map before you go. This is especially helpful at larger farms like Cox and Summers. Pick a few must-do activities ahead of time so you don’t leave realizing you missed something your kids really wanted to try.
Fall family fun doesn’t stop at the farm! From Halloween events and outdoor adventures to seasonal festivals and STEM activities, there’s plenty more happening throughout Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Head to our Complete Guide to Fall Family Fun in the DMV to keep planning your family’s fall adventures!
