A Full-Size Stonehenge Made Of Foam Is The Strangest Stop At A Virginia Fall Festival

A full-size copy of Stonehenge sits on a family farm, and every giant slab is made of Styrofoam. Yes, foam.

The ancient mystery of England got a lightweight makeover.

An artist built it back in 2004. It stood in another part of Virginia for years before moving to this farm in 2017.

Now it shares space with giant slides, goats, and a hayride that visits aliens.

I love that someone looked at a famous prehistoric monument and thought, let’s put it next to the apple cider donuts. That kind of thinking deserves a road trip.

I believe it also says a lot about the people running the place.

The fake stones are only the start, though. There’s a corn adventure, a tractor collection, and a spooky nighttime event for brave teens.

So how weird can one Virginia fall day get?

The Stones Are Fake, But The Photos Are Real Fun

Ancient druids never had it this easy. Cox Farms in Centreville is home to Foamhenge, a full-sized Stonehenge replica made entirely of Styrofoam.

Artist Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio created it in 2004. For years it stood in Natural Bridge, Virginia, until 2016.

The foam monument made its debut at the farm in 2017 as part of the Fall Festival. Since then, it’s become one of the quirkiest photo backdrops in the region.

I like how it keeps the look of the real thing without the stuffy vibe. You get towering gray slabs arranged in that famous circle.

The difference is that these stones could probably be carried by a strong team of middle schoolers.

During the Fall Festival, Foamhenge is included with general admission. That means no extra ticket and no extra planning.

Just wander over between slides and snacks.

Here’s a smart tip for your visit. Bring a phone with plenty of battery, because this spot begs for silly poses.

Try pretending to hold up a slab or lean against one like it weighs a ton.

It’s a little ridiculous, sure. That’s exactly the charm, and nobody will judge your dramatic photo.

Grab A Burlap Sack Because These Slides Mean Business

Seven big slides. That number alone should tell you how seriously this farm takes downhill fun.

The Dino Slide stretches six lanes wide and 142 feet long. Riders zoom down on burlap sacks, and little kids can ride along with a parent.

Then there’s the Treetops Slide, known for its views from up high. The Castle Slide carries a “magic” reputation that younger kids will love figuring out.

Racing fans should head to the Cox Mountain Slide, the original slide on the farm. Line up next to a sibling and settle who’s faster once and for all.

The Volcano Slide adds a little drama before the drop. It simulates smoke and rumbling, so the volcano seems ready to erupt right before you go.

Smaller slides hide inside play structures shaped like a pirate ship, fire truck, and bulldozer. Those work well for kids who aren’t quite ready for the big ones.

Don’t skip the Fun Tunnels either. They’re filled with straw and surprises worth exploring.

Wear comfortable clothes that can handle a little straw. Your legs will thank you after climbing up for round number twelve.

Aliens, A Jungle, And An Old West Town On One Wagon Ride

Most hayrides show you some trees and maybe a pumpkin patch. The world-famous hayride at Cox Farms takes a much stranger route.

An antique tractor pulls the wagon on a ride that lasts about 20 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass zany scenes and surprises.

Expect visits to aliens, a jungle, an old west town, and an enchanted barn. It’s a bit like flipping through a storybook while sitting on hay.

The best part for families is the mood. The ride is meant to be exciting and fun, but not scary.

That makes it a safe pick for toddlers and grandparents alike.

New elements get added each year too. So even if you went last fall, you might spot something you haven’t seen before.

Because this ride is such a big draw, think about heading there early in your visit. Lines can build as the day goes on, especially on weekends.

Bring a jacket on cooler days, since you’ll be riding outdoors. Sit near the edge if you want the best view of each wacky scene rolling by.

Save Room For Cider Donuts And Smoky Barbecue

Apple cider donuts might be the real reason half the crowd shows up. They’re one of the most popular treats at the Fall Festival.

Farm-smoked barbecue is another big draw, sometimes with self-serve sauces on the side. Add kettle corn, and the snack plan practically writes itself.

Cox’s Kitchen serves cheeseburgers, pizza, salads, and Boardwalk Fries. It runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a limited menu after 4 p.m.

On weekends, the Root Beer Barrel opens with root beer floats and ice cream. You’ll also find cinnamon-roasted almonds, kettle corn, and jumbo soft pretzels there.

The Farm Cafe offers toasty sandwiches, warm pie, and homemade treats. It’s open Friday through Monday.

Other choices include hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese, PB&J, and nachos. Picky eaters should be covered.

Want to save a little money? Guests are welcome to bring their own food and picnics.

Plenty of picnic spots make that easy.

One practical tip before you go. Food stands accept cash, major credit cards, and tap-to-pay, and Cox Dollars can be bought on-site with a card.

Goats, Rope Swings, And A Cornfield With A Clever Name

Farm animals and their babies are part of the fun here. Kids can get a close look at the critters that make a farm feel like a farm.

Rope swings come in different sizes, so various ages can join in. Little ones get gentle swings while older kids can go bigger.

Then there’s the CORNundrum Cornfield adventure. The name is a pun, and I fully support it.

Wandering through tall corn is a classic fall activity for good reason.

The Imaginature Trail adds another outdoor path to explore. It’s a nice change of pace after a round of slides.

The Kiddie Zone is built for the smallest visitors. Wooden climbing structures, bubble-chasing, and oversized board games keep tiny hands busy.

There’s also a beloved boat and train for young explorers. Those spots often become favorites that kids ask about all year.

Here’s a helpful idea for families with toddlers. Plan breaks between big attractions and these calmer play areas.

It keeps energy levels steady.

Wear sturdy shoes, too. The farm covers a lot of ground, and some paths can be uneven.

Tractor Fans Get Their Own Little Museum

Fifteen tractors. One century of farming history.

The Tractor Museum at Cox Farms packs a lot of old-school machinery into one stop.

The collection spans the past hundred years. Seeing how farm equipment changed over time is surprisingly fascinating, even if you’ve never driven anything bigger than a bike.

Kids who love trucks and big machines will probably want to linger. Grown-ups might spot a model that reminds them of a grandparent’s farm.

The museum also fits the farm’s own story. Cox Farms began in 1972, when Eric and Steven Cox started farming 40 acres near Herndon, Virginia.

In 1979, Eric and his wife, Gina Richard, bought 116 acres on Braddock Road in Centreville. Soon after, the farm held its first hayride for a pumpkin-picking group.

The Fall Festival started in 1985 as a single-weekend event. Today it stretches across weeks, and the family still runs the show.

Eric and Gina are semi-retired now. Their sons, Aaron and Lucas, serve as Co-Farmers in Chief.

Take a few minutes here to catch your breath. It’s a quieter stop with plenty of history to soak up.

When The Sun Goes Down, The Fear Comes Out

Daytime is for slides and goats. After dark on select fall nights, Cox Farms switches to something far creepier called Fields of Fear.

This separate event began in 2009. It features haunted attractions like the Dark Side Hayride, Cornightmare, and The Forest.

Those haunted spots use a timed entry system. Entry times are assigned when you redeem your ticket at the farm, not when you buy online.

For 2026, Fields of Fear runs Friday and Saturday nights from September 25 to November 7. There’s also a bonus night on Sunday, October 11.

Hours run from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., with last admission at 10 p.m. Separate tickets are required and can sell out.

This one isn’t for little kids. It’s not recommended for children under 12, and anyone under 14 needs an adult chaperone.

Teens and adults looking for a fun scare should mark their calendars early. Popular nights fill up fast in the weeks before Halloween.

Arrive a little early to redeem tickets and get your entry times. That way you can plan the night instead of rushing between scares.

Plan Ahead, Because Tickets Only Live Online

Showing up without a ticket is a rookie mistake here. Fall Festival tickets are sold only online and can sell out on busy days.

The farm sits at 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120. That puts it within easy reach for many Northern Virginia families.

The 2026 Fall Festival runs September 19 to November 8, Thursdays through Mondays. In September and October, hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

November hours shift to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry is always one hour before closing.

Everyone two and older needs admission. Babies under 24 months get in free, which is a nice perk for young families.

Need to grab something from the car? Same-day re-entry is allowed with a valid admission wristband.

Keep that wristband on until you leave for good.

Parents of babies will appreciate the Family Rest Stop near the Kiddie Zone. It offers a quiet feeding spot, a changing table, and an outlet for pumping or warming bottles.

Porta-potties are spread across the farm and cleaned daily. Pavilions with picnic tables are also available to rent for parties and group events.

Foamhenge Has A Summer Life Too

Fall gets the spotlight, but the farm doesn’t vanish once the pumpkins are gone. The Corner Market typically opens from late April through mid-August.

It runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. No admission is needed to shop.

Shelves feature local honey, pasture-raised eggs, and preserves. Homegrown and local produce shows up in July and August.

The greenhouses add hanging baskets plus veggie and herb plants. That’s handy if your backyard garden needs some help this year.

Now for the best part. Foamhenge opens for limited hours in spring and summer, often from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Those visits happen during Smokin’ Saturdays, with shuttle access from the Corner Market. Expect barbecue from the farm’s smoker, fresh-squeezed lemonade, milkshakes, and live music.

I can’t imagine a more Virginia combination than barbecue, lemonade, and fake ancient rocks. It’s wonderfully odd in the best way.

The farm also gives back to its community, supporting local public schools and groups helping families facing poverty and homelessness. So your foam-stone selfie supports good neighbors, too.