Fall may not bring dramatically cooler temperatures to Southwest Florida, but farms across Manatee County are bringing plenty of traditional autumn activities to the area this October.
From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to hayrides, farm animals, live music and U-pick flowers, several local farms are offering seasonal events designed for families. Three destinations — Dakin Dairy Farms in Myakka City, Country Critters in Parrish and Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia — have announced fall activities for 2026.
Dakin Dairy Farms Harvest Festival
Dakin Dairy Farms will host its third annual Fall Harvest Festival over three weekends in October at its working dairy farm, 30771 Betts Road in Myakka City.
The festival will be held Oct. 10-11, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 per person, with children ages 5 and younger admitted free. Parking is free.
The festival combines traditional fall activities with an opportunity for families to experience life on a working dairy farm. Activities include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower U-pick, Moo Train rides, hayrides into the pasture to meet and feed cows, calf cuddling, pony rides, children’s ATVs, inflatable slides and a Kid Zone playground.
Visitors can also see live cow-milking demonstrations, explore tractors, watch lawn mower races and try the pumpkin cannon and apple launchers. Live music, food trucks and local vendors will be available throughout the festival. The farm market and Dakin Moofè will also be open for dairy products, ice cream and milkshakes.
Dakin Dairy Farms has deep roots in Manatee County. The Dakin family has been milking cows locally since 1973, and brothers Jason, Garrett, Grant and Ethan Dakin purchased the farm from their uncle Jerry Dakin in 2024, continuing the family’s multigenerational dairy operation.
More information: Dakin Dairy Farms
Country Critters Brings Fall Festival to Parrish
Families in northern Manatee County can celebrate the season at Country Critters, an educational animal adventure park at 15571 Rutland Road in Parrish.
Country Critters will hold Fall Festivals on three Saturdays — Oct. 10, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24. Festival admission is $15 per person for guests ages 24 months and older.
The fall events will feature a pumpkin patch, pony rides, face painting, local vendors and hands-on opportunities to meet farm animals. Country Critters is designed around animal interaction and education, with animals including goats, mini cows, alpacas, poultry, tortoises, an emu and other farm residents.
The farm was founded by Devin Brinkley with an emphasis on helping children learn about animals, agriculture and responsible care of the natural environment. Outside of special events, Country Critters is generally open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with regular admission of $12 for guests ages 2 and older.
More information: Country Critters
Ananda Farm Celebrates Fall on Terra Ceia Island
At the northern end of the county, Ananda Farm has begun its 2026 fall season on Terra Ceia Island.
The farm’s Fall Festival runs from Sept. 25 through Nov. 1, giving families several weeks to visit. Fall season hours are Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The farm is located at 579 Ken Hubbard Road in Terra Ceia.
Ananda’s fall experience includes pumpkins, U-pick flowers, farm attractions, tractor rides and live music throughout the season. The 40-acre property also offers children’s play areas, a treehouse, local art and farm-to-table food. Attractions are included with admission, while some experiences such as U-pick flowers have an additional charge.
A special Halloween Harvest Night is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Costumes are welcome, and the evening is expected to include a lantern-lit hay castle and a trick-or-treat trail through the farm’s fruit rows.
More information: Ananda Farm
A Local Way to Celebrate the Season
The three farms offer different versions of a Florida fall experience. Dakin Dairy Farms combines a large harvest festival with the operation of a working dairy farm, Country Critters centers its celebration around close-up animal experiences, and Ananda Farm offers a longer fall season with pumpkins, flowers, food, live music and outdoor attractions.
With events stretching from Terra Ceia and Parrish to Myakka City, Manatee County families do not have to travel far to find pumpkins, hayrides, animals and other signs that fall has arrived.
Because farm activities can be affected by weather and schedules may change, visitors should check each farm’s website before heading out.