The leaves are changing colors, and there’s a crisp chill in the air — fall is here! It’s the perfect time for you and your family to take part in seasonal activities like pumpkin picking, corn mazes and more farm fun and games.
Many local farms in the DMV open their doors to visitors during September and October before they close up shop for the winter. Don’t miss the opportunity to make unforgettable memories with your family at these attractions offering plenty of fall fun.
Places to See the Animals
Meet, feed and even pet animals living on the farm! Many of these petting farms have animals like goats, cows, pigs and small animals like rabbits.
The Big Purple Barn | Bowie, MD
(By appointment only)
A sanctuary for disabled horses and small animals; also offers volunteer opportunities for students
Old Maryland Farm | Kettering, MD
(Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday)
Piscataway Park | Accokeek, MD
(Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
Leesburg Animal Park | Leesburg, VA
(Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Park with exotic animals; also holds an annual Pumpkin Village Fall Festival
Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
(Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Working farm with friendly farm animals and seasonal events
Harvest Season
Pick your own pumpkins at these farms! Whether you’re making a pumpkin pie, decorating a jack-o’-lantern or just looking for some fall décor, being able to pick your own pumpkin makes the experience all the more personal.
Butler’s Orchard | Germantown, MD
(Open 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday)
This year, the orchard hosts its 45th Annual Pumpkin Festival, which lasts from late September to early November and features a straw maze and live music.
Queen Anne Farm | Mitchellville, MD
(Pumpkin patch open Sept. 21 through Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday)
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park | Leesburg, VA
(Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday)
Krop’s Crops | Great Falls, VA
(Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are only available in October.
Corn Mazes
Get lost in these corn mazes at local farms! Many of them also have other activities to explore once you’ve navigated the maze.
Montpelier Farms | Upper Marlboro, MD
Has a 7-acre corn maze and a corn maze based on the movie “Spookley, The Square Pumpkin” as part of its weekend Fall Festival event.
Cox Farms | Centreville, VA
Has a horror-themed “Cornightmare” maze as part of its annual Fields of Fear event, as well as more kid-friendly ones at its Fall Festival.
Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
Also has a splash pad, jumping pillow, farm animals and u-pick pumpkins
