I love seeing the change of seasons by going on a hayride with my family — it is one of the easiest and best ways to take in the New England foliage! If you’re looking for a fun family activity, there are farms all around Boston that host hayrides with corn mazes and the opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables. All the farms and orchards listed below have other attractions (and treats) available for families, but the hayride is a staple!
North of Boston
Cider Hill Farm
Amesbury
True to its name, Cider Hill Farm has homemade cider and cider donuts! Families can take a hayride, enjoy the giant sandbox, pet barnyard animals, feed chickens, ride the farm tricycles, and, of course, pick apples! Hayrides run Saturdays and Sundays through October 14. They’re free with the purchase of any picking container or $5 per person (2 and under are free). The pick-your-own orchards are within walking distance.
Connors Farm
Danvers
At Connors Farm you can take a hayride around the farm — and enjoy a ride on the Putnamvillle Railroad. With activities available like playgrounds, pedal carts, and a ropes course, you can keep kids of all ages entertained for the entire day. Hayrides are included in the price you pay for admission to the farm and are ongoing through November 3.
Boston Hill Farm
North Andover
For an interactive farm animal experience, feed the goats or chickens at Boston Hill Farm. They offer free hayrides through the farm fields, where you’ll see pumpkin patches and a variety of produce, all available for picking.
Krochmal Farms
Tewksbury
Fall family fun is guaranteed with a visit to Krochmal Farms, especially if you visit during their annual pumpkin festival. The festival takes place each weekend during the fall, and families can enjoy a run through the corn maze, time with the farm animals, pumpkin picking, pony rides — and horse-drawn hayrides. Parking and admission to the farm is free, and hayrides are $7 per person.
Parlee Farms
Tyngsboro
Taking a hayride at the Parlee Farms pumpkin patch means you can pick out a mini pumpkin — or one that’s over 40 pounds, if that’s how you show off your fall spirit. After you stop to pet the goats and sheep (and wash hands), the littles can jump into the 2,500-square-foot sandbox. On weekends and holidays, hayrides are $2 per person.
MetroWest Boston
Schartner Farm
Bolton
Only open on the weekends, Schartner Farm offers hayrides, apple picking, and a corn maze the entire family, including your leashed pet, can enjoy. There is access to the Bolton Loop Trail with lots of scenic picnic spots on the property, if you’re looking to make a day of it. The hayrides are always free!
Hanson’s Farm
Framingham
The sunflowers, corn maze, and hayrides are some of the main attractions for families visiting Hanson’s Farm. You’ll be able to take a ride, pick out your own pumpkin, or simply take in the fall foliage. If you’re looking to plan a fall birthday party, check out the options here! Access to the corn maze and hayride are included in the entry fee.
Wilson Farm
Lexington
With a beautiful farm so close to the city, you should plan a trip to Wilson Farm before the season is over. The vast pumpkin patches feature all different types for picking, and you’ll have to get a taste of the farm-made apple cider — and fresh donuts. These hayrides just outside of Boston are free and available on special event or festival weekends.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Stow
The three corn maze options at Honey Pot Hill Orchards are tunnel, hedge, or monster, so no matter which maze you feel prepared to tackle, you’ll have a good time. At this Boston-area favorite, you can take a hayride through the orchards, and if you want to visit animals, you’ll find pigs, mini ponies, rabbits, goats, and chickens on the farm. Hayrides are available on the weekends for $2 per person.
Shelburne Farm
Stowe
Shelburne Farm is located just 20 miles from Boston and is a great place to take the family any day of the week! On the weekends the farm features live music and hard cider, but you can access the playgrounds and visit the farm animals everyday. Hayrides are $3 per person when you purchase apple or peach picking bags.
South of Boston
Fairmount Fruit Farm
Franklin
The orchard and field hayrides at Fairmount Fruit Farm cater to families who love a serene and relaxing farm experience. You can enjoy apple picking or go to the farm stand for fresh eggs and produce. Hayrides are included in the cost of apple picking.
Tangerini’s Farm
Millis
Enjoy a hayride surrounded by beautiful farm scenery at Tangerini’s Farm. In the fall they make delicious apple cider, apple cider donuts, and caramel apples. As a plant and farm lover, I always love making a stop at the nursery and garden shop before heading home. Hayrides are included in the fee for pumpkin and apple picking activities.
Sauchuk Farm
Halifax
At Sauchuk Farm the main attraction is the corn maze, but admission buys you a wagon ride to the pick-your-own apple orchard and pumpkin patch. This place was made for families, and your kids won’t run out of things to do with a barnyard arcade, large log playground, and lots of other activities on the farm. All rides and activities are included in the price of admission and are available weekends through November 3.
Simcock Farm
Swansea
In addition to serving great helpings of flavorful ice cream, Simcock Farm has hayrides and a corn maze for family fun. On the farm you can see miniature cattle, miniature horses, donkeys, and goats; they’ll likely visit you while you’re enjoying your cone. On weekends this fall you can take a hayride for an additional $5 per person.
