Every fall since we moved back to Austin in 2014, we have made the 40-mile trek from Hutto to Bastrop to visit Barton Hill Farms, and every fall the farm gets better and better. The three newest notables for this season are the (1) cabana rentals, (2) bier garten, and (3) Hey Elon! corn maze. Thinking of making your own visit to Barton Hill Farms this season? Below are some tips from a seasoned pro.
RELATED READING :: Best Pumpkin Patches In & Around Austin
Before You Go to Barton Hill Farms…
Aim to go early in the season :: Barton Hill Farms is open only on the weekends from September 25th to November 7th between 10 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Generally speaking, the later in the season, the more crowded the farm is. That being said, don’t forget about going on Halloween, which is on a Sunday this year. Along with some friends, our family went on Halloween last year (on a Saturday) and were pleasantly surprised by how few people were there. It definitely made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Follow Barton Hill Farms on social media :: I suggest following Barton Hill Farms for up-to-date information about the farm. For example, if the farm has to close, it will be posted on their social media pages. Additionally, you can find which special events and when live music offerings will be taking place. Not to mention, it will let you know how and when to get discounted tickets!
Reserve tickets online before you head to the farm :: There are capacity limits in place at the farm to maintain the health and safety of its visitors. For this reason, it is best to secure tickets before heading out. More than likely, you will need to purchase tickets about a week in advance. And just FYI–kids under 3 get in free!
Be prepared for contactless/cashless payments :: Barton Hill Farms accepts all major types of card payments (credit, debit, and mobile payments only), including AMEX and Discover. At this time, the farm does not accept payments from a digital wallet.
Please do not bring outside food or drinks :: The exception to this request is one sealed bottle of water per person. Coolers and cooler bags are not permitted inside the farm.
Only trained service animals will be admitted onto the farm :: Should you bring a service animal, please note that you will be responsible for the care of your animals. Additionally, relevant service animal information, including physical address, contact information, and breed will be recorded at the gate.
Belongings are subject to inspection :: Bags, strollers, purses, or etc. brought into the farm may be subjected to inspection by a uniformed law enforcement officer.
Leave the smokes and drones at home :: Again, for the health and safety of its visitors, Barton Hill Farms does not permit smoking and vaping anywhere on the farm, including the parking lot. Drones are also not allowed at Barton Hill Farms.
Only come to the farm if you and your family are healthy :: In an effort to maintain the health and well-being of its employees and visitors, Barton Hill Farms requires employee health screenings and temperature checks daily, and they request that you visit only when healthy. Face coverings are optional, but encouraged when unable to maintain social distancing.
Dress accordingly :: Again, it’s Central Texas, and it’s hot. Make sure to dress for the weather we have, not the weather we all want.
Arrive early (10:00 a.m.) or come later (4:00 p.m.) :: It’s Central Texas, y’all. As I write this, we’re looking at temperatures into the 90s this weekend. It’s hot. Literally, the coolest times to visit are the first few hours that the farm is open and the last couple of hours of it being open. Keep the temperatures in mind when you’re figuring out your times.
Want to spend a whole day, though? Book a cabana! :: This year Barton Hill Farms offers semi-private cabanas to give visitors some shade and be able to take a break from the day’s festivities. The cabanas may be used for birthday parties, large families, and small company parties. Reservations include a 12 x 14 covered cabana with bench seating and a 16 x 12 uncovered and operational fire pit area. 10 people are allowed per cabana.
While You’re There…
Don’t forget to visit the Colorado River :: Kick back, drink a seasonal cider at the Barton Hugel, and watch the river flow by. By far my absolute favorite thing about Barton Hill Farms is the proximity to the Colorado River. It’s a beauty, y’all, and shouldn’t be missed.
Visit one of the latest additions–The Apfelwein & Biergarten :: Specifically for those 21 and older, The Apfelwein & Biergarten offers craft beers and ciders on tap from local breweries. So, gather with friends and family and drink local!
Check out the newest menu items :: The kettle corn alone is worth going for every year, and last year the farm rolled out an AHH-mazing frozen sangria. This year’s latest offerings include fried chicken tenders and fries, pizza, salad, and churros. I can already take the sugary-cinnamon goodness.
Have too much fun! :: Visit the more than 30 family-friendly activities, including
- Pumpkin patch
- Corn maze
- Beer and cider garden
- Texas live music stage
- Farm animals
- Bee train rides
- Texas hayride trail
- Competitive ball zone
- Archery
- Super slides
- Wilbarger Village Texas-Sized tree fort
- Texas jumbo jumping pillow
- Face painting (extra fee)
- Apple cannons (extra fee)
- The Colorado River
- Food and drink
- U-Pick flowers (zinnias and sunflowers are available in the fall)
- Southwest Dairy Farmers’ Dairy Cow Classroom, which teachers about the nutritional value of milk and what it’s like to be a dairy farmer
- Pistol Packin’ Paula on Saturdays, bring her world champion gun spinning show
Get lost in this year’s most unique corn maze! :: As most of you know, Elon Musk moved to Austin recently, bringing with him Tesla, Inc. This year’s corn maze is called Hey Elon! It is 5 acres and includes two bridges. While navigating the corn maze, you can wander through SpaceX spaceship, Boring Company tunnel, Tesla Cybertruck, and a Starlink satellite.
After Your Visit…
Don’t forget to visit again in the spring for The Spring Festival at Barton Hill Farms!
Honestly, I don’t know any other local family-friendly farm that provides as many outdoor activities as Barton Hill Farms! It’s a fun and exciting way to make happy fall family memories for years and years to come.
Have I missed anything? Share your own tips in the comments below!
