Six Places to Have a Pumpkin & Apple Picking Good Time Near DC

Did someone say cider doughnuts? Get ready for this fall tradition with corn mazes, hayrides and more! 

You can feel it in the air . . . fall is almost here!

It's absolutely my favorite season!  I LOVE the changing leaves, the return of pumpkin spice everything and the falling temperatures. I'm sooo over DC’s heat and humidity. I also have very fond memories of visiting my godfather in Michigan and picking pumpkins and crisp, delicious apples at a neighboring farm.
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Luckily, you don’t have to go all the way to Michigan to experience this fabulous fall tradition. You can find plenty of pumpkins and apples at the always incredible Eastern Market or one of the many local farmers markets,  but there are many legit farms within driving distance where you can pick your own pumpkins and apples for a real-deal farm experience.

​Whether you're looking for a family-friendly experience with hayrides and other bells and whistles, or a no frills farm visit, you'll find the perfect one to visit from the six we've scouted. 

Did we forget your favorite? Let us know!

Butler’s Orchard
22200 Davis Mill Rd. Germantown, MD

This 300-acre, family-owned farm in Germantown grows more than 25 varieties of fruits, flowers and veggies -- it is a local favorite for pick-your-own produce. But in the fall, they add a bounty of family-friendly fun with their Pumpkin Festival. Families and the young-at-heart, can come out and celebrate the harvest with a bounty of fall activities -- think hayrides, giant slides, face painting, corn mazes, pony rides, rubber ducky derbys, apple slingshots and pumpkin cannons. And of course, you can't leave without (over)indulging in some cider, caramel apples and apple cider donuts.! Opens September 26 through November 1; pumpkin picking reservations required ($3).

Clark’s Elioak Farm
​10500 State Route 108 Ellicott City, MD

Located an hour and a half away, this farm’s enchanted forest has been a major attraction since it was created in 1955. The forest is open to all ages and open at 9 am every day (subject to change). The pumpkin patch opens September 19 and will remain open until November 4. There’s also a petting zoo with chickens, horses, cows, and bunny rabbits, and a farmers market. Get tickets in advance for admission to the pumpkin patch.

Cox Farms
​15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA

Cox Farms is open three seasons a year: Summer, Fall and Winter, but for many locals (myself included), fall isn't complete without a visit to the farm! Besides fall staples like pumpkins (warning: they are huge!), gourds and squash and apples, load up on treats like apple cider,  cider donuts and kettle corn at the drive-thru market as you experience their self-drive “hayride.” Open September 25 until November 2; tickets required.

Larriland Farm
2415 Woodbine Rd. Woodbine, MD

Located an hour away from DC, Larriland Farm is a great escape from city life. Known for its fresh fruits and vegetables, Larriland Farm offers customers pick their own pumpkins, squash apples, and pears by the container. You can add an extra element of fun as pickers can take a hayride and wander through the corn maze on this family-owned farm since 1973. Open until November 8.

Homestead Farm
15604 Sugarland Rd. Poolesville, MD

Only 55 minutes from the city, you can snag apple cider, fall fruits and vegetables at the fresh market, or pick-your-own delicious apples and pumpkins (admission required, $2 per person) and enjoy this 230-acre farm owned by the Alnutt family since 1763.

Queen Anne Farm
18102 Central Avenue, Mitchellville, MD

Queen Anne Farm lets you explore seven varieties of the big orange pumpkins, as well as six different varieties of heirloom pumpkins-white, and gray, and bumpy and tall. Ranging in size from two ounces to more than 200 pounds, you are pretty much guaranteed to find one you like! It opens at the end of September. If that’s not enough, check out the farm-to-your- table table in the fresh market, including sweet potatoes, several varieties of squash, kale and turnips.

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Curious? There's more!

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