Yearning to really get into the harvest autumn spirit? There are some farms near Atlanta where you and your family can see pumpkins still on the vine and enjoy some fun fall outdoor activities throughout October.
South Side
The Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch in Stockbridge is open every weekend in October, subject to the weather. This farm that has been in business since 1983 has produced one of the largest pumpkin patches in Georgia. Attractions include not only the massive pumpkin patch, a corn maze, farm animals and hayride that families typically enjoy this time of year, but a little museum, a fun zone play area, bee house, and flower gardens, plus movies for kids about ecology, farm science, growing pumpkins and soil conservation, puppet shows and a dinosaur encounter. Tickets are online, as they are with most farms now.
Southern Belle Farm, situated in McDonough, is managed by a family that has been farming for an amazing eight generations. They are opening their farm up on weekends for enjoying pumpkins, the corn maze and corn cannon, pig races, meeting barn animals, a cow train ride, bouncy area and pedal carts for the kids. On weekdays they open Wednesday through Friday, but check to see which activities are open for the day of your visit.
West Side
The Still Family Farm in Powder Springs has been farming this acreage in Cobb County for four generations. They are avidly involved in teaching students about farming and conservation. Not only can kids play in the pumpkin patch and wander through the zinnia maze, but they can participate in rubber ducky races, climb on hay bales, take a tiny train ride, or paint a pumpkin. Parents can enjoy the vintage tractors, stop for a snack, and shop for autumn gifts at the fall market. This year they are only open on weekends.
Sleepy Hollow Farms in Powder Springs has been hosting families for 40 years, with a real farm featuring pumpkins, a corn maze, barn animals and tractor rides. They are open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
North of Atlanta
You have to go past Alpharetta to Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock, where they are keeping it simple this year, open only on weekends with a pumpkin patch, baby farm animals, hayrides, boiled peanuts, fried pies and apple cider. Check the website before you go, but admission is minimal for families on a small budget. Reviews mention that this toned down atmosphere makes a good experience for toddlers.
Big Springs Farms in Hickory Flat is free to enjoy. Each activity has a cost. They’re open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with pumpkins, barn animals, a corn maze, wagon rides through the fields, boiled peanuts and fritters. Enjoy the beauty of mountain foothills in the fall.
East of Atlanta
Very east of Atlanta in Bogart is Washington Farms, who has been opening their farm to families since 1993. Some of you may remember when they had a strawberry farm in Loganville. Now you can enjoy pumpkins, flowers, a corn maze, wagon rides, campfires, pies, jams and honey, kettle corn, homemade ice cream and so much more. They claim to have more than 30 kids’ activities that include a climbing wall, a rope course, basketball hoops and pig races. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday.
Each location has rules for behavior on their website, but the obvious ones are not to bring your pets, and to please be kind to these amazing families who are opening up their homes and their lifestyles to you. They are often eager to teach you how to carry on farming traditions at your own home. Bookings fill up quickly, so get your tickets soon.