Fall is officially here, and what better way to celebrate the season than a visit to Layman Family Farms? As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and pumpkins pop up everywhere you look, the crisp autumn air beckons for outdoor adventures. This year, our family decided to experience the highly-recommended Layman Family Farms in Blue Ridge, Virginia, and it’s safe to say it lived up to the hype!
Having heard so much buzz about Layman Family Farms, especially after it was named “Best Pumpkin Patch in Virginia” by Good Housekeeping in 2018, our expectations were high. My son, who had previously visited on a kindergarten field trip, eagerly anticipated showing us around. Spanning 83 acres, Layman Family Farms in the fall is a haven of family-friendly activities, boasting everything from a sprawling ten-acre corn maze to pumpkin patches brimming with gourds of all shapes and sizes, and a plethora of engaging attractions for kids of all ages. Adding to the charm are the breathtaking mountain vistas painted with the colors of fall, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable family outing.
Kids having fun on the Bee Line Zipline at Layman Family Farms, a popular fall attraction in Virginia.
Our six and five-year-olds were absolutely thrilled with every aspect of Layman Family Farms. The undisputed highlight for them was the Bee Line Zipline. They were instantly hooked and spent a significant portion of our visit soaring through the air, giggling with delight. It wasn’t just our kids; the zipline was a major attraction for children of all ages, with a constant stream of excited youngsters lining up for their turn. Another huge hit was the jumping pillow, providing endless bouncy fun. And for our train enthusiast, the cow train was a must-do, chugging along and adding to the farm’s whimsical atmosphere. The playground and tunnel slide also captured their attention for a good stretch, offering more opportunities for active play. To top it off, we opted for the gemstone and fossil mining experience, which turned out to be a fantastic addition to our day. The kids were completely engrossed in sifting through the mining rough, uncovering treasures they’ve cherished ever since.
We visited on a Friday, and while most attractions were open, we noted that the corn cannon and pumpkin blaster were closed for the weekday. My son, however, vividly recalled these from his previous field trip and expressed a strong desire to return on a weekend to experience them again, highlighting that Layman Family Farms offers attractions that appeal to repeat visits.
Animal lovers in the family will be delighted to find several animal viewing areas at Layman Family Farms. This was a particular joy for our one-year-old, who was fascinated by the farm animals, adding another layer of family-friendly appeal to the farm.
When hunger strikes, Layman Family Farms has you covered with a variety of food options available for purchase. The tempting menu features classic farm fare like BBQ and cheeseburgers, alongside sweet treats such as funnel cakes and fried Oreos. You definitely won’t go hungry while enjoying a fun-filled day at the farm!
For those picture-perfect fall family photos, Layman Family Farms has thoughtfully set up several charming photo opportunity spots throughout the grounds. While our kids were too eager to get back to playing to pose for long, these setups offer fantastic chances to capture lasting memories of your visit.
Navigating Layman Family Farms with a stroller is manageable, though be prepared for mostly grassy terrain. Port-a-potty bathrooms are available throughout the farm for convenience.
Layman Family Farms‘ fall season is a limited-time treat, concluding on November 7th. They are open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering ample opportunity to plan your visit. Admission is reasonably priced at $12 for ages 3-59, $8 for those 60 and up, and free for children 2 and under. Your wristband, adorned with three pumpkins, grants access to a selection of activities including the cow train, corn cannon, jumping pillow, bee line zip, and pumpkin blaster. Gemstone mining is available for an additional fee. For complete details on tickets, operating hours, and directions, visit their website at laymanfamilyfarms.com. Also, be sure to check out the Layman Family Farms Facebook page for information on special events like drive-thru trick-or-treating and flashlight corn mazes, adding extra layers of fun to your fall plans.
Our day at Layman Family Farms was a resounding success, and we wholeheartedly recommend it for families seeking autumn fun. We’re already looking forward to our next visit next year! If you have any recommendations for other Roanoke area spots for Roaming Roanoke to explore, please let us know!
