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Inspiring Spots Within Your Reach - A Guide to Columbus Ohio

Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun in Central Ohio 2024: U-Pick Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, and Festive Events

Fall is hands down my favorite season. The weather’s just right, the trees turn magical colors, and everything seems to taste like apples and pumpkins. Oh, and let’s not forget football season – that’s a blast too. But you know what I love most? Exploring the local farms with pumpkin patches, especially the ones throwing awesome fall festivals!

{FYI – The bold title in each section will take you directly to the business’s website for more details and updates.}

•U-Pick Apple Orchards•

Bust out the boots and baskets; it’s time to harvest some apples, make some apple pie, and drink some apple cider!

Tip: Make sure to check social media and/or website before going. Sometimes all the delicious apples get picked quicker than expected or sadly, sometimes mother nature doesn’t help out and things get a bit ruined.

  • Apple Hill Orchard in Mansfield
    • Harvest Schedule
    • Hayrides, barrel rides, pony rides, playground tractor, chickens, ducks, goat & sheep. They also have apple donuts, coffee, and espresso drinks at their drive thru window.
    • 1175 Lexington Ontario Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
  • Cherry Hawk Farm in Marysville
    • Harvest Schedule
    • 2024 Sunflowers: Check schedule here.
    • 16220 Springdale Road, Marysville, OH 43040
  • Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala
    • They have a FABULOUS market with tons of local foods, gifts and more!
    • 9399 Morse Road SW, Pataskala, OH 43062
  • The Orchard and Company in Plain City
    • Harvest Schedule
    • They have scheduled times for picking, mostly Saturday and Sundays. Check their website for updates.
    • Starting September 7th and going through October 27th, they have family fun on the farm from 11AM- 6PM on Sa/Su.
      • Read about our visit here from 2021.
    • 7255 US HWY 42 | Plain City, OH 43064
  • Legend Hill Orchard in Utica
    • Harvest Schedule
    • Picking Hours are Mon-Sat: 9-6pm and Sunday: 10-5pm
    • 11335 Reynolds Road, Utica OH 43080
  • Branstool Orchards in Utica
    • Harvest Schedule
    • U-Pick is only offered on days when they have ripe fruit available. Call 740-892-3989 before coming to pick.
    • 5895 Johnstown Utica Rd, NE Utica, Ohio 43080.

•U-Pick Pumpkin Patches•

The pumpkin house at Franklin Park Conservatory is a MUST visit!
Whether you walk to the patch or ride a wagon or grab pre-picked pumpkins, your family will love exploring and picking from these local pumpkin patches.

• Fall Festivals on the Farm •

Central Ohio has so many great fall festivals during September and October. Each is a bit different, but you’ll find the classics among them all – hayrides, pumpkins, activities, animals, and FOOD!  
  • Circle S Farms in Grove City
    • Mid-SEPTEMBER through OCTOBER
    • Daily: 9am – 7pm
    • Hayride, Fun Barn, Petting Zoo, Corn & Sunflower Mazes, Bale Cave
  • The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus
    • U-Pick Apples now in season!
    • U-Pick Flowers in season now!
    • Flannel Fest: September 14-15, 21-22
      • All things fall-fun during peak harvest season here at Pickwick, including the fall activity area with our corn maze and apple cannon.
    • Apple Bash: September 28
      • In addition to the fall activities, join us for a day of extra celebration of all things apples! Samples, cafe specials, and more
    • 1875 North Sandusky Avenue, Bucyrus, OH 44820
  • Dupler’s Pumpkin Land in Newark
    • September 13 – October 30
    • Sunday-Friday: 12pm – 7pm, Saturday:10am – 7pm
    • Activities including slides, the Wacky Web, Mystery Maze, Story Trail, haunted room, as well as a whole host of games in their brand new pole barn! They offer wagon rides for $3 and Paintball Gun Range – $5 for 50 shots on weekends.
    • 766 Jacksontown Rd. Newark, OH 43056
  • Olentangy Caverns
    • September 21 – October 31, Sat & Sun 10am – 6pm and Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm
    • Choose a pumpkin, follow a fall scavenger hunt, try out their NEW rubber ducky races, and stick around for special weekend events.
      • Sun, Sept 22: Gus the Squashcarver carves a 500lb pumpkin, 12-4pm
      • Sun, Sept 29: Live Music with local musician Mark Reinhart, 1-3pm
      • Sat, Oct 5: Cave Yoga (ages 12+), 6pm, 7pm classes
      • Sun, Oct 6: Kids Magic Show with Magic Nate, 2 – 2:45pm
      • Sun, Oct 13: Mystery-themed Magic Show with Erica Carlson (children’s author and entertainer), 2 – 3:00pm
    • All regular activities are available during the fall including: self-guided cave tours, petting zoo, gem mining, mini-golf, treasure hunt maze, Bigfoot walking trail, playground & fire truck slide
  • Leeds Farm
    • September 21 to October 27
    • Saturdays: 10am – 5pm, Sundays: 10am – 5pm
      • Open one Friday only: October 18, from 10 am to 5 pm
      • A pre-purchased admission ticket is required for every guest age 3 and over. Guests ages 2 and under do not need to purchase tickets. There are no walk-in ticket sales.
    • All farm activities except Big Zip are included with your admission. View the farm map to see activities and amenities. Check out their Food at the Farm.
    • 8738 Marysville Rd., Ostrander OH 43061
  • Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm
    • September 21 – October 27
    • There is no admission charge if you are simply purchasing pumpkins or items in the gift shop. Your paid admission includes all of the activities available on the farm that day. The only activities not included are the Giant Sling Shot ($1.00 for 2 balls) and Paint Ball Target Shooting ($3 for 25 or $5 for 50). Over 40 weekend activities around the farm including two jump pillows, old barn play area, swingline, 10 acre corn maze, giant legos and more.
  • Pigeon Roost Farm
    • September 14 – October 31
      • 10am to 7pm
      • Closed Monday and Tuesday
    • There is no admission charge to their Market, Pumpkin Area, and Parking Lots! Credit card only. No cash accepted.
      • They have over 20 acres of over 30 different fun activities!
      • Weekend Only Activities: Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Food Concessions, Paintball Shooting Range. Saturday & Sunday – Tractor-Pulled Wagon Rides, Face Painting and Crafters
    • Facebook | Instagram
    • 4413 National Rd SW, Hebron, OH 43025
  • Van Buren Acres
    • Read about our visit last year here. This was one of our FAVORITE fall farm days!
    • Admission price includes corn maze, soybean maze, jumping pillow, hay rides, barrel train, putt-putt golf, ball zones, pig races, duck races, slides and all other activities. Not included is gem stone mining, pumpkins, concessions and store items.
    • Facebook Page
  • Youngs Dairy Farm
    • September 21 – October 27
    • Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Cowvin’s Corny Maze, Wagon Ride on the Farm, Haunted Wagon Rides and all sorts of fall fun await! They also have super friendly animals, delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes, Homemade Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Pies, and pumpkins! Other fall favorites like Pumpkin & Cinnamon ice cream, deep-fried cheddar cheese curds, and apple dumplings with a cinnamon or vanilla dip will be available daily. Seriously, the ultimate fall spot!
    • 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
  • Hidden Creek Farms
    • September 21-October 27
    • Weekends (Sat-Sun), 10:00AM-6:00PM
      Friday October 18, 10:00AM-4:00PM
    • Entrance fee $9 (ages 2+), $7 (Grandparents with grandchildren) (Credit cards accepted)
    • Hayrides, Pony Rides ($5) (Saturday & Sundays Only), Playground area including The Great Pumpkin Slide, The Pumpkin Tunnel, Small Kids Slide, “Woody” the Tractor, Straw Maze in our “Big Red” barn, Farm Animal Friends, Kids Games Arcade, Corndig.
Read about our trip to Young’s Dairy Farm

• Corn Mazes •

Fall is the perfect time to have fun exploring a corn maze, and our local farms are famous for plotting a spectacular crop in the shape of a creative-themed maze.
  • The MAiZE at Little Darby Creek
    • September 21- October 27
    • Experience a multitude of fun events at The MAiZE, including Field of Fright, Wine Down at The MAiZE, Flower Power Days, and more. Explore these exciting opportunities right here.
    • 8657 Axe Handle Rd., Milford Center OH 43045
      • Base Entry = 8-acre Corn Maze, Unlimited Cow Train, Low Ropes Course, Barnyard Bouncer, Petting Zoo, Kiddie Maze, Ball Zone, Corn Ball, Tube Slide, PVC Roller Slide, Laser Tag, Dodgeball, Pedal Carts, Kids Fun Barn, Spider Web, Duck Races, Tetherball, Tug-O-War, Wall Ball, Pumpkin Checkers, Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe, Giant Chair & additional Photo Ops, Cowabunga Cannon, Gaga Ball, and Yard Games.
    • Combo Admission – “The Works” – Ages 3 – 59: online $16.00 plus service charge / on the farm $20.00, Ages 60+: online $10.00 plus service charge / on the farm $14.00.
      • Combo = Base + 5 Shots at the Corn Cannon ($2), a Pie Pumpkin ($3) or 1 Shot at the Pumpkin Blaster ($2), 20 Shots at Paintball Pandemonium ($3), and a Hayride to the u-pick pumpkin patch ($2).
  • Lynds Maze
    •  Every Friday – Saturday – Sunday, September 6 through October 27.
    • They have scheduled monthly events like live music, a petting zoo, and Extraordinary Day for folks with special needs and their loved ones.
    • Open every Friday and Saturday, 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10:00-6. (Last ticket sold one hour before close.)
    • $11 for all ages (*). This includes The LYNDIANA JONES Maze – an 8-acre treasure hunt with challenges along the way. The CREEPY CRITTERS Mini Maze is just right for young ones and includes replica scorpions, monkeys and snakes to discover. Age appropriate Bounce Houses are open until 6, and outstanding games and activities for all ages can be found throughout the courtyard. Kids 80 pounds and under (except babies) get a Barrel Train Ticket. (*Under 18 months is free free with guardian in the Mini Maze, Playground, Wagon. Seniors, Military, First Responders …………………..$10 with id.)
    • 9851 Morse Road SW, Pataskala, Ohio
  • Van Buren Acres
    • September 7 – November 3
    • Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
      • The maze is about 6 acres. They also have a story-trail maze and a small maze behind the soybean maze, which is great for younger kids and only takes about 15 minutes to complete.
      • The Flashlight corn maze is offered Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21 from 7:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m., weather permitting.
    • $10.00 (ages 2 and under free), Admission is to everything – not just the maze
    • 5066 Keller Road, Hebron, OH 43025
  • The Pigeon Roost Corn Maze & Sorghum Mini Maze!
    • September 14 – October 27
    • Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 7pm
    • The Pigeon Roost Corn Maze is part of the Great Pumpkin Fun Center and included in your admission price. An observation platform on Fort Pigeon Roost allows you to view the maze and the farm from above.
    • Their mini maze with sorghum (broom corn) is great for smaller children! Sorghum is the fifth largest grain crop, and its shorter size allows parents to watch children as they independently go through the maze.
    • Credit card only. No cash accepted.
    • 4413 National Rd SW, Hebron, OH 43025

• Fall Events •

Central Ohio is FILLED with large and small events over the next few months. But, of course, this isn’t a complete list; that would be impossible! Instead, I’ve narrowed this list down to events I am most excited about and are family-friendly.

September Events

  • Ohio Renaissance Festival
    • August 31 – October 27, 2024
    • Your fairytale comes to life in their 16th-century village filled with thrilling shows, food & drink, unique shops, and a fantasy adventure like no other! The Ohio Renaissance Festival offers something for everyone featuring nearly 100 performances daily on 14 stages, over 150 unique arts and crafts shops, hearty food and drink, games of skill, and human-powered rides to amuse all ages.Read more about Family Fun at the Ohio Renaissance Festival here.
      • 10:30 am — 7:00 pm
      • $10-$80 (Children Under 5 – FREE)
      • 10542 E State Route 73 Waynesville, OH 45068
  • Columbus Oktoberfest
    • September 6 – 8
      • This community festival has been brewing up and serving smiles for 50+ years. There truly is something for everyone. Tasty food, lively music, bountiful brews, and games galore. The Columbus Oktoberfest has it all.
      • Check out the kid activities here.
    • Friday: 5pm – 12 Midnight, Saturday: 12 Noon – 12 Midnight, Sunday: 12 Noon – 8pm
    • Free admission, $15 parking, All Food and Beverage will be Credit Card only.
    • Held at the Ohio Expo Center / Ohio State Fairgrounds
    • Facebook | Instagram
  • Delaware County Fair
    • September 14th-21st
    • The Delaware County Fair has a long tradition of not only providing an enjoyable place for people to exchange ideas, demonstrate skills and exhibit products, but is also a great source for recreation, entertainment, visiting and learning.The Delaware County Fair hosts many outstanding events including five days of the best in harness racing capped off by the prestigious Little Brown Jug on Thursday as well as displays from 100’s of exhibitors and a full schedule of motor sports events in the motor sports complex ranging from demolition derbies to rough truck competitions.
      • Admission: $8, Under 8 are FREE  
      • 236 Pennsylvania Ave, Delaware, OH 43015
  • Hoover Gardens & Gift Center
    • Fallapalooza: September 21 & 22
      • Kick off fall with a fun filled weekend of pumpkins, pansies and cooler temperatures. Explore the haunted maze, enjoy fresh amish foods, as well as many fun filled activities.
    • Mark your calendars for Pumpkin Painting on Saturdays & Sundays for $5.00
    • 182 N Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
  • Sunday Funday: Oktoberfest in Worthington
    • September 22, 12PM – 6 PM
      • It’s that time of year! Celebrate with pretzels, beers, and all fun things Oktoberfest! They’ll have great food specials, live music, games, and entertainment.
      • Facebook Event
    • 666 High St, Worthington, OH 43085

October Events

  • Columbus Coffee Fest
    • A celebration of coffee roasters and coffee culture from all across the Midwest!
      • October 5th & 6th
      • Facebook
      • Franklin County Fairgrounds
  • Ohio Gourd Show
    • October 4 – 6
    • Gourds, gourd art, art and craft supplies, and special programs are featured at the Show.  Demonstrations, workshops and presentations throughout the weekend will highlight the world of gourds and gourd art.
      • Admission and parking are free!!
      • Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 Pennsylvania Ave, Delaware, OH 43015
  • Columbus Italian Festival
    • October 11 – 13
    • Each year on Columbus Day weekend the Italian community comes together in a 3 day celebration with the finest in food, entertainment and Italian culture.
      • $10.00 at door – Free under 12, with adult admission
      • 168 E. Lincoln Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Boo at the Zoo
    • OCTOBER 11 – 13  |  OCTOBER 18 – 20  |  OCTOBER 25 – 27
    • FRIDAYS: 5pm – 8pm  |  SATURDAYS: 10am – 8pm  |  SUNDAYS: 10am – 5pm
      • The zoo is decorated from head to toe in fun Halloween decorations, and as you walk around, you’ll find treat stations, rolling celebrations, character ambassadors, scavenger hunts and more.
    • Included with Admission to the Zoo
    • 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
  • Pumpkins Aglow at FPC
    • 5-9pm Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays and 5-10pm Fridays & Saturdays during October 9–13, 16–20 & 23-27.
      • Hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins illuminate the Conservatory. Out amongst the glowing pumpkins, guests will find spellbinding scenes. There will be two pumpkin houses, a spooky forest, a foggy creek and a ghostly graveyard. New this year is singing jack o’ lanterns, dancing skeletons and more!
    • PUMPKINS AGLOW OCCURS AFTER GENERAL ADMISSION AND REQUIRES A SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT TICKET. You can purchase tickets here.
    • 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203

  • The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow
    • Oct. 17-20, 6:30-10:30 p.m. (final trail entrance at 10 p.m.)
      • Attendees will wind through a trail of artfully created scenes made from thousands of etched and carved pumpkins with whimsical lighting effects. 
      • Note: There will be NO TICKET SALES AT THE EVENT. 
  • Highball Halloween
    • October 26, Short North
      • HighBall is the nation’s most elaborate costume party. Staged in the fashion capital of Columbus, this yearly event for the Halloween season bridges runway style with the culture of the Short North Arts District. Be a part of the HighBall street spectacle and model yourself on High Street. At HighBall, you are what you wear. 
    • Facebook

• Flavors of Fall •

One of the best things about fall is all of the seasonal flavors. Whether it’s a pumpkin donut from a local farm, sipping apple cider on a crisp fall day, or enjoying a pumpkin latte — Fall food and drink feel like the warm hug we all need.

Take a Hike

Trees are pretty any time of year, but fall is when they turn into natural show-offs, turning the most amazing colors. Once the leaves fall, they get extra crunchy, adding some fun for the kids! Here are a few of my places to take the girls.

Top Five Ohio Fall Hikes – Ohio.org

• Fall Roadtrip Ideas for Families •

Here are a few trips we’ve taken during the fall season in Ohio. If you need more ideas, head right over to the Ohio.Find it Here website. It is FILLED with road trip ideas and even itineraries.
Explore Athens
Visit Amish Country
Daytrip to Van Buren Acres
Fall Foodie Roadtrip in Central Ohio
Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm

Happy Fall! Wishing you a fantastic season ahead!

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