Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Families in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
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 remember so many fun, joy-filled moments with my family like watching my kids struggle to pick up giant gourds at a pumpkin patch, wandering (and getting lost!) in a corn maze, or going on a picturesque hike and taking in the vibrant fall colors. Because I know so many of you also love fall in Northeast Ohio, 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.
Ultimate Fall Bucket List: Best Family Activities in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
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! This blog is split up into three sections: 1. Best Fall Farms 2. Fun Outdoor Adventures 3. Halloween Fun. and, at the end of each section, you’ll find a link to a full-guide with even more ideas on how to have loads of fun and soak up all of the autumn vibes this fall in Northeast Ohio.
BEST FALL FARMS FOR APPLE PICKING AND PUMPKIN PATCHES NEAR CLEVELAND
Fall in Northeast Ohio isn’t complete without a trip to the farm, is it? From pumpkin patches overflowing with giant gourds to you-pick apple orchards perfect for homemade pies and fall treats, Cleveland families can find lots to do and plenty of fall fun during the season. Add in corn mazes, hayrides, and gorgeous autumn views, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect crisp family day out.
Here are a couple of our favorite farms to visit each and every year.
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. Just a heads up that this farm does get very busy (especially on the weekends) so if you don’t like crowds, this may not be the farm for you. However, every time we visit it’s absolutely worth it!
Our Favorite Activities:
🌽 The HUGE corn barn
💨 Country Coaster (super slides)
🚜 Crank Tractor
🎃 Pumpkin Patch
🌽 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! More Info: Hillcrest Orchard
Fall Activities: Saturdays and Sundays, August 31st through November 2nd.
👉 These are just a few of our favorites! For a full roundup of Cleveland-area apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and family-friendly fall farms, see our complete fall farms guide here.
Fun Outdoor Fall
Adventures for Families
From gorgeous fall colors and autumn views to crisp hikes and fun fall themed playgrounds, there are plenty of reasons to be outdoors as often as possible during the fall season in Northeast Ohio. Here are some of our favorite free outdoor activities near Cleveland in the fall.
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.
Some of the carvings include a Sphinx, George Washington, Ty Cobb, a Bible with a Cross, and names, among other portraits.
And the gorgeous, vibrant fall colors during the fall make Worden’s Ledges feel especially magically this time of year.
Jordan Creek ADVENTURE 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.
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.
🍁 Want even more outdoor fun activity ideas? Check out our full guide to outdoor fall activities in Northeast Ohio, including the best hikes, playgrounds, and fall color viewing spots.
Halloween Fun for Kids in Northeast Ohio
There are so many fun festivals during the fall season in and around Cleveland. Many of the annual events have yet to be announced, so keep checking back here and we’ll update this list as events are posted!
Trekking Through Autumn Medina Hiking Program September 1 - October 30
Fall Fest at Van Aken District Oct 18, 12pm-5pm
Halloween Boo-Tique at Eton Chagrin Oct 23, 5pm-7pm
TRICKS & TREATS at Crocker Park Oct 25, 12pm-3pm
Pirates of the Caribbean display
North Olmsted (NOT UP YET)
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.
👉 These are just a few ways to celebrate Halloween with kids in Northeast Ohio. Check out the bottom of our fall outdoor adventures guide for an updated list on more family-friendly Halloween displays, and other outdoor adventures.
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! 🍂
