10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 21042; 410-730-4049
Clark’s Elioak Farm is open Tuesday through Sunday from April 1 to November 1 each year. Visitors can pet farm animals like goats, sheep, donkeys, and turtles, and enjoy hay rides, pony rides, and play areas for the little ones. The farm is also well known for its Enchanted Forest, which features classic childhood pieces, such as Cinderella’s pumpkin coach, Humpty Dumpty, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Gingerbread House, and more. The whole family will also enjoy the Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze.
2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, 21797; 410-442-2605
Larriland Farm is a pick-your-own farm located in western Howard County; however, fruits and vegetables are also available to purchase in their farm market. The farm opens when the strawberries are ripe, which is typically in late May, and remains open through the first Sunday in November. A list of fruit and vegetable crops grown throughout the season and their anticipated harvest dates are available on the farm’s website. Visitors should call the day of their trip to find out what is available. Picking containers are provided for all adults; children should share a container or bring their own. In the fall, Larriland Farm also offers a boo barn, straw maze, and a pumpkin hayride, which includes a stop in the pumpkin field to pick your own pumpkin.
1703 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, 21153; 410-241-3392
North Run Farm is located less than 15 minutes from Baltimore City in Stevenson. The farm opens in late September just in time for its fall festival featuring the extensive and ever-so-popular corn maze with a theme that changes each year. Friday nights in October, families can bring their own flashlights to play in the flashlight maze until 10 p.m. The farm also offers hay rides included with admission, a pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, a farm animal zoo, a mini maze for smaller children, a hay play area, food and refreshments, and local produce.
2526 Proctor Lane, Parksville, 21234; 410-668-4488
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm is a roadside farm market just 7 miles north of Baltimore City, featuring fresh pressed cider, apples, vegetables, preserves, and other local in-season items. The farm’s Country Bakery sells fresh baked pies, breads, and rolls; the Olde Barn Gift Shop sells country décor items, baskets, candles, and other seasonal items. Orders for turkeys and bakery items can all be by phone or online to be ready for pick up—an especially handy feature during the holidays. Weber’s Farm also kicks off its family-friendly fall activities with the annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, which draws crowds for live country music, cider slush, caramel apples, fresh-cut fries, country festival food, and barnyard activities that include hay rides, hay mazes, a hillside slide, and barnyard animals. Check the website for specific festival dates.