Frederick's Child Magazine
If you head to a majority of the local chain grocery stores, you are sure to see a number of pumpkins available for purchase. But, let’s be honest. Where is the fun in just grabbing one there and setting it beside the week’s groceries?
Instead how about heading to a number of locally owned and operated farms to pick out a pumpkin still resting in the field it was created in. Folks can go to some of the bigger farms that host large fall festivals with dozens of activities or take on a more low-key outing where the visit is all about finding the perfect pumpkin to carve and set in a place of honor. Whatever experience your family desires, a farm in Frederick County can fulfill that need.
Brookfield Pumpkins
With 15 acres to explore, the main focus at this Thurmont-based attraction is — of course — pumpkins. Folks can meander around designated areas from now until Oct. 31 looking for the perfect pumpkin growing right on the vine. While other sites charge by the pound, Brookfield goes by the size when determining a price point. While looking around, no fall display is complete without some squash and gourds so pick some out while in the fields too. Before leaving, be sure to check out Brookfield’s corn maze. One-hundred percent of the cost of admission collected is later donated to area charities.
Magnolia Meadows Farms
Formerly known as Winterbrook Farms, this beloved Thurmont destination is now called Magnolia Meadows Farms and is under new ownership. Its fall festival runs from now until Oct. 30 and features more than 20 activities including mini zip lines, a jumping pillow inflatable, round bale rollers, a tractor tire mountain and a corn maze. Live music from some of the area’s best local artists occurs every weekend. Two moonlit maze events are set to take place Oct. 15 and 29 for those who want a more spooky atmosphere while traversing the area.
Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch
From now until Oct. 31, folks can head to Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch in Middletown to discover the centerpiece to their fall decorations. Admission is free during the weekdays if you are just looking to find and purchase a pumpkin. There is an admission cost on the weekends, as a fall festival will be occurring, featuring hayrides, a corn maze, a jumping pillow and a petting zoo.
Summers Farm
After a quarter of a century bringing smiles to thousands of faces, Summers Farm has moved locations from Mount Phillip Road in Frederick to Hollow Road in Middletown. It has brought the fun with it, as the farm offers more than 45 attractions fun for all ages such as giant slides, a sound garden, barn animals, a corn maze, a large rocking chair, farmer mini golf and apple blasters. Running from now until Oct. 31, the farm also offers firework shows on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as campfire rentals.
Gaver Farm
The kids will sleep well after a trip to Gaver Farm’s annual Fall Festival happening now until Oct. 31. The Mount Airy -based farm offers more than 60 attractions including feeding farm animals, a corn maze, two jumping pillows, photo centers and more. Patrons may take a hayride to pick out a pumpkin in one of its fields as well as shop its market featuring a number of treats including pies, cookies, brownies and fudge. During September and October, guests may also pick their own apples with a number of different varieties available.
