Indianapolis families can enjoy a day at the farm without leaving city limits. Waterman’s Family Farm Fall Festival returns Sept. 26, bringing pumpkin picking, hayrides, carnival rides, games, a petting zoo and a corn maze to its East Raymond Street farm.

Young visitors can watch a giant animatronic dinosaur devour pumpkins, hunt for fossils at the dino dig and send apples flying from the apple cannon. The farm’s mix of familiar fall traditions and playful attractions makes it easy to spend an afternoon outdoors together. Some activities, including the apple cannon and pumpkin purchases, cost extra. Waterman’s Family Farm

“You can pick up a pumpkin at the store, but there’s something special about coming to the farm and choosing your own,” said owner Scott Waterman. “This is the farm I grew up on, and it’s been in my family for nearly 50 years. We love being able to share it with the community and give families a place to get outside, spend time together and make fall memories, all on a working farm within the city limits.”

When it’s time for a break, festival food includes tenderloins, burgers, corn dogs, chicken fingers, walking tacos and curly fries. Families can finish with a funnel cake, elephant ear or ice cream, or sip one of Waterman’s apple slushies. Seasonal produce is also available at the farm market on select festival days. Waterman’s Family Farm

Waterman’s also welcomes school groups for fall field trips. Each child’s visit includes a pie pumpkin to take home, and chaperones receive free admission when reserved at least seven days in advance. Schools should confirm the current per-child rate when booking: the farm’s field trip page lists a different price from the event information supplied for this article. Waterman’s Family Farm

Plan your visit: Waterman’s Family Farm is at 7010 E. Raymond St., Indianapolis, with free parking. The festival runs on additional dates through Nov. 1. Admission starts at $12.95 on select dates and $17.95 on select weekend dates; children ages 2 and under enter free. Check the festival calendar and tickets for the hours and price on the day you plan to go.