Peter, Peter, that infamous pumpkin-eater in Mother Goose’s
nursery rhyme, would relish our area pumpkin patches. So will you
and your family when you visit the farms and their fun-filled fall
festivities.
The many orchards _ a sampling listed here _ offer crazy mazes,
haunted houses, petting zoos, pony rides, pumpkin chucking and
superior produce on weekends throughout October. Peter’s wife,
whom he kept in a pumpkin shell, wouldn’t have put up with that if
she’d had a glimpse of the pumpkin perks that autumn in Maryland
has to offer.

Baltimore County
Spring Meadow Farms opened in 1986 in northwest Baltimore
County near the Carroll County line. The farm’s Fall Harvest
Festival offers tractor-driven hayrides, a farm zoo, pony rides,
scarecrow workshops and pumpkin and squash picking each
weekend. In addition, there is a blow-up farm train and little-tykes
haunted house. The Spring Meadow Farm market provides seasonal,
locally grown vegetables and flowers. The old-fashioned ice cream
shop boasts the “world’s best milkshakes and fresh fruit sundaes.”
Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. For activity
fees, check www.springmeadowfarms.com or call 410-239-8505.
15513 Hanover Pike, Upperco.

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm in Cub Hill/Carney invites you to share its
produce, baked goods and barnyard fun. The farm, established in
1908, welcomes you to apple picking, hayrides and a family
favorite, Pumpkin Land _ where you’ll find pumpkins decorated as
Mother Goose characters, scarecrow-making and ghosts and goblins
in the Boo Barn. And what farm would be complete without sheep,
goats, chickens, rabbits and ducks? Weekend activity hours, 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Market hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For activity fees check
www.webersfarm.com or call 410-668-4488. 2526 Proctor Lane,
Baltimore.

Carroll County
Baugher’s Farm Orchard Market in Westminster is a playland for the
smaller set. Baugher’s provides children with a wooden play
structure complete with a toddler train. Each weekend the autumn
festivities become circus-like with face-painting, pony rides and a
trip to the pumpkin patch. Hop on a wagon to pick your pumpkin and
meet and greet the animals at the petting zoo. The market offers
seasonal fruits and vegetables from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The wagon ride
and fun are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. No
admission but additional fee for wagon rides and pony rides. Visit
www.baughers.com or call the pumpkin hotline at 410-857-0112.
1236 Baugher Road, Westminster.

Frederick County
Summers Farm hosts a Fall-For-All-Festival each weekend. Teresa
Summers, granddaughter of the original owners, creates an
autumnal celebration on the family’s Frederick farm complete with
giant slides, a straw mountain, mini-mazes, tunnels, teepees and a
new five-acre corn maze. More harvest fun including goat feeding,
barrel rides, pony rides and scarecrow-making are also available.
Hayloft jumping, music, a charity pie-eating contest and the
opening of Grandma Ruth’s Country Store and Bakery ensure there is
something for everyone. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends only. $5
per person admission for age and up. Additional fee for pumpkins
and some activities. Visit www.summersfarm.com or call the
pumpkin hotline at 301-620-9316. 5614 Butterfly Lane, Frederick.

Harford County
Belvedere Farm has operated in Harford County since 1823. Owners
Bill and Judy Harlan have run the farm for the past 21 years and
like to keep things simple. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends you
may catch a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. Children can see
barnyard animals and scoot through a children’s maze. No entry
fees. In addition to pumpkins, the farm offers apples, cider, jams
and jellies. For details visit www.belvederefarm.com or call
410-811-9448. 2840 Pleasantville Road, Fallston.
Howard County
The Clark family has farmed in Howard County since 1797 and
welcomes you to Clark’s Elioak Farm. The 500-plus acre farm has
an expansive play area, which is just one of many features to
delight your children. The farm offers scheduled events throughout
the month including: Oct. 9, Scales and Tales (reptilian visitors);
Oct. 23 and 24, pumpkin chucking; Oct. 30 and 31, a Halloween
costume contest. In addition there are hayrides, petting zoo, pony
rides and Cinderella’s coach to entertain your family. Petting farm,
$4 for ages 1-12; $3 for ages 13 and up. Pony rides, $2 per child.
Weekend hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.clarklandfarm.com or
call 410-730-4049. 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City.

Larrilland Farms, located in western Howard County since 1963,
invites you to catch a hayride around the farm. Apples, pumpkins
and other seasonal fruits and vegetables await you. Children will
enjoy the petting zoo, haunted boo barn, pumpkin picking and a
kid-friendly maze. Stay for lunch and grab a hamburger or hot dog,
and don’t forget the apple fritters and cider. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. weekends and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week. No admission
fee. Visit www.pickyourown.com. Call for activity and concession
prices, 301-854-6110. 2415 Route 94, Woodbine.

Sharp’s at Waterford Farm creates a fall harvest haven. Hayrides to
pumpkin and gourd picking are just the beginning of the harvest
party. There are three corn mazes shaped like barnyard animals
with fun facts about each animal within. If your family likes to
hike, there is a 2-mile nature trail to explore. The greenhouse
offers flowers and herbs, and the country store is filled with jams
and jellies. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Complimentary
hayrides; fees for activities. Visit www.sharpfarm.com or call
301-854-6275. 4003 Jennings Chapel Road, Brookeville.

Montgomery County
Rock Hill Orchard is located in Montgomery County about three
miles from the four-county intersection of Carroll, Frederick,
Howard and Montgomery counties. Visitors can take a free hayride
from noon to 4 p.m. weekends and pick pumpkins and apples. Owners
Dick and Nancy Biggs have welcomed customers to their produce
market since 1983 and concentrate their efforts on delectable
fruits and vegetables and aromatic flowers. If you prefer a low-key
spot to do your pumpkin picking, the Rock Hill Orchard is your
oasis. 301-831-7427. 28600 Ridge Road, Mount Airy.