Roba Family Farms
| Family-owned agritourism business | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Agriculture, agritourism |
| Founded 📆 | 1984 |
| Founders 👔 | John Roba, Sue Roba |
Area served 🗺️ | Northeastern Pennsylvania |
Key people | John Roba, Sue Roba, Jennifer Roba, Jeff Roba, Jake Roba |
| Members | |
Number of employees | |
| 🌐 Website | robafamilyfarms.com |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
Roba Family Farms is a family-owned agritourism business located in North Abington Township, Pennsylvania. The farm began as a small Christmas-tree operation in the mid-1980s and has grown into a regional destination with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, orchards, and seasonal festivals. It is owned and operated by John and Sue Roba and their children.
History
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1984–1985 | John Roba purchased a 52-acre dairy farm in North Abington Township and planted the first Christmas trees the following year.[1] |
| 1990 | The farm opened to the public for “choose-and-cut” Christmas trees.[2] |
| 1993 | Pumpkins were introduced as a side business to promote Christmas-tree sales. The pumpkin patch’s popularity eventually expanded across most of the farm.[3] |
| 1997 | The family debuted a five-acre corn maze that became a signature fall attraction.[4] |
| 1999 | The Robas purchased a 196-acre farm in nearby Scott Township, named Lakeland Farm, where they now grow apples and trees for the Lakeland Orchard & Cidery.[5] |
| 2000s–present | Roba Family Farms expanded to include slides, petting zoos, apple cannons, live shows, and food stands. Today, the Robas manage three farms totaling over 300 acres.[6] |
Founders: John and Sue Roba
John Roba grew up working on a tree farm, inspiring him to purchase his own land in 1984.[7] He married Sue in 1988, and she became a full partner in building the business.[8]
Sue oversees business operations and community relations. She has emphasized the importance of agriculture in supporting local economies and family recreation.[9]
The couple’s children help manage daily operations and have introduced new events and attractions.[10]
Farm locations and operations
- North Abington Farm – The original 52-acre site featuring the Pumpkin Harvest Festival, corn mazes, the Rock Mountain Slides, and the Farm Discovery Center.[11]
- Lakeland Farm – A 196-acre orchard in Scott Township, home to the Lakeland Orchard & Cidery, offering pick-your-own apples, flowers, strawberries, blueberries, and more.[12][13]
Attractions and offerings
Seasonal festivals
- Jurassic Farm Dino Fest – Life-sized dinosaurs, live shows, and family entertainment.[14]
- Pumpkin Harvest Festival – Carnival games, pumpkin treats, and everyone's favorite Halloween characters.[15]
- Halloween on the Farm – Truck-or-Treat, Trick or Treats on the Farm, and Costume Contests.[16]
Rides and activities
Roba Family Farms offers over 30 attractions, including:
- Corn maze
- Glowing Pumpkin Trail
- Rock Mountain Slides
- Apple Cannons
- Hillbilly Pig Races
- Petting Zoo and Animal Center
- Farmer University
- Storybook Nook reading corner
- Low-ropes Grove and Bubble Patch
- Live shows such as canine agility and the Barnyard Animal Band.[17]
Food and refreshments
Popular foods include cider donuts, kettle corn, caramel apples, funnel cakes, and layered cider-slush drinks.[18]
Ticketing and hours
General admission includes access to most attractions, while Super Admission adds premium experiences like apple cannons, paintball gallery, and gem mining. The farm typically operates from early September through early November.[19]
Educational programs
Roba Family Farms hosts school groups focused on pumpkins, trees, and the fall harvest.[20] Field trips include Hillbilly Pig Races, Farm Food, the Farm Animal Center, and other outdoor learning stations. The programs align with state learning standards in science and physical education.
Community engagement and impact
The farm is considered a leading agritourism destination in northeastern Pennsylvania.[21] The Robas regularly donate VIP passes to fundraisers and host group events for schools and organizations.[22] Sue Roba has stated the goal is to “share a little portion of the farming world” while giving families a memorable day on the farm.[23]
Recent news
In 2022, WNEP reported that Roba Family Farms expanded its chaperone policy to require minors under 17 to be accompanied by an adult over 21 following safety concerns.[24]
See also
References
- ↑ "Meet the Farmers". Roba Family Farms. Retrieved November 2025. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ "Meet the Farmers". Roba Family Farms.
- ↑ "Harvest of Fun: Visit Roba Farms". The Aquinas. October 2023.
- ↑ "Green Pioneers in Agritourism". Happenings Magazine.
- ↑ "Meet the Farmers".
- ↑ "Roba Family Farms". PoconoGo.
- ↑ "Green Pioneers in Agritourism". Happenings Magazine.
- ↑ "Roba Family Farm". Happenings Magazine.
- ↑ "Roba Family Farm". Happenings Magazine.
- ↑ "Meet the Farmers".
- ↑ "Roba Family Farms". PoconoGo.
- ↑ "PA Preferred Spotlight: Lakeland Orchard & Cidery". PA Eats.
- ↑ "Green Pioneers in Agritourism". Happenings Magazine.
- ↑ "DiscoverNEPA: Roba Family Farms Festival Guide". Discover NEPA.
- ↑ "Harvest of Fun: Visit Roba Farms". The Aquinas.
- ↑ "DiscoverNEPA: Roba Family Farms Festival Guide".
- ↑ "DiscoverNEPA: Roba Family Farms Festival Guide". Discover NEPA.
- ↑ "DiscoverNEPA: Roba Family Farms Festival Guide".
- ↑ "Roba Family Farms 2025 Festival Guide". Discover NEPA.
- ↑ "Classroom Enrichment Resources". Broome–Tioga BOCES.
- ↑ "County Lines: Lackawanna County" (PDF). Lackawanna County.
- ↑ "Donations - Help Other People". Roba Family Farms.
- ↑ "Roba Family Farm".
- ↑ "Lazy Pumpkin Patio and new games debut at Roba Family Farms". WNEP. August 2022.
External links
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