Best Things to Do This Fall in Central Ohio

There’s no better way to welcome fall than with a trip to a pumpkin patch. At The Maize at Little Darby Creek, families can spend the day weaving through giant corn mazes, bouncing around on pedal cars, and enjoying hayrides across the farm. For a thrill, return at night to experience the haunted Field of Fright, a spooky cornfield adventure open on weekends starting on October 10th.

Other favorite pumpkin spots in central Ohio are Anywhere With You Acres in Richwood, which offers pumpkins, hearty mums, and even a corn box where kids can dig and play. Jacquemin Farm is a classic U-pick patch perfect for those searching for “the one,” while Leeds Farm delivers a whole weekend of fun with giant slides, hayrides, jumping pillows, and pumpkin picking. A variety of options just waiting for you. 

Pro tip: Leeds Farm tickets must be purchased online in advance. There are no sales at the gate!

Fresh, crisp apples are the taste of autumn, and Union County’s orchards make the experience extra sweet. Pick your own at Bokes Creek Orchard, CherryHawk Farm, or Fruit-Full Acres, where you’ll find bushels of juicy apples perfect for baking pies, dipping in caramel, or snacking on.

For a complete fall experience, plan a day at The Orchard & Company. Families can pick apples, ride in a tractor-drawn wagon, dig in a giant corn pit, and race down a big hill slide. Kids will love making new animal friends in the barn or bouncing on the jumping pillows, while parents can grab an apple cider slushy or a pumpkin donut at the café. The market is filled with pumpkins, gourds, farmhouse décor, and fresh baked goods, making it easy to bring the flavors of fall home with you.

Union County’s countryside is tailor-made for fall road trips. Cruise along the Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway, where rolling farmland, fiery foliage, and hand-hewn barns tell the story of the county’s heritage. Don’t miss the historic Bigelow Bridge, built in 1873, which frames the autumn landscape in postcard-worthy views.

Want to add an extra layer of fun? Follow the Covered Bridge Trail, which features more than 30 stops with bridge-themed food, cocktails, and experiences. Check in at each stop, collect points, and get a prize after you complete the trail.

Nothing captures the spirit of fall quite like a community festival, and Union County knows how to throw one. In Plain City, families gather for the Fall Festival  and watch a professional pumpkin carver or head to the Haunted Library, a spooky, fun event for all ages, and then enjoy a fall walk with Pumpkins on Main, where downtown takes on a festive glow. In Uptown Marysville, take the kids trick or treating at uptown businesses while enjoying craft vendors and hayrides throughout the city with Scarysville.

Pro-tip: Be on the lookout for pop-up craft fairs and seasonal markets across Union County; each one adds its own charm to the autumn season.

Union County’s parks are beautiful year-round, but fall adds an extra layer of wonder. At Glacier Ridge Metro Park, you’ll find accessible trails for hiking and biking with wide-open prairie views framed by glowing trees. Richwood Lake Park is a green space with paved walking paths, kayak rentals, and even primitive camping for those who want to spend a night under the stars. For a peaceful paddle surrounded by autumn reflections, head to Reservoir Park in Marysville.

Fall flavors shine in Union County’s bakeries and coffee shops. Stop into The Coffee Hall and Creamery for a pumpkin-spiced latte, or try fresh apple-cinnamon pastries at Kitschen Bakery. Der Dutchman Bakery is famous for its seasonal pies, while JF Baking Co. and The Flour Barn are perfect for grabbing treats that pair perfectly with a Saturday morning drive.

If you want to bring fall colors home, Union County’s farm stands and nurseries have you covered. Browse vibrant mums, pumpkins, and porch décor at Stillwater Mums, Local Roots Orchard, Dutch Mill Greenhouse, or Scheiderer’s Farm Garden Center. Each spot is brimming with the hues of the season, from golden yellows to deep burgundies.

 Jen’s Flower Garden is a backroad flower stand with fresh cut flowers on Friday and Saturday. 

Before the veggie season winds down, stroll through one of Union County’s farmers' markets. The Plain City Farmers Market operates from early May to early October, with a variety of seasonal produce, baked goods, and fall crafts. In Marysville, the Union County Farmers Market located at Partners Park is another local favorite, perfect for stocking up on goodies while supporting Ohio growers and makers.

From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to covered bridges and unique eateries, Central Ohio is a fall destination that blends small-town charm with big seasonal fun. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a weekend getaway, every corner of the county invites you to slow down, soak in the colors, and make memories with the people you love.

🍁 Union County is calling, experience the beauty, warmth, and traditions of autumn in Ohio