Best Pumpkin Patches and Fall Activities Near Columbus Ohio

October is one of the best months to live in Central Ohio. The weather cools down, the leaves begin to change, and farms throughout the Columbus area open for pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, and other fall traditions.

Whether you are looking for a family outing, a fall date idea, or just an excuse to get outside, here are some great ways to enjoy fall around Columbus.

Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch

Picking out a pumpkin directly from a local farm is a classic Ohio fall tradition.

Central Ohio has several farms that turn into full fall destinations during September and October. Depending on the location, you may find pumpkin patches, hayrides, farm animals, food, games, and activities for kids.

Popular options around the Columbus area include Leeds Farm, Circle S Farms, Pigeon Roost Farm, and Lynd Fruit Farm.

Before heading out, check each farm's current hours and ticket requirements since schedules and activities can change throughout the season.

Get Lost in a Corn Maze

If you have kids, a corn maze can easily turn a quick pumpkin trip into an afternoon adventure.

Many Central Ohio farms create new maze designs each year, with options ranging from smaller mazes for young children to much larger ones for adults and older kids.

Add some cider and fresh donuts afterward and you have a pretty solid Ohio fall afternoon.

Go Apple Picking

Pumpkins get most of the attention in October, but apple picking is another great fall activity.

Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala is a longtime Central Ohio destination for apple picking and other seasonal activities.

Apple varieties and picking availability change throughout the season, so it is worth checking what is available before making the trip.

See the Fall Colors at a Columbus Metro Park

You do not need to drive hours from Columbus to see great fall colors.

Some of our favorite places to get outside around Central Ohio include:

• Highbanks Metro Park

• Blendon Woods Metro Park

• Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

• Sharon Woods Metro Park

• Slate Run Metro Park

Pack a lunch, take a hike, or simply spend a few hours outside. Peak fall color varies from year to year, so there is usually something different to see throughout October.

Take a Fall Day Trip to Hocking Hills

If you have a full day available, head south to Hocking Hills.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to explore Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Conkle's Hollow.

The combination of rock formations, waterfalls, and changing leaves makes the area especially impressive in October.

It is also one of the busiest times of the year in Hocking Hills, so arriving early or visiting during the week can make for a more enjoyable trip.

Spend a Saturday Watching Ohio State Football

In Columbus, fall and Ohio State football pretty much go hand in hand.

You do not need tickets to the game to enjoy the atmosphere. Restaurants, breweries, patios, and neighborhoods throughout Central Ohio fill up with fans on Saturdays.

For people who are new to Columbus, experiencing a fall football Saturday is practically a local tradition.

Explore a Central Ohio Small Town

Fall is also a great time to explore some of the communities surrounding Columbus.

Spend an afternoon walking around places like:

• Granville

• Delaware

• Worthington

• Westerville

• Dublin

Grab coffee, visit local shops, have lunch, and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

It is a fun way to spend a fall afternoon and, if you are considering moving, a great way to get a better feel for different Central Ohio communities.

Enjoy a Fall Patio

Do not give up on patio season just because summer is over.

Some of the best outdoor dining weather in Columbus happens during September and October. Cool evenings and lower humidity make it a great time to visit a local restaurant, brewery, or coffee shop with outdoor seating.

A fire pit certainly does not hurt either.

Take the Scenic Route

Sometimes you do not need a destination.

Head outside Columbus toward Granville, Lancaster, Delaware, or Hocking Hills and take some of the back roads instead of the highway.

Central Ohio's farmland, wooded roads, and small towns can be especially beautiful once the leaves begin changing.

Why We Love Fall in Central Ohio

One of the best things about living in Columbus is having so much variety within a relatively short drive.

You can spend the morning at a pumpkin patch, hike in the afternoon, watch Ohio State football in the evening, and still be home that night.

It is part of what makes Central Ohio such a great place to call home.

Final Thoughts

Fall goes quickly in Ohio, so take advantage of it while it is here.

Whether you are picking pumpkins with the kids, hiking through the fall colors, exploring a new community, or simply enjoying a cool evening on a patio, there are plenty of ways to enjoy October around Columbus.

At Associates Realty, we spend a lot of time talking about houses, but finding the right place to live is about much more than the house itself. The communities, parks, local businesses, and experiences around you are what ultimately make a place feel like home.