Looking for a summer adventure the whole family will love? Head to Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Inc. in Mount Ulla, N.C., where Summer Fun on the Farm is back for another season of hands-on learning, outdoor play, berry picking, and unforgettable family memories. Whether you're feeding friendly farm animals, exploring Pawpaw Carl's Playground, picking fresh berries, or enjoying a special educational tour, Patterson Farm offers original summer fun for all ages right here in Rowan County.
Summer Fun on the Farm
June 1 - September 12, 2026
Closed June 29 - July 4
June 1 - August 8: Monday - Saturday, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.
August 12 - September 12: Wednesday - Saturday, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Road Construction Notice (April 6 - July 31, 2026)
If you’re planning your visit this summer, please note an important travel update:
Construction will be underway to replace the bridge over Kerr Creek on Caldwell Rd. from April 6 through July 31, 2026. During this time, Patterson Farm Market & Tours will not be accessible via Millbridge Rd., but the farm will remain OPEN throughout the construction period.
Please use the following directions:
- From NC Hwy 150 (Mooresville Rd.):
Continue to turn at the intersection of NC Hwy 150 and Caldwell Rd. to access Patterson Farm - From Millbridge Rd.:
Reroute and enter through the intersection of NC Hwy 150 and Caldwell Rd.
What to Expect at Summer Fun on the Farm
Pawpaw Carl’s Playground & Barnyard
Spend the day exploring Pawpaw Carl's Playground, a one-of-a-kind farm play space featuring giant slides, climbing areas, interactive games, creative hands-on stations, and plenty of room for kids to play, imagine, and explore. Parents can relax and enjoy the open-air farm setting while little ones burn off energy and make memories.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the outdoor seating areas, or stop by the market for hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, slushees, and other farm-fresh treats.
Animal Encounters
Step into the barnyard and meet friendly farm animals, including cows, goats, chickens, pigs, ducks, and peacocks. Each guest receives one cup of animal feed, making the experience even more interactive and memorable.
Market & Ice Cream Shop
The Market and Ice Cream Shop are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during berry season, making it easy to cool off with ice cream or take home fresh produce and local goods after your visit.
Summer Fun Fridays: Educational Adventures
Make Fridays extra special with Summer Fun Fridays, a series of unique educational experiences designed for families to learn and explore together. These hands-on adventures offer a fresh experience each week and include admission to Pawpaw Carl's Playground and Barnyard.
2026 Summer Fun Fridays Schedule
June 5 & June 12
Summer Berry Tour
Learn about berry farming and the fruits that make Patterson Farm's summer season so special.
June 19
Gracie Graham's Treasure Mine Adventure
Pan for treasure and discover hidden gems in this interactive mining experience.
June 26 & July 10
From Cow to Cream: A Dairy Adventure Tour
Explore the journey from dairy farm to delicious dairy products while learning about modern farming practices.
July 17
The Amazing Farm Quest: A Geocaching Adventure Tour
Embark on a farm-wide scavenger hunt using geocaching clues and teamwork.
July 24 & July 31
Butterflies, Bees & Blooms Tour
Discover pollinators, flowers, and the important role they play in agriculture.
August 7 & August 14
Farmer for the Day Tour
Experience life on the farm through hands-on activities and agricultural learning.
All tours begin at 10 a.m. and require advance registration. Tickets for Summer Fun Fridays can be purchased here.
All Summer Fun Friday tickets include:
- Admission to Pawpaw Carl's Playground
- Barnyard animal visits
- One animal feed cup per guest
- Access to picnic areas and open play spaces
- Admission to the featured educational adventure
Pick Your Own Summer Berries
Nothing says summer quite like picking fresh berries straight from the field. Throughout the season, guests can harvest blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries while enjoying the scenic beauty of the farm.
Now Through July 31, 2026
Daily: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather and crop conditions permitting)
Field availability depends on weather and crop conditions, so visitors are encouraged to check Patterson Farm's social media channels or call ahead before visiting.
Pick Your Own Admission
- Admission to the Pick Your Own Field is required for all guests ages 2 and older.
- $2 per person (onsite only)
- Berry purchases are separate and priced by container size.
- Guests should check in by 1:30 p.m. to allow enough time for picking before the fields close.
Summer Berry Sunset Social
Looking for a unique adults-only evening on the farm? The Summer Berry Sunset Social combines fresh berries, local flavors, and beautiful countryside views for a relaxing summer experience.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Guests will enjoy:
- A gourmet charcuterie cup from local business Perfectly Prosciutto
- Wine available for purchase from Rowan County's Cauble Creek Vineyard
- Wagon rides to the berry fields
- Pick-your-own blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a seasonal mix
- Access to the Patterson Farm Market and Ice Cream Shop
Wagon rides depart at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
This event is exclusively for guests ages 21 and older. Advance ticket purchase is required, and tickets will not be available at the gate.
Arrive when gates open at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy your charcuterie cup, purchase wine, and relax before heading out to the berry fields.
Tickets for the Summer Berry Sunset Social can be purchased here.
Summer Fun on the Farm Admission Information
Summer Fun on the Farm admission includes:
- Pawpaw Carl's Playground
- Barnyard animal visits
- One animal feed cup per person
- Picnic areas and open play spaces
Admission Pricing
- $10 per person (plus processing fees) when purchased online
- $12 per person at the gate
- Included with select tour packages
- Children under 2 are admitted free
Additional Information
- Children under 2 are free
- Tickets are required for all guests entering the Barnyard and Playground areas
- Included with a 2026 All-Season Pass
- Senior Tuesdays offer 10% off admission for guests ages 55+
- Guests should arrive at least 1.5 hours before closing to enjoy all activities
Please note that some areas of the farm may be under construction as Patterson Farm prepares for its upcoming fall season.
Click the image below to check out our Instagram Reel to catch a glimpse
of what to expect on a visit to Summer Fun on the Farm at Patterson Farm!
Plan Your Summer Farm Adventure
Turn your visit to Patterson Farm into a summer getaway with our Summer Fun in Rowan County Stay & Play Package. When you book a qualifying overnight stay through Visit Rowan County, you'll receive 50% back in a VISA e-Gift Card, making it easy to extend your adventure after a day of playground fun, barnyard animal encounters, berry picking, and educational farm experiences. Check your dates below to see if your stay qualifies for rewards and start planning your summer farm getaway.