Grab The Family And A Pumpkin Spice Latte – Top 5 Farms Around Portland To Visit This Fall

As hard as we try to hold on to those endless summer evenings in the Pacific Northwest, autumn now beckons us with morning showers, golden leaves, and kids back in the classroom. The Pacific Northwest is an inhabited, arboreal rainforest. The thriving biodiversity is ultra spectacular when fall arrives, painting hues from gold to red across our landscape. The Pacific Northwest also has some of the most amazing farms in the United States, a bounty easily taken for granted until you take a trip to a state like Arizona. With so many fabulous farms to choose from – North, South, East, and West-we’ve put together our top five favorite farms for family members of all ages to enjoy. Our picks have various activities, from wineries, farmers markets, bounce houses, craft coffees, craft beers, shopping, photo booths, and even social justice awareness. Most importantly, ALL day fun for the kids and parents.

Here are a few “what to expect” tips to keep in mind when choosing your family’s next fall farm day adventure: 

Weather/Wardrobe: Always check the weather before heading out, and remember it’s a farm where things grow in dirt and lots of it. You will likely get muddy very quickly if you attend within a few days of rain.

Planning: This adventure will likely take up most of your day. However, our picks account for that and have resources to meet your family’s needs throughout the day. Consider a weekday visit to avoid crowds, long lines, and parking debacles. 

Check The Website: Always remember to check the farm’s website or call ahead for inclement weather closures and pricing questions. Be prepared to have a fantastic time, bring home some pumpkins, and have a day full of unforgettable family memories!

LEE FAMILY FARMS | TUALATIN | OR

An Oregon establishment over 150 years old, Lee Family Farms has one of the best “mega slides” for children in the PNW. This season at Lee Farms boasts some of their favorite family activities like hayrides, barn snacks, corn mazes, animal displays, bounce houses, barrel wagon rides, pumpkin patches, photo ops, a bakery, and more! Ticket prices vary by age- visit the website for more information. 

Black Futures Farm | South East | Portland, OR

It’s officially harvest season! Bring out the family and support Black Futures. Fall harvests an abundance of zinnias, corn fields, freshly harvested roma and heirloom tomatoes, and delicious grapes off the vine at Black Futures Farm: 

Featured events/gatherings this fall: Family weekend fun on Black Sundays, distributing harvests to local restaurants/food trucks, food pantries, and community members. Visit their website and sign up for updates or volunteer! Check out their “Come Thru Market” dates to support any time of year.

Black Futures Farm recently hosted a lovely all-day gathering with the Oregon Community Food Systems Network and Through the Trees Collective. Their “Black Sundays” are still popping with good vibes, eats, and stories. They work with community allies, hosting Land Trust Alliance, Ecotrust, Engines for Change, and Race Trips Podcast on the farm in the coming days/weeks. The Farms representative, Daniel Grady, also recommends visiting the “Mudbone Grown” website here, a Black-owned farm featured by OPB as “reimagining black farming in Oregon.” Please join them and show your support at these awesome gatherings. 

Bella Organic Farm – Organic Farm and Winery – Portland, OR

Making a difference in society is not often associated with a day of family fun on the farm. However, we strive to make sure you make the most informed choices with your family, which is why we have chosen Bella Organic Farm as another of our top picks this fall. This season, you can have your wine, pumpkins, and family fun- with a side of social justice. 

“It only takes an idea to make a difference, and together, we can make a lasting change. While personal issues require individual solutions, community problems require community action to solve. Gun violence affects every one of us. Ending gun violence is necessary, but the first step is discussing it. Instead of placing blame and pointing fingers, we encourage you to spark conversation with your community members and lawmakers. The most difficult discussions are usually the most important. Get educated, get involved, and listen to what others say. Take ACTION, not SIDES. The only way through is together. A simple message of love from a simple farmer.” – The Team at Bella Organic Farm 

The corn maze is open daily from September 2 – October 31, 2023.

The Maize at the Pumpkin Patch | Sauvie Island | Portland, OR

The MAiZE at The Pumpkin Patch is an excellent destination for family-friendly entertainment and autumnal excitement on Sauvie Island. This year, they are thrilled to announce the celebration of their 25th anniversary! For a quarter of a century, The MAiZE at The Pumpkin Patch has provided cherished memories and exhilarating adventures for visitors from near and far. Join them for a season of festivities and fun, paying tribute to a cherished tradition that has brought joy to countless families over the years.

The MAiZE is eight acres of farm-filled fun and will open its pathways to the public on Saturday, September 2, for its 25th season- as Portland’s Original corn maze.

Topaz Farms  | Sauvie Island | Portland, OR

Topaz Farms is a family-owned and operated 130-acre working farm on Sauvie Island, just 20 minutes from downtown Portland. Since opening in 2020, they’ve used all-regenerative practices: no spray, herbicides, or pesticides. They feed their crops by taking care of the soil and water. Topaz Farm prides itself in a one-stop experience, serving food, beer, and wine daily and hosting a fantastic variety of fall activities like U-cut Flower,  sunflower festival and mazes, fall harvest fun with pumpkin picking, hayrides, and mazes. You can also come to Brewer’s dinner, trick or treat, or in the maze, check out the animal displays & so much more!