Crisp-Weather Harvest at Jacob’s Family Orchard: Sunflower Seas, Pumpkin Patches and a Farm-Playground for All Ages

FRANKLIN FARM FIELD GUIDE

Crisp-Weather Harvest at Jacob’s Family Orchard: Sunflower Seas, Pumpkin Patches and a Farm-Playground for All Ages

Spend a fall day in Franklin with wagon rides, pumpkin picking, a sunflower trail and family-friendly farm play—this guide lays out the hours, activities and on-site policies.

Crisp-Weather Harvest at Jacob’s Family Orchard: Sunflower Seas, Pumpkin Patches and a Farm-Playground for All Ages.

Duration
8 am to 6pm
Location
Franklin
Operator
Jacobs' Family Orchard
Category
Farm
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Enjoy a fall day on the farm at Jacob’s Family Orchard in Franklin, where wagon rides, pumpkin picking and a three-and-a-half-acre sunflower trail combine with a farm-themed play area and a seasonal haunted house to create a relaxed autumn outing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE PLAYGROUND

A Straw-Bale Pyramid, Combine Slide and Tractor Tires

The orchard added a dedicated play area so families could spend more time together; kids can climb into a combine seat, slide on drainage-tile slides, crawl through large tractor tires and scramble up the signature straw-bale pyramid—features the orchard continues to expand each season.

THE RIDES

Wagon Rides Through the Orchard

On weekends during fall, wagon rides wind through roughly half the apple trees, offering views of different varieties and sometimes a look at harvest work; the orchard also runs daily rides for two weeks in October during fall breaks.

THE FIELDS

A 3.5-Acre Sunflower Trail

Each fall the orchard cuts a trail through approximately 3.5 acres of towering sunflowers so visitors can walk fully surrounded by bright yellow blooms.

What the day feels like

How a Day Unfolds

A visit is paced and seasonal: arrive at the orchard to stroll sunflower paths or pick pumpkins, let children loose on farm-themed play structures, take a weekend wagon ride through blocks of apple trees, and linger over cider and donuts while the orchard’s harvest fills the field with autumn color.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this passes suits—and who should check first.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal for families with children: the play area, wagon rides and seasonal attractions are designed for kids and parents to enjoy together; note that ages 2 and under are free.
2
PhotographersEnthusiast and professional photographers can capture seasonal color, but professionals must pay a $10/hour fee, check in at the store and pay for access to activities they photograph.
3
Dog OwnersDog-friendly with conditions: dogs are allowed on-site if leashed, friendly with people and other dogs, and owners must clean up after them; dogs are not permitted in the store, though service dogs trained for tasks are allowed inside.
4
Seasonal Day-Trip VisitorsA straightforward fall outing for visitors seeking pumpkin picking, sunflower walks and cider-donuts; the orchard’s seasonal schedule concentrates most offerings in autumn.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

The orchard’s seasonal attractions are focused on fall; check for weekend wagon-ride schedules and the sunflower field timing during the autumn season.

What to Bring

Dress for crisp autumn weather and bring whatever you need for walking through fields; photographers should bring their gear and check in at the store to secure the required pass.

Logistics & Fees

Be prepared to pay for activity access and note that professional photographers incur a $10/hour fee plus any activity fees; check in at the store on arrival.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What are the orchard’s hours?

The orchard is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Is there an age discount or free admission for young children?

Children ages 2 and under are free.

Are dogs allowed on the farm?

Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash, be friendly with people and other dogs, owners must clean up after them, and dogs are not allowed in the store; properly trained service dogs are permitted inside the store.

Can professional photographers shoot at the orchard?

Yes—professional photographers are allowed for a $10/hour fee; photographers must check in at the store, pay to access any activities they want to photograph, and stay within areas open to the general public.

When are wagon rides offered?

Wagon rides run every Saturday and Sunday in the fall and daily for two weeks in October during fall breaks (specific dates vary each year).