The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the kids are back in school – that can only mean one thing: it’s time for fall fun, and we’re here for it! As the season rolls in, so do all the best activities that make fall in Ohio so special. From apple picking to corn mazes, scenic hikes through our beautiful Metropark systems, and cozying up with pumpkin treats, fall is a magical time for families to get out and enjoy all of the beauty and wonder Northeast Ohio has to offer.

When I think of fall, I picture those perfect, joy-filled moments with my family – whether it’s wandering through a pumpkin patch, exploring a corn maze, or going on a picturesque hike surrounded by vibrant fall colors. That's why I’ve compiled a list of our favorite local spots, farms, and activities in this blog to make your fall bucket list planning a breeze.

With the kids back in school, I know family time is precious, and finding time for seasonal outings can be tricky. My goal with this blog is to save you hours of research and create a space where you can quickly find all the best fall activities and destinations in one place. 

Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or squeezing in some fall fun after school, we've got you covered with the top spots to make this fall unforgettable!

BEST FALL FARMS FOR FAMILY FUN

Whether you’re in Cleveland or the surrounding areas, these top farm destinations offer everything from apple picking to corn mazes, making them perfect for a fun-filled day with the kids.

Ramseyer Farm
Wooster, Ohio

Ramseyer Farm is by far the biggest farm we've visited, and it's our family's favorite! With over 50 different activities, there’s truly something for all ages. This year, they’re celebrating 25 years of fall fun with a special corn maze to mark the occasion.

Our Favorite Activities:

• 🌽 The HUGE corn barn

• 💨 Country Coaster (super slides)

• 🚜 Crank Tractor

• 🌽 Corn maze

• ⭕️ The Rat Races (Totally not real rats! 🤣)

• 🏎 Pedal Go-Karts

It’s an hour’s drive for us, but it’s worth every minute! Pricing varies by day, so be sure to check their website for details and hours of operation.

More Info: Ramseyer Farm

Hillcrest Orchard
Amherst, Ohio

Hillcrest Orchard has become a family tradition that we look forward to every year. My kids are OBSESSED with corn mazes, and Hillcrest always has a fun new theme each year. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt to go along with it!

At Hillcrest, you can also go apple picking via a hayride. Admission covers most activities (except for apples from apple picking and the apple launchers). We had a blast with the kids’ activities, including the pedal cars, barrel train rides, and climbing the jumbo spider web.

And of course, no visit is complete without snacking on some delicious apple crisp donuts and tasty kettle corn. If you’re looking for a fun fall outing, Hillcrest Orchard is a must-visit!

Fall Activities: Saturdays and Sundays, August 31st through November 2nd.

More Info:  Hillcrest Orchard

Patterson Fruit Farm
MULBERRY LOCATION

Patterson Fruit Farm offers two locations just down the street from each other, both filled with family-friendly activities. The Mulberry location has apple picking and their Family Fun Fest, which features farm-themed play structures perfect for a fall day out.

Last year was our first time visiting the Family Fun Fest, and it didn’t disappoint. Just a heads-up: wear boots if it’s rained recently – we learned that the hard way! 😆

Family Fun Fest: September 14th, 2024 through October 27th.

Info and pricing on Family Fun Fest here: Patterson Family Fun Fest

Patterson Farms Locations:

• Mulberry: 8765 Mulberry Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026

• Caves: 11414 Caves Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026

Patterson Fruit Farm
Caves location

Patterson’s Farm is one of the best fall destinations for families in Northeast Ohio. With its popular fall festival, kids can enjoy apple picking and exploring the farm’s fun playground. For those searching for the best things to do in the fall with kids in Cleveland, Patterson’s Farm offers plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit spot this season.

Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch
Elyria, Ohio

Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch at Donald A. Schuster Greenhouse may be smaller than the others on this list, but it’s an affordable option that our kids absolutely love.

There’s no admission fee for the Barnyard, but we love buying pumpkins and kettle corn when we visit.

Our Favorite Activities:

• 🎃 Pumpkin theater

• 🚂 Playground train

• 🌱 Talking plant (inside the greenhouse)

• 🏀 Basketball hoops

• 👻 Spooky maze (a hit with our 6-year-old, but too scary for our 4-year-old)

• 🔍 Scavenger hunt

The kids had a blast feeding the horse and goats (only $0.25), playing on the music wall, and enjoying the cute little playground. We also bought some pumpkins and delicious kettle corn to take home.

They offer hayrides on the weekends for a small fee, and you can check their events page or call ahead if you’re interested in the paid activities.

We were so impressed with this Elyria gem!

More Info: Schuster's Pumpkin Patch

BEST FALL HIKING TRAILS

Hiking in the fall in Northeast Ohio is one of my all-time favorite family outings. Ohio is blessed to have so many beautiful, vibrant Metropark systems. There are so many gorgeous parks to choose from; you almost can’t go wrong!

Worden’s Ledges
Wordens Ledges Loop Trail, Hinckley, OH 44233

Every time we hike Worden’s Ledges, it feels like stepping into a fantasy novel because of all of the hidden carvings along the trail. Located in the Hinckley Reservation, the stone carvings along this 0.7-mile trail are truly marvelous and make for a great scavenger hunt for young and old alike! (Important note; the trail is not stroller friendly!) Because it’s a relatively short hike (less than a mile) it was a great starter trail for my family when our kiddos were younger.

Worden’s Ledges is named after the old landowner, Hiram Worden. However, it was later discovered that his son-in-law, Noble Stuart, was the artist who created the stone carvings in the 1940s.

Some of the carvings include a Sphinx, George Washington, Ty Cobb, a Bible with a Cross, and names, among other portraits. See how many you can find!

Jordan Creek Park
7250 Alexander Rd, Painesville, OH 44077

I think the best climbing and exploring weather happens in the fall. And there’s no better place to climb and explore nature than at Jordan Creek Adventure Park in Painesville.

Jordan Creek Park is the ultimate nature adventure play with a huge rock wall, ziplines, slack lines, and more—and the best part is it’s all FREE! There are also great hiking trails behind the nature play and a free nature center near the parking lot. It’s easy for our family to spend hours here.

Lake to Lake Trail
Lake to Lake Trail, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

The Lake to Lake Trail in Middleburg Heights, part of the Cleveland Metroparks, has been a family favorite for years. The views from the boardwalk are stunning! You get an incredible, expansive view of all of these gorgeous fall colors.

My kids absolutely love racing across the boardwalk, spotting birds, and digging around in the prehistoric play pit – it’s always an adventure!

It's also the perfect spot for a family bike ride or scooter session, offering a beautiful blend of nature and fun for everyone.

Viaduct Park
Willis St, Bedford, OH 44146

Crawl through the spooky tunnel at Viaduct Park, and you'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful waterfalls around. It's a short, kid-friendly hike to the waterfall, but heads up – the tunnel isn’t stroller-friendly since you’ll need to duck to get through! Viaduct Park is perfect for little adventurers looking for a quick thrill.

Rocky River Reservation
Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070

The Rocky River Reservation is probably our most visited hiking spot on this list. It’s become our go-to over the years thanks to all of the different paths and trails you can choose. The colors in the fall are absolutely gorgeous, especially at the top of the Fort Hill Stairs and across the pond by the nature center. Plus, if you visit during the day, you can pop into the nature center which has an awesome tree indoor treehouse!

BEST FALL PLAYGROUNDS

You all know how much we love playgrounds, but there’s something extra magical about playing on them in the fall – especially when they’re surrounded by colorful trees or nestled in the heart of a fun-filled fall farm. The crisp air, crunchy leaves, and endless adventure make it even better! Here are a few of our absolute favorite playgrounds to visit during the fall season.

If you’re looking for EVEN MORE playgrounds to visit this fall, check out our other blog Top 12 Biggest Playgrounds in Northeast Ohio.

Barn Themed Playground at Patterson’s Fruit Farm
11414 Caves Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026

Patterson’s Farm is a must-visit for so many families during the fall, but I’m always surprised by how many don’t know about their awesome, free, barn-themed playground just down the street at the Fruit Farm. It’s such a fun spot for the kids to explore without costing a dime! Plus, the farmers market nearby is perfect for grabbing some fresh donuts – a mouth-watering fall treat we never can resist.

Pre-Historic Play at Lake to Lake Trail
Lake to Lake Trail, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

We love the pre-historic dig play area at the Lake to Lake Metroparks! It’s the perfect size for the kids to run wild while we sit back and relax. With a small slide, a dig area, and a couple of swings, it’s just right for some low-key fun. There’s also a small pond nearby and a really beautiful hiking trail and boardwalk (see above!) if you’re looking to add a bit of adventure to your fall day.

Coe Lake
Berea, OH 44017

Coe Lake in Berea is a fall family favorite for good reason. With two playgrounds – one featuring a pirate ship theme and the other a brand-new, all-ages treehouse – there’s plenty for the kids to explore. Add in the beautiful lake and scenic walking trails, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a crisp fall evening spent outdoors. You really can’t go wrong with a visit to Coe Lake!

Trick-or-Treat Events

• TRICKS & TREATS at Crocker Park Oct 26, 12am-3pm

• Trick-or-Treat Fest at the Cleveland Metropark Zoo presented by Citizens

BEST FALL FRUIT FARMS

Eddy’s Fruit Farm
12079 Caves Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026

Apple picking at Eddy’s Fruit Farm in Chesterland is a fall tradition we look forward to every year. It’s always such a fun adventure to wander through the orchard, finding the perfect apples to fill our baskets. And, of course, every visit means it’s time to break out all my favorite apple recipes – because what’s better than turning those fresh-picked apples into homemade pies, crisps, and other treats?

Hillcrest Orchards
50336 Telegraph Rd, Amherst, OH 44001

Farm Admission

Ages 0-3: FREE
Ages 4-72: $15.95 in person or $12.95 online price.
73 and Over: FREE

U-Pick Apples Hours
Weekends Only in Sept. & Oct.
10:00am – 6:00pm

U-Pick Apple Pricing*

• 20lb Bag – $29.95
  (Pick 4 bags and the 5th is free)

• 10lb Bag – $15.95
  (Pick 4 bags and the 5th is free)

• Apples are included with one of our Family Fun Packs!

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on their website to save money https://www.hillcrestfunfarm.com/purchase-tickets/.

Patterson Farms

Patterson’s offers pick-your-own apples at two different locations, though we've only experienced it at their Mulberry Road spot. The apples are sold by weight, and they accept cash, credit, and Apple Pay, making it super convenient. Hours for picking are from 9 AM to 5 PM, so you’ve got plenty of time to fill your baskets. For more details, check out their website here.

BEAUTIFUL FALL VIEWS

Visit The Holden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094

For families seeking the best things to do in the fall with kids in Cleveland, Holden Arboretum tops the list. With breathtaking views and stunning fall foliage, it's one of the most scenic spots in Northeast Ohio. The family-friendly trails make it perfect for fall hikes, offering a wonderful way to enjoy nature and explore one of the top fall activities in Cleveland.

While the Murch Canopy Walk is currently closed due to storm damage, the tower is still open and included with general admission. You can purchase tickets here.

Explore Squire’s Castle
2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094

Is there anything cooler than exploring a real-life castle in the fall? Squire’s Castle, built in the 1890s and inspired by German and English baronial castles, is an absolute gem. The kids love wandering through the historic halls and running around the huge open field. It’s the perfect spot for flying kites, enjoying a picnic, and hiking the trails behind the castle.

While the castle itself is on the smaller side, it won’t take long to explore, so make sure to take advantage of the trails and bring along a kite for some extra fun!

WALK THE Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Built in 1916, these gardens are some of Northeast Ohio’s oldest and most beautiful treasures. With over 30 distinct gardens, each one is designed and cultivated by various cultural and nationality groups, many featuring symbolic statues and monuments. It’s truly one of Cleveland’s hidden gems—and absolutely breathtaking in the fall!

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are also home to the Rockefeller Greenhouse, one of my favorite places to explore, and the best part? It’s FREE! If you’re planning to visit the Cultural Gardens, make sure to carve out some time to stroll through the greenhouse as well.

FALL HALLOWEEN DISPLAYS

Pirates of the Caribbean display
North Olmsted

This is our family’s FAVORITE display to visit.

Mr. Schnupp goes all out. The display moves, sings, lights up, and has fog he even made singing skeletons.. The display is UP NOW (as of Oct 8) and runs until October 31st.

• Lights and animation run daily 5-9p

• Parking is allowed on the same side of the street as the display

• You’re welcome to walk up the driveway for a closer look

• Donations being collected for St. Jude’s

Display is on Root Rd in North Olmsted (NOT the same Root Rd that runs through N. Ridgeville).

Elmwood Rd displays
Elmwood Rd Bay Village, OH 44140

There are several houses on this street that go all out. Our favorite is the shipwreck house (it’s so tall!), the Pirates of the Caribbean display, and the mausoleum.

The mausoleum display is open each night from 6p, to 11p, and on Halloween, it has some extra surprised for trick-or-treaters.

Giant Pumpkin Display
River Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

This display is so, so cool! A lot of this Olmsted Falls Halloween display is HANDCRAFTED and incredible!

The colossal skeleton carving an 11-foot jack-o-lantern is my favorite. 🎃

This display is definitely worth driving by to see in person.

River Rd (about a half mile down from Water St) in Olmsted Falls, OH.

THAT’S OUR NORTHEAST OHIO FALL BUCKET LIST!

Cleveland is bursting with incredible fall activities, and I hope you and your family have an unforgettable time making memories together. From apple picking to scenic hikes, there's something magical waiting around every corner. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back often – I’ll be updating it with even more can’t-miss events and displays as the season unfolds! Happy fall adventures! 🍂