Categories: TRAVEL

Cox Farms Fall Festival, Northern Virginia

The Fall Festival at Cox Farms is a classic Northern Virginia autumn family outing. It’s grown over the last 25 years or so, from a small hayride-and-pumpkin-patch day at the farm to 90 acres of slides, swings, and live entertainment, but it retains a simple wholesome charm. The Cox Farms Fall Festival is the winner of the 2009 Northern Virginia Magazine Award for Best Family-Friendly Event. It’s open every day from September 19 to November 8, 2009 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closes at 5:00 pm in November). Plan on spending at least a half day, as there’s lots to do!

Attractions
Five giant slides, rope swings, KiddieZone for the under-5 set, hayrides, many farm animals, straw tunnels, the CORNundrum Cornfield Adventure, live music, costumed characters, lots of food! There’s something fun for all ages to enjoy. Browse the market on your way out of the festival to pick up fresh baked goods, fruits and vegetables, small toys and fall décor items for your home.

Special Events
New in 2009 is the Fields of Fear, for ages 13 and up. Fields of Fear is open Fri-Sat Nights, 7:30pm-11pm, Oct 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 only, and features a scary, dark cornfield maze, a night hayride, and a bonfire.
November 7 and 8 is Pumpkin Madness weekend, where all leftover pumpkins get dropped, catapulted, squished and smashed! Bring your Halloween jack-o-lantern and send it off in style!

Free Stuff
Snack on apples and cider and get a small pumpkin free with each paid admission.

Tips for Comfort
It’s a big farm – wear comfortable walking shoes and washable clothing. Walking surfaces are mostly gravel, dirt, and grass. No pets allowed – there are free-range fowl and baby animals on the property. Don’t forget hats or sunglasses on sunny days; don’t forget a jacket and gloves on windy days. Bees probably like cider even more than you do! The farm’s on a two-lane country road, so there might be traffic at peak weekend arrival and departure times. Arrive near 10:00 am if you want a very close parking spot. Ask any red-smocked staff member if you have questions or need help with something. Finally, check the Tips page on the Cox Farms website to get the most out of your visit!

Tickets
Weekday admission is $9.00, weekends and Columbus Day admission is $15.00. Visit the Cox Farms website and become a Member to get discounts and special offers. Seniors enjoy free admission after noon on Tuesdays if accompanied by a paid admission. Check out the Weekday Value Card deal. Bring large or small groups or host a birthday party! See the Groups page on the Cox Farms website for details.

More information is on http://www.coxfarms.com or call (703) 543-6305. Located at 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20120. Cox Farms is also on Facebook.