Sweet Berry Farm
Located about 50 miles northwest of Austin in Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm is considered one of the most beautiful fall destinations in Central Texas. This year, visit their “Harvest of Fall Fun” throughout the entire month of October, until Nov. 10. The farm offers 13 fall activities for families including scarecrow stuffing, a “pick your own flowers” field and a spooky hayride through the forest featuring small town scenes with ghostly inhabitants. While there, feed their very friendly herd of goats, pick out pumpkins and gourds of many shapes and colors and get lost in one of their two exciting mazes. Kids will also love the large bounce pillows, one for younger kids and another for older ones. Spread throughout the farm are several wacky painted scenes, old classic trucks spilling over with pumpkins, giant corn stalks and stunning views perfect for photos. On weekends, visitors can ride horses or enjoy The Pumpkin Grill serving grilled corn, hot dogs and more. While admission is free, experiences on the farm are individually priced. Sweet Berry Farm is located at 1801 FM 1980 in Marble Falls. Some say that GPS is not reliable for this location, so check the website or call ahead if this is your first time. For more details on hours, pricing and activities, please visit www.sweetberryfarm.com.
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
Although “Christmas” is in their name, this treasured farm located 27 miles east of Austin is also known for its “Fall Fun” celebration. From Oct. 5-31, visitors can get the full autumn experience with favorites like hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin painting. They also have a playscape for kids, train rides, tetherball, and picnic areas. The farm is home to a wide variety of animal friends including goats, pigs, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits and more. Weekend “Pumpkin Festivals” will take place during the second and third weekend of October with plenty of famous Elgin sausage and a massive bake sale available to hungry guests. Everyone is encouraged to take pictures throughout the farm at some of their charmingly staged fall scenes overflowing with pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows. And because it all takes place on a Christmas tree farm, visitors can get a jump start on Christmas cards and take holiday photos with the magnificent trees on Oct. 26-27. Elgin Christmas Tree Farm is located at 120 Natures Way in Elgin. Admission is $8-10 per person, depending on the time of your visit. Free admission for children under two. Visit www.elginchristmastreefarm.com for more information.
Barton Hill Farms
Located about 29 miles northeast of Austin in Bastrop, Barton Hill Farms is a truly scenic venue featuring a Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. The farm is open throughout October, until Nov. 3. Visit their 5-acre corn maze on the banks of the Colorado River, where guests can also pick pumpkins and enjoy live music. Other family-friendly activities include backyard games, slides, human foosball, a trike track, barrel trains, a ball zone, farm animals, and much more. If you’re looking for delicious food and cold drinks, their concession stand caters to kids and adults alike. On the menu is 100% all beef hot dogs, 100% angus beef burgers, frozen lemonade, pulled pork sandwiches, and kettle corn. They also offer Lavell’s Lemonade, cold beer, frozen sangria, and other refreshing beverages. Admission is $15.95 per person. Barton Hill Farms is located at 1115 Farm to Market 969 in Bastrop. For more information regarding hours of operation, tickets, live music schedule or activities, visit www.bartonhillfarms.com.
