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. Here are some pumpkin patches near DC, located in both Maryland and Virginia.
Key Takeaways
- The bigger picture: Maryland and Virginia have a rich selection of family-friendly farms and pumpkin patches perfect for fall outings, with pumpkin season generally running from mid-to-late September through early November.
- More details: Standouts include Cox Farms in Centreville — one of the DC area’s largest fall festivals with giant slides and hayrides — Green Meadows Farm’s Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns, Great Country Farms’ pig races and apple picking, and Clark’s Elioak Farm’s Enchanted Forest with a petting zoo and Halloween costume parades.
- Why this helps: Tickets at popular destinations like Cox Farms, Butler’s Orchard and Gaver Farm sell out quickly on October weekends, so booking online in advance is essential. Visiting in September often means smaller crowds and lower admission prices at several locations.
Featured farms
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: Admission fee ranges from $8 (weekday) to $13 (weekend)
- Planning tip: Exit onto Route 108 West toward Clarksville and follow the farm signs about 2 miles down the road.
Never miss a weekend.
Get next weekend’s guide delivered to your inbox before Friday. Free family events, local picks and things to do across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, curated for busy parents.
FarmAtHome
Visit the relaxed, family-friendly farm in Poolesville, Maryland this October. Browse a variety of pumpkins, gourds, squash, fall vegetables, pre-picked apples, apple cider, mums and fall décor. Snap fall photos around our displays and explore the corn walk.
Pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch — or browse our displays and bins — and use one of the pumpkin carts for your haul. Enjoy picnic tables and open picnic areas (bring your own food), climb on the tractor and try a lineup of ag-tivities: cornhole, rubber duck water races, pumpkin bowling, tetherball, tug of war, pedal tractors, wooden boat, Connect 4, sound gate, hip hop balls, steer head roping and more new additions this year.
Weekend walk-in visits and appointments are available, along with weekday evening appointments. Appointments can also provide a quieter, more individualized farm visit. FarmAtHome welcomes birthday parties and private groups.
Plan your visit:
- Hours: Weekend walk-in hours and appointments; weekday evenings by appointment. Check FarmAtHome.com for current hours and availability.
- Address: 15350 Partnership Road, Poolesville, Maryland
- Best ages: All ages
- How long families usually stay: 1-3 hours
- Cost expectation: No separate admission fee; minimum purchase varies by group size.
- Planning tip: Check current hours before visiting and plan ahead for an appointment or group visit
More local farms
This section features some of the best farms in the DMV area to visit this fall based on public data and community reviews.
Messick’s Farm Market
Messick’s Farm Market is a family-owned farm market and agritourism destination in Bealeton, Virginia, known for its farm-fresh produce and seasonal festivals. The farm features hayrides, a barrel train, a petting zoo, a zip line and a corn maze during its fall celebration, alongside year-round attractions like a play area, fire pits and frozen custard.
Don’t miss:
- Sept. 19-Oct. 15: Fall Festival. The festival runs on weekends through the fall season (and Monday, Oct. 12), featuring a corn maze, hayrides, a barrel train, zip line, petting zoo, candy cannon and Crunchkin painting.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA
- Best ages: 2-12
- How long families usually stay: 2-4 hours
- Cost expectation: There’s no admission fee to browse the Farm Market itself. Fall Festival tickets are $16 per person and $10 for seniors; add-ons like mining kits and duck races are extra. Kids younger than 4 are free.
- Planning tip: Purchase tickets online ahead of time — all sales are final, so double-check your date since the event is weather dependent.
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.
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. 19-30: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do pumpkin patches near DC open?
Pumpkin season in the Washington, D.C., area typically runs from mid-September through early November. Weber’s Cider Mill Farm opens first, with Fall Harvest Days beginning Sept. 14. Clark’s Elioak Farm, Cox Farms and Butler’s Orchard open Sept. 19. Queen Anne Farm follows Sept. 26, and Green Meadows Farm opens Sept. 30.
How much do pumpkin patches near DC cost?
Admission ranges from free to $32.95 per person, depending on the farm and day of the week. Clark’s Elioak Farm charges $8, Butler’s Orchard charges $5 and Green Meadows Farm charges $18. Admission to Cox Farms ranges from $15 to $30. Gaver Farm has the highest admission price, reaching $32.95 per person on October weekends.
Are there free pumpkin patches near DC?
Burke Nursery and Garden Center in Burke, Virginia, offers free admission. Visitors pay only for the pumpkins and other items they purchase.
Gaver Farm does not charge admission to its Farm Market, hayrides, food stands or pick-your-own fruit areas. Admission is required for the Fall Fun Festival. Visitors to Green Meadows Farm who are only purchasing pumpkins can pay for their pumpkins without purchasing general admission.
Do I need to buy pumpkin patch tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended, especially for October weekends. Tickets for Cox Farms, Butler’s Orchard and Gaver Farm often sell out quickly. Cox Farms requires visitors to purchase tickets online.
Tickets for Weber’s Cider Mill Farm typically go on sale in early September. Families planning a weekend visit should purchase tickets as soon as they become available.
What is the best time to visit a pumpkin patch near DC?
September is a good time to visit if you want smaller crowds and lower admission prices. Gaver Farm charges up to $20.50 per person on September weekends, compared with $32.95 on October weekends. Weekday admission drops to $14.50. Cox Farms is typically less crowded in September than during peak October weekends.
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.
Stevie Rosenfeld is a journalism and environmental studies student at American University who has reported for American Way of Life Magazine and D.C. Witness. She writes about education, family life and things to do across the DMV.
