Autumn fun combined with an educational experience is what Mount Vernon Estate's "Fall Harvest Family Days" is all about this weekend, Oct. 22 and 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Families could enjoy seasonal activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price and each child receives a free pumpkin while supplies last.
During their visit, visitors participate in festivities bidding farewell to another farming season with traditional harvest celebrations including live performances by 18th-century musicians, candle making, and blacksmithing demonstrations. Children can create their own cornhusk dolls, find their way through a straw bale maze, and play colonial-era games.
Costumed field workers demonstrate open-fire cooking and wheat treaders practice their skills in George Washington's specially designed 16-sided barn. "Kids of all ages love being down on the farm with our heritage animals and wide variety of activities. Mount Vernon's fall festival is both fun and educational," said Stephanie Brown, associate director, Mount Vernon Public Affairs.
Visitors purchasing tickets to the Estate during Fall Harvest Family Days receive complimentary admission to Washington's Grist Mill, located three miles from the Estate. Costumed millers share stories of the mill's history and the people who lived and worked there during Washington's time, according to Brown.
Admission is $11 adults; $10.50 seniors; $5 children 6 to 11; and free for children under five accompanied by an adult.