This piece was updated on September 19, 2024. It was originally published on September 27, 2023.
Embrace autumn at seasonal festivals offering classic fall activities for the whole family. From hayrides and pumpkin decorating to petting zoos and corn mazes, kids of all ages can spend the day enjoying the cooling temperatures.
Fall Fun Fest at Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Rd., Mt. Airy
This Maryland farm offers plenty of classic fall activities, including a 7-acre corn maze, pumpkin and apple picking, gem mining, and hayrides. The farm is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM from August 30th to November 5th for Fall Fun Fest. Some activities, such as apple picking, are limited to weekends. Tickets range from $14.50 to $23.
Fall Festival at Summers Farm
7503 Hollow Rd., Middletown
Children can stay entertained with more than 45 attractions at this fall festival. Wander the corn maze, play outdoor games, and pick a pumpkin to take home. The jamboree is open from Wednesday through Sunday from September 14 to October 31, and admission ranges from $12.50 to $21.50. Plan your trip on a Friday or Saturday evening to catch the fireworks show.
Fall Festival at Montpelier Farms
1720 North Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro
Ride down giant slides, feed farm animals, take a hayride, and get lost in the alien invasion-themed corn maze. After dark, the 7-acre labyrinth becomes a flashlight maze—ideal for families who want a nighttime corn maze experience sans the scares. The festival is running from September 14 through November 3, and tickets start at $15.
Fall Fest at Leesburg Pumpkin Village
19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg
Explore Pumpkinville, the seasonal celebration at Leesburg Animal Park, open from September 21 to November 5. There’s wagon rides, moon bounces, pedal carts, and a hay maze. On weekends, the park has live entertainment, face painting, and free seasonal snacks. Admission starts at $16.95.
Pumpkin Festival at Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown
This farm’s festival features a “corn pool” filled with kernels and a pumpkin coach, just like in Cinderella. Kids can also explore the corn maze, pick pumpkins, and jump in the hayloft. The festival runs from September 21 through November 3, and tickets start at $11.
Wayside Farm Fun
5273 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville
This Virginia farm has a massive 10-acre corn maze, racing pigs, and pumpkin-smashing sessions accessible from September 21 through October 27. Tickets start at $14, and the pumpkin patch requires separate admission at $21.68 per family for one hour.
Fall Festival at Blue Ridge Mountain Maze
462 Winery Ln., Roseland
In addition to a bear-themed corn maze, this festival offers giant slides, farm animals, pumpkin picking, and plenty of autumnal treats. The activities are based at Blue Toad Hard Cider, so adults can also enjoy seasonal brews. The festival is open weekends from September 21 through November 5, and admission starts at $13.
Mosaic Fall Festival
2910 District Ave., Fairfax
The free festival runs from September 28 and 29 from 11am to 6pm. Kids can get their faces painted, jump on the moon bounce, and decorate pumpkins. There’s also a farmers market and vintage wares for parents to peruse.
Fall Fest at Reston Farm Garden Market
10800 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston
This year’s Fall Fest is open on weekends from September 28 to October 27. Tickets cover access to the petting zoo, unlimited games, bounce houses, and a train ride around the garden center. There’s plenty for adults to enjoy, too, such as browsing local produce at the garden market and snacking on fresh apple cider or pumpkin donuts. Admission is $20 per child, plus $5 for each accompanying adult.
Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Great Country Farms
34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont
Families can pick pumpkins, roast marshmallows, and cheer for their favorite pig at the ‘Oinkintucky Derby.’ Tickets for the Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival range from $12 to $16, and the event runs from October 1 to October 31.
The Great Pumpkin Race & Fall Festival
20125 Arrowhead Rd., Montgomery Village
For an autumnal competition, watch people race decorated pumpkins on October 5 from 11 AM to 2:30 PM. Before the racers face off, sample snacks from food vendors, visit a petting zoo, enjoy carnival rides, and listen to live music. Admission is free.
Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns at Green Meadows Petting Farm
10102 Fingerboard Rd., Ijamsville
This farm has more than 150 animals to feed, play areas, and hayrides. You can visit the Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns, a path lined with the carved pumpkins, after 5:30 PM on weekends from October 5 to October 27. The trail also has s’mores and nighttime hayrides. Daytime tickets are $16, and Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns tickets are $16.
Fall Festival at Oxon Hill Farm
1967 Bald Eagle Rd., Oxon Hill
This festival on October 19 is packed with special events such as scarecrow building, yoga sessions in the apple orchard, and square dancing. There’s no cost to attend, but some activities require day-of registration at the farm.
Autumn Fun at Shlagel Farms
12850 Shlagel Rd., Waldorf
Fall activities at this farm include a straw maze, petting zoo, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. For cuteness overload, don’t miss the opportunity to hold some baby chicks. Tickets cost $11 per person, and the farm is open weekends through the month of October.
Fall Festival at Cox Farms
15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville
Mine for gems, take a hayride, milk a cow, explore the corn maze, and ride down more than seven giant slides at this festival. The activities take place from September 14 until November 6. Tickets range from $10 to $25, and must be purchased in advance online.
Alexandria Fall Festival at River Farm
7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria
Find alpacas, bounce houses, pony rides and more at this autumnal festival in Alexandria. The one-day event is happening on November 3 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children five and under.
