Autumn not only rings in the start of a new school year, it’s also a time to celebrate the harvest! Seattle-area families have made it a tradition to explore local farms each fall for fun activities, U-pick events and celebrations. In this unique year with COVID-19 looming, the farming community hopes to bring patrons back safely to enjoy fall festivities with a few new rules in place.
Be prepared to wear a mask, social-distance and wash hands or use hand sanitizer – often. Farm staff will clean high-touch areas and equipment in between uses and throughout the day. Employees will be checked for coronavirus symptoms daily. Families are encouraged to stay home if any member is feeling sick, has a fever or is in contact with others who have tested positive for the virus.
Check out these places for the new farm experience, focusing on education, safety and family fun.
Bailey Family Farm: 12706 Springhetti Rd., Snohomish; baileyveg.com
This year, Bailey Family Farm is focusing on the U-pick experience. Apples, pumpkins and vegetables will be available to pluck right off the tree or from the ground, while the farm will be adorned with seasonal decorations for fun family photo ops. With more than 350 acres, there’s plenty of space to explore.
Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm: 10917 Elliott Rd., Snohomish; bobscorn.com
No farm experience is complete without a hayride (socially distanced, of course) and pumpkin-picking. Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm begins U-pick at its pumpkin patch in mid-September. Find your way through the corn maze or make it a special day by renting a fire pit to roast marshmallows at one of the many sites in the maze. Timed tickets available online for admission and activities.
Craven Farm: 13817 Short School Rd., Snohomish; cravenfarm.com
Celebrating 38 years of the pumpkin patch, Craven Farm offers a unique experience with a mini golf course, crafts, human foosball, an apple-slinging and fun farm foods – think funnel cake, pumpkin cider doughnuts, cheese curds and hand-dipped corn dogs. Your dogs are welcome too: Bring your pet to explore the farm in September and October at the Pooches in the Patch events (check website for schedule). Activities will be open all week to reduce crowds.
Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center: 10819 Carnation-Duvall Rd. NE, Carnation; oxbow.org
Oxbow opens its Oxtober Fall Festival with a U-pick pumpkin patch, organic farm stand, hayrides and even a pumpkin slingshot! Take a tour of the farm, play in the magical living playground and participate in the farm’s habitat restoration project. Tickets are sold out for timed visits, but drop-in visits are welcome.
The Farm at Swan’s Trail: 7301 Rivershore Rd., Snohomish; thefarm1.com
Look for live pig and duck races, a petting farm and cow trains, and it’s the only farm to offer cider-making demos on a World War II-era cider press! Don’t forget to pick your pumpkins and apples too. Honeycrisp and Jonagold apples are available for U-pick in the month of September, and your taste buds will delight in these sweet fall treats. Timed entry tickets available online.
Remlinger Farms: 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation; remlingerfarms.com
The Fall Harvest Festival is here, with kiddie amusement rides (including flying pumpkins and a mini roller coaster), a U-Pick pumpkin field, and hayrides and hamburgers. Look out for the pony rides (by appointment) and an animal barnyard with plenty of goats to pet and sheep to feed. Private, socially distanced fire pits (with s’mores supplies!) are available by reservation from 4 pm on. Reserve a spot for timed entry to Remlinger.
Stocker Farms: 8705 Marsh Rd., Snohomish; stockerfarms.com
Roasted corn right from the farm! Pillow jumping, U-pick sunflowers, pumpkins and a butterfly release are all included in the farm experience. With more than 30 activities to share with family and friends, you’re bound to find something exciting. Tickets to events and activities sold online.
* At the time of publication, farm staffs were finalizing plans for their fall openings. We encourage readers to check websites for updates to plan their farm adventures.
