Top Hay Rides Near South Florida
Bedner's Farm Fresh Market
10066 Lee Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33473
(561) 733-5490
www.bedners.com
Hay rides begin on September 28th this year and continue through the season. If you haven't ventured up to Bedner's yet, you are missing out on one heck of a fun-filled day. There are u-pick fields where you can pick your own pumpkin (and other vegetables) and a beautiful store with fresh fruits, herbs, flowers and veggies. Plus, each weekend it offers homemade ice cream, Porky and Beth's BBQ, roasted corn, lemonade and pretzels. There is even a huge tiki hut so you can sit in the shade and enjoy your lunch. Hay rides are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. On weekends, the hayrides are continuous from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This place is worth the hour drive.
Flamingo Road Nursery
1655 Flamingo Road
Davie, FL 33325
(954) 476-7878
www.flamingoroadnursery.com
Each year when fall is in the air, this nursery and farmers market turns into a harvest haven for families. From September 28 through October 31, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can take a ride on an old fashioned tractor-pulled hayride for only $4. When your ride is over, be sure to hang out awhile and enjoy some real Southern barbecue, face painting, live music from a local band, hot and tasty roasted corn and sweet potatoes, the list goes on and on. You can literally spend the entire day here enjoying the Fall Festival, gardens and nursery, garden walks, craft vendors and so much more. Did we mention the enormous pumpkin patch? Admission is free and this place is easy to find, just one mile south of I-595. Check the website for dates and times of other special events this season.
Related: South Florida's Best Pumpkin Patches
Broward Parks Family Hayride & Campfire Series
at Quiet Waters Park
401 S. Powerline Road
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
(954) 357-5100
www.broward.org
No need to wait for Halloween or autumn festivals for a hayride in Broward County. Its park services offer family hayrides on select Friday nights throughout the fall and winter at many of Broward's parks, including Quiet Waters, Easterlin Park, Plantation Heritage, T.Y. (Tokeekeegee Yugnee) Park and Tradewinds Park & Stables. These special events are from 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m. and prices are $3.50 per person for ages three and up. Your payment will get you one hayride around the park, plus you'll also get a goody bag filled with everything you need to make s'mores around the campfire. You can even make a reservation and pay in advance.
Camp Owaissa Bauer
17001 S.W. 264th St.
Homestead, FL 33031
(305) 247-6016
www.miamidade.gov
This Miami-Dade-run camp covers 110 acres and is definitely reminiscent of Old Florida with its pinelands and tropical hammocks. You can rent out this facility up to a year in advance and it's perfect for families who want a real hands-on nature experience. There are buildings and facilities to make your experience a bit more modern than traditional camping, including showers, bathrooms and there's even a large kitchen. Hayrides are a part of the facility, along with campfires. Reserve space for a group for extended camping or simply rent by the day. The camp even offers party packages so you can have your next birthday, family reunion, team building or corporate event here. Check the events schedule online for upcoming family happenings. A hayride under the stars is something you'll always remember as you're a nice distance away from city lights.
Related: Is Camping The Right Vacation For Your And Your Family?
Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
