2026 MARYLAND FALL GUIDE: PUMPKIN PATCHES, FARMS AND FALL FESTIVALS

September has arrived, and fall officially begins in just a few short weeks; which means it’s time to start planning those classic autumn adventures! From picking the perfect pumpkin, or wandering through apple orchards to getting lost in a corn maze, there area  a handful of local farms that offer so many fun ways for families to celebrate the season.

Over the past several years, our family has traveled near and far to visit farms, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, orchards, and more. Along the way, we’ve learned what makes each destination unique, what families can expect when they visit, and which experiences are worth adding to your fall bucket list. I’ve taken all of that knowledge and experience and put it together in this guide to help Maryland families and those visiting from beyond plan a memorable fall adventure during the 2026 season.

In addition to this guide, you’ll find links to individual guides for each farm, where I share more details about what to expect, things to know before you go, and tips to help you make the most of your visit. I hope this guide makes planning your family’s fall outings a little easier—and inspires you to discover a new favorite farm along the way! Happy fall, and enjoy!


CALVERT COUNTY


HORSMON FARM

  • Location: 1865 Horsmon Farm Ln. St. Leonard, MD
  • Phone: 443-532-5761
  • Website: www.horsmonfarm.com
  • Information: Horsmon Farm fall festival will celebrate their opening weekend September 19 & 20, 2026, and will run through November 1, 2026 this season. Fall festivities includes: pick your own pumpkin patch, wagon ride, corn maze, farm animals, farm trail, corn pit, sand pit with dirt diggers, tug-o-war and hop balls. Don’t forget to check out their website for special events each weekend including; scarecrow making, tractor weekend and more. If you are looking for a place to pick up beautiful flowers this is the place, their mums are gorgeous and home grown. Purchase your tickets in advanced online. Hours are Fridays 11AM-5PM, Saturdays & Sundays 10AM-5PM and weekday fieldtrips by reservation. Admission is $15 Kids (with small pumpkin) / $12 Adult/FREE Ages 2 and under. 10% discount offered to larger families of four or more, first responders and military.
  • Playful Parent Guide: Horsmon Playful Parent Guide Link 

JACK’S PRODUCE & LINDA’S GREENHOUSE

  • Location: 2925 Yoes Corner Rd. Port Republic, MD
  • Phone: 443- 295-8634
  • Website: www.jakesproducemd.com
  • Information: Jacks Produce is open weekends September – November from 9AM-5PM. In the fall, take a stroll through the pumpkin patch as you stop to pick up your produce. There are pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors; there is something for everyone. Corn maze, corn pit, wagon rides and more available. Admission is $5 per person/2 and under FREE.

ROLLING ACRES FARM

  • Location: 3305 St. Leonard Road Port Republic, MD 20676
  • Phone: 443-532-7891
  • Website: www.myrollingacresfarm.com
  • Information: Rolling Hills Farm opening weekend is September – November 2026. Rolling Acres is open daily Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM and Sunday’s 10AM-4PM. Activities include: maze, petting zoo, jumbo jump pillow, pumpkin patch, petal cars, tire mountain and corn pit.  Admission is $12 per person/FREE Ages 2 and under/ Families of 4 or more $10 per person.
  • Rolling Acres Playful Parent Guide Link

SPIDER HALL

  • Location: 3915 Hallowing Point Rd, Prince Frederick
  • Phone: 410-610-0094
  • Website: www.facebook.com/SpiderHallFarm
  • Information: Exciting news…Spider Hall is open on weekends the 2026 Fall season through out October. They have not posted a schedule or information yet. Activities include: hayrides, sorghum maze, jump pad, pick your own pumpkins and more! Stay tuned for details coming soon. This farm usually hosts great events such as movie nights, tractor treat and apple day.  Admission $12 per person/ 2 and under FREE.
  • Spider Hall Playful Parent Guide

CHARLES COUNTY


POP POP’S GREENHOUSE

***Update: Fall Festivities Closed this year***

SERENITY FARM 

  • Location: 6932 Serenity Farm Rd. Benedict, MD
  • Phone: (301) 399-1634
  • Website: https://serenityfarmatbenedict.com
  • Information: Every fall, Serenity Farm hosts for their annual Harvest Day weekend, a chance to come and pick a pumpkin, take a hayride, and interact with adorable animals in the Petting Farm! Please check their 2026 calendar for updates, they haven’t announced their schedule yet. Last years prices were $15 per person, 4 and under are admitted for FREE. Ticket price includes: pumpkin, petting pen, and hayride. Harvest House is open with apples, pumpkins, apple cider, mulling spices, and apple butter and many fall items. Weather dependent.

SHLAGEL FARMS

  • Location: 12850 Shlagel Rd. Waldorf MD 20601
  • Phone: (301) 645-4554
  • Website: www.shlagelfarms.com
  • Information: Shlagel Farms is open for general admission on the weekends through out the month of October during the hours 10 AM – 5 PM. Call to schedule field trips and private groups with availability Monday through Friday by appointment.  Admission was listed last year and not updated yet at $11 per person, children ages 2 and under are free. Shlagel farm is quaint, and more of a educational farm for fieldtrips or spot to simply pick a pumpkin; offerings are limited to wagon rides, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch.

ZEKIAH FARMS

  • Location: 5235 Bryantown Rd, Waldorf, MD
  • Phone: (240) 216-4065
  • Website: ww.zekiahfarms3.com
  • Information: Zekiah Farms is well known for their market that sells organic meat, fresh produce and local honey. This year they will be hosting a Fall Festival on October 3, 2026 10AM-4PM with live music, food trucks and lots of fun activities. Admission is FREE to all.
  • Event Link

ST MARY’S COUNTY


BOWLES FARM

  • Location: 22880 Budd’s Creek Rd. Clements, MD
  • Phone: 301-475-2139
  • Website: www.bowlesfarms.com
  • Information: Bowles Farm annual fall festivities will be open on weekends starting September 26, 2026 thru October 321, 2026. Hours of operation are Saturdays 10AM-6PM and Sundays 10AM-5PM. Friday’s are available for fieldtrips by appointment, group rate applies. Admission is $15 per person, free for children ages 3 and younger, $13 for groups of 15 or more. Kids of all age will enjoy the amazing corn maze, pumpkin patch, straw jumping pit, children’s play area, wagon rides and more. Be sure to check out their calendar for amazing events such as tractor races and more.
  • Bowles Playful Parent Guide

FORREST HALL FARM AND ORCHARD

T AND A FARM 

  • Location: 18281 St. Jerome’s Neck Rd, Dameron
  • Phone: 301-872-5003
  • Website: T and A Farm
  • Information: No new information posted yet. Last year activities included: pumpkin patch, hay maze, wagon rides, farm animals, play area and more. Be sure to check their page for family fun events.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY


MONTPELIER FARMS

  • Location: 1720 North Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD
  • Phone: 410-320-0464
  • Website: www.montpelierfarms.com
  • Information: Montpelier Farms  Fall Festival will run September 12-November 8, 2026. September hours Saturday 10AM-9PM/Sunday 10AM-6PM. October hours Friday 5PM-11PM/Saturday 10AM-11PM/Sunday10AM-7PM. Weekday Play  Tuesday-Thursday 1PM-3PM. November Saturday 10AM-9PM/Sunday 10AM-6PM.  Admissions prices are Weekend- $19.95 per person (online), Weekday discount available, Kids 2 and under are Free! Fall Festival activities include: 7 acre corn maze, “Jack and the Beanstalk” corn maze, hay rides, petting zoo, pedal karts, cow belly bounce house, pumpkin bounce house, hay & play, kiddie corral, corn tepee, roping range, farm football lounge, “Spookley the square pumpkin” movie screening and bonfires. You add experiences on to your admission including: super mega slide, duck races, animal feed and giant bounce pillow.
  • Montpelier Farm Playful Parent Guide

MILLER FARM

  • Location: 10140 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
  • Phone: 301-297-9370
  • Website: www.millerfarms.com
  • Information: Miller Farms is a 267 acre farm located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, that has been family owned and operated since 1879. Miller Farm is known for their ice cream and lovely market open year-round. Fall festivities begin the weekend of October 3, 2026. Hours are Saturday’s and Sunday’s 10AM– 5PM. Tickets will be sold online only!!! ($14.95 per person, Free ages 24 months and under.) Weekday (Wednesday-Friday) fieldtrips can be booked online here.
  • Miller Farm – Playful Parent Guide

BEYOND


The following farms are beyond Southern Maryland; however, are hands down the BEST farms that we have visited! You won’t want to miss traveling beyond to celebrate fall at any of these farms, I promise!

CHERRY CREST FARM

  • Location: 150 Cherry Hill Rd. Strasburg, PA
  • Phone: 1-866-546-1799
  • Website: www.cherrycrestfarm.com
  • Information: Cherry Crest was the first farm we ever visited as a family, and is still our favorite farm of all time! Nestled right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Land; this working farm is the perfect place to harvest family fun. It’s an added bonus that the Pennsylvania Railway runs through the property. You can ride the train to the farm or just enjoy watching the locomotive travel by. This year 2026 season they are open most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays September 19th through November 7, 2026. With over 50 different activities, it’s almost impossible to see and do everything in one day. My favorite activities for the toddler and preschool aged kiddos is Sprout Ville a tiny town play area, Little Wagon Express and Corn Barn. Favorite activities for school age kids include: Life Size Lincoln Log Cabin Building, Giant Jumping Pillows and Feed Mill a obstacle course for kids. Favorite big kid activities include tractor pull, Apple Blaster Canons, paint ball range and Corny Ball Cade. Favorite family activities include Farm Tour wagon ride, Country Road Carts and Flash Light Adventure Maze.
  • Cherry Crest Playful Parent Guide

BELVEDERE PLANTATION

  • Location: 1410 Belvedere Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  • Phone: 540-373-4478
  • Website: www.belvedereplantation.com
  • Information: Belvedere Plantation is a 645 acre heritage farm, built in the 1760s on the historic Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia. You are sure to have hours of fun with attractions like a zipline, straw jump, trike track, pumpkin mountain slide, pedal carts, barrel train and jumping pillow. Check out their website for information on events like the Final Flashlight Maze and Pumpkin Pounding Event. Their 2026 season starts September 12th and runs through November 7, 2026. They are open most days Thursday thru Sunday weather contingent. Hours: Thursday & Friday Mornings 10AM-2PM/Friday Evenings 6PM-10PM/ Saturdays 10AM-10PM/Sundays 10AM-6PM/Columbus Day 10AM-6PM. Admission: $17.95-September/$19.95 October (Online Weekdays) and $23.95-September/$26.95 October (Online Weekdays). Tickets purchased at the gate are $5 more.
  • Belvedere Plantation-Playful Parent Guide

COX FARM  

  • Location: 15621 Braddock Rd Centreville, VA
    Phone: 703-830-4121
  • Website: www.coxfarmsva.com
  • Information: Cox Farm Fall Festival was closed last year, so I’m happy to announce they are back in business! The Fall Festival is open September 19, 2026 through November 9, 2026. The festival is open 10AM to 6PM through October, and 10AM to 5PM November. With a map full of outdoor activities, goat village, and Cornundrum Cornfield Adventure you will need more than one visit to see and do everything. This farm features the awesome six lane wide, 150 foot long dinosaur of a slide. Be sure to check out their website for events and live entertainment schedule. Check out their calendar for prices. Discount days as low as $15 per person and peak time tickets $30 per person.
  • Cox Farm Playful Parent Guide

GREENSTREET GARDEN

SUMMER FARM

  • Location: 7503 Hollow Rd. Middletown, MD 21769
  • Website: Summers Farm
  • Information: Summers Farm is located in Frederick, Maryland. Summers Farm opens September 5, 2026.  This year with an old-fashioned Harvest Festival featuring a Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, more than 30 activities, live weekend music, apple blasting and finger-lickin’ good food. Check out their calendar for fireworks and events schedule. This is a huge farm has a lot of fun activities.
  • Summers Farm Playful Parent Guide

CARNIVALS & FAIRS


MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

  • Date: Saturday’s & Sunday’s August 29 -October 25, 2026  (Weekend Only) 10AM-7PM
  • Location:  Maryland Renaissance Festival – 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
  • Details: Every one of the nine weekends of the Maryland Renaissance Festival is filled with more than 200 performers entertaining on ten stages, joust tournament field and streets of the 16th century English village. Seven weekends include additional performers or special guests to create additional themed Special Event Weekends.
  • PLAYFUL PARENT RENN FEST GUIDE

CHARLES COUNTY FAIR

  • Location: 8440 Fairground Road La Plata, MD
    Date: September 17-20, 2026
  • Information: FREE Parking on-site and at the satellite location at the Government building in La Plata. Thursday- Ride All Evening For One Price. Friday- “Kids Day” All Rides Reduced From 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sunday- Ride 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM For One Price. Cost: Age 11 and over: $10/ Age 10 and under:  Free/ 4 Day Passes: $25.00. All School Children admitted FREE on Friday, September 15th from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. New this year all minors must be accompanied by a chaperone at least 21 years of age.
  • Charles County Fair Link

ST MARY’S COUNTY FAIR

  • Date: September 24-27, 2026
  • Location: 42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650
  • Cost: $Daily: Adult ticket $7, children 6 to 12 $1, children under 6 free
  • Season passes: Adult $10, children 6 to 12 $2. Daily Deals: The rides take from 1 to 5 Carnival tickets. Carnival tickets cost $1 or a strip of 25 tickets costs $20. Friday (kids day) 10:00AM to 5 PM, all rides are 1 ticket (children only). Thursday and Sunday, wristbands are available for $30.  ($5 discount coupon is available at schools, and on-line Click here for coupon)
  • St. Mary’s County Fair Link

CALVERT COUNTY FAIR

  • Date: September 30- October 3, 2026
  • Location: 140 Calvert Fair Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
  • Information: Cost- $5
  • Calvert County Fair Link

FOR MORE FALL FUN SEE THE FALL FESTIVITIES AND HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS GUIDE- LINK!

***The Playful Parent is 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing free resources to the community that advocate learning through play, and promote family bonding. All information and photographs provided are intellectual property of TPP.***

BACK TO SCHOOL: 2026 SOMD GUIDE

August is just around the corner, which means that summer is drawing to an end quickly. Preparing for back-to-school will be here before we know it. I put together a guide to highlight resources, and provides information for getting ready for the start of a new academic year.


INFORMATION BY COUNTY


Calvert County-  The first day of school for Calvert County students is Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.

Charles County- The first day of school for Charles County students is Monday August 24, 2026. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.

Prince Georges County- The first day of school for Charles County students is Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.

St. Mary’s County- The first day of school for Charles County students is Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Be sure to check on their site for orientations, meet & greets, school supply lists and registration information here.


BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS & RESOURCES


MARYLAND TAX FREE WEEK
Date: August 9-15, 2026
Location: Maryland
Details: The second Sunday of August through the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week each year. During this week, qualifying apparel and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from the state sales tax. The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase is also tax-free.
BACK TO SCHOOL- CHURCH IN THE PARK 
Date: August 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Bensville Park- Waldorf, MD
Details: Back to school event, all are welcome.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
BACK TO SCHOOL FIELD DAY 
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Dahlgren Base- Joy Park
Details: Summer’s winding down, so let’s send it off right! Join us for a morning packed with competitive games, music, food, activities, inflatables, prizes, back to school supplies, and more!
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Indian Head FFR- Community Rec Center
Details: Join in a fun celebration with school supplies, food, games, and fun!
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Sports & Wellness Complex parking lot (11170 Mall Cr. Waldorf, MD 20603)
Details: Join Commissioner Dr. Amanda Stewart for her annual Back to School Community Fiesta. The event will continue while supplies last. This is a drive through event that will include helpful information stops, healthy eating tips, local information and resources, and fun learning activities. This event is open to Charles County students in grades K-12, and the first 350 students will receive a backpack filled with supplies. Child must be present and accompanied by parent/guardian to receive a backpack. Acceptable forms of proof include: Parent Vue, last report card, or student ID from previous year.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: USBTA- 4450 Indian Head Rd. Indian Head, MD
Details: This FREE family-friendly event is open to the community and designed to help students start of the school year strong.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Tanger Outlets – Oxon Hill, MD
Details: Get ready for back-to-school fun at Tanger on Sunday, August 9th from 11AM–1PM! Our Back 2 School Bash, sponsored by Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union, will take place at the playground, next to Columbia Factory Store. Bring the family out for face painting, balloon art, fun photo ops giveaways and more.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
SCHOOL SUPPLY PROJECT
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: New Life Church- 9690 Shepherd Creek Pl. La Plata, MD
Details: In need of a backpack and school supplies for the upcoming school year? Then stop on by! Must have proof of residency, and enrollment in CCPS or Homeschool.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
SCHOOL SUPPLY PROJECT
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center, 90 Post Office Rd, Waldorf
Details: Get ready for the new school year! Join the Waldorf Senior & Recreational Center for our annual Bookbag Giveaway, where we’re helping students head back to school with confidence.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
BACK TO SCHOOL FIELD DAY 
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Calvert County Baptist Church- 150 Ball Rd. St. Leonard, MD
Details: School supply giveaway, food, games, raffles and more.
Cost: FREE
Registration: None
ANNUAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT DAY
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: LCCM- 15522Livingston Rd. Accokeek, MD
Details: Join us for our Annual Community Day! Looking forward to seeing you there! This is event open to the public, registration is appreciated
Cost: FREE
Registration: RSVP Sign-Up Genius
BACK TO SCHOOL FIELD DAY 
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Calaway, MD
Details: As the cost of everything keeps rising, neighbors helping neighbors matters more than ever. Join us for our FREE Back-to-School Community Swap, where Southern Maryland families can share school supplies, clothing, and everyday essentials so every student starts the year with what they need.
Cost: FREE
Registration: RSVP Encouraged
BACK TO SCHOOL FIELD DAY 
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Location: All American Steak House- Waldorf, MD
Details: Join us for our Annual Back to School Event, where you will find school supplies for all ages, clothes, cleaning and hygiene supplies, shelf-stable food, and more! All items are FREE while supplies last. Please bring your own bags.
Cost: FREE
Registration: RSVP Encouraged

EXTRA  ARTICLES


Back to school can be a positive, or stressful experience; here is an extra articles to help with little ones dealing with back to school anxiety. Additionally, there is an article for those considering homeschool and not sure of where to start.
***The Playful Parent is a 501(C)(3) Non-profit created to advocate learning through play, and promote family bonding. All content is intellectual property of TPP, and information shared is to help provide a non-biased resource for families. If you have questions about programs or events be sure to contact the business directly. The Playful Parent isn’t affiliated with any of the schools or events.***

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