Pumpkin Patches for Families in Northern Virginia

Fall brings all sorts of fun activities, and it wouldn't be complete without visiting a local pumpkin patch. Also, you can get some great photo opportunities with the kids if you're lucky.

Remember, you don’t have to attend a large farm with hayrides to visit a pumpkin patch. Plenty of nurseries in the area provide more than enough pumpkins to complete your fall decor. So, let's take a look at the top pumpkin patches for families in Northern Virginia.

12 Pumpkin Patches for Families in Northern Virginia

1.) Cox Farms

If you are looking for pumpkins this fall, you’ll want to check out Cox Farms. While their Fall Festival is always a hit (and tops our list of the best fall activities for families in Northern Virginia), you can still buy pumpkins from their market without paying admission prices for the festival.

However, if you’re looking for a fun fall activity, families will thoroughly enjoy the array of activities the fall festival offers. From slides to a corn maze and plenty of kid-friendly activities, you’ll wish you could go year-round.

Cost: Admission prices vary depending on the day, but range from $10-$25, with children two and under  ree. You do not need a ticket to shop at the market.

Hours: Fall Festival is open Sept. 17-18, then Thursdays through Mondays Sept. 24 - Nov. 7, plus No . 8. Sept. & Oct. hours - 10 am - 6 pm, Nov. hours - 10 am -   pm. The market is open daily.

Address: 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA 20120

2.) Yankey Farms

Yankey Farms is a working farm with thousands of pumpkins available in various shapes, colors, and sizes. In addition, during October, the farm has a fun corn maze, hay ride, cow train, kids' play area, and farm animals.

Cost: $6 per person for fall activities, however; there is no charge if you are only there to pick pumpkins, which are 69 cents per pound

Hours: Open Oct. 1 - Oct. 31, Fridays (4-6pm), Saturdays (10am-6pm), Sundays (noon-6pm), Columbus Day Monday (noon-6pm)

Address: 11812 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136

3.) DePaul’s Urban Farm

DePaul’s Urban Farm is conveniently located in Vienna and has a fantastic selection of pumpkins. In addition, they have various gourds, jellies, jams, fresh produce, apple cider donuts, flowers, and plants available for sale.

The family-owned and operated farm is great because it’s a no-fuss place where you don’t have to wait in a long line or pay admission fees. So, you can get what you want and be on your way. Since parking is limited, it’s best to get there when they open on weekends or try to go during the week.

Cost: Admission is free; costs related to any purchases made

Hours: 10am - 5pm Daily

Address: 2599 Chainbridge Rd. Vienna, VA 22181

4.) Great Country Farms

Great Country Farms will likely always make my list of ‘best of’ when it comes to activities for families, especially in the fall. Admission to the farm allows you to ride the wagon to the pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own. The market also sells pumpkins, so you don’t have to ride the wagon to choose your own.

As you are picking pumpkins, remember you will have to carry them back onto the wagon, so don’t overdo it on the picking. Also, pumpkins are an additional charge and aren’t included in your admission price.

If you pick pumpkins as your first activity, it’s best to put them in the car to continue exploring the farm. Otherwise, keep the pumpkin picking for your last activity, so you don’t have to carry anything around.

Cost: Weekday Advance Tickets: $10/Child, $12/Adult; Weekend Advance Tickets $14/Child, $16/Adult, Children 2 and under are free

Hours: Fall Festival Oct. 1 - Oct. 31; Weekdays 10 am - 5 pm/ Weekends 9 am - 6 pm

Weekends do sell out, so it’s best to buy tickets online.

Address: 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA 20135

5.) Krop’s Crops

Krop’s Crops offers a fantastic pumpkin selection and activities to keep kiddos entertained. The farm has pumpkins of various sizes, from small to huge, and you can choose whether you pick the pumpkin or get one from the market.

The market also has fresh-pressed apple cider, fall squash and gourds, Winchester apples, and harvest and Halloween decorations. In addition, children will enjoy saying hello to the farm animals and playing in the corn bin.

Cost: Hayrides cost $5 per person; children three and under are free

Hours: Market is open 10 am - 6 pm daily; hayrides run on weekends in October 11 am - 4 pm

Address: 11110 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066

6.) Hidden Gems Farm

Hidden Gems Farm has a lot to offer in the fall, including their pick-your-own pumpkin patch. This small family-run farm makes for a wonderful weekend activity to stock up on pumpkins for the fall.

You also don’t want to miss their farm store, where you can buy ice cream, bread, donuts,  soaps, room sprays, lotio s, and more. In addition, kids can visit the farm animals, and you can make a reservation to play with the adorable goats.

Cost: $3 entrance fee (12 months and under free); pumpkin prices range from $1-$8, depending on size.

Hours: The pumpkin patch opens on 9/25; 11 am - 5 pm, closed Tuesdays and Fridays

Address: 6745 Bull Run Post Office Road, Centreville, VA 20120

7.) Heather Hills Gardens

Heather Hills Gardens is full of an array of beautiful flowers, and come the fall, they have an excellent selection of pumpkins. The Gardens have been around since 1992, and the owners live in the beautiful Victorian house on the property.

You also can find delicious, fresh produce to bring home with your pumpkins. Heather Hills Garden is perfect for families who want to pick out pumpkins without the fuss of a large farm and battling lines at a festival.

Cost: Free

Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday-Friday Noon-5pm, Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

Address: 8111 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

8.) Lake Ridge Nursery Pumpkin Patch

While Lake Ridge Nursery is open year-round, fall brings a large selection of pumpkins to the property. Unfortunately, they no longer do the play activities they have done in the past, but there still will be plenty of pumpkins to choose from.

In addition to pumpkins, you can pick up mums and pansies to help complete your  fall decor. The nursery has been in business for over 30 years, and you’ll probably want to visit other times of the year. Don’t forget to check out the store before you leave and take a peek at the holiday items they have for sale.

Cost: Free

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-7 pm, Saturday 8 am-6 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Address: 3705 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192

9.) Wayside Farm

Wayside Farm has a spectacular list of activities for families to enjoy this fall. In addition to finding the perfect pumpkin in the patch, kids will love climbing to the top of the hay mountain, going down the slide, and meeting some cute farm animals.

There is also a Garfield and Odie-themed 10-acre corn maze, weekend pig races, a pumpkin playhouse, farm games, a jumping pillow, and much more. Before you leave, check out the food and general store, where you can pick up some eats, treats, and gifts.

Cost: General admission is $15 per person; additional activities like paintball and apple blaster cost an additional amount. Pumpkins are sold separately.

Hours: Opens 9/24 for the season, Thursdays - Sundays, and Columbus Day (Oct 10)

Address: 5273 Harry Byrd Hwy, Berryville, VA 22611

10.) Nalls Produce

Nalls Produce has been around since 1961, and while the seasons change, they continuously have a fantastic selection of pumpkins each fall. They are famous for their "Pumpkin Wall," which makes for outstanding photos with the kiddos.

Nalls has been a staple in the Franconia community and doesn't disappoint with its expansive garden center. When you pick out your perfect pumpkin, don't forget to add some fall decor to your purchase.  

Cost: Free admission

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am - 7 pm, Sunday 9 am - 6 pm

Address: 7310 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22315

11.) Reston Farm Garden Market

Reston Farm Garden Market has plenty of fun for the whole family and no shortage of pumpkins. At their Fall Fest, you'll find pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and activities to keep the kids entertained.

In addition, you won't want to leave without picking up a fresh batch of apple cider donuts or some apple cider. Also, each child receives a FREE pumpkin with a paid ticket. For an additional cost, kids can enjoy face painting, feeding farm animals, and balloon animals.

Cost: Early Bird: Children  22; after Sept.1, the price goes up to $28. Adults/$7. Children 24 months and under are free with a paid adult.

Hours: Daily 9 am - 6 pm; September 24 - October 31

Address: 10800 Baron Cameron Ave, Reston, VA 20190

12.) Burke Nursery's Pumpkin Playground

If you're looking for pumpkins, gourds, and everything that screams fall, you'll want to check out Burke Nursery's Pumpkin Playground. In addition, you'll find an impressive selection of mums, pansies, corn stalks, and hay bales.

Visitors will also enjoy the Halloween backdrops, which create excellent photo opportunities. Also, you'll want to check out the selection of mulling spices, vinegar, herbs, Virginia peanuts, pickles, apple cider, and more.

Cost: Free admission

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 am - 7 pm, Sunday 9 am - 6 pm, throughout October

Address: 9401 Burke Rd, Burke, VA 22015

When’s the Best Time to Carve Pumpkins?

There’s nothing worse than carving pumpkins, only to have them rot before Halloween. While it happens to the best of us, there are some things to consider before you start carving. Generally, a carved pumpkin can last between three days and two weeks, so you want to consider that before you dive right in.

However, there are a few tricks to keep your carved pumpkin lasting longer, including:

• Don’t put them outside immediately; otherwise, pests will make their way to the pumpkins.
• Keep your pumpkin in the shade, as the sun will speed up the decay process.
• Rub petroleum jelly on the inside of the pumpkin to keep it moisturized.
• Use a battery-operated light instead of a candle because the flame will dry out the pumpkin.
  

If your pumpkin rots before you’d like, use it as an excuse to visit a new pumpkin patch!

What Can You Do With Leftover Pumpkins?

There’s no question you want to toss rotten pumpkins, but what about the ones that never got carved? Don't let them go to waste!


Here are a few suggestions on what to do with your leftover pumpkins.

• Use leftover pumpkins for baking, including toasting the seeds.
• Head to Great Country Farms for their Pumpkin Chunkin’ for some good old-fashioned pumpkin smashing.
• Donate leftover pumpkins to a farm or zoo that can use them for feed
• Give them to a community garden that can use them for composting
• Plant them in your backyard or let the birds eat them
  

Wrapping Things Up

The best pumpkin patches for families in Northern Virginia offer a fun time for everyone involved. With the number of pumpkin patches in the area, the hardest part will be deciding which one you should visit first. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with too many pumpkins; just don't carve them too soon!