A Day at Southern Hills Farm | Family-Friendly Clermont Farm

Some days are meant to be slow – and Southern Hills Farm in Clermont, FL was definitely the place to lean into that peaceful pace. My mind was set on a nice stroll, fresh air, and some sun (very much needed). Needless to say, that’s exactly what I found.

If you’re looking for things to do near Orlando, consider visiting Southern Hills Farm – a family owned GEM that offers seasonal activities and fresh produce. 

Families, couples, and nature enthusiasts would have a blast at this place. I simply went with my toddler and left with true authentic farm experience (something I didn’t even know I’d fall in love with). Keep reading to hear about my visit and why it’s worth the drive.

Getting There 

Located just 30 minutes out of Orlando, Southern Hills Farms is nestled with rolling hills of Clermont. It’s an easy drive, especially if you’re staying in the city and want to escape the theme park rush for something more grounded.

I went with my toddler (who luckily napped during the drive). We arrived around 10 AM on a Tuesday – perfect timing to beat the weekend crowds. The most popular time to visit is from 11 AM to 2 PM on the weekends, so if you like to avoid crowds, weekdays outside of those timeframes are perfect.

On non-event days, entry and parking is FREE. But of course, you’d pay for anything you pick and any additional experiences you choose to do.

Pro Tip for Parents with Young Children: Be aware that your stroller may or may not fail you as you try to drag it through parts of the farm. They do a great job of paving certain areas for easier navigation, however it may still be difficult to access others. My recommendations would be to either use a wagon for the trip or just bring a baby/toddler carrier for those certain paths. Of course, if your child can walk that’s also an option.

Trust me, you don’t want to look as distressed as I did!

Lets Talk Seasonal Picks

So to be fully transparent, I did not pick any fruits or vegetables during this visit. My sole focus on my trip was to spending quality time with my son, grab some lunch, feel the breeze, and pick some sunflowers for my mom and sister.

However, I did the research so you don’t have to! Here’s a seasonal guide for what you can expect:

Spring: Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, zinnias, sunflowers

Fall: Pumpkins, sunflowers and zinnias

Winter: Strawberries, vegetables, and sunflowers

*Fun Fact* My first time visiting was actually summer of 2024 and needless to say, the farm was dry – there was nothing to pick. I didn’t do any research (and really… I know nothing about when produce grows). Don’t make the same mistake I did – check out the website to confirm what’s in season and plan your visit.

On the bright side, this visit I got exactly what I was looking for!

Attractions and Special Events

If you’re more of a thrill seeker, Southern Hills has quite the selection when it comes to activities. Just to name a few, they have:

• farm-themed playground or kid zones (slides, carousel, rock climbing, and more)
• tractor rides or hayrides
• Photo ops (e.g., sunflower fields, cute backdrops)
• Live entertainment

And of course during special events (ticket purchase required), there’s some other cool things. For example, the Fall Festival has pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

Food and Treats

After speaking to other locals, I learned that most people raved about the blueberry donuts (and oh you can smell them) and the signature fresh lemonade. If you’re a fan of local honey or farm-made jams, the market area is also worth a stop! 

There’s plenty of on-site food trucks and vendors to choose from – tons of variety for all tastes, including vegetarian options. I went with Taqueria and ordered Mexican nachos (chefs kiss). I paired it with the famous lemonade and it was so refreshing. 10/10 recommend.

Tips You Should Highly Consider

Here’s 5 tips to prepare you and elevate your visit:

1. Arrive early or outside of peak times to avoid crowds.
2. Check the official website or social media to plan your visit according to the season. Make sure you check out the hours and crop availability.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking on farm terrain and clay roads. (Unfortunately I learned the hard way as I wore sandals).
4. Bring plenty of sun protection: sunscreen, hats, and water.
5. Pack smart: Bring anything additional that you or your children may need. Credit cards/cash, containers, wagons, and portable fans.

Final Thoughts: Why Southern Hills Farms is Worth It

As the sun began to dip behind the trees and I carried out three vibrant sunflowers, I felt something I hadn’t in a while: stillness. In a world that moves quickly, Southern Hill Farms offers a space to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect — with nature, loved ones, and yourself.

Whether you’re a Florida local or just visiting, I highly recommend Southern Hill Farms as a refreshing break from the norm.

Until next time, Clermont. 🌻