Spend a Rural Day in the Country at Hunsader Farms

Hunsader Farms is one of many fun farms which have popped up around Florida in the past decade. Many of these fun farms are working farms which are taking advantage of the popularity of fun farms. As our cities grow larger and rural land becomes housing developments, it’s refreshing to see some families eschew selling to developers and keep their family farms operational for everyone to enjoy.

Why are fun farms popular?

Fun farms have gained popularity in recent years, a boon for families which have jumped on the fun farm bandwagon. As our rural roots slip into the past and housing in cities squeezes out green spaces and wildlife, many people find spending a day at a fun farm a relaxing family activity. Fun farms allow people with no access to rural land the ability to experience farm life for a day. Whether petting and feeding animals, exploring fields filled with flowers and produce, or taking a hay ride, it just feels good to get out in the country away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What is Hunsader Farms?

Hunsader Farm is one of the most popular fun farms in the Tampa Bay area. The working farm started operations in 1967 when three Wisconsin brothers moved to the area and began to grow tomatoes. Over the years, the Hunsader brothers added events and activities. Today, the farm covers more than 250 acres, much of it devoted to sharing a piece of the Hunsader farming legacy.

Where is Hunsader Farm?

Hunsader Farms is located just south of the Tampa Bay area, 20 miles east of Bradenton. It’s approximately 56 miles from downtown Tampa, 42 miles from St. Petersburg, and 25 miles from Sarasota.

Things to Do at Hunsader Farms

It’s easy to spend an entire day at this fun farm and still not enjoy everything it offers. It has a campground, so if you crave a longer time here and have a camper, it’s possible to stay for a weekend to experience even more farm life.

Farm Market

The first attraction the Hunsaders opened to the public was the barn-style Farm Market. Open bins and crates overflow with fresh local produce at the front of the market. In the back, preserves, honey, butter, and other canned items line wooden shelves. From sweet potato butter to strawberry rhubarb jam, the Farm Market offers a variety of country-style items found in few other places in Florida. The Farm Market is open daily, and farm employees pick the veggies every morning so they are always fresh. Their website offers a list of what’s in season and when favorite items will be in season.

U-Pick Fields

During U-Pick season, Hunsaders’ “we pick” vegetables become U-Pick vegetables. When U-Pick is open, customers can enter the fields and pick their own vegetables, such as peas, eggplant, tomatoes, and okra. U-Pick fields are closed during the summer, though to be honest, summer isn’t Florida’s big growing season. 

Flower Fields

One of the most popular things to do at Hunsaders Farm is the flower fields. These were the main reason we took the drive out there one Saturday morning in mid-May. Spread over several acres, row upon row of sunflowers dance gracefully in the breeze. Standing among their bright yellow faces, it’s easy to see why so many people choose these fields for informal photo shoots. Florida’s iconic blue skies pair beautifully with the bright yellow petals to create memorable photos. Besides sunflowers, there are several rows of zinnias and a section for native flowers. The flower fields are only open part of the year – approximately January through May – so check before you go if this is important to you. Best viewing months are March and April. After that, Florida’s heat takes a toll on the flowers.

Petting Zoo and Playground

Located right next to the Farm Market, The Farmer’s Wife offers ice cream, a gift shop, and entry to the petting zoo and playground. This is the spot where kids want to hang out! Though there is an admission cost for the petting zoo, all proceeds from ticket sales pay for the care and upkeep of the animals and zoo. Kids and their parents can pet and feed animals such as ducks, goats, donkeys, alpacas, deer, and kangaroos. The zoo where animals can be viewed but not petted or fed includes animals such as lemurs, macaws, porcupines, and monkeys. 

Train Rides

Kids (and adults) who love train rides will love the train at Hunsader Farms. Between the Farm Market and flower fields, the train takes a winding path from the Old West style train depot through corn fields. The train depot also serves as a gift shop.

KOA Campground

The Bradenton/Hunsader KOA sits near the U-Pick fields and offers a beautiful setting for a weekend of camping. Campground amenities include a pavilion, dog park, fishing, and Wi-Fi. Of course, campers can also enjoy all of the farm, though standard admission applies for things like the petting zoo.

Other Things to Do at Hunsaders Farm

Hunsader Farms has several other things to do. The Antique Barn sells vintage and antique items and has a really neat room stocked with a variety of crystals, if that’s your thing. The Eat Shack is open Thursday through Sunday and serves standard American fare such as hot dogs, pizza, and hamburgers. The entire public area at Hunsader Farm is decorated in cute farm style decor such as scarecrows, roosters, and hay bales. Photography opportunities abound or just take a seat under the oak trees and enjoy the sights and sounds of a fun farm.

Events at Hunsader Farms

Like most fun farms in the area, Hunsaders Farm hosts two main events each year for autumn and for Christmas. The farm’s large events barn is also available to rent for events such as weddings.

Pumpkin Festival

The Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival runs each October for three weekends. Admission includes live music, a craft show, pumpkin games, Pioneer Trades Village, hayrides, pony rides, chainsaw sculpting show, a butterfly experience, and much more. There is food galore and tons of displays and photo ops with fall-themed decorations. Though there are many pumpkin festivals in Florida, the Hunsader Farm Pumpkin Festival is always a unique experience.

Country Christmas

Hunsader Farms’ Country Christmas happens three weekends in December and features a light display which leaves guests in awe. Admission includes live music, light displays, train rides, Christmas music, the petting zoo, snow tubing, Christmas movies on a big screen, campfires, and a Christmas Village display. For an extra charge, guests can also purchase dinner, pony rides, and vendor crafts.

Other Information You Might Find Useful

Though Hunsader Farms is out in the country, it’s not far from other places of interest. If a trip to Tampa Bay includes Hunsaders Farm, you might like these other attractions and need local places to sleep and eat.

Attractions Near Hunsader Farms

When in the area, plan an extra day or two to enjoy the other attractions near Bradenton. First, the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island are a mere 45 minutes away (longer during Season and on weekends). Another popular attraction nearby is Myakka Elephant Ranch, a nonprofit conservation center which aims to educate guests about elephants and elephant conservation. Another conservation preserve is Bearadise Ranch, a wildlife park which houses and cares for bears. Lake Manatee State Park, a part of the Florida’s award-winning state park system, offers fishing, hiking, boating, and swimming. The park’s namesake lake, Lake Manatee, was formed when the Manatee River was dammed in the 1950s. The dam prevents manatees from swimming upriver, so guests to the park will not see the gentle creatures in the lake.

Also near Hunsader Farm are several golf clubs, some public such as Lakewood Ranches Golf and Country Club, and some private, such as The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club. If an adrenaline rush is more your speed, check out the adventure course and ziplines at TreeUmph! Adventure Course.

Places to Eat Near Hunsader Farms

Though Hunsader Farms offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their Eat Shack, if you prefer an indoor eatery or something healthier, you’ll need to find it elsewhere. For a good brunch spot to or from Hunsader Farms, try The Granary Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant. For a healthy option, SoFresh tops everything else in the area. Of course, there are several chains, such as Beef O’Brady’s, Culver’s, and PDQ, at the I-75 exits, which most people enjoy and which offer a variety of dishes to choose from.

Hotels Near Hunsader Farms

Hunsaders Farm’s rural location means there are few hotels or vacation rentals nearby. However, there are a few options within 20 or 30 minutes, including several vacation rentals with golf course views. For a comfortable hotel which is centrally located, try the Holiday Inn Express at the-75 and Highway 70 exit or the Country Inn and Suites at the same exit. For those of you who prefer affordable suites where you can prepare your own meals, the Homewood Suites at the I-75 and University Parkway exit is a good choice.

Final Thoughts on Hunsader Farms

Hunsader Farm is a fun, family-operated working farm near Bradenton which offers so much to its visitors. Whether you plan to stay for a few hours or a few days, seek fresh vegetables or a fun country holiday adventure, this farm offers its visitors a variety of experiences which continue to bring regulars back month after month and year after year.

Though it’s in a more rural setting, for those of us who enjoy wildlife and outdoor journeys, the surrounding area tempts us with plenty of activities. Next time you visit Bradenton, Sarasota, or Tampa, take a day or two to see this unique side of Florida life.

If you love flower farms and fun farms, check out Sweetfields Farm in Brooksville. It has a fantastic 6-acre sunflower maze, farm games, and lots of adorable animals.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. And if you’re looking for a great community for sharing travel tips, discounts, secret spots, and hidden gems, go join my Facebook group, Florida Travel Tips & Secret Spots.

Travel Resources:

These are the places I first go when planning or booking travel. They ARE affiliate links so if you use one I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) and (bonus!) it’ll help me keep running this site. Visit my travel resources page to see all of the services and gear I recommend.

Flights: We always check flight prices and information on Way Away first.

Hotels: We use Expedia to compare and book hotels. We also love Booking.com for boutique hotels and B&Bs.

Vacation Rentals: For vacation rentals and other non-traditional lodging options, VRBO is our go-to.

Tours & Tickets: We use Viator for private tours and unique experiences.

Rental Cars: Though we prefer to experience a city through its public transportation, there are times when a rental car is needed and in those instances, we use Discover Cars.

Travel Insurance: No one wants to need it, but it’s great to have when you do. VisitorsCoverage is our go-to provider.