With Autumn comes a whole new list of fun things to do around Central OH. From leaf peeping, pumpkin patching and apple picking to frights, pumpkin spice and fall bites -there’s so much to do before the snow flies!
Here are some must do activities to add to your Columbus bucket list this Fall:
Ultimate Columbus Fall Bucket List
1. Go Apple Picking
Pick your own apples at a local apple orchard, such as Lynd Fruit Farm, The Orchard and Company, Branstool Orchards, and CherryHawk Farm Apple Orchard in Marysville. Check out our full guide to apple orchards here!
2. Go Pumpkin Picking
Visit a pumpkin farm to find your orange canvas to carve the perfect jack-o’lantern. Explore favorites like Lohstroh Family Farms and Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm – they typically have a lot of fun available for the kiddos as well! Plus, Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm was just named the Best Pumpkin Patch in the country by USA Today!
3. Tailgate at an OSU Game
Get your OSU gear, booze, and snacks to catch a home game at Ohio Stadium! Want to plan the perfect game day? Check out our guide here.
4. Find Your Fall Signature Drink
It’s no secret that fall brings the best bevs – both alcoholic and non. Maybe you need your pumpkin spice latte fix every morning, maybe you just can’t get enough pumpkin beer, or maybe craft cocktails are your jam. There are so many great spots to drink local!
5. Take a trip to Hocking Hills
Fall is the best time of year for a Hocking Hills adventure filled with vibrant foliage. Take a hike to Conkle’s Hollow, go see the Cedar Falls, explore Old Man’s Cave, or rent an airbnb like The Box Hop to feel immersed in the scenic views.
6. Attend a Fall Fest
Get the whole family together to enjoy a day of fall-themed fun. We recommend checking out the largest pumpkin pie in the world at the Circleville Pumpkin Show, but there’s tons of festivals happening this season. Fiind a list of them happening this weekend and beyond here!
7. Get Spooked at a Haunted House
A good scare is a fall-must, try not to chicken out when you visit Carnage Haunted House or Fear Columbus Haunted House! Check out our list of Haunted Houses here!
8. Visit a *Real* Haunted Place
Want something a bit more authentically haunted? Visit the Thurber House, participate in a Columbus Ghost Tour at historic taverns or Green Lawn Cemetery, or check out some of the oldest bars and restaurants in Central Ohio!
9. Celebrate Oktoberfest
Hit up one of one of the many Oktoberfest celebrations happening this month and beyond this fall season – Check out our full list here!
10. Hunt Down the Best Homemade Apple Cider Donuts in Town
If you’re not looking for the chance to get your hands on one (or 6, or 6 dozen) of these heavenly donuts, you’re missing out! We just got some at Branstool Orchards and they were TO DIE FOR. Find our complete guide to apple cider donuts here.
11. Go on a Guided Haunted Walk/Tour/Pub Crawl
Book a tour to experience some haunting stories and possibly some paranormal activity. Whether you want to spend twilight in Ohio’s 2nd largest cemetery or do a pub crawl at all of Columbus’ most haunted bars, we couldn’t recommend Columbus Ghost Tours enough!
12. Go on a Fall-themed or Haunted Hayride
Something about tractors and creepy dirt paths make hayrides extra fun and spooky. If you are looking for a good thrill, there are plenty of options to choose from including Fear Forest Haunted House and Hayride, and Young’s Haunted Wagon Rides and Corn Maze!
13. Take a Foliage Filled Hike
Seeing the leaves change colors makes for a picture-perfect backdrop while hiking. We’ve got some popular hiking spots worth checking out here.
14. Attend a Theater Show
Theater is back in Columbus, baby! Don’t let this theater season go by without attending a show at one of the many local performance theaters across Central OH.
15. Have a Last Chance Bonfire
Tell scary stories and roast s’mores around the campfire before the entire city is covered in snow.
16. Drink Some Fresh Cider
Nothing’s quite as crisp as fresh-pressed cider in autumn. Some of our favorite spots include Apple Hill Orchards, Branstool Orchards, Lynd Fruit Farm, and The Orchard & Co.
17. Have a Magical Movie Marathon
If you don’t already own them, you can rent, stream, or tune in to a TV special to watch Hocus Pocus, Friday the 13th, Halloweentown, Casper, It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, The Addams Family, Jeepers Creepers, Scream, all the Harry Potter movies, and several other classics.
18. Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze with your family and friends is always a good time (unless it starts getting dark out and you haven’t found the exit yet…). Check out the craziest corn mazes in Central Ohio here!
19. Host a Friendsgiving
Invite your family over, prepare all your favorite dishes, and restock your liquor cabinet to enjoy an evening of friendship and gratitude. If your BGC (blood gravy content) isn’t over 0.08, you’re not doing it right.
20. Take a Fall Drive
If fall hikes aren’t necessarily your cup of tea (or coffee, or cider, or whatever warm drink you prefer), why not take advantage of the fact that you live in a state that gets beautiful fall colors with a scenic fall drive to enjoy the vibrant fall leaves?
21. Hop On a Fall Foliage Train Ride
If you want to cherish peak autumn with an unmatched experience – there’s truly no better way to soak in the sights than a fall foliage train ride like this one with Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.
22. Enjoy a Murder Mystery Experience
If you’ve ever wanted to be an accomplice (or, perhaps, the prime suspect) in a murder, this is your best chance to do so (legally, of course).
23. Destroy Things with Apple Cannons, Pumpkin Bowling, and More!
We know, this suggestion sounds weird, but don’t knock it ’til you try it! The MAiZE at Little Darby Creek has corn cannons and pumpkin blasters, Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm has pumpkin bowling and a giant sling shot, and Lynd Fruit Farm has apple cannons!
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