Chances are if you live in Maryland, you’ve heard the rumors about how awesome Summers Farm is. If you haven’t taken the advice to visit yet, maybe this article will convince you. Many of my readers are from Southern Maryland and I know what you are thinking…is it worth the hour plus drive? My answer is YES!

This isn’t just your average fall festival; there’s so much more than just pumpkins and mazes. Summers Farm has more than 30 different activities including; fireworks, live entertainment, pig races, giant slides, apple launchers, pumpkin cannons, finger lickin’ good food and so much more. Summers has been open for fall harvest for over 20 years now and each year  they add something new and different that makes Summers Farm the perfect fall family tradition.

Without further ado let’s take a tour of the farm. Now, I know I said that Summers Farm is more than just pumpkins and corn mazes but I have to admit the corn maze is definitely an amazing attraction you don’t want to skip out on. This 12 acres maze makes getting lost pure fun. The maze is divided into levels that will accommodate visitors of all age groups from the smaller maze for the younger crowd to the challenging larger maze for an advanced audience everyone is sure to be entertained. This year’s advanced maze features the Baltimore Orioles! Since we were visiting with tiny tots, we decided to take the easier path. The small maze is completely adorable, we really enjoyed following the story line of Spookley, the square pumpkin.

Also near the maze section are a few fun activities that I had never seen before. I have to highlight the different mind teaser challenges like the Right Turn Only Maze, Swing the Ring and Crazy Color Maze; such a great way to learn through play and get a family interacting in problem solving together.

Summers has plenty of good ole fashioned midway games and feats of strength challenges. These activities include; Farmer Fastball, Hip Hop Ball, Tug of War, Straw Bale Challenge, Apple Blasters, Tether Ball, Barn Yard Ball and Farmer Golf.

There are so many fun sections throughout the farm for kids. You won’t want to miss the Rubber Ducky Races, Wagon Rides, Crunchy Corn Crib, Straw Mountain, Sound Garden, Pumpkin Hut, Spider Web, Rope Swings and Giant Slides.

I love how the farm takes little one’s safety into consideration by providing two different jump areas; one for the tiny guys and the other for the bigger kids. Off with your shoes and on with the fun.  This is one of our family’s favorite activities, it’s so much fun to jump, bounce and roll around on a giant pillow.

Make sure that you come hungry because Summers Farm has some of the best food in Maryland. There are six different food stations to try out. Maze Munchies offers; soft pretzels, apple cider slushies and kettle corn. The Barnyard Grill has hot off the grill cheeseburgers, chicken bacon jack sandwiches, jumbo all beef hotdogs and fresh cut fries. Fill your sweet tooth at the Sweet Shop with homemade donuts, caramel apples and fresh baked cookies and milk. Hawgs, Dawgs & Taters offers pulled pork, jumbo all beef hot dogs and fresh cut fries and fresh squeezed lemonade. Silo Snacks is the perfect place to get funnel cake, kettle corn or cotton candy. The Feed Sack has hot beverages such as apple cider, cappuccino and hot chocolate for those chilly nights. Don’t forget the options to reserve a camp fire and roast some marshmallows or make s’mores.

Last but not least end the day with a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. It’s ideal to save this for last because you can pick your own pumpkin and pay for it on your way out at the end of the day.

NEW THIS YEAR

The corn maze theme changes every year. The round bale rollers were really cool! The boys loved the tractor train. Certain nights you can rent a fire pit and watch fireworks.

TIPS & TRICKS

  • I would recommend baby wearing over stroller; there are a lot of hills.
  • Take advantage of the special areas for nursing and changing babies and toddlers.
  • Dress in comfortable layered clothing, stay away from shorts, skirts and dress.
  • Wear socks with shoes, kids will be more comfortable on trampoline with socks on.
  • Avoid the crowds by coming during off peak days and times (weekdays can be less crowded.)
  • Plan ahead check the website for events and discount days such as Hero’s Weekend, Teacher Appreciation, Grandparent Weekend and Maryland Pumpkin Fest.

INFORMATION

Summers Farm New Location
7503 Hollow Drive
Frederick, MD 21703

Telephone: 301.620.9316

Website: http://summersfarm.com/

Price/Admission: Varies check site for more information- http://summersfarm.com/plan-visit/

A big thank you to Summers Farm for inviting The Playful Parent to Fall Festival 2017 and for sponsoring the awesome giveaway…we had an amazing time!