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Inspiring Spots Within Your Reach - A Guide to Columbus Ohio

The 2023 Ultimate Guide to Fall in Central Ohio

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
    • 2023 Sunflowers: Bloom expected mid-September. 
    • 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 9th and going through October 29th, 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.
Check out this article by Ohio.FinditHere – 100 Things To Do in Ohio this Fall

The pumpkin house at Franklin Park Conservatory is a MUST visit!

•U-Pick Pumpkin Patches•

Whether you walk to the patch or ride a wagon, 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
    • October 1 – October 31
    • Daily: 9am – 7pm
    • Hayride, Fun Barn, Petting Zoo, Corn & Sunflower Mazes, Bale Cave
  • Dupler’s Pumpkin Land in Newark
    • September 16 – October 31
    • 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
  • Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival
    • September 16 – October 29
    • Saturdays (10-5) & Sundays (11-5)
      • Market open Mon-Fri (no activities), Sept 17-Oct 31 (Noon – 7)
      • Their market features pumpkins, gourds, mums, fall decorations, crafts, gifts, fall scented candles, wreaths, fudge, jellies & jams, maple syrup, honey, apple and pumpkin baking mixes, fall candy, pumpkin decorating supplies, and more!
    • Admission is FREE. There is a charge for food, some activities, and items purchased in the fall market. Check out this facebook post for details.
    • 6142 Lewis Center Rd., Galena, OH 43021
  • Hidden Creek Farms
    • September 24 – October 30
    • Weekends (Sat-Sun): 10-6, Weekdays (Mondays Only) 11-4, Friday October 14: 11-4
    • Enjoy a day with your family at their working farm where there are many things to see and experience while enjoying the great outdoors. Take a hayride to their pumpkin patch to find your perfect pumpkin from the thousands growing in their field. 
    • 581 S Galena Rd., Sunbury, OH 43074
  • Leeds Farm
    • September 16 – October 28
    • Saturdays: 10am – 5pm, Sundays: 10am – 5pm
      • Open one Friday only: Oct. 13
      • 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 23 – October 29
    • 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 16 – October 29
      • 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 16 – October 29
    • 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
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 23- October 29
    • Ages 3 – 59: online $12.00 plus service charge / on the farm $16.00, Ages 60+: online $6.00 plus service charge / on the farm $10.00, 2 and under: FREE.
      • 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).
    • 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
  • Lynds Maze
    •  Every Friday – Saturday – Sunday, September 8 through October 29.
    • 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 10 – October 30
    • 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.
    • $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 16 – October 29
    • 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
    • September 2 – October 29
        • 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 8 – 10
      • 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, $12 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 16-23
      • 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 TBD 2023
      • 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 24, 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.
    • 666 High St, Worthington, OH 43085
  • Columbus Coffee Fest
    • September 23-24
      • A celebration of coffee roasters and coffee culture from all across the Midwest!
    • $20 – $50
    • Facebook
    • Ohio Village at the Ohio History Connection – 800 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
  • Fall at the Round Barn – Vintage & Made Market
    • Friday , September 22nd 4-8pm, Saturday, September 23rd 9am-5pm
    • Held inside the historic Round Barn and charming grounds of the Fairfield Co Fairgrounds. Kickoff fall with a fun + family friendly market filled with 150+ talented modern makers, purveyors of authentic vintage finds, mobile clothing boutiques, designers, growers & bakers gathered from all across the Midwest.
    • $7 pre-purchased online, $10 cash at the gate, 14 and under free
    • Get tickets here
    • 157 E Fair Avenue, Lancaster, 43130

October Events

  • All Hallows’ Eve at Ohio History
    • Saturday, October 7, 14, 21 & 28
      • Enjoy an evening of 1890s-style family fun at All Hallows’ Eve, including a retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by the bonfire!
    •  800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
  • Columbus Fall Brew Fest
    • October 13, 2pm – 6pm
      • The event will feature over 50 breweries and 150 beers, as well as video DJ on the scoreboard, lawn games and food concessions.
    • Both general admission ($50) and Early Admission ($65) will include beer, with EA attendees having early admission and access to specialty beer poured during the first hour. Food will be sold separately.
    • Huntington Park – 330 Huntington Park Ln., Columbus, OH 43215
  • Ohio Gourd Show
    • October 6 – 8
    • Show Theme:  “Gourdians of the Galaxy”
    • 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 6 – 8
    • 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 6-8, October 13-15, October 20-22, and October 27-29
    • Fridays – 5pm to 8pm, Saturdays – 10am to 8pm, Sundays – 10am to 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
    • October 11–15, 18–22 & 25-29
      • 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
  • Treat Street at The Shops on Lane
    • Saturday, October 14, 12PM – 2PM
    • Come dressed in your favorite costume for an afternoon of spooktacular fun! While supplies last, children 12 and under will enjoy Trick-or-Treating, festive music, refreshments, and more.
    • The Shops at Lane: 1675 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH
    • Facebook Event
  • The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow
    • Oct. 19-22, 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 28, 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
  • Trick or Treat at the Conservatory
    • TBD on 2023 Dates
      • Families and children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes to the Conservatory and take a picture in our dedicated Halloween selfie spot. Children 2-12 can pick up a one-stop treat bag at the ticket center upon check-in. Treat bags are free with admission.
      • 1777 E Broad St Columbus, OH 43203
  • Creekside Pumpkin Crawl
    • TBD on official details
    • Creekside Gahanna

• 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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