Forget the pumpkin patch down the road—this Florida farm turns fall into a full-day family adventure!
At Dade City Farms, kids can roam the pumpkin patch, choose their favorite gourd, and meet an assortment of friendly farm animals.
There’s plenty to see, touch, and explore, making it easy for little ones to stay busy.
Then comes the tractor hayride, rolling through the farm for a classic taste of country life.
Corn mazes, pony rides, playgrounds, and giant corn bins add even more reasons to stick around.
Located in Dade City, just north of Tampa, the farm welcomes families during its fall season.
Bring the kids, leave plenty of room in the schedule, and get ready for a day packed with pumpkins, animals, muddy boots, and plenty of fall fun.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin in the Patch
Opening the festival experience, families step into rows of orange stretching across the field. Children run between vines, comparing sizes and shapes until they find the one that feels just right.
Parents follow along with cameras ready, capturing the joy on their kids’ faces as they hoist their chosen pumpkins into the air.
The patch offers pumpkins in every size imaginable, from tiny gourds perfect for small hands to massive specimens that require two-person carrying teams. Visitors can take their time exploring the rows, and there’s no rush to make a selection.
The farm provides wagons to help transport the heavier picks back to the parking area.
Photography opportunities abound throughout the patch, with hay bales, farm equipment, and colorful fall displays positioned as natural backdrops. Many families make this their first stop of the day, getting the main harvest activity completed early while everyone’s energy is still high.
The pumpkin patch experience is included with Fall Festival admission, making it an excellent value for families.
Meet Scottish Highland Mini Cows, Alpacas, Goats, and Sheep
Furry faces wait behind the fence, ready to greet visitors at the animal encounter area. Scottish Highland mini cows steal the show with their shaggy coats and gentle demeanor, while alpacas stand tall with their curious expressions and soft fleece.
Goats eagerly approach the fence line, hoping for scratches and attention from passing children.
The farm maintains a diverse collection of animals that kids can observe up close. Sheep gather in small groups, and camels add an unexpected exotic element to the traditional farm experience.
Each animal area allows children to see different species and learn about their unique characteristics and behaviors.
Interaction opportunities vary by animal, but the farm staff ensures safe encounters for all ages. Younger children especially enjoy the smaller animals, while older kids appreciate learning interesting facts about each species.
The encounters provide educational value alongside pure entertainment value.
Parents appreciate the clean, well-maintained animal areas and the farm’s obvious commitment to animal welfare. These encounters are included with admission, allowing families to visit the animals multiple times throughout their visit without additional charges.
Take a Scenic Tractor Hayride
Climb aboard the wagon and settle into the hay bales as the tractor rumbles to life. This classic farm activity gives legs a rest while providing a guided tour of the property.
Families sit together on the open-air wagon, enjoying fresh air and farm views.
The hayride route shows visitors parts of the farm they might not explore on foot. Children wave at other families, point out animals in the distance, and soak up the authentic agricultural atmosphere.
The gentle pace makes conversation easy, and many families use this time to discuss their favorite activities or plan what to do next.
Drivers often share interesting information about the farm’s history and operations during the ride. The tractor’s steady movement and countryside scenery create a relaxing interlude between more active attractions.
Hayrides run continuously throughout festival hours, though wait times may vary on busier days.
This included activity requires no advance reservation or additional payment. Parents with younger children find the hayride especially convenient since kids can rest while still participating in a fun farm experience that everyone enjoys together.
Let the Kids Explore the Corn Maze
Tall stalks tower overhead as families navigate the twisting paths of the seasonal corn maze. Every turn presents a new decision, and children love taking the lead to choose which direction to go next.
Some families race through quickly, while others take their time enjoying the challenge and unique perspective.
The corn maze offers adventure without being overwhelming for younger children. Multiple exits ensure nobody gets truly stuck, and staff members remain nearby to assist if needed.
Older kids enjoy the puzzle-solving aspect, using strategy to work through the tall corridors successfully.
This activity encourages teamwork as family members collaborate to find their way out. Parents can let kids make the navigation decisions, building confidence and decision-making skills in a fun, low-stakes environment.
The maze provides great exercise as everyone walks and explores together.
The corn maze is a Fall Festival staple, included with general admission pricing. Many families tackle it early in their visit when energy levels are at their highest, though it’s enjoyable any time during festival hours.
Jump Into the Giant Corn Bin
Instead of just looking at corn, kids can dive right in. The giant corn bin contains thousands of dried kernels that children can run through, toss in the air, and play in like a ball pit.
Squeals of laughter echo from the bin as kids discover the unique sensation of corn flowing between their fingers.
This hands-on attraction proves especially popular with younger visitors who need sensory play experiences. The corn provides an unusual texture to explore, and the large space allows multiple children to play simultaneously without feeling crowded.
Parents can supervise from the edges while their kids burn off energy.
Safety considerations are built into the design, with appropriate depth levels for different age groups. The farm maintains the bin carefully, keeping it clean and ready for daily use throughout the festival season.
Parents should expect corn kernels in unexpected places afterward, though.
The giant corn bin represents one of the more unique offerings at the Fall Festival. It’s included with admission and doesn’t require tickets or reservations.
Most kids return multiple times once they discover how much fun it offers them.
Burn Off Energy at the Tire Playground
Towers of recycled tires create climbing structures that challenge kids physically while sparking their imagination and creativity. Children scale the tire stacks, balance across suspended tires, and crawl through tunnels, developing motor skills while having a blast.
The playground area provides a designated space where kids can be loud, active, and adventurous.
Giant slides add extra excitement, giving children a thrilling ride down after they’ve climbed to the top. The slides are tall enough to be exciting but designed with safety features in mind.
Multiple play features ensure children of different ages can find activities suited to their skill levels.
This free-play area gives parents a chance to sit and watch while kids entertain themselves independently. The open design allows easy supervision from multiple angles around the space.
Children often make new friends here, joining others to navigate the structures together.
The tire playground breaks up structured farm activities with unstructured play time. It’s included with admission and tends to be less crowded during meal times when families take breaks.
Try Face Painting, Yard Games, and Other Family Activities
The Fall Festival extends beyond pumpkins and animals into a full day of entertainment. Face painting transforms kids into butterflies, tigers, or seasonal designs with colorful paint.
A bubble station creates countless shimmering spheres that drift across the grounds, delighting children who chase them.
Classic yard games like cornhole and ring toss invite friendly family competitions. The jump pad gives kids another way to bounce off excess energy, while the trike track lets little ones pedal around a course.
Each activity operates throughout festival hours, allowing families to sample everything at their own pace.
These supplementary activities fill gaps between major attractions and provide variety for all ages. Parents with multiple children appreciate having options that appeal to different interests.
Siblings can separate briefly to pursue individual interests, then regroup to tackle adventures together.
The collection of smaller activities helps prevent festival fatigue by mixing active and creative experiences together. Everything mentioned is included with general admission, making the ticket an excellent value.
Families often discover their kids’ favorite moments came from unexpected extras.
Grab Fall Treats and Browse Local Vendors
Autumn flavors fill the air as food trucks and vendor stalls line portions of the festival grounds. Fresh apple cider donuts disappear quickly from trays, their warm cinnamon-sugar coating irresistible to kids and adults.
Boiled peanuts offer a Southern specialty that many visitors try for the first time.
Food truck options typically include lunch and snack items to fuel families throughout their visit. The festival doesn’t permit outside food and beverages, so plan to purchase meals and refreshments on-site.
Prices are reasonable for festival fare, and portions are typically generous enough.
Local craft vendors set up shop with handmade goods ranging from jewelry to home decor items for sale. Shopping these booths supports small businesses while giving visitors a chance to find unique treasures.
Many families pick up fall decorations or early holiday gifts from artisan displays.
The vendor area provides a natural gathering spot where family members can rest, refuel, and compare notes on activities. Picnic tables and shaded areas offer places to sit while eating or shopping.
This combination of food and shopping adds another dimension to the festival.
Plan Your Visit
Dade City Farms is located at 17143 Lake Iola Road, Dade City, FL 33523, roughly 45 minutes north of Tampa. The 2026 Fall Festival runs September 26-27, continues every Saturday and Sunday in October, and concludes November 1.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Advance tickets save money compared to day-of pricing at the gate. Purchase ahead for $12 adults and $9 for children ages 3-12, or pay $14 adults and $11 for children at the gate.
Children 2 and under enter free regardless of ticket type.
Important restrictions apply: pets are not permitted except service dogs, and outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the festival. The farm wants guests to support their vendors and maintain cleanliness.
Plan to purchase meals on-site or eat beforehand.
Additional charges apply for pony rides, animal feed purchases, and gem mining activities beyond admission. These extras aren’t included with general admission pricing.
For questions or group rates, call +1 772-215-6530 before your visit to the farm.
