As an editor at Cincinnati Parent, I’ve been to lots of fall festivals in Cincinnati. There are so many wonderful places to visit in the fall; I truly look forward to this season. I pride myself on having a good knowledge of the city; however, I’m still surprised to discover hidden gems all throughout Cincinnati. Last weekend, my family and I found a new favorite fall destination: Brown’s Family Farm Market. Located in Hamilton, OH, Brown’s Family Farm Market is good, old-fashioned fall fun.
Brown’s is located in the rural fields of Hamilton just before Stricker’s Grove. This unassuming family farm is the real deal: charming, rustic and about as beautiful as can be.
Fall is the best time to visit Brown’s; kids can visit u-pick pumpkin patch, go on hayrides, tackle the corn and straw mazes, visit the farm animals and enjoy several play areas. There is plenty of good, old-fashioned farm fun to be had, making Browns a welcome change-of-pace from some of the area’s busier fall festivals.
Brown’s Family Farm is truly designed for families; the large play area in the farmyard has a playground, several climb-able tractors and even a shed with a gravel play area full of diggers for kids to play in (this was a big hit with our group!).
The corn maze at Brown’s Family Farm Market is 2 acres, so it’s very doable to young families. And the barrel train rides are a must. (They are one of the only activities you’ll pay for at this festival — and at just $2/kid, they are well worth it.) Mr. David took the kids on the best barrel train ride ever — pulled our rag-tag team of cousins all over the field, looping and bouncing the entire time! Everyone was smiling — including Mr. David, who clearly loves his job.
In addition to the barrel train rides, the farm has a fun obstacle course, play castle, second gravel playground and mini pumpkin patch — all contained and easy to see. And tractor hayrides out to the beautiful, U-Pick pumpkin patch at Brown’s. These are $4/person, and really give you the full farm experience. Unlike some local pumpkin patches, these pumpkins are still on the vine, shining bright orange across the picturesque farm field. (There is a lot for kids to do at Brown’s, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take everything in!)
What really sets Brown’s Family Farm apart from the pack, however, is heart. This family-run farm is not lacking in Midwest hospitality; we were warmly greeted upon arrival and everyone working there was so friendly and warm. You can tell that the Brown family takes a lot of pride in their farm and this annual festival, which features unique, handmade elements (such as the custom-made barrel train cars and hand-painted signage) that you just won’t find anywhere else. There’s a reason Brown’s Family Farm Market is so beloved — and our family will most certainly be back next year!
We are getting into the peak of fall here in Cincinnati, and the rest of October is looking to be pretty gorgeous. While there are so many wonderful festivals here in Cincinnati, Fall Family Fun Weekends at Brown’s Family Farm Market are truly something special. Experience good, old-fashioned fall fun at this family-owned and operated farm!
Brown’s Family Farm Market‘s Fall Family Fun Weekends happen Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm through October (there are also Hayrides and Barrel Train Rides offered from 3-6 pm on Fridays through the end of the month.). The farm itself is open daily through Oct. 31. from 9 am to 7 pm. Admission and parking are free; hayrides and barrel train rides are $4 and $2, respectively. For more information, please visit Brown’s Family Farm Market’s website here.
