Pumpkins, Apples, & Autumn Fun: Your Family Guide to Fall Adventures
It’s almost Autumn, and as the weather finally gives us a short respite from the Carolina heat, it’s time to dive into the most beautiful and fun season of the year. It’s very demure, very… spooky season? Here’s our rundown on the best family-centered pumpkin patches and apple-picking experiences around the area.
Millstone Creek Orchards
Location: 506 Parks Crossrds Church Rd, Ramseur, NC
What makes it special/activities: For the perfect local apple-picking adventure, Millstone Creek Orchards has all the cozy fall vibes you’re looking for, from fresh cider to donuts and seasonal treats. The Cider House @ Millstone Creek, their newest waterfront spot, offers handcrafted flatbreads, sandwiches, and shareable plates. Sip on local favorites like hard cider, craft beer, wine, wine slushies, and the must-try apple cider sangria. Looking to decorate for fall? The Apple Barn is stocked with decorative pumpkins, pre-picked and ready to go for just $0.80 per pound. Pick your own pumpkins and meet adorable baby Highland cows, Dooley & Rooster, every Saturday and Sunday in October for $18.95 per person (kids 2 & under are free).
Cost: Apple picking: $18.95/person + cost of apples (includes slushie, hayrides, and other amenities). Pumpkin Patch with Highland Cows: $18.95/person + cost of pumpkin (kids 2 & under are free).
Quick Links: Facebook
Gross Farms
Location: 1606 Pickett Rd, Sanford, NC
What makes it special/activities: The epitome of fall and harvest fun with everything from a pumpkin cannon to a playground and corn maze. Huge fields of pumpkins make this a family adventure in itself!
Cost: $20/person + cost of pumpkin. Season pass: $48/person for unlimited access.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
white hills Farm
Location: 5020 S Plank Rd, Cameron NC
What makes it special/activities: Specializing in local produce, from apple butter to whole organic chickens. On top of fall-centric activities like a corn maze and pumpkin picking, you can enjoy local artisan goods as well!
Cost: Varies by activity
Social Media: Facebook
Kalawi Farm
Location: 1515 NC-211, Eagle Springs, NC
What makes it special/activities: Known for their peaches, Kalawi’s homestead and ice cream parlor will host all the fall festivities, with an awesome pumpkin patch. From hayrides to a giant corn maze, huge inflatables, and a massive burlap sack slide, Kalawi is packed with family-friendly fun.
Cost: $12/person (ages 3-12), $10/person (ages 13 and up).
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Phillips Farm
Location: 6720 Good Hope Church Road Cary, NC 27519
What makes it special/activities: The farm features a blend of activities for everyone. Busbee's Country Store and Dampf Good BBQ host the lively Shop & Play Saturdays farmer's market, which is free to enter. For an extra dose of fun, there's gemstone mining just outside the Pavilion. The Family Fun Park, which includes a sunflower field, corn maze, and Haunted attractions, requires general admission. The Haunted Maze is perfect for thrill-seekers, especially as fall approaches!
Cost: Admission is $20 per person (ages 2+) during the fall season and includes Fun Park activities: fun park, corn maze, sunflower field, and other rides, games and attractions, and the Pint Sized Pasture Petting Zoo (petting zoo is only available Saturday-Sunday).
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Naylor Family Farm and Corn Maze
Location: 6016 US 401 N, Fuquay-Varina, NC
What makes it special/activities: A family-owned pumpkin extravaganza that offers the perfect autumn atmosphere. You won’t want to miss the interactive hayride with live actors, giant tube slides, corn cribs, farm animal petting zoos, Pig Pavilion, a life-size pirate ship, a retired Bell helicopter, barrel trains, and inflatables under the giant jump barn. There's even a special toddler town for the little ones! And don’t forget the free pumpkins on the hayride! Make sure to book online before you go!
Cost: $20/person
Social Media: Facebook
Well, that’s a wrap on our guide to the best pumpkin patches and apple-picking spots around Moore County! Whether you're in it for the hayrides, fresh cider, or finding the perfect pumpkin, these local gems (as well as the ones that require a bit of a drive!) have everything you need for an unforgettable fall. We hope this guide helps make your season extra special. Happy fall, everyone! 🍁
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