This Popular Maryland Fall Festival Brings Pumpkin Patches And Family Fun Through Early November
One Maryland farm ends its fall season by launching pumpkins from a catapult. Yes, an actual catapult, built for flinging gourds across a field.
That alone would earn a spot on my calendar. But this place also keeps rescued storybook pieces from a beloved old theme park that closed decades ago. Kids can wander past nursery rhyme scenes that their grandparents may remember.
The farm has stayed in the same family since 1797. I like how something that old still feels playful, with a cow train, pony rides, and hayrides out to the pumpkin patch.
The festival runs from mid-September into early November. That gives you weeks to plan, pick, and maybe practice your aim.
A Hayride Is Your Ticket To The Pumpkin Patch
Most pumpkin patches make you walk. At Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, the patch comes with a ride.
A hayride carries families out to the field where the pumpkins wait. It turns a simple errand into a small adventure, and little kids tend to treat it like a parade.
Once you arrive, the hunt begins. You get to pick the pumpkin that feels exactly right, whether that means round, lumpy, or comically huge.
Plan ahead before you hop on. Pumpkins are a separate purchase from general admission, so decide early how many you want.
The fall festival runs from September 19 through November 8, 2026. That’s a long stretch, which means you can choose a weekday visit or a busy weekend outing.
Weekday hours run from 10 AM to 5 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the farm stays open until 5:30 PM.
Here’s a practical tip for parents of small pickers. Bring a wagon or a strong set of arms for the trip back.
Pumpkins look lighter in the field than they feel in your hands. Somebody always learns that lesson the hard way.
Storybook Characters From A Famous Lost Park Live On Here
Ask an older Marylander about the Enchanted Forest, and you may get a big smile. That storybook theme park in Ellicott City delighted families for years before it closed.
Many of its fairy tale pieces now live at Clark’s Elioak Farm. The farm rescued and restored them, giving a new generation the chance to see them up close.
Kids can wander past nursery rhyme scenes and colorful storybook structures. Parents and grandparents often get a strong dose of nostalgia along the way.
Some displays are meant for looking rather than climbing inside. That’s fine, because the details still invite plenty of pointing and storytelling.
I believe this is the farm’s most unusual feature. Few pumpkin patches can say they saved a piece of state history.
A fun idea before your trip is reading a few classic fairy tales together. Kids will recognize characters faster and feel like insiders.
Bring your camera, too. The bright, whimsical structures make cheerful photo backdrops against fall leaves.
Just don’t be surprised if the adults linger longest here. Memory lane has a strong pull.
Fairies Have Claimed A Forest Of Their Own
Tiny doors. Little hideaways. A woodland built for imaginations that refuse to sit still.
The Fairy Forest at Clark’s Elioak Farm adds a gentle, magical touch to the fall visit. It gives kids a quieter space to explore after the excitement of rides and animals.
Wooded areas like this suit young explorers who love searching for small surprises. Every corner becomes a chance to spot something new.
The farm also has open space for kids to roam and play among the trees. That freedom feels refreshing in a world full of screens and schedules.
Encourage your little ones to make up stories as they walk. Who lives behind that door, and what do fairies eat in October?
Before heading into wooded parts of the farm, dress smart. Long pants and sturdy shoes are good choices for leafy paths and uneven ground.
A quick tick check after your visit is also wise. That’s simple Maryland outdoor common sense.
Give this area a little time instead of rushing through. Some of the best moments come from slow wandering.
Goats, Ponies, And Plenty Of Friendly Faces Await
Goats have a talent for spotting snack bags from across a field. At the petting farm, they’ll find you fast.
Clark’s Elioak Farm is a working farm with animals that kids can see, pet, and feed. Feeding the goats is one of the most popular activities on the property.
Animal feed is available for purchase, so your kids can get their own handful of happy moments. Hold your palm flat and let the goats do the rest.
Rabbits, pigs, horses, and other farm animals also live on the property. Each one gives kids a chance to learn how a real farm works.
Handwashing stations are set up around the farm. Make a habit of using them after every animal visit, especially before snacks.
This part of the trip works beautifully for toddlers and preschoolers. Animals hold their attention better than almost anything else.
Older kids can enjoy it too, especially if they like asking questions. Farm staff are a great resource for curious minds.
One fair warning applies here. Your child may ask to bring a goat home.
All Aboard The Cow Train And Other Kid-Sized Rides
Only a farm would name a ride the Cow Train. Kids hop into cow-decorated cars and get pulled around for a giggly little tour.
It’s one of several rides at Clark’s Elioak Farm. The Enchanted Express Train offers another way to roll around the property and take in the scenery.
Pony rides round out the lineup for kids who want a more hands-on thrill. For many little riders, it’s their first time on horseback.
Rides are add-ons, separate from general admission. Grab tickets at the entrance so you don’t have to double back later.
These rides are sized for young kids, which is a big part of their charm. Preschoolers and early elementary kids are the sweet spot here.
A smart plan is to pick a favorite or two ahead of time. That keeps the day fun without turning into a ride negotiation.
Parents of nervous riders can start with a train. It’s a calm warm-up before anyone tries the ponies.
Either way, expect plenty of waving from the cars. Kids on trains wave at everyone.
Send Your Pumpkin Flying On The Final Weekend
Somebody had a brilliant idea for leftover pumpkins. Load them into a catapult and let them fly.
Pumpkin Chucking Weekend is set for November 7-8, 2026, closing out the fall season. Visitors get the chance to say goodbye to their pumpkins with a special catapult.
This might be the most satisfying way to end autumn I’ve ever heard of. Carving is nice, but launching has real flair.
Kids will likely love the countdown before each launch. Adults may secretly love it even more.
The Halloween Costume Parades come earlier, on October 24-25, 2026. Little superheroes, princesses, and pumpkins can show off their outfits in a festive setting.
Planning two trips could be worth it. A costume weekend in October and a launch weekend in November make a fun pair.
Special event weekends tend to draw families, so give yourself extra time. Arriving earlier in the day is usually a smart move.
Keep your pumpkin in good shape until then. A mushy pumpkin may not make the most graceful flight.
Kettle Corn And Cider Donuts Make Weekends Tastier
Fall smells a lot like kettle corn. On weekends, food vendors at the farm help make that happen.
Treats include kettle corn, lemonade, hot dogs, pizza, and apple cider donuts. That’s a lineup that covers both lunch and dessert without much effort.
Apple cider donuts are a classic fall farm snack. Pairing one with a pumpkin hunt feels almost required.
Food vendors are a weekend feature, so weekday visitors should plan ahead. Packing a lunch is an easy fix.
The farm has plenty of picnic areas where families can sit down and refuel. Shaded spots make a nice break between activities.
A picnic also helps stretch your day. Hungry kids rarely enjoy a petting farm as much as fed ones.
Bring napkins and wipes, along with a small bag for trash. Sticky fingers from kettle corn are practically guaranteed.
I can’t imagine leaving without at least one sweet treat. Fall festivals are made for little indulgences like that.
Stop By The Castle Store Before You Head Home
Where else does a farm shop come shaped like royalty? The Castle Store gives your exit a storybook finish.
Inside, you’ll find farm-raised beef and pork from Clark’s Elioak Farm. It’s a chance to take home something produced right on the property.
The store also carries unique gifts and Enchanted Forest merchandise. Fans of the old park may find a keepsake that sparks memories.
Kids often want a small souvenir after a big day. Setting a budget before you walk in can save a debate at the register.
Buying local farm products is a nice way to support a family business. It also connects your plate to the place you just explored.
Bring a cooler if you plan to buy meat. A long drive home is easier when everything stays cold.
The shop is a natural last stop on your way out. Tired kids may even welcome the slower pace.
Consider it the farm’s version of a gift shop at the end of the castle tour. Every fairy tale needs a souvenir.
Seven Generations Have Kept This Farm Growing Since 1797
George Washington was still president when this land became part of the family story. The farm has been in Howard County since 1797.
Today, Clark’s Elioak Farm is run by the seventh generation of the same family. That’s a remarkable run for any Maryland business, let alone a working farm.
That long history adds meaning to a simple fall outing. Your kids are making memories on land that has hosted families for centuries.
You’ll find the farm at 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. It’s an easy drive for many families in central Maryland.
Remember that the festival season wraps up on November 8, 2026. After that, the pumpkins and catapult take a well-earned rest.
Wear comfortable shoes that can handle grass and gravel. A farm visit involves more walking than most people expect.
Dressing in layers also helps on changing fall days. Mornings can feel crisp before afternoons warm up.
With history, animals, and storybook charm, this farm earns its place on a fall to-do list. The pumpkins are just the beginning.