Friday: Hotel Check-in and Dinner at a Brewery

Family-Friendly Loudoun County Hotels

Check into your lodging, ideally in a central location such as Leesburg, Purcellville, or even Middleburg. Loudoun County is large, but these particular spots will be convenient to main attractions. Local favorites for staycations include Lansdowne Resort and Spa (which is also great for a moms' getaway—find out why here) and Stone Gables Bed and Breakfast in Leesburg, and Salamander Middleburg, Red Fox Inn and Tavern, and Goodstone Inn and Restaurant in Middleburg.

Kid-Friendly Breweries in Loudoun County

Loudoun County is known for its breweries, and many are family-friendly and a great way to start off the weekend. Lark Brewing Co. in Aldie has an outdoor beer garden and a menu with options to suit everyone. Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont offers incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a relaxed atmosphere. If breweries aren't your thing, there are plenty of locally owned restaurants, cafes, and bistros in the historical downtown areas, many of which feature farm-to-table menus, local bands, and relaxed atmospheres.

Visit Great Country Farms' pumpkin patch, but save some room in your car to also get a pumpkin at Wegmeyer Farms! Photo by the author

Saturday: Classic Fall Fun

Morning: Great Country Farms — Bluemont

At this quintessential Loudoun County fall destination (find out why we love it in our review of Great Country Farms), you'll find a wide range of attractions, including a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a giant jumping pillow, a "cow train" ride, farm animals, slides, and a playground area that will keep the kids busy for hours. Grab a casual lunch at the farm's concession stands, and be sure to try the famous apple cider donuts and freshly pressed cider.

Afternoon: Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — Leesburg

Believe it or not, after the energy of Great Country Farms, Leesburg Animal Park is a great change of pace. Its annual Pumpkin Village features a petting zoo, hayrides, and even camel and pony rides. It's an excellent way for kids to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic and domestic animals.

Evening: Dinner at a Kid-Friendly Restaurant

• Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Leesburg: Leesburg has a variety of restaurants with different cuisines, especially in the charming (if small) historic district. Choose something casual and family-friendly to end your busy day. We like Melt for burgers, Lightfoot Restaurant, and Fireworks Pizza. Second Nature, Weird Brothers Coffee, and Moms Apple Pie are great places to grab coffee and/or a sweet treat. And if you're craving some delicious soft-serve ice cream, Gruto's has you covered!
• Family-Friendly Purcelleville Restaurants: In Purcellville, try Magnolia's at the Mill (one of my personal favorites), BIA Kitchen, or Petite LouLou.
• Middleburg Restaurants Kids Will Love: Aside from the options at the above-mentioned resorts, you can try Red Horse Tavern, King Street Oyster Bar, or CDMX Mexican Bar and Grill. Grab coffee at Middleburg Common Grounds if you need an evening pick-me-up.

Sunday: A Taste of the Countryside

Morning: Pumpkin Picking at Wegmeyer Farms — Hamilton

Pumpkin picking in a more pastoral and traditional setting than the previous' days farm attractions is one of my family's favorite ways to wrap up a fall weekend. Family-owned Wegmeyer Farms is known for its unique and colorful pumpkin varieties. It's one of our favorite pumpkin patches near DC! Pro tip: Make a reservation for a specific time slot to pick your pumpkins, which are hand-clipped.

Afternoon:

• Option 1: Kid-Friendly Winery Visit: Loudoun County is part of Virginia Wine Country, and several wineries in the area are very welcoming to families. One of our favorites is Bluemont Vineyard, which has stunning views and open grassy space for kids to run around. Additional recommendations: 8 Chains North Winery, Chrysalis Vineyards, The Barns at Hamilton Station, Bleu Frog Vineyards, and Quattro Goombas, all of which are known to be excellent kid-friendly choices.

Option 2: Park Picnic, Nature Walk, and/or Playground Time:

• Picnic: Grab some food at a local market and picnic on the way home at Morven Park in downtown Leesburg. It's picturesque, historical, and great for some DIY family photos, and the grounds and gardens are free.
• Nature walk: Take a scenic family stroll at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Bazil Newman Riverfront Park, or Algonkian Regional Park. All are favorites of ours. My son loves a good nature walk, and Algonkian in particular has both nature and a fun playground.
• Playground: Ashburn Park (known locally as "Dinosaur Park," Douglass Community Center Park and Playground, and Potomac Lakes Sportsplex all have fun playgrounds for kids.

Late Afternoon: Depart for Home

After a relaxing afternoon, you can start your drive back home, full of fresh air, fall memories and an autumnal spirit.

Tips for a Great Fall Weekend in Loudoun County

Be Ready for Any Weather

Fall in Northern Virginia can be unpredictable, so dress in layers! Wear comfortable shoes, too. 

Book in Advance

Popular farms and festivals, especially on prime fall weekends, can get crowded. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets or make reservations online ahead of time to avoid long lines.

Bring a Wagon

If you have one, bring it! A wagon is a lifesaver for lugging pumpkins, jackets, and tired kids around the farms.

Pack Snacks and Drinks

While you will almost always be in the vicinity of an array of food options, having some water and snacks on hand is always a good idea.

Be in the Moment

Take plenty of cute fall pictures, but don't forget to also take a break and unplug. The best fall memories from your kids' vantage points will be the quality time and connection they are getting with you.

Read More: Best Farms with Family Entertainment Near DC

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