Families have two weekends left to explore corn mazes, take hayrides and watch live cow milking demonstrations at Dakin Dairy Farms' third annual Harvest Festival in Myakka City.

The festival continues Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at 30771 Betts Road. Admission costs $20 per person, with free entry for children 5 and younger and free parking, according to the farm's official event listing.

The opening day, Oct. 10, attracted visitors from Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish and other communities across Southwest Florida, according to the East County Observer. The following day's activities were canceled because of rain.

Corn maze, hayrides and farm activities

Admission includes access to the corn maze, hayrides to the cow pasture, live milking demonstrations, Moo Train rides, bounce houses, pedal carts, playgrounds and animal interactions.

Visitors can also watch lawn mower races, explore tractors and enjoy live music.

Additional activities are available for a fee, including calf cuddling, pony rides, children's ATVs, pumpkin cannon launches and sunflower picking. Pumpkins, food and drinks are sold separately.

A Highland cow from Rye Meadow Ranch in Bradenton was among the animals featured during opening weekend.

Lakewood Ranch resident Halie Monde attended with her 2-year-old son, Parker, who has visited the festival before.

"We had lots of laughs going down the big slide together," Monde told the East County Observer. "It's been fun watching him enjoy all the activities a little more each year."

Family dairy farm welcomes fall visitors

The Dakin family has raised dairy cattle in Manatee County since 1973.

Brothers Jason, Garrett, Grant and Ethan Dakin purchased the farm from their uncle, Jerry Dakin, in spring 2024, continuing the family's agricultural operations, according to the farm's website.

The brothers grew up in Myakka City and support local agricultural education through 4-H and FFA programs.

The Harvest Festival gives visitors an opportunity to experience a working dairy farm while enjoying seasonal activities.

The festival's final day is Sunday, Oct. 25. Tickets and information are available at DakinDairyFarms.com or by calling 941-322-2802.