Why Van Buren Acres is the Ultimate Fall Family Destination in Hebron, OH

Note: This blog post is from one of our very first visits, but I have updated pricing and information at the bottom! As always, check their social media for an updates before you visit.

Van Buren Acres located in Hebron, OH is the ULTIMATE fall spot. Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy a visit to this family owned and operated farm this fall.

I’ve heard people mention Van Buren Acres here and there, claiming it as their favorite fall spot – but we’ve never gone. Within ten minutes of being there, I understood why it is so popular. Wow! They have it all. From photo ops to apple donuts to corn & soybean mazes to all sorts of farm activities – they literally have it all and more. We went on a Sunday afternoon, pretty much on a whim two hours before they were closing. We thought that would be enough time, but we were wrong. We could have spent hours exploring. I will say Sunday afternoon might be the token time to visit because it wasn’t too busy, and we were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset.

There are photo opportunities everywhere, but we have toddlers and this is the best we’re getting this year!

You’ll notice throughout the farm there are nods to Dolly Parton. The 2021 corn maze is dedicated to Dolly Parton and all of the incredible things she has done over her lifetime, from being an astonishing songwriter to a successful businesswoman to a humanitarian. They highlight the Imagination Library, which she started so that children can receive a free book each month from the ages of 0 to 5. You can learn more about the program and get signed up here. The girls have been a part of it since they were born. We love getting a new book each month.

As you walk through the maze, you will see fun facts about Dolly and throughout the farm, you’ll find quotes from her.

Where the corn box is located (in the back), they have a corner dedicated to the Imagination Library. It is super cute.

But, let’s start back at the beginning where you enter. You’re met with truck fulls of pumpkins and gourds, miniature golf, photo opportunities, snacks, goats & chickens, pig races, gem mining and slides. I honestly was impressed with everything I saw and had no idea that it kept going!

Once you’ve explored the first half, you walk down a bit, thinking it’s concessions and a corn maze – but you just wait. It goes on forever to the left and the right. They made games (football, volleyball, obstacle courses, tug-o-war, etc.), planted a SUNFLOWER field (I was not expecting that), and had a cow-themed barrel ride. To the right, there is a corn maze, soybean maze with a storybook trail, a umping pad, corn box, u-pick pumpkins, bouncing toys, and more.

This will be the last year I can ride with them, but anytime they ask – I say yes because really, who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again! The barrel ride takes you around a small part of the pumpkin patch. If your kiddos get worried when they can’t see you, no worries because they can see you the entire time.

We loved all of these games, and honestly, I think my husband and I had just as much fun as the girls. I will say it over and over again, but they did such a fantastic job with everything. Not pictured are the tunnel slides that were a huge hit.

There is a huge corn box in a covered barn, a few games, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library corner. It was nice to take a break and read a few books.

Like I mentioned, I had no idea they had a sunflower field. It was GORGEOUS and pretty big. We loved walking through it. Besides standing with the sunflower, there are a few photo opportunities – a red truck, tractor, etc.

If you’re looking for pumpkins, this is your spot! They have u-pick pumpkins of all sizes for $5. The field is pretty big, and there was a big selection. We got HUGE pumpkins. I couldn’t believe they were $5. You borrow a wagon, load them up and take them to the front to pay.

The girls loved pulling the wagons. You’re not supposed to play in them, but at one point Harper was pulling Riley and it was the cutest thing.

I love, love, love that they offer this. They have a shed that has a changing table, books, a rocking chair and more. Such a great perk for moms with little ones.

When it’s time to leave, you make your way back to where you started. This is where you’ll pay for your u-pick pumpkins, have the opportunity to pick up fall goodies in their shop, or grab food. They have walking tacos, hotdogs, slushies, doughnuts, etc. They also have three other concession stands throughout the farm. 

Make sure you get the doughnuts. They’re $1 each or $5 for 6 if you get all of the same flavor. My favorites were the pumpkin and apple.

Important Info – Updated 2024

Admission $11.00 โ€“ Children ages 2 and under are FREE
You can purchase tickets here or when you arrive.
Season Passย โ€“ $27.00 & includes one free โ€œU-Pickโ€ Pumpkin (ages 2 & under free
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.

Hours: Wed โ€“ Sun, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. and by appointment, (weather permitting)

They have numerous hand sanitizer locations throughout the farm. Face masks are recommended if you are unable to maintain at least 6 foot social distancing.

2024 Season โ€“ Septemberย 7 through November 3ย 
Sunflowers & Zinnias in the Fallย – Sept 7 through Mid-October
Corn Mazeย โ€“ Sept 7 through Nov 3

Location: 5066 Keller Road, Hebron, OH 43025. It took as about 30 minutes from Worthington area. It is a very easy drive, right off the exit on 70.

  • There are porta-potties on site.
  • They accept, cash and credit cards at our admission window and at the food venues and store.
  • The maze is about 6 acres.
  • You can bring your own food. They have large grassy areas and picnic tables that are available on a first come, first โ€“ serve basis.
  • Van Buren Acres is unpaved farm ground, but they do their best to make our event accessible to all of their guests as possible. Wheel chairs, strollers and wagons can be brought and are able to complete the corn maze (weather depending), but the ground can be bumpy in spots. The farm ground is mainly grass with some gravel areas, however, it may be somewhat difficult to push through some areas.

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