We Found a Florida Fall Festival Where $15 Gets You a Whole Day of Family Fun

A working cattle ranch turns into a fall festival for just five weekends a year, and one ticket covers a corn maze, hayrides, and a giant jump pad. Kids three and under get in free. Parking is free too.

The same family has run it for fifteen seasons now. They were the first in their county to carve a corn maze, which feels like a fun bragging right for a farm family.

I like how this place skips the theme park markup. Florida rarely gets crunchy leaves or chilly mornings, so a field of tall corn and a pile of pumpkins does a lot of heavy lifting here.

I can’t imagine a better way to fake autumn in the Sunshine State. So how much fun can one ticket really cover? Quite a lot, it turns out.

1. One Ticket, Zero Nickel-and-Diming on the Big Stuff

Fifteen dollars, tax included, gets anyone four and older through the gate at Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. Little ones three and under walk in free, which is a nice break for parents of toddlers.

That single ticket covers a surprising amount. You get unlimited trips through the corn maze, hayrides, and a giant jump pad. You also get a whole lineup of farm games without paying extra for each one.

Parking is free as well, so there’s no surprise fee waiting at the lot. Compare that with most Florida attractions, and the math starts looking pretty sweet. A family of four can have a full day without a second mortgage.

Some extras do cost more, like pumpkins, food, and certain animal experiences. Still, the core fun is all bundled in one wristband-style deal. Plan your budget around snacks and souvenirs, and the main event is already handled.

Bring cash if you can, since it’s preferred. Card payments carry a small convenience fee, and there’s no ATM on site. A few vendors only take cash, so a stash of bills in your pocket will save you a sad walk back to the car.

2. Get Lost On Purpose in a Field of Tall Corn

Corn mazes are rare in Florida, and this one holds a special title. It was the first corn maze ever in Hillsborough County, and 2026 marks its 15th annual season.

Your ticket includes unlimited access, so nobody has to rush. Wander in, take a wrong turn, laugh about it, and try again. Getting a little lost is basically the whole point.

The paths make a great spot for family photos too. Tall stalks give you that classic autumn backdrop that’s hard to find around Tampa Bay. Your relatives up north might actually believe you got a real fall season.

Here’s a practical tip worth remembering. Wear closed-toe shoes, because the farm asks for them and the ground is real farm ground. Flip-flops and corn fields are not friends.

Kids love leading the way, so let them pick turns. It turns into a fun little adventure where the youngest person suddenly feels like the boss. Just keep everyone close enough to hear you call out.

Give yourself a break between laps. The maze isn’t going anywhere, and your legs will thank you later.

3. Hop on a Hayride Across a Real Working Ranch

Nothing says farm day like sitting on a bale of hay behind a tractor. At this Plant City festival, the hayride comes free with admission, so you can ride and ride again.

The setting gives it extra charm. The festival sits on Single R Ranch, a working cattle ranch run by the Futch family. You’re not riding through a set built for tourists.

You’re riding across actual farmland.

Little kids especially enjoy the bumpy, open-air feeling. It’s slow enough for toddlers and still fun for grandparents who want a seat after walking the maze. Everybody gets a break from their feet.

Expect a classic, simple ride rather than a big show. Think of it as a relaxing pause in a busy day. It’s a good moment to snack, chat, and let the kids point at everything.

Timing helps, too. Hop on early or mid-afternoon to space out your activities. That way you can bounce between the maze, games, and ride without anyone getting cranky.

Dress for a farm, since hay and dust come with the territory. A quick shake afterward and you’re good to go.

4. Your Kids Will Bounce Until Their Legs Give Out

Fifty feet long and thirty feet wide, the jump pad here is huge. That’s plenty of room for a crowd of kids to bounce, flop, and giggle all at once.

Best part? It’s included with your ticket. No tokens, no extra wristband, no awkward talk about why they only get five minutes.

Jump pads are a great way to burn off energy between other activities. After a long walk through the maze, kids somehow find a brand-new battery here. Parents can catch their breath nearby and enjoy the show.

Encourage little ones to take turns with bigger kids nearby. A quick reminder about safe bouncing goes a long way. It keeps the fun going without bumps and tears.

Remember that the farm operates under Florida agritourism law. Guests take on the normal risks of farm activities, so keep an eye on your crew. A watchful parent is the best safety gear around.

Plan a water break afterward, because bouncing in Florida sunshine is real exercise. Flavored lemonade from a vendor makes a pretty good reward. Then it’s back to the next adventure, probably with sweaty, happy faces.

5. Duck Races, Cornhole, and a Steer That Never Runs Away

Ever tried roping a steer that holds perfectly still? Dummy Steer Ropin’ lets kids practice their cowboy skills on a target that won’t complain about bad aim.

It’s one of several games bundled into admission at Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. You’ll also find Fun Duck Races, badminton, and cornhole. That’s a nice mix for both little kids and competitive grown-ups.

The duck races are a big hit with younger children. Watching rubber ducks race is weirdly thrilling, and nobody needs special skills to join in. Cheering is definitely encouraged.

Cornhole and badminton give older kids and adults something to do too. Start a family tournament and see who wins bragging rights for the car ride home. Losers carry the pumpkins.

Games like these are perfect fillers between bigger attractions. They don’t require long planning, and you can jump in whenever a spot opens up. That keeps the day moving smoothly.

A tip for parents: rotate games often. Short attention spans love variety, and there’s enough here to keep everyone busy. You might even catch yourself practicing your roping swing when the kids aren’t looking.

6. A Sandbox, Except Somebody Swapped the Sand for Corn

Kids dig sand all year long in Florida. The Corn Pit flips that idea by filling a play area with corn kernels instead.

It works like a giant sandbox, and little hands love it. Scooping, pouring, burying feet, and running fingers through kernels can keep a toddler busy for ages. It’s simple fun that feels new.

This spot is included with admission, which makes it an easy go-to. When older siblings head into the maze, younger ones can stay happily planted here. Everybody wins.

One parent tip: check pockets and shoes when you leave. Corn kernels love to hitch a ride home. You might be finding them in your car for a week.

The Corn Pit also makes a sweet photo moment. A grinning kid covered in corn says fall festival better than any filter. Grab a few snaps while they’re still having fun.

It’s also a calmer area compared with the jump pad. Kids who need a quieter break can settle down here for a bit. Sometimes the best activity is the one where nobody has to run anywhere.

7. Pumpkins, Flowers, and Photos Worth Framing

Orange pumpkins piled up under the Florida sun make one of the cheeriest scenes of the season. The Pumpkin Patch here is a favorite spot for family photos.

Wandering the patch is part of the fun, but the pumpkins themselves cost extra. Pick your favorite, then haul it to the car with pride. Bigger kids can test their muscles.

Don’t skip the pumpkin height chart. It’s a playful way to measure how tall your kids are this year. Snap a picture each season and you’ll have a growing collection of memories.

Flowers are also for sale, and you can build your own bouquet. That’s a lovely touch for anyone who wants something pretty to take home. It also makes a sweet gift for a grandparent.

Back in 2014, TampaTraveler.com named this place one of the Top 5 pumpkin patches in Tampa Bay. That’s a fun bit of history for a family farm. It still holds up as a picture-perfect backdrop.

Bring a phone with plenty of storage. Between the patch, the maze, and the flowers, you’ll take more photos than you planned.

8. Save Room for Apple Cider Donuts and Camel Rides

Apple cider donuts, corn dogs, and flavored lemonade top the snack list here. Local food vendors bring seasonal treats that taste like autumn, even when it’s warm outside.

Food costs extra, so plan a little budget for it. Some vendors are cash-only, which is another reason to bring bills. Nobody wants to stand in line and then get turned away.

Shopping is part of the experience too. Local vendors sell crafts, clothing, and pumpkins. It’s a fun way to support small businesses while you stroll.

Now for the wild card: camel rides. Yes, camels at a fall festival in Florida. It’s not something you see every weekend, and kids tend to remember it.

A petting zoo and other animal experiences are also offered. These may carry an extra cost or change over time, so check when you arrive. Little animal lovers will be thrilled either way.

Since this is a ranch, remember pets must stay home. Only service animals are allowed. Your dog will just have to hear about the camels later and pretend not to be jealous.

9. Mark Your Calendar Before the Corn Comes Down

Blink and you’ll miss it. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze runs only on Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 through October 25 in 2026.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gate closes at 5, and everyone needs to head out by 6. Arriving early gives you the most time to enjoy everything.

You’ll find the farm at 6151 Varn Rd, Plant City, FL 33565. It sits east of Tampa, making it an easy day trip for families around Hillsborough County and beyond.

The people behind it are worth knowing too. The Futch family runs the festival on their Single R Ranch. They were named Hillsborough County Farm Family of the Year in 2015.

They also serve on the board of The Florida Agritourism Association and the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. That shows real pride in sharing farm life with the public. You’re supporting a family that loves what they do.

So grab the calendar and pick a weekend. With only a handful of dates, waiting too long is the one real mistake you can make here. Florida fall doesn’t last forever, even when it’s pretend.