The cow train costs an extra fee, but little ones' smiles are worth it!

Things To Do at Great Country Farms

1. Farm Play Area

Great Country Farms has a huge, 15-acre play area that includes some unique activities you won't find at other farms. My children's favorite is the ninja warrior obstacle course, full of obstacles for kids of all ages to climb, balance on, jump over, and more. My kids always ask to tackle the course more than once.

In addition to a 1.5-acre corn maze available each autumn, the farm has several smaller mazes that are open year-round. There are also jumping pillows, an 18-hole mini golf course, giant slides, play structures in various shapes and sizes, rope swings, and so much more.

2. Animal Adventures

In the barnyard area, you'll meet goats, pot-bellied pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. You can also purchase food to feed the goats. And if you have your own fishing gear, you may want to take advantage of the farm's catch-and-release fishing pond.

3. Pick-Your-Own Produce

Great Country Farms offers hayrides to its pick-your-own fields in summer and fall, where you can pick your own produce right from the vine, plant, or tree. Strawberries, cherries, peaches, and blackberries are available to pick in the summer. Come fall, there is apple and pumpkin picking. My family has picked colorful gourds straight off the vine, too. You can even dig up your own potatoes during the Big Dig Potato Harvest in August.

RELATED: Best Pumpkin Patches Near DC for Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

Take a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch during the Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival.

Seasonal Festivals at Great Country Farms

4. Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival

On weekends during October, enjoy wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a giant corn maze, pig races, live music, cider-pressing demonstrations, marshmallow roasting, and pumpkin cannons and cow train rides for a separate fee. You can also meet P. Rex the Pumpkin-Eating Dino during one of his live shows.

5. Dino Fest

Over 20 life-size dinosaurs take over Great Country Farms for four weeks in November. Families can enjoy live dinosaur shows, take photos with the dinos, enjoy the play area, and more. 

6. Easter Egg Hunts and Marshmallow Roasting

Great Country Farms hosts daily Easter egg hunts for children up to age 10 for two weeks leading up to Easter. Families can also see baby chicks and other baby animals, take a wagon ride, and roast marshmallows.

7. Strawberry Jubilee Fest

Celebrate strawberries during this two-week festival each May, full of live music, daily pie-eating contests and egg tosses, wagon rides, and more.

Other seasonal events at Great Country Farms include the summer Peach Fuzztival, family flashlight corn maze nights in the fall, a Father's Day fishing event, and more.

What to Know About Visiting Great Country Farms with Kids

Tickets

Tickets to Great Country Farms typically cost around $15 for adults and a few dollars less for kids ages 3-17. Children ages 2 and under get free admission. Be sure to buy tickets online ahead of time, as they cost a bit more at the door. Tickets include most activities except for a few that cost extra, including the cow train and gem mining. You'll also have to pay separately for any produce you pick.

If you think you'll visit several times throughout the year, a Fan of the Farm Season Pass may be worth it. For under $400 per year, your entire immediate family gets unlimited farm visits and 25% off any fruits and vegetables you pick.

Pro tip: If you're an active-duty or retired military family, visit on a weekday! That's when you'll get FREE admission to the farm for up to six guests!

RELATED: Best Corn Mazes Near DC for Kids and Families

Be sure to try Great Country Farms' famous apple cider donuts!

Eating at the Farm

Great Country Farms' Knead It Bakery is open daily from 9am-5pm. There you can buy baked goods, coffee, wraps, hand-dipped ice cream, and the farm's famous (and delicious!) apple cider donuts.  

On weekends from 11am-3pm, stop by the on-site Roosteraunt Concession Stand for hot dogs, nachos and brisket nachos, and popcorn chicken.

And on Fridays through Mondays, visit the adjacent Henway's Hard Cider for light bites like tacos and soft pretzels and a wide variety of hard ciders. A kids' menu includes chicken bites, mac and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly, all of which come with applesauce, apple juice, and an Oreo.

If none of those options sounds appealing, you can also pack your own picnic: Great Country Farms welcomes outside food to be enjoyed at one of its many picnic tables or on the lawn while listening to live music on certain weekends. (Note: Henway's Hard Cider does not allow outside food.)

More Things To Do Near the Farm

Bluemont, Virginia is a quaint town that's worth sticking around to explore if you want to make a day of it. Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, and Bear Chase Brewing Company are all very close to Great Country Farms. There are also some gorgeous hiking trails, and the Bluemont Fair each September is always a hit with families.

So the next time you want to pick your own fruits or veggies, meet some animals, or just have a fun day outdoors, give Great Country Farms a try. It's the perfect day trip from DC for families.

All photos are courtesy of Great Country Farms