8 Family-Friendly Farms Near Atlanta

A great way for kids and adults to learn about agriculture is to make it fun. These eight Georgia farms just a short drive from Atlanta offer tours, festivals and special events that teach about food production, as well as expose city slickers to life on the farm.

1. Southern Belle Farm in McDonough

Southern Belle Farm is straight out of a storybook with a big silo and bright red barn. There are more than 40 activities offered on this 330-acre family farm in McDonough, and every season brings a new crop of produce and fun. Fall is one of the busiest times at Southern Belle. That's when the pumpkins are ready for picking and the corn maze is in full swing. Winter brings fir trees and Santa. Springtime is strawberry picking season. In summer, you’ll find blackberries and blueberries. No matter the season, guests can bounce on the jumping pillow, take a ride on the cow train, or take a spin around the track on the pedal carts. Check before heading out to see if they’ll be running my favorite attraction: the pig races.

2. Dickey Farms in Musella

Dickey Farms is the oldest continuously operating peach packinghouse in Georgia. In addition to peaches, they also have fresh pecans. Like many of Georgia's farms, this is a family business. "Robert" Lee Dickey III and Robert "Lee" Dickey IV, along with other family members, work together to continue the farm's legacy in this rural middle Georgia community. Grab some of Dickey’s world-famous peach ice cream, sit a spell in the rocking chairs, and ask the family about growing up on the farm and all the changes they have seen.

3. Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley

Lane Southern Orchards is best known for peaches and pecans, but it also has u-pick strawberries in the spring. Stop in for lunch in the cafe and shopping in the farm market.

4. Farmview Market in Madison

Although this isn't a working farm, the Farmview Market in Madison is a good place to start your agriculture education. Located just off I-20, before you get to historic downtown Madison, Farmview is a locally sourced grocery store, butcher shop and farmers market all rolled into one. Taste the freshness difference at the Farmview Cafe, the only farm-to-table quick-service restaurant in the state. They have a killer smoked chicken salad sandwich. From April to October, meet the farmers themselves at the weekly farmers market, where all market vendors must grow or make the products they sell, no resellers allowed.

5. Berry's Christmas Tree Farm in Covington

Not all farms grow vegetables or have cows munching in the fields. At Berry’s Tree Farm in Covington, growing Christmas trees is the family business, and you are invited to cut your own Christmas tree. After picking out the perfect conifer, stroll through the village for fresh garland, wreaths and decorations. Take the kids on a train ride, or let them visit with Santa. Berry’s is like visiting the North Pole in Georgia.

6. Jaemor Farms in Alto

Jaemor Farms operates a market where you can stock up on seasonal produce as well as preserves, ciders, sauces, marinades and more. The farm in Alto also hosts a corn maze (September-November) and various special events, including cooking classes, date nights, peach and strawberry festivals, hayrides and more.

7. Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock

Visit the pumpkin patch and cut your own Christmas tree at Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock. You can also enjoy a picnic and hayride, and a visit to the barnyard to see the baby animals.

8. Pettit Creek Farms in Cartersville

This 80-acre farm has been in the Allen family since 1945 and welcomes families for farm tours, pony rides, camel rides, and hay rides. Visit the petting zoo of exotic animals like zebras, kangaroos, and lemurs, and be sure to visit during the holidays to see live reindeer and a festive lights display!