Melanie Jensen When the leaves begin to fall and the temperature starts to drop, farms and markets across Northern Virginia transform into vibrant pumpkin patches and festive autumn destinations. Those in search of pumpkins for Halloween carving, seasonal cooking, or stoop decor can choose from pre-picked selections or pick their own straight from the patch. From Alexandria to Markham, many locations offer classic fall activities for families and children, including hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and more. Whether the goal is a quick, convenient stop or a full day of autumn festivities, Northern Virginia has no shortage of seasonal charm. Read more to discover where to find carvable pumpkins, winding corn mazes, fresh apple cider, and other fall favorites across the region.
Burke Nursery and Garden Centre | 9401 Burke Road, Burke
This nearly 50-year-old nursery, known for its garden and landscaping products like houseplants, flowers, trees, shrubs and fountains, hosts a Pumpkin Playground every day throughout October. Ideal for families, the playground offers a variety of kid-friendly photo ops and a large selection of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Their Fall Farm Market features seasonal treats like apple cider donuts, hot chocolate, sparkling and regular apple cider, local honey, pickles, and fresh apples. Visitors can also shop for fall flowers, including colorful mums and pansies.
Cox Farms | 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville
This family-owned business has been hosting its iconic Fall Festival since 1985. Over the years, the event has grown to include many attractions, such as hayrides, rope swings, petting zoos, live entertainment, a corn maze, and giant slides. After enjoying the festive activities and food stands, guests can browse the Festival Market for fresh apples, crisp cider, and carvable pumpkins. Once you’ve found the perfect pumpkin, thrill-seekers looking for a haunted experience can walk through the Field of Fears, packed with jump scares, spiders, chainsaws, and more. The festival runs from late September through early November, and tickets are available for purchase online.
See more: 8 Activities for a Crafty Girl’s Day Out in Fairfax and Beyond
DePaul Urban Farm | 2599 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna
A beloved destination in Vienna, this expansive garden center and gift shop is known for its wide selection of gardening supplies, native plants, pottery, vintage clothing, candles, soaps, and more. In the fall, the outdoor space transforms into a vibrant pumpkin patch filled with abundant gourds, squash, and pumpkins. In addition to seasonal produce, the center also offers fall flowers, herbs, and fruit and vegetable starters for planting at home.
Great Country Farms | 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont
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Spanning 15 acres, this farm hosts its Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival every day of October. The festival features a variety of seasonal activities, including pumpkin cannons, pig races, marshmallow roasting, a corn maze, rope swings, puzzles, and even a putt-putt golf course. In addition to cheering on racing pigs, visitors can also feed friendly farm animals. For food and refreshments, guests can stop by the Roosteraunt Snack Bar or the Henway Hard Cider Barn. To round out the experience, wagon rides take visitors into the fields to pick their own pumpkins straight from the vine or apples right off the trees.
Green Truck Farms | 3015 Hartland Lane, Markham
Located about 50 minutes outside of Fairfax, this pick-your-own farm offers a variety of produce throughout the year. Depending on the season, visitors can harvest their own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and tomatoes. In the fall, the farm features pumpkins and winter squash. Guests making the trip can also stop by neighboring Hartland Orchard, located on the same property, to pick apples, peaches, and cherries in season.
Nalls Produce and Garden Center | 7310 Beulah Street, Alexandria
Family-owned and serving the Alexandria community for over 60 years, this garden center and produce shop is a trusted source for locally grown fruits and vegetables. It’s a convenient one-stop shop to pick up pumpkins of all sizes, stock up on fresh produce, and support local farmers all in one visit. Friendly animals, including BooBoo the cat, Arnold the pig, and Mr. and Mrs. Goose, also call the property home, adding to its charm.
Read more: This Chantilly Flower Market is a Year-Round Eden
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park | 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg
Established in 1810 by the nephew of Founding Father George Mason, this regional park and working farm offers a rich piece of local history. Spread across 286 acres, the property features event spaces, nature trails, equestrian paths, picnic shelters, playgrounds, slides, and a variety of farm animals. In October, the farm transforms for fall with pick-your-own pumpkin and sunflower fields and other seasonal activities like a roping cattle game, wagon rides, pumpkin cannons, and classic yard games.
Wayside Farm Fun | 5273 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville
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During the fall season, this family-owned Angus beef farm transforms into acres of festive attractions and amusements. Highlights include hayrides, pumpkin smashing, pig races, and an expansive petting zoo. Each year, the farm also introduces a new design for its 10-acre corn maze. Visitors can enjoy the unique “goat walk,” where goats traverse elevated wooden paths 20 feet in the air. Eight acres are dedicated to growing pumpkins, allowing guests to pick their favorite one off the vine for carving, decorating, or seasonal cooking.
Yankey Farms | 11812 Bristow Road, Bristow
Located in Bristow, this working pick-your-own farm offers seasonal produce and festive activities for the whole family. Visitors can pick strawberries in the spring and pumpkins in the fall, with autumn bringing even more fun through classic attractions like a corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, and a cow train ride where guests sit in cow-painted barrels pulled by a tractor. For another convenient option, the farm also operates a nearby stand on Glenkirk Road, selling pre-cut pumpkins and a variety of fall decorations.
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