Have you wanted to visit an awesome farm, but weren’t sure where to start? My family was able to visit Hunsader Farms in Bradenton, Florida and it was awesome. The farm was family-friendly and we plan on going back every year. Although the Pumpkin Festival is coming to a close, they have so much more to offer year-round. Say hello to Hunsader Farms!
Guide to Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival and Events
Pumpkin Festival
If you do get a chance to get into the Pumpkin Festival, you’re in for a real treat. Admission is $10 but kids 10 and under are FREE. With admission, you have access to a ton of fun stuff. Craft show, live music, Pioneer Trades Village, Hayrides, Chainsaw Sculpture, Petting Zoo, Playground, Juggler and the Frog Jumping Championship is all included in the pumpkin festival.
There are 3 different gates. Gates 1 and 2 are near the main parking field and gate 3 comes in the back. I always go in gate 2 because it’s right near the pumpkin tent so I can grab pumpkin on my way out.
They have the petting zoo with all sorts of animals everything from kangaroos to baby pigs. There is more on the petting zoo below but this is the first thing you walk by when you park in the main parking field.
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In the front by gate 1 are some smaller kids rides, a rock-climbing wall, and pony rides. They have season games like pumpkin bowling and candy toss with many of the traditional fair games.
Just behind that is a little Native American section dedicated to the local Florida Indians. There is a teepee and several vendors set up. One that shows how they tan and prepare hides and evens smokes them right there. Another is set up to do beadwork and even has a hands-on how-to for kids.
We also saw a small blacksmith set up, a woman making wool, one making chairs with weaving, and another bookmaking arrowheads. My kids loved seeing all things being made and learning from the vendors.
Just behind the Native American section is there the vendor tents are they are selling everything from home decor, kids clothes, pet items, food, jewelry and more. A lot of it is hand made and this is a great place to shop local for your Christmas gifts!
Some of my favorite items I saw where of course dreamcatchers, wine bottle wind chimes, handmade jewelry, rag rugs, homemade jams, and hubby’s favorite hot sauce tent.
The center of the event is the antique barn, food area, stage, and produce stand. They have the best fair/festival food. Walking tacos, pizza, funnel cakes, turkey legs, Philly cheesesteaks, gator bites, of course, mac and cheese grilled cheese! Oh, and since it’s the south, sweet tea.
The antique store had small items like signs or plates and bit items like some furniture and bigger signs. I saw so many things I loved there but I had the kids and not the room to bring home the big hutch I loved home!
On the side furthest from the main road, they have a small tractor pull ride for younger kids and a larger train around the field for everyone. They have a hayride, zip line and several stunts show including a tight rope walker that my kids were fascinated by.
There is a car show over here to and several other events and activities like shows, the train depot, and a few shops as well.
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We spent over 5 hours there before the kids where done and ready to go and we saw barely half of everything there was!
Visit the Playground and Petting Zoo
Let’s be honest, everyone loves a good playground and petting zoo! Hunsader Farms has the best petting zoo around. Getting into the zoo and playground is only $5 when it’s not during a festival. There is also a small place to grab some yummy ice cream.
Petting the goats, pigs, sheep, donkeys and visiting with the other animals is so much fun! They have a huge turtle and emus, a kangaroo, ad even some baby animals which were just so darn cute!
The playground is also a ton of fun for kids of multiple ages. It’s a great way to tire the kids out for the drive home.
Head to the Farm for Country Christmas
Come to Hunsader Farms December from 6-10 P.M. to experience the most wonderful time of the year. Kids 5 and under are free, otherwise, it’s $10 per person for admission. Included in Country Christmas is Over 250,000 lights, Hayrides, Kiddie Train Rides, Pictures with Santa, Display Christmas Village, Petting Zoo, and Christmas Movies on Big Screen.
Check out the Farm Market and U Pick
Homegrown veggies are just a few minutes away! As you visit the farm, you can also pick up all your fresh produce in one spot. You will also find a variety of jams, jellies, and even honey. There is even a U Pick option, so when produce is in season, you may have the opportunity to go pick it yourself. Produce doesn’t get fresher than that!
All year round they offer an event space for things like weddings, they have a small eat shack on the property. They offer a birthday party package and even field trips for kids.
As you can see, there is so much to do and see at Hunsader Farms. Whether you go to the Pumpkin Festival or take the time to visit the rest of the year, you’ll always find something that your family loves and enjoys!