The Best Family-Friendly Farms in York Region for East Gwillimbury Families

As an East Gwillimbury realtor and mom of three girls, farm days are basically a seasonal tradition in our house — and York Region is genuinely one of the best areas in Ontario for it, perfect for weekends, school breaks, and seasonal outings with kids. From petting zoos and wagon rides to fresh produce and pumpkin patches, these farms offer hands-on fun for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for a place to pick your own fruits and vegetables, enjoy farm-fresh baked goods, or let your little ones play outdoors, here are the top farms in York Region that every family should visit.

1. Brooks Farms – Mount Albert

Located at 122 Ashworth Road in Mount Albert, Brooks Farms is one of the most popular family destinations in York Region. The farm is famous for its Barnyard Playland, which features zip lines, giant jumping pillows, farm animals, a splash pad, and wagon rides. Families can also enjoy a farm market with a bakery and café, along with seasonal festivals such as the Maple Syrup Festival in early spring and the Fall Fun Festival in September and October. In the summer, families can pick strawberries, and in the fall, apples and pumpkins are the stars of the season. Admission prices vary depending on the activities, ranging from about $10 to $25 per person, with additional costs for pick-your-own produce.

The fact that Brooks Farms is just minutes from most East Gwillimbury neighbourhoods is one of those quality-of-life details families don't always think to ask about — but always appreciate once they're here.

Mount Albert has a wonderful small-town character — here's my full breakdown of Mount Albert and every other East Gwillimbury community if you want to know what living in each area actually feels like.

2. Round the Bend Farm – Kettleby (King Township)

Round the Bend Farm, located at 16225 Jane Street in Kettleby, has been family-run since 1986 and continues to be a go-to spot for local families. Visitors can enjoy the corn maze, sunflower walk, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and a market stocked with fresh produce and baked goods. Summer brings an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while the fall season transforms the farm into a pumpkin-filled wonderland, complete with family photo opportunities and festive treats. Admission for fall activities is typically around $10 to $15 per person, while farm market items are priced individually.

3. Carma Farms – Markham

Carma Farms in Markham is an ideal outing for families with young children and our family's personal favourite. Located at 2620 Victoria Park Avenue, the farm offers a warm and affordable way for kids to meet, pet, and feed a variety of farm animals. The setup is safe, friendly, and perfect for toddlers. The farm operates from spring through fall, with opportunities for animal encounters year-round. Admission is only $2 per person, with children under 12 months admitted free. Families can also purchase feed buckets for $5, with a refundable $5 deposit.

4. Rose Family Farm – Mount Albert (East Gwillimbury)

Rose Family Farm, located at 17569 Centre Street in Mount Albert, is a hidden gem in East Gwillimbury. Known for its delicious farm market, the family-run farm offers everything from homemade pies and pavlovas to freshly cut fries and mouthwatering poutine made from their own potatoes. In the summer, visitors can pick up farm-fresh produce and baked goods, while the fall season brings pumpkins, festive decorations, and the opening of the Play Barn for children. Most market items range from $5 to $10, while admission to fall activities is usually around $10 to $15 per person.

As a local East Gwillimbury realtor, I love recommending Rose Family Farm to families who are new to the area — it's the kind of spot that makes you feel instantly at home here. Mount Albert has a wonderful small-town character, and places like this are a big part of why families love putting down roots in East Gwillimbury.

5. Laura’s Farm Stand – Cookstown (just outside York Region)

Laura’s Farm Stand is another one of our family's favourites. Located at 1467 10th Sideroad in Cookstown, is another great family-friendly farm just outside York Region. The farm is known for its wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce, flowers, and baked goods. Families especially love the sunflower fields in July and August along with pick your own wildflowers, which also make the perfect backdrop for family photos. In the fall, Laura’s Farm Stand offers a pumpkin patch along with seasonal vegetables and autumn treats.

6. Forsythe Family Farms – Uxbridge (just north of York Region)

Although located just outside York Region in Uxbridge, Forsythe Family Farms is well worth the short drive. The farm, at 1025 Cragg Road, is packed with family fun including a straw maze, wagon rides, nature trails, and a petting barn. One of its most popular programs is “Little Farmers,” which is designed especially for toddlers. Families love the interactive play areas and educational workshops that help children learn about farming in a hands-on way. Seasonal highlights include pick-your-own vegetables, flowers, and pumpkins, as well as the annual Fall Harvest Festival. In spring, the Bunny Cuddle Barn is a must-visit. General admission is usually between $10 and $15 per person, with additional costs for workshops or special activities.

Planning Your Visit

Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to check each farm’s website or social media for updated hours and seasonal events. Be sure to dress for the weather—especially in the fall when farms can get muddy—and bring along some cash for markets, small admissions, or special treats.

Access to experiences like these — farms, trails, green space, and genuine community — is one of the things I love most about helping families find homes in East Gwillimbury and York Region. If you're thinking about making a move to this area, I'd love to show you around. Let's connect.

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Meet Jessica Nakamura — East Gwillimbury realtor, girl mom x3 (twins included), audiobook addict, and the person who accidentally went viral for killing weeds with baking soda. She believes buying or selling your home should feel less overwhelming and a lot more human. She brings a no-nonsense, get-it-done energy to every client she works with.