It’s officially the time of year when families come together, the house smells of cinnamon and cloves, the air has a very distinct and cozy “crispness,” everyone’s favorite color becomes ~rust~ and thankfulness is prevalent from one family to the next. It really is just the best time of year.
It is also the season when people whip out their most rustic Hobby Lobby, “Give Thanks” signs, an orange mug that says “hey pumpkin,” wooden letters that spell “gather,” or if you enjoy aggravating the civilians of this millennia – you hang one that says, “live, laugh, love.”
*smiles in fall*
It is time to gather up your dearest loved ones, remind your kiddos to give thanks, use lots of puns like “guys and gourds,” and live, laugh, and love it up along the way with these family-friendly things to do this Fall!
1. Visit A Pumpkin Patch
One of the first things we (and probably most people) think of when we ponder the word “Fall,” is pumpkins. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin patches, pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, and pumpkin spice lattes. Sue us, alright? We like all the basic fall things and we are unashamed. Take the family to pick a pumpkin or two at Lohstroh Family Farms, Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm, and many others! Get the classic family photo of all of you smiling and holding pumpkins (just be sure to wear your best flannels).
2. Drink Fresh & Local Cider From an Orchard
We can’t think of many kids that would turn down a sweet drink, especially hot (or kid-temp) apple cider. What better place to acquire said cider, than that of a cozy orchard that prepares it fresh? Pay a visit to Branstool Orchards, Legend Hills Orchard and many others to sip on cider while perusing their amish cheeses, chocolates, jams, maple syrups, and more!
3. Take a Scenic Family Hike
Enjoy the crisp, fresh air and bundle up for a family hike! Don’t miss these vibrant fall colors, take advantage of it! Make a day trip to Hocking Hills State Park to explore sights like Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Whispering Cave. Some of the best childhood memories are the most simple… exploring the outdoors with loved ones and getting to experience the wonders of nature!
4. Go Apple Picking
Picture this: your kids picking apples with you and putting them in a basket that’s almost as big as them… how’s that for cuteness? It’s apple season and we’ve got them in abundance here in Central Ohio. Take the family out for a U-Pick experience at The Orchard and Company and enjoy other kid-friendly activities like their tractor-drawn wagon rides, corn pit, jumping pillow, zip lines, paintball, and more! Check out our list of apple orchards and farms in Central Ohio!
5. Enjoy a Fun Fall Festival
Popcorn, fried foods, fall-themed treats, petting zoos, and more! There’s something for the whole family at a Fall Festival. We also suggest making a stop at the famous Circleville Pumpkin Show to see some out-of-this-world-sized pumpkins and to enjoy classic festival foods and activities. Here’s our list of Fall Festivals to attend this year!
6. Hop on a Hayride
Don’t know what is is about hayrides, but there’s never a time that we’ve turned one down. No matter what your age actually is, the simple pleasure that a hayride brings is one that can’t be neglected. Time to cozy up and take in all the Fall sights! For hayrides happening this Fall near Columbus, check out this list!
7. Fall Picnic at Topiary Garden
We challenge you to make every snack and food item fall-themed and bring it to the beautiful Topiary Garden for a picnic in Downtown Columbus. Get some cookie cutters and make some pumpkin-shaped PB&Js, ghost-shaped apple slices with caramel to dip, and hot soup in a thermos (maybe a thermos with leaves or pumpkins all over it). Cheers with some hot cocoa and orange marshmallows while you observe the sculptural foliage!
8. Family Bike Ride
If you don’t have some bikes sitting in the garage, rent bikes with Paradise Garage and take a joy ride through Columbus, ride through the Olentangy Trail, or ride Wolfe Park to Big Walnut Creek. All trails are fairly easy, so the whole family should have a blast! Don’t forget to bring some water (and also probably some hot chocolate for a halfway treat).
9. Escape From a Corn Maze
For whatever reason, I absolutely LOVED corn mazes. Something about the potential of getting lost for longer than anticipated was always so thrilling to me, especially when my parents let me go in alone. That’s why we pulled together the best corn mazes around Columbus and Central Ohio so you and your kids can experience the same thrill that I loved so much as a kid. Most of these corn mazes are rather manageable and simple to escape, but if you’re looking for a challenge, you can be sure we have it on our list!
10. Check out Halloween Events happening throughout October
If there’s one thing Ohio does right, it’s Halloween. The weather is always crisp and a bit spooky, there are fall festivals all over, and everyone really gets into the spirit of the season with cool decorations and great costumes. Plus, it seems like as the years roll on, Halloween has started to become more of a month-long celebration, and I can’t tell you how much I love that. So, if you’re itching to get your Halloween fix, check out these Halloween themed events around Central Ohio!
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