Falls Church Farm Day

Pony Rides and Apple Fishing in Cherry Hill Park

Once a year Falls Church turns Cherry Hill Park into a small farm for the day. This year it's Saturday, October 10, from 10 to 3, and so much of it is hands-on that little kids barely stop moving: pony rides, a petting farm, apple fishing and a haystack hunt.

Walking in is free. The activities run on $2 tickets that you buy that day at the Recreation and Parks booth, and each activity costs between 1 and 5 tickets. Besides the animals there's pumpkin and birdhouse painting, a stick horse craft, corn grinding and seed sowing.

The grown-ups get something to watch too, with blacksmith, beekeeping and basket weaving demos, live music and a look at the historic farmhouse in the park. I'd bring small bills so you're not standing in line waiting for change, and I'd head to the pony rides first. Fairfax City's big Fall Festival is the same day, about 25 minutes away, if your crew has energy for two.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Bring small bills. Tickets are $2 each and sold at the booth that day.
• ✓Do the pony rides first. That's the one every kid asks for.
• ✓Wear closed shoes. It's a petting farm, and hay gets everywhere.
• ✓Pack hand wipes. For after the animals and before the snacks.
• ✓Bring a bag for crafts. Painted pumpkins and birdhouses need a ride home.