Updated for 2026. Farm hours, admission, pick-your-own crops, animal access, tours, and birthday party availability can change quickly. Always check the farm’s current calendar before promising kids a pony ride, pumpkin patch, or baby animal visit.
There is something especially good about taking kids to a real farm. They can run around, ask blunt questions about animals, notice that carrots do not come from a plastic bag, and discover that mud is apparently one of childhood’s core spiritual needs.
Howard County has several farm experiences that work well for children, but they are not all the same. Some are true animal-encounter destinations. Some are better for pick-your-own fruit. Some are seasonal fall farms. Some are great for birthdays or field trips, but only if you book ahead.
This guide separates the options so you can choose the right kind of farm day instead of arriving with the wrong expectations.
Quick picks: For animal encounters, start with Clark’s Elioak Farm or Mary’s Land Farm. For pick-your-own fruit, go to Larriland Farm. For educational tours, birthdays, hayrides, and fall farm energy, look at Sharp’s at Waterford Farm and TLV Tree Farm. For bringing local farm food home, Breezy Willow Farm is more CSA and country market than petting zoo.
Best farm experiences for kids in Howard County
| Farm | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Clark’s Elioak Farm | Petting farm, Enchanted Forest attractions, birthdays, young kids | The farm currently lists admission at $8 for ages 1 and up. |
| Mary’s Land Farm | Animal encounters, petting farm, classes, camps, birthdays, farm store | Check the current event calendar and booking options before visiting. |
| Larriland Farm | Pick-your-own fruit and vegetables, farm market, seasonal food learning | In 2026, the farm says a field ticket or pass is required for pick-your-own crops. |
| Sharp’s at Waterford Farm | Educational farm tours, hayrides, birthdays, fall festivities | Many experiences are event-based or booked in advance. |
| TLV Tree Farm | Pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, educational tours, Christmas trees | Very seasonal. Check current hours before driving out. |
| Breezy Willow Farm | CSA shares, country market, local food, farm products | Better for food and farm shopping than hands-on animal time. |
Clark’s Elioak Farm: classic Howard County animal fun
If you have younger children and want the most reliable “farm day” feeling, Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City is usually the first place I would consider.
It has the magic combination: petting farm animals, play areas, picnic space, birthdays, field trips, wagon rides, pony rides, the Cow Train, gem mining, and the rescued Enchanted Forest attractions. That mix matters. A child may be fascinated by goats for 11 minutes and then suddenly need a slide, a snack, a fairy-tale house, and a place to run in circles. Clark’s is built for that kind of day.
The farm’s site currently says admission is $8 per person for ages 1 and up, including the petting farm animals, Enchanted Forest attractions, Fairy Forest, play areas, slides, and picnic areas. Some extras may cost more, so check the current details before you go.
Best ages
Toddlers through early elementary kids are the sweet spot, though older siblings may still enjoy the Enchanted Forest nostalgia and farm atmosphere.
Parent tip
Bring wipes, water, sunscreen, and shoes that can get dusty. Farm trips are more fun when nobody expects clean sneakers at the end.
Mary’s Land Farm: animals, education, and a fuller farm outing
Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City is one of the stronger choices for families who want more than a quick animal peek. Its current site highlights animal encounters, a petting farm, classes and workshops, farm education, birthday parties, team outings, a farm store, field trips, and summer camp.
That range makes it useful for several different kinds of families. If you want a planned birthday party, check their farm birthday options. If your child is deeply into animals, look for animal encounter availability. If you homeschool or want something educational during a school break, review field trip, class, and camp options.
Mary’s Land also gives kids a broader picture of food and farming. It is not just “look at a cute animal.” The farm talks about regenerative agriculture, livestock, grass-fed beef, orchards, vegetables, eggs, poultry, and the farm store. That gives curious kids more to notice.
Best ages
Preschool through middle school, depending on the event. Younger kids may love the petting farm. Older kids may get more out of the education programs and animal encounters.
Parent tip
Do not assume every activity is available as a walk-in experience. Check the current visit, event, or booking page first.
Larriland Farm: best for pick-your-own fruit and vegetables
Larriland Farm in Woodbine is not mainly an animal encounter destination. It belongs on this list because pick-your-own fruit and vegetables can be one of the best hands-on food experiences for kids.
The farm says its season begins in late May with strawberries and continues into early November. Depending on the time of year, families may find berries, cherries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, vegetables, and other seasonal crops. The important thing is to check the “Today’s Harvest” information before you go because picking conditions change with weather and ripeness.
One important update: Larriland currently says a field ticket or pass is required for pick-your-own crops. No ticket is required for the Farm Market, also called the Red Barn.
Best ages
Preschool and up. Toddlers can enjoy it too, but older kids are usually better at understanding “only pick the ripe ones” and “please do not step on the plants.”
Parent tip
Pick one crop and keep the visit simple. A short, successful strawberry or apple outing is better than trying to turn the farm into an all-day forced march.
Sharp’s at Waterford Farm: tours, hayrides, parties, and fall fun
Sharp’s at Waterford Farm is a good fit when you want a more organized farm experience. Its current site highlights educational farm tours, custom parties and events, greenhouse offerings, open houses, fall festivities, hayrides, campfires, and the Dilly Dally Farm Stay.
This is the kind of place where planning matters. It is not always a simple “show up and pet animals” outing. It works best when you choose a tour, event, party, or seasonal offering that matches your child’s age and attention span.
For school groups, homeschool co-ops, scout groups, or families trying to make a farm visit feel more educational, Sharp’s is worth checking. The farm specifically mentions weekday educational visits for schools of different varieties.
Best ages
Preschool through elementary for tours and fall activities; mixed ages for private events and birthdays.
Parent tip
Ask exactly what is included before booking: animals, hayride, pumpkin activity, fire pit, farm lesson, bathrooms, food rules, and weather backup.
TLV Tree Farm: seasonal farm energy in Glenelg
TLV Tree Farm in Glenelg is best understood as a seasonal working farm, not a year-round petting zoo. Its current site describes Christmas trees, farm-raised proteins, educational tours, camps, farm fresh meats, farmers markets, pick-your-own pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, and a long farming history.
For kids, the strongest fit is likely fall or holiday season: pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, and Christmas tree traditions. That can still be a wonderful farm memory, but check the current hours and event details before going because the experience is seasonal.
Best ages
Elementary kids and families who like seasonal outings, especially fall farm visits and Christmas tree trips.
Parent tip
Before you go, confirm whether the farm is open to the public that day or only selling at markets or by appointment.
Breezy Willow Farm: CSA, country market, and local food
Breezy Willow Farm is better for local food than animal encounters. The current site emphasizes CSA farm share memberships, summer CSA signups, pickup and home delivery information, a country market, and add-ons such as bread and egg shares.
For kids, Breezy Willow can still be valuable. It is a way to connect food with a real farm and let children see that local eating is not only something that happens at a restaurant. A CSA box can turn into a low-key lesson at home: What is this vegetable? How does it grow? Can we cook it in a way everyone will actually eat?
Best ages
Any age if your goal is food exposure rather than animal encounters. Older kids can help choose recipes or unpack a CSA share.
Parent tip
If a full CSA share feels like too much, start with the country market or split a share with another household.
Bonus: Howard County Conservancy
The Howard County Conservancy is not a farm in the same way as the places above, but it deserves a mention for families looking for nature education. The Conservancy offers camps, homeschool programs, birthday parties, scouting programs, school field trips, and nature activities at Mt. Pleasant and Belmont.
If your child likes animals, habitats, birds, gardens, trails, and outdoor learning, this can complement a farm visit nicely.
How to choose the right farm for your child
The best farm depends less on the farm and more on your child’s mood, age, and tolerance for being outside.
- For animal time: Clark’s Elioak Farm or Mary’s Land Farm.
- For fruit picking: Larriland Farm.
- For a birthday party: Clark’s, Mary’s Land, Sharp’s, or the Howard County Conservancy.
- For fall activities: Sharp’s, Larriland, TLV Tree Farm, and Clark’s.
- For local food: Breezy Willow Farm, Larriland, Mary’s Land, and TLV.
- For a school or homeschool trip: Sharp’s, Mary’s Land, Clark’s, or the Conservancy.
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes or boots
- Hand wipes or sanitizer
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen and hats
- Snacks, if allowed
- A change of clothes for younger kids
- A small cooler if you plan to buy produce, eggs, meat, or dairy
- Patience for weather, mud, bugs, and animals that are not performing on cue
Related RingJing guides
Planning a bigger family day? You may also like RingJing’s guides to fun things to do with kids in Maryland, kids’ birthday party ideas in Howard County, Maryland homeschool field trips, and Howard County ice cream spots for the ride home.
Final thoughts
A good farm visit does not have to be elaborate. Sometimes the best version is one hour with goats, a wagon ride, a basket of strawberries, and a child asking why chickens look so suspicious all the time.
The key is choosing the right farm for the experience you want. If your child wants animals, go where animals are central. If you want food learning, pick fruit or join a CSA. If you want fall magic, aim for pumpkins and hayrides. Howard County has enough options that you can build the outing around your child instead of forcing every farm to be the same thing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best farm for animal encounters in Howard County?
Clark’s Elioak Farm and Mary’s Land Farm are the strongest choices for animal-focused visits. Check current hours and booking requirements before going.
Which Howard County farm is best for pick-your-own fruit?
Larriland Farm is the best-known pick-your-own farm in Howard County. Check Today’s Harvest before visiting because crops and picking conditions change quickly.
Can you have a kids’ birthday party at a farm in Howard County?
Yes. Clark’s Elioak Farm, Mary’s Land Farm, Sharp’s at Waterford Farm, and the Howard County Conservancy all advertise birthday or private event options. Details vary by season and package.
Are Howard County farm visits good for homeschoolers?
Yes. Farms can be excellent for lessons about animals, food systems, seasons, ecosystems, and local agriculture. Sharp’s, Mary’s Land, Clark’s, and the Howard County Conservancy are especially worth checking for educational programs.
Do all of these farms have animals kids can pet?
No. That is why it is important to choose carefully. Clark’s and Mary’s Land are better for animal encounters. Larriland is mainly pick-your-own produce, and Breezy Willow is more CSA and farm market.