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 Frederick area 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.
Green Meadows Petting Farm | Ijamsville
(Open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends in September and Wednesday through Sunday in October)
Home to more than 150 animals, including some less common ones like tortoises, camels and bison
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve | Thurmont
(Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Large zoo with exotic animals; some animals are available to feed and pet.
Foxie G Foundation | Union Bridge
(Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Rehabilitation center for horses and cats; sometimes hosts events where people can visit the animals
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 decor, being able to pick your own pumpkin makes the experience all the more personal.
Summers Farm | Middletown
(Pumpkin patch opens at 2 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends)
Also has farm animals and a corn maze; fall festival runs from Sept. 13 to Oct. 31
Gaver Farm | Mount Airy
(Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Has 37 varieties of pumpkins; free hayrides are available all day on weekends and after noon on weekdays.
Brookfield Pumpkins | Thurmont
(Open 3-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday through Sunday)
Offers 15 acres of pumpkins, gourds and squash; also has a corn maze for charity
Corn Mazes
Get lost in these corn mazes at local farms! The biggest in the state is the corn maze at Magnolia Meadows Farm in Thurmont, which spans a whopping 5.7 acres. But it’s also worth checking out these smaller corn mazes.
Glade Valley Farms and Corn Maze | Frederick
Also has hayrides, a petting zoo, pumpkin picking and corn and pumpkin cannons
South Mountain Creamery | Middletown
Corn maze is open from Sept. 21 to Oct. 27; calf feeding is also available every day.
Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch | Middletown
Holds a Farm Festival during the fall, which also features a vendor fair and pumpkin picking
