Waterman’s Family Farm has been a local favorite for more than 40 years. For many families, a visit to the Fall Festival at Waterman’s Farm has become an annual tradition. This year’s festival is better than ever, with new fun activities to check out in addition to perennial favorites. We are so excited to share all the fun you can look forward to this season. Just head to Waterman’s for an awesome fall farm experience without leaving Indy.
2024 Fall Festival
Waterman’s Family Farm’s 2024 Fall Festival runs from September 28 to October 31. The festival is closed on Mondays, but will be open October 14. Every other day of the week, you can head to the farm to play. Parking is always free and located adjacent to the festival grounds. The area is a working farm with the potential to be muddy, so be sure to dress for the occasion.
What to do at Waterman’s Family Farm
There’s a lot to check out, so plan your time accordingly. Older kids past the age of afternoon naps will likely find a whole day’s worth of entertainment. Best of all, nearly everything is included in your admission fee. The football toss, basketball throw, pumpkin bowling, corn and hay bale mazes, straw mountain, spinning pumpkin ride, sand pit, miniature train, and multiple photo locations are just the beginning.
Rock Climbing
On weekends, guests can challenge themselves to scale the full-size rock climbing wall. Using a harness and belayed by staff, farm visitors can test their strength and skill on this challenging course.
Farm Animals
You may never have heard of a Zebu, much less seen one in real life, but a visit to Waterman’s can change that. Zebus are miniature cows with humps on their backs and you can meet a few of them in the animal pen at the farm. The pen is also full of adorable goats, sheep, and alpacas. Farm guests are welcome to visit and interact with the animals for free. A few special animal experiences are available for an additional fee. A cup of food for the animals, pony rides, and a meet-and-greet with exotic birds all cost a few dollars each.
Human Hamster Wheels
Hop inside these giant barrels and race your family across the field! Who knew being a hamster was so much fun?
Slides
Whether your kids love a classic playground slide or something a bit more adventurous, they’ll find something they love at Waterman’s. The playground has favorite features like swings, ladders, and slides, in addition to giant tractor tires embedded in the ground for climbing. As soon as you enter the festival, you’ll notice the giant combine-harvester-turned-slide. Ascend the combine via steps or a rope ladder, depending on your child’s ability. Kids can also climb up to the driver’s seat to get a farmer’s view of the festival.
A more recent addition to the farm is the Mega Mountain Slide. Find it near the cornfield at the far end of the festival grounds. A series of steps made from old tires leads to the top of this dirt mound. From there, a hard plastic slide is your route back down. The children of the Indy with Kids team had a blast riding down in groups, over and over again.
Hayride
What’s a fall festival without a hayride? Waterman’s does not disappoint. Catch the hayride for a tractor-drawn trip around the farm before unloading at the pumpkin patch. Once you and your kids have selected your perfect pumpkin porch decor, hop on the next ride back to the festival. The hayride loads near the miniature train and disembarks in a fenced-in area beside the playground.
Pumpkin-eating Dinosaur, Tyranny
Check the sign for the times Tyranny will be chomping on pumpkins! You’ll probably hear the growling sound effects that begin at mealtime. The staff puts on a big production of feeding the dinosaur. Just watching Tyranny crush a giant pumpkin in her jaws is exciting for kids to watch, but the experience is even more memorable if they’re chosen to help feed the dino!
Food and Amenities at Waterman’s Farm
There are multiple concessions vendors available at Waterman’s Fall Festival. Choose from classic hamburgers and hot dogs, kabobs, kettle corn, lemon shake-ups, donuts, and more. There are covered picnic tables available where you can take a break and enjoy your food.
If you don’t plan to ride the hayride to the pumpkin patch, you can grab pre-picked pumpkins from the farm market. Stop in the small stand for other farm products and treats.
There are no permanent restroom facilities at Waterman’s, but you will find several portable toilets and handwashing stations throughout the festival area.
Hours
Waterman’s Fall Festival is open Tuesday through Sunday for the 2024 season, September 28 through October 31.
Tuesday-Thursday: 9 am-7 pm
Friday: 9 am-8 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am-8 pm
Please note that the last hayride will leave one hour before closing time each day.
By popular demand, the farm will be open on Monday, October 14.
Admission
Weekday: $12
Weekend: $15
Season Pass: $50/person
Ages 2 and under are always free. Parking is also always free.
Find a Central Indiana pumpkin patch near you.
Add Waterman’s Fall Festival to your fall break activities!
Address
7010 E. Raymond St.
Indianapolis
IN
46239
Visit Waterman’s Farm | Pumpkin-Chomping Dino, Hayride, and More in Indianapolis
Can wait until the pumpkin patch opens .
Just need the date when it opens
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