Fall into festive activities
Become immersed in the cozy spirit with local farms and orchards with activities for the whole family
By Ava Llamas
Leaman’s Green Applebarn, 7475 N River Rd, Freeland, MI 48623 –
Leaman’s admission differs depending on the day of the week, save money on tickets by purchasing beforehand online. Leaman’s offers apple picking, a photo-friendly pumpkin patch and a bakery where visitors can purchase goods such as toys, pastries or fresh apple cider. There is a petting barnyard and a corn maze. Family fun comes in the unique form of goat yoga with kids. Leaman’s is open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, times run from 9-3 a.m. For more information, go to www.greenapplebarn.com or call 989-695-2465.
Bayne’s Apple Valley, 5395 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623 –
Known for their bakery and restaurant, Bayne’s offers fresh baked goods and jugs of apple cider. Bayne’s creates a cozy environment to relax and indulge in Michigan foods and products. Additionally, they provide community gathering events such as live music and trivia nights. With their newest addition of fall favorite ice cream flavors, there is plenty to stop in for. For more information, visit www.visitbaynes.com or call 989-695-9139.
Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch, 4277 N Eastman Rd, Midland, MI 48642 –
Grandma’s pumpkin farm offers fresh apple cider donuts, and a petting zoo with a $3 charge. There is a corn maze on the farm as well. They are open every day of the week, with Monday through Friday being open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekends have variable hours. Snacks and meals are offered on Wednesdays and the weekends. For more information and to see available hours, visit grandmaspumpkinpatch.com or call 989-513-5222.
Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm, 4715 N Portsmouth Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601 –
The Saginaw staple is back this year with their corn maze. This time a bald eagle is celebrating America’s 250 birthday. There is also the option to feed animals such as goats, emus, cows and more. Every weekend they celebrate with a different event for visitors ranging from historical reenactors to a visiting magician. Johnson’s also provides their classic hand cranked fry cakes. For more information call 989-752-3133 or go to johnsonspumpkinfarm.com.
The Farm @ Apple Acres, 2282 E Salzburg Rd, Bay City, MI 48706 –
Serving up a large variety of 95 different ice cream flavors along with fresh cake donuts. Free range birds walk around the lounging area where people can sit under shade and relax. They are open from 4-8 p.m. through Mondays and Thursdays. Times for Friday through Sunday run from 2-8 p.m. The farm lives up to their name with many animal residents including a Scottish Highland cow, chickens, turkeys, ducks, horses and goats that visitors can come see. Pricing for all products are listed on their website for convenience. For more information visit thefarmbaycity.com. or call 989-450-6035.