If you’re looking for a fall adventure on a family farm bursting with warmth, Old Homestead Orchard in Franklin is your ticket.
Located about 30 minutes from Milwaukee, this family-owned farm combines the beauty of a sunflower maze, a small but bountiful apple orchard, and plenty of kid-friendly activities that make it a must-visit fall destination.
Whether you’re hunting for golden sunflowers or indulging in a cider donut sundae, there’s something for everyone here.
The Sunflower Maze & Field
The sunflower maze is a family favorite, with a unique twist—choose between a short or long adventure, depending on how much exploring your crew is up for! The shorter path is perfect for little legs that might tire out quickly, while the longer version offers a fun challenge for older kids and adventurous families.
And if the beauty of the sunflower field steals your heart, you’re in luck! You can clip a few blooms to take home with you, keeping a bit of that sunshine long after your visit.
Kid-Friendly Fun – Games & Activities
For families with energetic kids, the games and activity area is a huge hit. Our little ones had a blast climbing the giant haystack, testing their aim at lasso tossing and bucket toss challenges, and of course, trying their hand at the apple slingshot.
The slingshot was a standout—kids could launch apples toward a target, and if they hit it, they won a small prize. The friendly competition and hands-on fun kept everyone entertained.
Corn hole, a classic farm game, also adds to the relaxed, old-fashioned fun. It’s these kinds of simple but engaging activities that make Old Homestead Orchard a perfect spot for families to bond and play together.
Meet the Animals
One of the sweetest surprises at Old Homestead Orchard was meeting the farm’s friendly residents! The kids loved the serama chickens—known for being the smallest type of chicken—and spent plenty of time watching the ducks waddle around their enclosure.
Interacting with the animals was a highlight of our day, adding a playful and educational element that made the farm feel even more welcoming and warm.
The Country Store & Bakery
No visit to Old Homestead Orchard would be complete without a stop at their charming country store. Inside, you’ll find cute local items and farm-made goods like honey, harvested right there on the farm. It’s the perfect place to grab a little local souvenir or a gift for someone special.
But the real star of the show? The bakery. With its delicious apple cider donuts, it’s impossible to walk past without stopping for a treat.
We highly recommend the cider donut sundae, which combines those fresh, warm donuts with cool, creamy ice cream. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and the perfect way to top off your visit.
There’s a lot of heart in Old Homestead Orchard, from the carefully crafted sunflower maze to the homemade treats in the bakery. It’s the kind of place where families can spend the day playing, exploring, and making memories that last long after the sunflowers are gone and the apples are picked.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
