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Real Mom Review: Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Real Mom Reviews Things to Do DC/MD/VA

Tucked away down a few windy roads in Germantown, Maryland lies Butler's Orchard, a 300-acre pick-your-own farm. Butler's Orchard offers fun for all ages, including seasonal vegetable and fruit picking, as well as attractions like giant slides, three different playground structures, a rubber ducky derby, farm animals and more!

One of our CertifiKID team members and her family recently visited Butler's Orchard. She shares an honest review of her experience below, as well as some sweet memories about why this farm is so special to her family. 

Save up to 50% off picking admission to Butler's Orchard with this CertifiKID deal.

Food Stand at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Growing up in this area in the '80s, I have fond memories of family u-pick outings at Butler’s Orchard. Several times a year, we would pile in the station wagon and head to Butler’s Orchard to pick strawberries, peaches or apples.

In the late '90s, a boyfriend took me to Butler’s Orchard for a tart cherry picking date. That boyfriend is now my husband, and just today as we were driving into Butler’s Orchard we both had deja vu remembering that pre-marriage, pre-kids outing!

Ironically, our visit to Butler’s Orchard today was not for fruit picking. We were there to explore their FIVE-ACRE FARM PARK. Yes, included in the cost of Butler’s Orchard admission is their jaw-dropping, eye-popping Farm Park. 

When we first arrived the kids immediately darted across the Farm Park to the horse ring toss area, with a climbable hay pyramid, and several ball-toss carnival-style games nearby.

Ring Toss Activity at Butler's Orchard

Haystack at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

But alas the cinnamon-sugar aroma of apple cider donuts wafting through the air convinced us to make a pit stop at the Food Barn.

Apple Cider Donuts from Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Apple Cider Donuts from Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

The Food Barn also offers all kinds of lunch and snacks.

Foord Barn at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Although I am not one to jump at the chance to go down a slide, I did enjoy going down these giant slides. Racing down on a burlap sack, I felt like a kid again. Who can resist a giant slide?

Giant Slides at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

On to the spider web climb…

Spider Web at Butler's Orchards in Germantown, Maryland

A visit to the sheep and the baby goats...

Petting Farm at Butler's Orchards in Germantown, Maryland

And another playground area with tires, wooden climbing structures in the shape of a pirate ship, a train, and castle …

Playground at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Playground at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Then onto yet another area with tractors and rubber ducky derby…

Tractors at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

Rubber Ducky Derby at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

And have you ever seen a John Deere slide? Neither had I -- until now!

John Deere Play Structure at Butler's Orchards in Germantown Maryland

Our visit would not have been complete without meeting Charlie, the resident pot-belly pig, and the mom and son donkeys.

Pig at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland

On our way out, we stopped at the Farm Market (that big red barn that we passed by on the way in). I was overwhelmed with the selection inside - everything from unique, decorative gifts to an adorable children’s corner to homemade pies.

Gift Shop at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland


What a beautiful day outdoors at Butler’s Orchard. We can’t wait to come back in late May or early June for strawberry picking!

Butler's Orchard Bumper Sticker

Getting There and Getting In

When you first enter, you'll see the huge red farm market immediately in front of you. To park, drive past the farm market, up the hill to a huge parking lot. There will be signs to guide you. There was no wait when we went.

Time Recommended to Enjoy Experience

We were there for almost 2 hours.

Recommended Age Range

My kids are ages 11 and 13, and they enjoyed the activities as much as the young tots there!

Tips for Families

Remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat for everybody. There is great and very affordably priced food at Butler's Orchard.

Put the address into a GPS - the last couple miles are windy roads where we thought we would have thought we were going the wrong way because we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere! 

Butler's Orchard in Germantown Maryland


Would Your Family Visit Again?

Yes - for strawberry picking!

Tags: Family Fun Washington D.C. Kid Activities Outdoor Fun Farms


 

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