Families looking for a hands-on fall outing this weekend have a Tampa option that combines pumpkins, farm animals and classic festival activities with a local nonprofit fundraiser.

HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary continues its Fall Festival Fundraiser on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8005 Race Track Road in northwest Tampa.

Festival admission is listed at $15 per person, with babies 12 months and younger admitted free and parking listed at $1.

The admission price includes pony rides for children within the posted weight limit, hayrides, train rides, a petting zoo, farm animals, a bounce house, games and playground areas.

Food vendors and pumpkins are available for an additional charge.

The bigger purpose behind the weekend is what separates this from a standard pumpkin patch.

HorsePower for Kids operates as a 501(c)(3) outdoor animal sanctuary and family farm, and the organization says visits help support the lifelong care of the animals that live there.

The farm is home to horses and a variety of other animals, with much of the visitor experience built around giving children the chance to see and interact with animals in a real farm setting.

For families, that means the festival works as both entertainment and an introduction to the sanctuary’s broader mission.

BalloonTwisterAndMagic.com will also be at HorsePower for Kids this weekend, adding balloon twisting and magic to the festival atmosphere.

That gives younger visitors another activity to look forward to between pony rides, games and time with the animals.

The fundraiser continues on later weekends as well, so families who cannot attend October 17 or 18 will have additional chances on October 24-25 and again October 31-November 1.

There are a few practical details to handle before arriving.

Every adult and child must complete a release form before visiting.

HorsePower for Kids recommends completing the form in advance and having the confirmation available at check-in to speed up the process.

No advance festival ticket is required in the current event listings; admission is paid when you arrive.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and outside pets are not permitted.

Because the event runs from late morning through the afternoon, families can decide whether they want a short farm visit or a longer day built around rides, animals and entertainment.

For parents of younger children, arriving closer to opening can make it easier to see more of the farm before the busiest part of the afternoon.

The location is near Oldsmar and Westchase, making it a relatively easy drive from Tampa and much of northern Pinellas County.

This weekend’s fundraiser offers a simple trade: a day of fall fun for the family while helping support a nonprofit sanctuary that cares for animals year-round.

Official information: HorsePower for Kids and the HorsePower for Kids events page.