Site logo

12 Fun Fall Activities in Ohio

Autumn is arguably that time of year that the Midwest is at its best. The leaves are changing, football is in full swing, and the temperature (much like Goldilocks’ porridge) is just right. If you’re wondering which fun fall activities to put on your calendar this year, we have some pretty unique ones mixed in with the classics for you. So take a look at our list of the best fall things to do in Ohio this year.

Fall Activities in Central Ohio

Trail of Scarecrows

We hope you’re ready to go on a small journey with this creative fall activity designed to take you to fun, new places. The Trail of Scarecrows boasts nearly 250 scarecrows for you and your friends and family to discover around the county. Check out the map here to explore by community!

Enchanted Forest

The Wahkeena Nature Preserve is home to some seriously spooky secrets. Visit the enchanted forest to uncover key ingredients for a special potion while getting to the bottom of different riddles and puzzles! Reserve your FREE time slot before the season ends!

Pumpkin Patches

No list of fun fall activities would be complete without a visit to the pumpkin patch! Roasting pumpkin seeds may be the tastiest part of autumn (move over, pumpkin spice lattes), but lest we forget… there’s also only a handful of weeks left before it’s jack-o’-lantern time! And carving pumpkins ranks right at the top of the list with trick-or-treating when it comes to fun things to do on Halloween.

A little girl in a patch of gourds.

There are quite a few pumpkin patches to choose from around Central Ohio. Here are a few great ones in the area:

Read a Ghost Story

Looking for a fall activity that doesn’t require getting dressed and finding a babysitter? No problem. Why not heat up some apple cider on the next chilly evening and tell a few ghost stories around the fire?

And if those creepy tales come from your own backyard, well… that’s even better, right?? Chris Woodyard’s Haunted Ohio books have become something of an unofficial history of all things spooky and macabre in the Buckeye State. Order one of the seven volumes in her series and prepare for a delightful fright this season!

Fall leaves in the trees and on the ground in the woods.

Corn Maze

What is fall if not an opportunity to brave oversized fields of corn in a bid to prove your navigational skills? Blaze Maze is a local favorite when it comes to corn mazes. That might be because it stays open so late on Saturdays, letting the truly ambitious among us attempt this gargantuan maze armed with nothing but can-do attitudes and handheld flashlights.

Apple Picking

Apple picking goes hand in hand with visiting a pumpkin patch as one of those quintessential fall activities you just can’t leave out of your October. And if you’re already going to a farm to pick one type of fruit, you might as well see about picking both, right? Ochs Fruit Farm and Paige’s Produce are a couple of places where you can come away with pumpkins AND apples (plus smiles and memories!).

Do try to get there early in the season though! A lot of apple orchards get picked clean for apple pies, ciders, and sauces long before the winter kicks in.

Get ahead on your winter planning with this list of 12 Annual Holiday Activities in Central Ohio.

A scarecrow positioned in the grass beside a sign that says, "Welcome to Hugus Fruit Farm".

Not into U-Pick? Check out Hugus Fruit Farm if you want a great variety of pre-picked apples in a fun environment where you can even watch your cider get pressed!

Haunted Houses

We already know from talking about Haunted Ohio that this is one spooky state. Want to experience it up close and personal this season? Central Ohio has no shortage of haunted houses to take your terror to the next level. Haunted houses in Ohio are another one of those classic fall activities that are definitely in full force throughout October. Kudos to you if you’re brave enough to step foot into any of the following places…

The Best Paranormal Hotspots & Haunted Houses in Ohio

Some of the top scary spots and haunted houses in Ohio do seem to be in Fairfield County. Check out these terrifyingly fun Halloween activities that are guaranteed to put a shiver up your spine.

The Fairfield County Infirmary

You’ve seen it on the Travel Channel and Amazon Prime Video, but are you bold enough to actually step foot in The Fairfield County Infirmary?? Prepare for the paranormal, my friends.

The Haunted Farm

Sure, it’s haunted, but how bad could it be if there’s a hayride? Famous last words!

The entry to a haunted farm with two jack-o'-lanterns.

Fall Hikes

Ready to get out in nature and see the leaves changing? Choose one of the 5 best fall hikes in Fairfield County and catch some amazing views like the one from Christmas Rocks! There are hikes for all skill levels, and every one of them will put you up close and personal with some breathtaking seasonal foliage.

Two women enjoying the view from a checkered picnic blanket on Mount Pleasant overlooking a town.

Try a Seasonal Brew

Since Central Ohio has so many awesome breweries, it’s no wonder there’s a wide variety of seasonal brews to go along with them this autumn. From Outerbelt Brewing’s “Pump’Kin the Brakes,” an ale brewed with butternut squash and cinnamon, to Combustion Brewery’s “Secret Destroyer” pumpkin stout… you’d better get started now if you’re going to try them all!

A woman in sunglasses drinking a flight of beer on the patio at Combustion Brewery.
Photo credit: Cris Zaragoza

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Ahhh, the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Is there a more well-loved Halloween movie that won’t leave you with recurring nightmares? This year, the cult classic film will be playing with a shadow cast on October 29th & 30th at the Wagnalls Community Theater. Get your tickets now before they’re gone!

Run a Fall 5k

It seems like there’s always an autumn-themed run, walk, or trot around the corner this time of year. Why not dust off those sneakers and get your blood pumping with an active fall activity? Sign up by yourself, bring a friend, or start a health-positive family tradition this year!

Local Seasonal Events

Fall is usually chock-full of fun community events, and Fairfield County definitely has its share this year. From Geneva Hills Firelight Fridays to downtown Lancaster’s Fall Festival there’s plenty of fun to last us through December.

Dozens of glowing jack-o-lanterns in the dark.

What Are Your Favorite Fall Activities?

Do you have a favorite u-pick apple orchard? Know of an Ohio haunted house that just has to be seen to be believed? We want to hear about the fun fall activities that bring your season to life! Let us know on Facebook or Instagram with #FCinthefall