Little Red Barn at Bishop’s Orchard in Guilford, CT
2018 Update: Open daily from September 29 – October 31, 2018 from 9 am – 6 pm. Check out my list of 50 family-friendly fall events around Connecticut.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 203-453-2338
The Little Red Barn at Bishop’s Orchards has been on my list of fall bucket list for a few years now. This fall I finally got a chance to visit all the fun this shoreline farm has to offer. It features a farm store, fruit picking, a food tuck, pumpkin picking and family-friendly fall activities.
Bishops Orchards is a fifth generation produce farm. They’ve grown from a simple family farm to a wholesale grower of fruits and vegetables for New York and New England. Visit their store to purchase farm-fresh goods, pick-your-own fruits, join the CSA, or enjoy the seasonal fall activities.
Dates & Times
Fall activities are open daily from September 29 – October 31, 2018
Weekends & Columbus Day hours 9 am – 6 pm
Weekday hours 3 pm – 6 pm
Admission to Kids Activities
Weekends & Columbus Day – $9 for children 2 and over
Weekdays (no apple train) – $4 per child 2 and over
*Adults and children under 2 are free.
Parking
We visited on a Saturday in October. I assumed that the parking would be difficult but I was pleasantly surprised to get a perfect spot. There is a sense of order for a farm with such large crowds. The farm has ample parking spots around the store and additional parking across the street.
The grounds were fairly even so I would feel comfortable bringing little ones along in a stroller.
Little Red Barn Activities
There are plenty of family-friendly activities at Bishop’s Orchards. Enjoy pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, a yummy food truck, freshly baked apple cider donuts, face painting, animals, an assortment of seasonal decorations as well as the children’s activities.
Pumpkin Patch
The farm has a large selection of various sized pumpkins and gourds behind the Little Red Barn. Pick out your favorite pumpkin or snap a yearly picture in front of the growth chart.
Note: Activities listed below are included with the children’s admission
Apple Train
The apple train is open weekends during the fall season and Columbus Day. It’s a short little train ride that both adults and children can enjoy.
Pedal Tractors
Race around in a John Deere-inspired green pedal tractor
Corn Pit
Playing in corn kernels is always a hit. This corn pit is housed in a small shed so it’s much smaller than others we’ve visited but there are shovels and small toys that the others do not have. Plenty of digging fun.
Hay Tunnel
A small maze and hay tunnel
Hay Pyramid
The kids loved climbing up and jumping down the multi-level hay pyramid. There are great views on the top of the farm.
Games
Corn hole and a few cutouts perfect for photos
Bishop’s Orchards offers plenty of family fun during the fall season. The pumpkin patch and Little Red Barn are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Kids will love the corn pit, tractors, and apple train. Visiting during the week makes a great inexpensive activity.
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