Gaver Farm near Frederick, MD is one of the most cherished family-run destinations in Frederick County.

Whether you’re looking for a festive fall day filled with apple cider donuts and corn mazes, or you’re planning your family’s annual Christmas tree hunt, Gaver Farm delivers all the seasonal charm you could hope for.

a Woman in Sunglasses Black Clothes and Purple Sneakers Stands Smiling and Pointing at a Large Red welcome to Gaver Farm Sign Filled with Colorful Information and Farm Rules She Holds a Gaver Farm Flier Standing on Grass Near Trees and a White Fence

Just a short drive from downtown Frederick, Gaver Farm MD is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for an epic visit to Gaver Farm, Maryland—from what to expect during each season to tips on how to buy tickets and leverage a Gaver Farm promo code or discount code.

The Complete Guide to Gaver Farm Maryland

a Woman Wearing Sunglasses Sits on the Ground at Gaver Farm Leaning Against a Large Wooden American Flag Display She is Surrounded by Several Pumpkins on Dry Grass in a Pumpkin Patch with Trees and a Cloudy Sky in the Background

Getting to Gaver Farm and Other Basics

Gaver Farm is located between New Market and Mt. Airy, MD, just 30 minutes from downtown Frederick. It sits on a sprawling piece of farmland with stunning views and wide-open space to play and explore.

There is plenty of free parking at Gaver Farm, even on busy weekends in the fall.  Note that pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

a White Sign with a Red Barn Illustration Reads gaver Farm 301 865 3515 an open Flag Flies Nearby the Gaver Farm Sign Stands on Grass Beside a Rural Road with a Red Barn and Green Fields Under a Partly Cloudy Sky in the Background

When to Visit Gaver Farm and Top Activities

The first thing to know about Gaver Farms is that it is a seasonal venue.  It is not open year-round.

The two main seasons when Gaver Farms is open are Fall and Christmas.  The experience at Gaver Farms is decidedly different during these two seasons.

a Woman in Sunglasses and Athletic Wear Stands Smiling Beside a Large pick Your Own Pumpkins Sign at Gaver Farm on a Grassy Field Pumpkin and Vine Illustrations Decorate the Sign Trees Line the Background Under a Cloudy Sky

Gaver Farm in Fall - Including 'Fall Fun Fest'

The fall season at Gaver Farms lasts from the end of August until the beginning of November.  During these months, hours are 10 am to 6 pm every day.

During this season, Gaver Farms offers lots of activities, including Fall Fun Fest, which is great for kids.

Here are the main activities your family can participate in at Gaver Farms during the fall:

  • Fall Fun Fest – Kids Activity Area with FarmAnimals
  • Hayrides
  • Pumpkin Picking
  • Apple Picking
  • Sunflower Festival
  • Food Stands
  • Visiting the Farmers Market
a Man in a Red Hoodie and Jeans Smiles with Arms Crossed Leaning Against a Blue Gaver Farm Vintage Truck Hes Surrounded by Scattered Pumpkins in the Patch Autumn Trees and a Festive Wooden Stand Filled with Pumpkins and Decorations in the Background

Christmas at Gaver Farm

The Christmas season at Gaver Farm lasts from the end of November until December 23.  During this time, hours are 9 am to 6 pm every day.

During Christmas season, Gaver Farm turns into a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm. The experience starts with a lovely hayride to the beautiful field of Christmas trees of all types and sizes. 

In addition, Gaver Farm at Christmas has a festive Christmas Cafe and Wreath Shop.

a Gaver Farm Card with a Red Barn and Trees Illustration Rests on Green Pine Needles Surrounded by Dried Orange Slices Red Berries and a Seed Pod Creating a Festive Rustic Gaver Farm Holiday Arrangement

Admission and Tickets at Gaver Farms

Its important to understand how admission and tickets work at Gaver Farm for the various seasons.  Some of the best activities don’t require a reservation or adminission ticket at all.

Three White Rectangular Signs with Black Text Hang on a Red Metal Wall Under a Roof at Gaver Farm the Top Sign Reads Online Tickets the Middle Says Buy Tickets and the Bottom Reads Season Passes Guiding Visitors to Ticketing Options

During fall season, you can enjoy they hayride to the pumpkin patch at no charge.  You’ll only pay for any pumpkins you decide to take home.  Christmas season is similar, hayrides to the tree fields are free.

Apple Picking during the season has it’s own seperate admission process.  For apple picking, you’ll purchase a peck ($28) or half bushel ($45), which serves as your admission to the orchard and your apple collector.  It allows for up to four pickers, with a $2 charge extra per person.

a White Sandwich Board Sign at Gaver Farm Lists Directions Buy or Redeem Tickets Hayrides with a Tractor Icon Food Drinks and Sweets with Icons and the Gaver Farm Market with Pumpkin and Preserves Symbols

Making Reservations and Buying Tickets for Fall Fun Fest

The Fall Fun Fest is the one activity that requires an admission ticket.  This give you access to a farm-themed amusement area with rides, a corn maze, farm animal petting, and much more.  Kids love it!

Admission to Fall Fun Fest is as follows:

  • $20 / Person on September Weekends
  • $23 / Person on October Weekends
  • $14.50 / Person on Weekdays
  • Under 2 years old – Free!
a Man in a Red Hoodie Stands Smiling on a Wooden Wagon Filled with Pumpkins at Gaver Farms Large Pumpkin Patch Scattered Pumpkins a Blue Vintage Truck and a Barn like Structure Appear in the Background Under a Partly Cloudy Sky

Buy your tickets to Fall Fun Fest here.

Note you can also buy Season Tickets to Fall Fun Fest here.

Where to Find Gaver Farm Promo Codes and Gaver Farm Discount Codes

The best place to begin your search for Gaver Farm Promo Codes or Discount codes is the Gaver Farm Facebook Page!

Gaver Farm Discount Codes on Facebook!

Facebook

You can also do a quick search for Gaver Farm Promo Codes on major discount code sites:

a Woman with Wavy Brown Hair Wearing Sunglasses a Black Outfit and Purple Shoes Sits Smiling in a Wooden Frame Labeled Pumpkins at Gaver Farm She is Surrounded by Orange and Multicolored Pumpkins at a Lively Pumpkin Patch

All About Fall at Gaver Farm

As mentioned, fall is the prime season to visit Gaver Farm, and it is also when most things happen.  Here’s a run down of the best activities and happenings you can do at Gaver Farm during Fall:

Hayrides (Our Favorite!)

The farm offers free hayrides, pulled by tractors on a beautiful route to the back part of the farm.

Once you reach this area, you can pick-your-own pumpkins or apples, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Nicole and I recently visited during the second weekend in October, and the weather, setting, and colors were perfect.

Pumpkin Picking

The pumpkin patch at Gaver Farm is spectacular. The large, abundant pumpkin field is an insider’s dream and a perfect setting for a fall weekend.

When Nicole and I visited in October, we could not take enough pictures.  Part of the field is cleared, while part is still ‘wild’, so you can pick your pumpkin straight off the vines.

a Wooden Sign at Gaver Farm Reads pumpkins 65¢ Per Pound 2 5 Pounds 0 Under 2 Pounds 0 Not Included with Admission the Sign with Red and Orange Pumpkins is Attached to a Wooden Fence Under a Blue Sky

You will take any pumpkins you pick back with you on the hayride and pay for them in the market upon exiting (prices vary depending on size).

Apple Picking

Apple picking happens at the apple orchard behind the pumpkin patch, which also requires a hayride to reach. As mentioned above, you should buy your peck or bushel in the market in advance.

The apple-picking season is earlier, usually August to October.  The Gaver Farm apple orchard is lovely and filled with apple trees of all types of varietals.

Fall Fun Fest

The massive activity area will likely be your kids favorite thing to do at Gaver Farm.  This area (requiring an admission fee) is filled with fun attractions.

Within Fall Fun Fest, you and your kids can enjoy:

  • A Giant Corn Maze
  • Barnyard Animals (most of which you can pet!)
  • Slides, Ziplines, Pedal Karts
  • Rides
  • All Kinds of Playgrounds and Games

Gaver Farm Food Stands- and Donuts!

The Barn Grill at Gaver Farm has plenty of family-friendly food to serve during your outing, as do some other food outlets on site.

The food item best known at Gaver Farm is the Apple Cider Fall Shake Up, which combines a freshly made apple cider donut with an apple cider slushie. 

Sunflower Festival

For three weeks in September, Gaver Farm hosts its annual Sunflower Festival.

This is half a pick-your-own event and half a photography event. The field of a thousand beautiful blooms makes for incredible photo shots. For a small fee, you can also pick individual sunflowers or a bouquet for yourself.

Farmers Market

Even if you don’t partake in any of the activities listed above, a visit to the Gaver Farm Fall Farm Market is worth a trip. 

This large market in a covered barn is filled with everything for the fall: pumpkins, apples, gourds, vegetables, baked goods, straw bales, and much more.

Holiday Magic: All About Christmas at Gaver Farm

From late November through Christmas, Gaver Frarm transitions into one of the best Chritmas Tree farms near Frederick.  It has everything to make a delightful cut-your-own Christmas tree experience.

Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees

The cut-your-own tree experience begins similar to pumpkin picking.  You’ll take a hayride to the tree field, which is a beautiful and fun experience in itself.

They provide everything you need:  saws, hand carts, tree shaking, and transport.

You can also enjoy warm drinks and Christmas Sweets in the Christmas Cafe.

Wreath Shop

One more Christmas-related item at Gaver Farm worth mentioning is the Wreath Shop.

This Christmas market is one of the best in the Frederick area, with an abundance of Christmas decorations, candles, ornaments, tasty treats, and of course…wreaths.

a Person in a Red Cap Drives a Green Utility Vehicle Along a Grassy Path at Gaver Farm Weaving Through Rows of Neatly Planted Evergreen Trees the Evenly Spaced Trees Stretch into the Distance Forming a Strikingly Symmetrical Pattern

FAQs and Top Tips for Visiting Gaver Farm

Gaver Farm is a great attraction and one of the best things to do in the Frederick area.  The only downside is that it is incredibly popular and can get crowded on weekends.

Some tips for visiting and other FAQs:

  • Arrive early on weekends, or visit on a weekday
  • Buy your tickets to the Fall Fun Fest online in advance and avoid the ticket line
  • No matter what you plan to do, wear sturdy shoes.  You’ll be on a farm.
  • Pets are NOT permitted
  • No outside food permitted
  • Check the Gaver Farm Field Trip Page if planning a field trip or group visit
  • No Drones!
a Woman in Sunglasses and Athletic Wear Smiles While Holding a Large Yellow Gourd Beside a Wheelbarrow Full of Pumpkins at Gaver Farms Outdoor Pumpkin Patch Behind Her Are Crates of Pumpkins and a Red Barn Under a Cloudy Sky

In The New Market Area? Other Nearby Attractions

Gaver Farm sits right outside the small, historic town of New Market, MD.  If you are visiting the area, here are other attractions you can check out:

Tree Trekkers Near Frederick Maryland

Final Thoughts: While Gaver Farm Belongs on Your Frederick Activity List

Whether you’re in it for the pumpkins or the perfect Christmas tree, Gaver Farm in Frederick MD is one of the most family-friendly farms in the area.

Add it to your fall and winter rotation—you won’t be disappointed.

a Woman in Sunglasses and Black Clothes Stands in the Doorway of a Wooden Pumpkin House at Gaver Farm Surrounded by Pumpkins on Shelves and Festive Corn Stalks Hay Covers the Ground As a Gaver Farm Sign Welcomes Visitors to This Autumn Scene

Looking for More Info About the Frederick, MD Area?

If you are visiting the Frederick County area, or a local and want more ideas on what to, check out some of our other articles!

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Glenn VanLandingham Travel Writer
Glenn is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker who lives in Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Nicole use EpicBend and EpicFrederick to chronicle their adventures in these amazing places so others can live their best lives in Frederick and Bend.
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Frederick, Maryland Bend, Oregon
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