Community Corner

Fall Fun Guide: Pumpkin Patches and Halloween Happenings

Save these dates for some autumn fun.

Pumpkin patches around the region begin opening just as fall officially begins on Friday, and most feature more than pumpkins. Kids enjoy apple cider, hay rides, mazes and activities. We've gathered the scoop on several pumpkin patches, fall fests, and Halloween happenings across the area.

Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville (703) 830-4121

Cox Farms is the granddaddy of Northern Virginia pumpkin patches. The patch officially opens for the season on Friday. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily from Friday to Oct. 31.

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Pumpkin Madness Weekend is Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival includes five huge slides, hayrides, rope swings, farm animals, CORNundrum(R) cornfield adventure, straw tunnels, a goat village, apples and cider, snacks, entertainment, all on more than 90 acres. Everyone gets a small pumpkin to take home free with paid admission. 

Pumpkinville is a fall festival held annually at the Leesburg Animal Park, 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. The 2011 season begins Friday and continues through Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. If it's raining or drizzling, call (703) 433-0002 or (703) 669-0010 before your visit to make sure the park is open.

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Burke Nursery and Garden Centre, 9401 Burke Road in Burke, features pumpkins, hayrides, farm animals, the pumpkin fort, and a tunnel slide. For more information, call (703) 323-1188. Open: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, Sept. 29-Oct. 31.

More fall fun:

  • Saturday, Oct. 1: Fall for Fairfax, Fairfax, VA (703) 324-3247
    FallforFairfax.com; live entertainment, exhibits, train rides, petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides, arts and crafts, food and more.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 12: Batty Campfire Ages 4 and older. 7 to 8 p.m. Take a night hike, where you'll use a bat detector to hear bats communicate and locate food. Then, sip hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by a campfire. Register online. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Centreville.
  • Saturday, Oct. 15: Farm Harvest Day All ages. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience a good ol' fashioned day at the farm. Children can watch a cider press in action, milk a goa, peel apples and meet farm animals. Activities also include pumpkin painting and farm games. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon.
  • Saturday, Oct. 22: River Farm & Patch Fall Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon at River Farm. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy some free fall activities.
  • Oct. 22-23: Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days
    George Washington Parkway, Mount Vernon (703) 780-2000
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit George Washington's estate and enjoy autumn activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, early-American games, music and demonstrations.
  • Saturday, Oct. 22: Mousquerade Ball. Ages 4 to 7. 1 to 2 p.m. Head to Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town for storytime, a craft and a "mousquerade ball." Author Cheryl Barnes will sign her book, "Alexander: The Old Town Mouse." gadsbystavern.org.
  • Saturday, Oct. 29: Haunted Rock 'n Blades. All ages. 8:45 to 10:30 p.m. Families will enjoy special lighting, decorations and music as they skate. Costumes are encouraged. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. Mt. Vernon RECenter's Ice Rink
  • Saturday, Oct. 29: Haunted Hayride. All ages. One-hour wagon rides depart at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Journey into the former site of Lorton Prison and discover the secrets of its frightening past. Register online. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. Laurel Hill Park, Lorton.

Know any other harvest-related events? Feel free to add them to the Comments following the story.


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