Updated for 2023
Poof...just like that, summer is behind us, and we begin our journey into the best (my personal opinion) season of the year: Fall. And fall brings with it many amazing activities. Finding the best spots to view beautiful foliage, taking lazy scenic drives while admiring a kaleidoscope of autumn hues, visiting epic fall festivals, and scaring yourself silly at your choice of Halloween events or haunted sites. But perhaps the greatest of all the fall American traditions is something that brings families together, gets you out and about, and helps you add that personal outdoor touch to your home. I'm talking about taking a visit to the local pumpkin patch. There's nothing like a pumpkin patch in beautiful Northern Virginia. You're in luck because there are plenty of opportunities to snag a pumpkin at one of the following locations.
Please visit the venue's website or call before you go to confirm admission costs and pricing for the various activities. Now get ready to go out. Enjoy family time. And most importantly...HAVE FUN!
Cox Farms (The Largest!)
The granddaddy of all the Northern Virginia fall spots! The annual Fall Festival has been a traditional gathering spot and one of the largest pumpkin patches for families across Northern Virginia for generations. And for your pumpkin picking pleasure, their Fall Festival Market is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.* daily from Sept. 16 to Nov. 7, 2023, and open until 11 p.m. on Fields of Fear nights (Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 22 to Nov. 4, plus Sundays Oct. 8). Be aware that the market closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 1-7, 2023.
At the market, you'll get to choose the perfect pumpkin from an assortment of several size categories: in addition to the mini pumpkins and the patch pumpkins, you'll have the options of the standard carving pumpkins in Small, Medium, Large, and Jumbo sizes. When you reach the loading station at the farm, you'll pull up to a pumpkin display of different sizes. Just make your decision from the options on the shelf, and they'll load up your selection for you! There are monster-sized pumpkins waiting for you if that's what you're going for. Get your tickets to the fall festival before you arrive to save time in line.
Reston Farm Market Fall Fest (Traditional Pumpkin Patch)
A hidden gem amongst Reston's mostly urban landscape, the Reston Farm Market Fall Fest is a small oasis with big family fun! Dating back to 1976, the legendary Reston Farm Market thrives to this day serving the local community in Northern Virginia with a bit of old-school farm freshness and cozy simplicity. Highlights of the Fall Fest are a pumpkin moon bounce and bouncy slide, a petting zoo, train rides, and their "legendary" pumpkin patch. Fall Fest runs from September 23 through October 29 on Saturdays and Sundays with a bonus day on October 9. Get your tickets here!
Krop's Crops Fall Fun (Free Admission)
Running every weekend throughout October, Krop's Crops Fall Festival offers a little something for everyone. This Great Falls-area family-owned market has hayrides to a pumpkin patch, Winchester apples, fresh-pressed apple cider, fall squash and gourds, harvest and Halloween decorations, farm animals, and a corn bin to play in. (Basically all you need to bask in autumn glory!) Walk-in hayrides are only on weekends in the month of October from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so make sure you arrive with plenty of time to enjoy.
Hidden Gems Farm (Pick-up Available)
Venture to Centreville and visit this family-run farm to pick the perfect pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern, porch decoration, or to make a delicious pie! There is a small entrance fee of $3 but it's well worth it to browse through their selection of pick-your-own pumpkins. You can even browse through their other available products and schedule a pickup when you arrive to pick your pumpkin.
The patch opens on September 30, 2023.
Burke Nursery Fall Festival and Pumpkin Playground (Apple Treats Too!)
Open every day throughout October, Burke Nursery brings autumn awesomeness with its Fall Festival. Visit their market for an assortment of the tastiest fall treats, including apples, locally sourced honey, apple cider, and more. You'll also find a variety of fall flowers such as pansies, mums, and spring-blooming bulbs. Snag a photo op with the family at their Halloween-inspired backdrops and pluck the best pumpkin from the patch.
Nalls Produce "Pumpkin Hill" (Great for Kids)
Pumpkin Hill is a place in the Springfield/Franconia area of Fairfax County that has been a fall "must-visit" for families for over 30 years! This free autumn display is the perfect area for kids as they relish climbing over the pumpkin fort, climbing on the hay, going through the tunnels, or checking out all the pumpkins on display. So, get ready to pick your prize pumpkin while the kids are at play and be ready for lots of people as the area reaches capacity often in prime pumpkin picking season.
The patch opens September 30, 2023.
No matter where you find your perfect pumpkin this fall in Fairfax County, we hope you have a great time exploring some of the area's best pumpkin patches and fall festivals. Share your pics and experiences with us on social media using #FXVA or @VisitFairfax and tell us your favorite pumpkin stories in the comments below!
Happy pumpkin hunting!
