Whether you’re planning a full day on the farm or a quick trip to pick the perfect pumpkin, check out these family-friendly destinations across Maryland and Virginia that offer hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals and even more seasonal fun. Make sure to reserve tickets for September and October weekends, as many of these popular events sell out.
Key Takeaways
Featured farms
Pumpkin patches near DC
In this section, Washington Parent’s advertising partners share their top farms to visit this fall
Clark’s Elioak Farm
This seventh-generation Howard County farm is home to a pumpkin patch, a variety of vegetables and a petting zoo. In addition to pumpkin picking, families can visit farm animals, explore the Fairy Forest and enjoy playgrounds and slides.
Clarke’s Elioak Farm is also home to many of the fairy tale and nursery rhyme attractions from Maryland’s Storybook Park — The Enchanted Forest. Starting Sept. 19, the Petting Farm and Pumpkin Patch is open seven days a week through Nov. 8.
Don’t miss:
- Sept. 19-Nov. 8: Pumpkin picking
- Oct. 24-25: Halloween costume parades
- Nov. 7-8: Pumpkin chucking weekend
Plan your visit:
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Address: 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD
- Best ages: 1-10
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost expectation: $8 admission includes the petting farm, Enchanted Forest attractions, Fairy Forest, play areas and picnic areas; additional attractions range from $1 to $15.
- Planning tip: Exit onto Route 108 West toward Clarksville and follow the farm signs about 2 miles down the road.
More pumpkin patches near DC
Gaver Farm
Gaver Farm, one of Frederick County’s most popular farms, has been a fall staple for families since launching its Fall Fun Festival in 2007. Situated on 70 acres, the farm features hayrides, pumpkin picking, barnyard animals and a corn maze.
Don’t miss:
- The Fall Fun Festival runs from September to early November, with September weekends offering lower admission prices before peak October crowds arrive.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy, MD
- Best ages: 2-12
- How long families usually stay: 3-5 hours
- Cost expectation: There is no admission fee for the Farm Market, hayrides, food stands or pick-your-own fruits. Fall Fun Fest tickets: Children under the age of 2 are free; tickets are up to $20.50 per person on September weekends; up to $32.95 per person on October weekends and $14.50 per person on weekdays.
- Planning tip: Purchase tickets online ahead of time, especially for October weekends.
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Messick’s Farm Market
Don’t miss:
- The candy cannon, which fires during festival days
- Fire pits with s’mores kits, available any day of the year, not just during the festival
- Frozen custard from the walk up window, open daily until 9 p.m.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA
- Phone: (540) 439-8900
- Best ages: 3 to 12
- How long families usually stay: 2 to 4 hours
- Cost expectation: Festival tickets are $14.50 for ages 4 to 54 and $8.67 for ages 55 and up, plus a booking fee of roughly $1.50 to $1.70 per ticket, bringing the checkout total to $16.19 and $10.15. A gem mining kit is $10.34 and duck race entries are $0.98. Market hours are Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the play area open until 6 p.m.
- Planning tip: All sales are final, but you can change your ticket to another available date until 11:59 p.m. the night before. If the farm cancels due to weather, you’ll receive a voucher instead of a refund, and the optional purchase protection weathernot does not cover weather.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
Maryland’s oldest working cider mill is also a perfect destination for pumpkin picking. Beyond the pumpkin patch, families can enjoy fresh apple cider, baked goods and seasonal treats.
Don’t miss:
- Sept. 14-Nov. 8: Fall Harvest Days: The annual festival offers the perfect opportunity for a family outing with seasonal attractions and activities.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville, MD
- Best ages: 2-10
- How long families usually stay: 3-5 hours
- Cost expectation: Last year’s admission ranged from $10 to $16 depending on the date. Tickets typically go on sale in early September.
- Planning tip: Purchase tickets online before visiting.
Butler’s Orchard
Known for its pick-your-own produce, Butler’s Orchard is home to one of Maryland’s favorite pumpkin festivals. Families can browse a vast pumpkin selection, visit more than 15 attractions and enjoy a fun family day.
Don’t miss:
- Pumpkin season runs Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 19-Nov. 1, plus Columbus Day.
- Keep an eye out for 2026 Pumpkin Festival dates, which typically take place throughout September and October.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD
- Best ages: 6-12
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost expectation: Farm admission is $5. Pumpkin Festival tickets typically range from $12 to $20.
- Planning tip: Reserve Pumpkin Festival tickets ahead of time. Outside bags, containers and strollers are not permitted in the picking fields.
Green Meadows Farm
Green Meadows Farm is home to nearly 150 farm animals and offers one of the area’s most activity-filled pumpkin experiences. Families can enjoy hayrides, pig races, live entertainment and plenty of pumpkins to pick from.
Don’t miss:
- Sept. 30-Oct. 31: Pumpkin patch season
- Oct. 16-18, 23-25 and 30-31: Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns featuring trick-or-treating, illuminated displays and family entertainment
Plan your visit:
- Address: 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville, MD
- Best ages: 2-13
- How long families usually stay: 2-5 hours
- Cost expectation: Pumpkin patch admission is $18. Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns admission is $16. Children under the age of 2 are free.
- Planning tip: If you’re only purchasing pumpkins, let staff know when you arrive and pay for pumpkins individually instead of purchasing admission.
Queen Anne Farm
For over 30 years, Queen Anne Farm has supplied fresh produce to local families. During the fall, the farm opens its pumpkin patch with pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Don’t miss:
- Sept. 26-Oct. 31: Pumpkin patch season and photo opportunities at the farm’s popular pumpkin house.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 18102 Central Ave., Mitchellville, MD
- Best ages: 6-14
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost expectation: $10 parking plus fees
- Planning tip: Visiting just before Halloween? The farm offers pre-cleaned and pre-carved pumpkins for purchase on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31.
Cox Farms
One of the largest and most popular seasonal events in the Washington, DC area, Cox Farms’ annual Fall Festival is the perfect daytime, family-friendly spot filled with giant slides, rope swings, hayrides and other activities for kids. Stop by the festival market on your way out to pick out a pumpkin as a reminder of a day well spent.
Don’t miss:
- Fall Festival: Sept. 19-Nov. 8. September visits often mean smaller crowds than peak October weekends.
- Fields of Fear: Sept. 25-Nov. 7. This haunted event is not recommended for children under age 12.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA
- Best ages: 5-13
- How long families usually stay: 5-7 hours
- Cost expectation: Tickets range from $15 to $30 and must be purchased online.
- Planning tip: Outside drinks and prepared food are permitted inside the festival.
Burke Nursery and Garden Centre
If you’re looking for pumpkins without spending the entire day at a farm, Burke Nursery and Garden Centre offers a relaxed fall shopping experience. Pick from a variety of pumpkins, gourds, Shenandoah apples, mulling spices and so much more.
Don’t miss:
- Pumpkin picking is open throughout October with a wide selection of pumpkins of all shapes and colors.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 9401 Burke Road, Burke, VA
- Best ages: 12 and under
- How long families usually stay: 1-2 hours
- Cost expectation: Admission is free. Pumpkins and merchandise are priced individually.
- Planning tip: Visit on a weekend if you’d like to enjoy the pony rides and family activity area.
Great Country Farms
Let the Fall Harvest begin at Great Country Farms with apple picking, fresh cider, corn mazes and the farm’s popular Oinkintucky Derby Pig Races. Stop by in the fall for pumpkin picking with a wide selection of Virginia’s best pumpkins.
Don’t miss:
- Sept. 1-30: Fall Corn Maze and Apple Harvest
- Sept. 19 and 26: Family Flashlight Nights
- Sept. 19–31: Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Plan your visit:
- Address: 34355 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA
- Best ages: 6-12
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost expectation: Admission varies by dates.
- Planning tip: Visit in mid-September for the start of pumpkin season or later in October for the widest pumpkin selection after cooler weather arrives.
This article was recently updated on Aug. 13, 2026, by Washington Parent writer Stevie Rosenfeld. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on DMV pumpkin patches and fall events for families. Questions? Please reach out to daceditor@washingtonparent.net.
