Fall is an exciting time to visit Virginia. From farms transformed into playgrounds with apple picking, corn mazes, and hay rides to festivals and fall foliage, there is something for all kids — and kids at heart. Whatever you choose, Virginia’s scenic roadways will show off the striking natural beauty along the way.  

Here are five ideas for fall in Virginia that'll entertain everyone. 

1. Explore Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and Hay Rides

2020 Yoders' Farm Corn Maze

Yoders Farm Corn Maze

Find the perfect pumpkin patch for your family and spend the day choosing the perfect gourd, getting lost in a corn maze, and taking part in other fall festivities. 

  • Yoders Farm, Rustburg — Farm admission is free, corn maze tickets start at $9 (kids 5 and under free). 
  • The Junction, Mecklenburg – Mazes, a bounce pillow, a pipe slide, corn pits, and more are included in $12 general admission. 
  • Great Country Farms, Bluemont – Pick your own apples and pumpkins and enjoy a fall festival. Advanced tickets are $12 for children, $14 for adults. 
  • Mackintosh Fruit Farm, Berryville – Offers a delightful array of activities amidst the scenic beauty of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and seasonal garden vegetables. Entry is free; pay by the pound for any produce picked.
  • Wood Ridge Farm Festival, Lovingston – Tickets are $12 on Thursdays & Fridays and $14 on the weekends. Entry fee includes activities like a corn maze, pumpkin checkers, a bounce house, and a hay maze. 
  • Ashland Berry Farm, Ashland – Free parking and hayrides. Pumpkins vary in price; get all-you-can-carry for $30. Unlimited Fun Pass ($12) includes access to inflatable mazes and obstacle courses. 
  • Crab Orchard Museum, Tazewell – Themed corn maze and pumpkin patch. Corn maze tickets, hay rides, and other activities are $10 and under. 
  • F.T. Valley Farm, Sperryville – Open for apple picking in the fall, with more than 20 varieties available. The farm hosts weekend activities including guided hayrides, live bluegrass music, and a food truck serving local cuisine every Saturday. The market offers freshly pressed apple cider, apple butter, grass-fed beef, and local crafts. Entry is free, and you pay by the pound for any produce picked.

2. Attend a Fall Festival

Cox Farms Fall Festival

Cox Farms Fall Festival

From apples, peanuts and oysters to barbecue, bikes and bluegrass, Virginia’s fall festivals have something to excite even the youngest members of the family. Many festivals are free to attend, but some have entry fees. Be sure to bring some extra cash for food, drinks, and local goodies.

3. Check Out the Fall Foliage

Humpback Rocks in the fall

Humpback Rocks in the Fall

Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive to take in breathtaking views of the mountains and colorful fall foliage. The mountains aren’t the only place to check out the leaves changing — Virginia’s lakes and rivers also offer prime leaf peeping.

Note: The entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park is $30 per vehicle and $15 per person.

Great Falls National Park in Northern Virginia is another fantastic option for catching gorgeous fall colors in addition to rushing waterfalls. While car passes are $20 each, families can enter on foot for $10 per person, with kids 16 & under receiving free admission. 

Visit one of Virginia’s 43 state parks and enjoy more than 500 miles of trails as well as beaches, picnic shelters, lodges, festivals, concerts, nature programs and cultural happenings. Some parks are free, while others charge a small parking fee and admission fee to special events.  

For even more insider foliage info, check out our recommendations for when and where to see fall foliage in Virginia. 

4. Take a Pony Ride or Visit a Petting Farm

Fort Chiswell Animal Park

Fort Chiswell Animal Park
  • Woodstone Meadows Stable and Petting Farm, Massanutten – Pony rides suitable for ages two and up. Petting farm features sheep, bunnies, donkeys, ducks, a pot belly pig, a turkey, a goat, and more! Pony rides and petting farm are each $10 per person.
  • Skyland Stables, Shenandoah – Pony rides in beautiful Shenandoah National Park. $9.99 plus tax per child for a 15 minute ride. 
  • Hunt Club’s Petting Farm, Virginia Beach – Ride a pony, hold a chicken, or feed a goat! Petting farm admission is $15 per person, pony rides are $10. 
  • Maymont, Richmond – Have a hands-on animal encounter and learn about native species in Richmond. Free, tickets available for purchase to the indoor Nature Center.

Many of Virginia’s fall festivals offer petting zoos and pony rides.  

5. Get Hands-On at a Museum

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Have fun while learning! Hands-on, interactive activities keep little minds growing.

 

NOTE: Costs are reflective of time of writing. Be sure to check with each attraction for most accurate pricing.