Our Family’s Visit to Wayside Farm in Berryville, VA

by Danielle Larkins

One of my favorite fall activities is exploring pumpkin patches with my family. Getting to Virginia's beautiful countryside provides a wonderful break from the city's hustle and bustle. For this reason, I was excited to meet a new family farm, Wayside Farm in Berryville, VA.

Not only is the city's name adorable, but their location is the best I've seen! It was an easy, short drive that took only an hour from Vienna. And once we arrived, I couldn't believe this farm's scenic location was right off busy Route 7.  Everywhere we turned, there was a view of the mountains. As we got out of the car and approached the rustic barn entrance, the only sounds I heard were laughter and a pumpkin cannon. My family was warmly greeted leaving us feeling very comfortable and welcome. Right off the bat I knew Wayside Farm was not going to be a “commercial-farm” experience. It felt more like we were visiting Grandma’s farm, and this is exactly what I’m looking for when I take trips to the countryside. 

​After walking through the beautifully decorated barn entrance, our eyes feasted on the huge 120-acre farm. My kids went bananas and didn’t know where to begin. There are barnyard animals, pedal tractors to ride around, a combine harvester converted into a slide, see-saws, a corn kernel pit, pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin playhouse, pumpkin cannons, a 10 to 15 minute hayride, a “real” 10-acre corn maze, and more. What helped make these activities even more enjoyable was that the farm wasn’t overcrowded. My children could freely run from activity to activity and not wait in line. It was perfect.

Pedal Tractor Racing

Sandbox with Toys, Wayside Farm

Corn Maze (photo courtesy of Wayside Farm)

Pumpkin Bowling, Wayside Farm; Berryville, VA

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​There are quite a few climbing structures for your active and adventurous children. And when they are ready to take a little break, they can sit back and cheer on their favorite pig at the pig races; an event we’d never seen before. After the pig races, the farm was echoing with “Ooo” and “Ahhh” from the kids watching pumpkins of all sizes being dropped and smashed from 40 feet in the air.

Rainbow of tires to climb!

After spending two and half hours at this pumpkin patch, we were ready for lunch. Something we needed to remind our children as they didn’t want to leave. My four year old even stated, “I want to come here every day.” After reassuring him that we will be back next year, we checked out their pumpkins. Their assortment included pumpkins of all shapes and colors (they looked manufactured they were so pretty). So with our pumpkins in hand and smiles on our faces, we left Wayside Farm. See you next year! 

​Visit Wayside Farm and receive 20% off admission when you mention Go Kid Trips! The farm is open to visitors from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day through November 1st. 

Wayside Farm
5273 Harry Byrd Hwy
 Berryville, VA 22611
www.waysidefarmfun.com

You can also register for their 5K Pumpkin Run taking place October 25th. It will raise money for the Loudoun Breast Health Network. This family-friendly event starts at 8:30 am with an obstacle course for children under age 10 and will be proceeded by the 5K run/walk around the farm. Immediately following the race, runners can enjoy the corn maze, pig races, pumpkin smashing, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. 

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About the Author:  Danielle Larkins is a stay-at-home mom and blogger at tiny-trots.com. She resides with her family in Northern Virginia.

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