Things to Do This Fall in Columbus Ohio

Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy Columbus, Ohio. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, football season, festivals, and outdoor activities give Central Ohio plenty to look forward to.

Whether you have lived in Columbus for years, recently moved to the area, or are visiting this fall, here are some great ways to enjoy the season.

Experience an Ohio State Football Saturday

Few things say fall in Columbus quite like Ohio State football.

Even if you are not heading to the game, Saturdays around Columbus are filled with watch parties, tailgates, and plenty of scarlet and gray.

The areas around campus and the Short North are especially lively on game days, but restaurants and breweries throughout Central Ohio get in on the action too.

See the Fall Colors at a Metro Park

You do not have to travel far from Columbus to enjoy Ohio's fall foliage.

The Columbus Metro Parks system offers miles of trails and beautiful scenery throughout the region.

Some great places for a fall hike include:

• Highbanks Metro Park

• Blendon Woods Metro Park

• Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

• Sharon Woods Metro Park

• Slate Run Metro Park

Pack a lunch, bring the family, and spend an afternoon outside while the leaves are changing.

Visit a Local Apple Orchard

Apple picking is a classic Ohio fall tradition.

Central Ohio has several orchards and farms where visitors can pick apples, shop for local products, enjoy cider, and spend an afternoon outdoors.

Many farms also offer pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, and other seasonal activities as you get closer to October.

Explore the Columbus Coffee Scene

Once the temperatures start dropping, fall is a great excuse to explore some of Columbus's local coffee shops.

Instead of heading straight to your usual spot, pick a new neighborhood and try somewhere different. It is also a great way to explore parts of Columbus you may not normally visit.

Spend an Afternoon at Franklin Park Conservatory

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is worth visiting throughout the year, but fall brings seasonal displays and a completely different atmosphere.

It is an easy weekend activity and a great option when Ohio's fall weather does not cooperate with your outdoor plans.

Head to a Farmers Market

Farmers markets do not end when summer does.

Early fall is one of the best times to find locally grown apples, squash, pumpkins, baked goods, flowers, and other seasonal products.

It is also a simple way to support local farmers and small businesses throughout Central Ohio.

Take a Day Trip to Hocking Hills

If you have a free Saturday or Sunday, fall is an incredible time to visit Hocking Hills.

The changing leaves combined with cliffs, caves, and waterfalls create some of the best scenery in Ohio.

Popular stops include:

• Old Man's Cave

• Ash Cave

• Cedar Falls

• Conkle's Hollow

Fall weekends can get busy, so heading down early or planning a weekday trip can make for a more relaxing experience.

Enjoy Columbus Patios Before Winter

Do not give up on patio season too quickly.

September and early October can bring some of the best outdoor dining weather of the year. Cooler evenings, fewer hot and humid days, and plenty of restaurants with outdoor spaces make it a great time to enjoy dinner or drinks outside.

Get Ready for Halloween

As October approaches, Columbus offers plenty of Halloween activities for both kids and adults.

Pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, neighborhood events, and seasonal festivals pop up throughout Central Ohio.

It is one of the busiest times of year for local community events.

Why Fall Is Such a Great Time to Live in Columbus

One of the best things about living in Central Ohio is getting to experience four distinct seasons, and fall may be the best of them.

You can spend Saturday watching football, Sunday hiking through changing leaves, and still enjoy restaurants, festivals, parks, and everything else the city has to offer.

Final Thoughts

Fall in Columbus is about more than cooler weather and changing leaves. It is a chance to get outside, explore local businesses, attend community events, and enjoy everything Central Ohio has to offer before winter arrives.

At Associates Realty, we love helping people discover not only the right home, but also everything that makes Columbus and Central Ohio such a great place to call home.