Washington Farms in Bogart, Georgia has become a beloved tradition for families seeking fresh strawberries and outdoor adventures just minutes from Athens.
Since 1993, this working farm has welcomed visitors to pick their own fruit, enjoy homemade treats, and explore over 30 family-friendly attractions in a peaceful countryside setting.
Spring brings the farm to life with fields of ripe strawberries and weekend activities that keep children entertained for hours.
Whether you’re looking for a quick berry-picking outing or a full day of farm fun, this local gem offers something special for every age.
A Family-Owned Farm With Deep Local Roots
For over three decades, Washington Farms has been bringing agriculture closer to northeast Georgia families. Opening its gates in 1993, the farm was built around a simple but powerful mission: creating a space where city folks could reconnect with where their food comes from.
The owners wanted something more than just a business—they envisioned a community gathering spot where memories would be made season after season.
What started as a modest operation has grown into one of the region’s most visited agritourism destinations. The farm combines traditional farming practices with modern family entertainment, striking a balance that keeps multiple generations coming back year after year.
Parents who visited as children now bring their own kids to pick berries in the same fields.
The commitment to hands-on experiences sets Washington Farms apart from typical tourist attractions. Every activity, from fruit picking to animal encounters, is designed to teach while entertaining.
This educational approach helps children understand farming life while having fun outdoors, making each visit both memorable and meaningful for the whole family.
Spring Strawberry Picking Season Everyone Waits For
Mid-April marks the moment when phones start ringing at Washington Farms with eager families asking the same question: are the strawberries ready yet? The spring picking season typically runs through late May, though Mother Nature always has the final say on timing.
Those first few weeks bring the sweetest, most flavorful berries you’ll taste all year.
Walking between rows of strawberry plants with bucket in hand creates a special kind of excitement for kids. They love hunting for the biggest, reddest berries hiding under green leaves.
The experience teaches patience and appreciation for fresh food while providing gentle exercise and sunshine. Many families make it their annual tradition, marking springtime by the opening of strawberry season.
Weather conditions determine both the length and quality of each season. Cool nights and warm days create ideal growing conditions for plump, juicy strawberries.
Farm staff monitors the fields constantly, ensuring visitors always get access to the best picking areas. Coming early in the season and early in the morning typically means finding the most abundant berry selection.
Pre-Picked Strawberries for a Quick Take-Home Treat
Not everyone has time to spend hours in the fields, and Washington Farms understands this perfectly. Pre-picked strawberries offer the same farm-fresh quality without requiring you to bend and search through the plants.
These berries are typically harvested early in the morning when they’re at peak freshness and flavor.
Ordering ahead ensures you’ll have strawberries waiting when you arrive. The farm staff hand-selects the best berries, choosing only those that meet their quality standards.
This convenience makes it possible for busy families to enjoy farm-fresh fruit even on tight schedules. You get the taste of spring without dedicating your whole afternoon to picking.
The pre-picked option works especially well for elderly grandparents or families with very young children who might struggle in the fields. Many visitors combine both experiences—picking some berries themselves while also purchasing pre-picked ones to ensure they have plenty to take home.
Either way, you’re supporting local agriculture and getting strawberries that were growing in the ground just hours earlier, something grocery stores simply cannot match.
Affordable, Easy Farm Entry for All Ages
Budget concerns shouldn’t keep families from experiencing farm life, which is why Washington Farms keeps pricing straightforward and accessible. The basic admission for strawberry picking season charges a small per-person field fee that covers your entry and the experience of picking your own fruit.
Buckets are available for purchase if you need them, but the upfront costs remain minimal.
This pricing structure means families can decide how much they want to spend based on how many berries they pick. There’s no pressure to fill multiple containers or purchase more than you need.
The pay-as-you-pick model works especially well for families testing the waters or those with picky eaters who might not want many strawberries.
Children under a certain age often receive discounted or free admission, recognizing that little ones might eat more berries than they collect. The farm’s approach prioritizes access over profits, believing that introducing children to agriculture early creates lifelong appreciation.
This affordability factor contributes significantly to why families return season after season, knowing they can enjoy a full farm experience without breaking the bank or feeling pressured into expensive add-ons.
Saturday “Super Spring” Activities for Kids
Weekends at Washington Farms transform into something extraordinary during select spring Saturdays. The farm opens up more than 30 different attractions designed specifically for active kids who need more than berry picking to burn their energy.
These Super Spring events turn an ordinary farm visit into an all-day adventure that leaves everyone happily exhausted.
Giant slides, jumping pillows, and obstacle-style play areas create a playground unlike anything found in typical city parks. The variety ensures children of different ages find activities matched to their abilities and interests.
While some kids race through obstacle courses, others might prefer gentler options like wagon rides or feeding farm animals.
Parents appreciate having one destination that handles all the entertainment. No need to plan multiple stops or coordinate complicated schedules—everything happens in one location.
The outdoor setting means kids can be loud, messy, and energetic without bothering anyone. Many families pack picnic lunches and claim a spot under shade trees, making a full day of their visit.
These Saturday events capture the essence of old-fashioned family fun, where simple pleasures create the strongest memories and kids disconnect from screens to reconnect with nature and play.
Classic Farm Attractions Like Petting Zoo & Wagon Rides
Some experiences never go out of style, which explains why Washington Farms maintains traditional barnyard attractions that have delighted children for generations. The petting zoo introduces city kids to friendly farm animals they’ve only seen in picture books.
Goats, chickens, and other gentle creatures let children practice caring for animals while learning about farm life firsthand.
Wagon rides bumping across farm fields offer views you can’t get any other way. Sitting on hay bales as the tractor pulls you through the property creates a relaxing break between more active pursuits.
These rides often become favorite moments for younger children who feel like they’re part of something special and authentically rural.
Jumping pillows provide endless entertainment—kids bounce for hours without getting bored. Interactive barnyard games challenge coordination and creativity, from corn kernel sandboxes to pedal-powered tractors.
Each attraction connects back to farming themes, subtly educating while entertaining. The genius lies in how these classic activities never feel dated or boring.
Whether grandparents visited similar farms decades ago or parents remember their own childhood farm trips, these timeless attractions bridge generations and create shared experiences that strengthen family bonds through simple, joyful moments.
Signature Farm Treats You Can’t Skip
Your visit isn’t complete without sampling Washington Farms’ legendary homemade snacks. The strawberry ice cream earns rave reviews every season—creamy, sweet, and bursting with real berry flavor that reminds you why fresh ingredients matter.
Made with strawberries picked right from the surrounding fields, this treat tastes completely different from anything found in grocery store freezers.
Fresh-squeezed lemonade provides perfect refreshment after walking through sunny fields. Tangy but sweet, it quenches thirst better than any packaged drink.
The farm also serves warm donuts that practically melt in your mouth, kettle corn with that ideal sweet-salty balance, and colorful slushies that kids beg for on warm spring days.
These aren’t just random snacks—they’re part of the complete farm experience. Many families plan their visits around trying seasonal specialties they can’t get anywhere else.
The treats use simple, quality ingredients prepared fresh daily, creating flavors that taste honest and real. Sitting at picnic tables enjoying strawberry ice cream while surrounded by the fields where those berries grew connects visitors to their food in meaningful ways.
It’s a small lesson in farm-to-table dining that even young children can understand and appreciate through taste alone.
Summer & Fall Activities That Extend the Fun Year-Round
Spring strawberries might steal the spotlight, but Washington Farms operates as a year-round destination with activities evolving through the seasons. Summer brings different fruits and extended hours, while autumn transforms the entire property into a harvest celebration.
The fall season rivals spring in popularity, drawing crowds eager for pumpkins, corn mazes, and cooler weather outdoor fun.
Over 35 themed activities appear during autumn, including zip lines that weren’t available in spring. The corn maze challenges families to work together navigating twisting paths, building problem-solving skills disguised as entertainment.
Pumpkin patches let children choose their own Halloween decorations straight from the vine, creating ownership and excitement impossible with store-bought options.
This seasonal variety means families can visit multiple times throughout the year without repeating experiences. Each season showcases different crops, different decorations, and slightly different activities.
The farm feels fresh whether you’re visiting for the third time that year or returning after a long absence. This approach builds loyalty and anticipation—families mark their calendars knowing what seasonal delights await.
For Washington Farms, being a true year-round destination strengthens community connections and provides consistent income that supports the farming operation during slower periods.
Easy-Going Outdoor Experience Just Outside Athens
Geography matters, and Washington Farms occupies a sweet spot that makes it accessible yet genuinely rural. Located in Bogart, the farm sits just a short drive from Athens, meaning families escape urban settings without spending hours on the road.
This proximity removes a major barrier that prevents many families from visiting working farms—it’s close enough for spontaneous afternoon trips.
The property itself offers wide-open spaces that feel worlds away from city congestion. Children can run freely without parents worrying about traffic or crowds.
Picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds invite families to slow down, spread blankets, and enjoy unhurried time together. The relaxed countryside atmosphere naturally reduces stress levels for adults while providing the physical space kids need to truly play.
Fresh air, open sky, and room to breathe create therapeutic effects that concrete and screens cannot match. Many families report that farm visits reset their mood and energy, providing a mental health boost alongside the physical activity.
The combination of accessibility and authentic rural experience makes Washington Farms particularly valuable for Athens-area families seeking regular nature exposure without major travel commitments or complicated planning requirements.
Visitor Info, Hours & Smart Tips for the Best Trip
Planning ahead ensures your Washington Farms visit goes smoothly from start to finish. The farm operates seasonally with varying weekday and weekend hours that shift based on weather conditions and crop readiness.
Always call ahead at 706-769-0627 or check their current status before making the drive—nothing disappoints kids more than arriving at closed gates after getting excited about farm activities.
Early morning arrival gives you first choice of the ripest strawberries and smaller crowds. The best berries get picked quickly, especially on warm weekends when everyone has the same idea.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential since you’ll be walking through fields and potentially muddy areas depending on recent rainfall. Sandals or flip-flops lead to dirty feet and possible injuries.
Sun protection matters more than most visitors anticipate—the farm offers minimal shade in picking fields and activity areas. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses prevent sunburns that ruin the day.
Bring water bottles to stay hydrated, though the farm sells drinks if you forget. The address is 5691 Hog Mountain Rd, Bogart, GA 30622.
With proper preparation, your family can focus entirely on making memories rather than dealing with preventable problems.