Fun on the farm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia

Frying Pan Farm Park is located in Herndon, Va. and is unique because it is one of the last working farms located in Fairfax County. The park is a great outing for visitors of all ages. There are many activities throughout the property and likely something of interest for everyone.

The farm houses many animals and according to a guide from a previous visit was stated to be somewhere around 95 percent self-sufficient, meaning the farm grows its own food and feeds the livestock, which is quite impressive.

In addition to the farm, which houses animals and crops, the park also has equestrian facilities, activities for the kids, a playground, and many scheduled events and activities throughout the year. For instance each summer is the annual 4-H Fair which is a great event.

Here are a few of the highlights you'll find visiting Frying Pan Farm Park:

Family fun at Kidwell Farm 

At Kidwell Farm, the kids have an opportunity to get up close and personal to greet and visit with cows, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. In addition, there are many other animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and a peacock the kids love. In the duck pen there is a big old bathtub. It's a hoot to watch the ducks leap in for a bath. 

When the animals birth, the babies are also always a treat to see. Video I took at the farm of the piglets:

Also in the farm area are three old tractors that are stationary, the kids can climb up and "drive" the tractor. However, if they want a real tractor ride that moves, this is an option too. Approximately every hour Frying Pan also offers wagon rides until 4 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays through the months of March - November (while admission to the Farm is free for everyone, there is a small charge for the ride for everyone ages 2 and up). The tour takes you all around the farm, through a wooded area and loops around. The wagon ride is a great way to get a good general overview of the property and other activities going on at Frying Pan Park. (Oftentimes, you'll spot some interesting critters in the woods!)

Kidwell Farm is open daily year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Historical things of interest at Frying Pan Farm Park

History buffs will appreciate the historical value of Frying Pan Farm Park. It is interesting to tour the grounds and the farm house. The inside of the house has been renovated to look just like it did in the 1930s. During a tour of the house visitors can learn all about how people lived on the farm during this era. The hours for touring the house are limited, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time for availability/hours if this is what you want to see specifically.

Interior of farm house - this is the kitchen

Equestrian facilities 

For the horse enthusiast, Frying Pan Farm Park has excellent equestrian facilities. While they do not rent horses or offer riding lessons, the facility is opened for use to the public. There is a large indoor riding arena, which has seating for 800, and the park frequently hosts horse shows. In addition to the indoor arena, the park has two outdoor riding rings that span more than 3 miles. There are several jumping stations and equipment on the property that visitors are able to use/reserve. The activity center charges by the hour, or a multi-hour pass can be bought at a discount. Check the website for current prices and options. Riding is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless a prior event booking requires the facilities. 

On the park grounds

Other things to see and do are the Country Store, activity center, visitor center, and an old-fashioned carousel (small fee for this one). Additionally, there is also a wooded hiking area and even a playground.

Frying Pan Park is a great place for kids. Parents like it because it's got enough for the kids to see, but isn't an over stimulating experience, not to mention the price is right because admission is free! The farm park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Frying Fan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, Va. 

This pic was taken about a year or two ago during a visit to see spring babies at Kidwell Farm