Fall break: some well-deserved time away from the daily grind of work, sports and school. Here are a few suggestions for fall festivities, quick getaways, and fun activities to have a fun fall break around Southwest Ohio.
1. Celebrate all things fall at the farm.
Nothing says “it’s fall” like a trip to a local farm festival. Pick a pumpkin, jump in some hay, and make sure to save room for apple cider.
Blooms and Berries Fall on the Farm
Fall On The Farm in Loveland is open daily with Hayrides, Corn Mazes, a 40 Animal Petting Farm, Pumpkin Bounce Pad, Barnyard 500 trike track, Farm Games, Photo Ops, Train Rides, Pumpkins, Bakery Treats and enjoy the Beer Garden Friday – Sunday. Visit in September for Sunflowers or enjoy the Farm Animal Encounter.
Burger Farm Fall Festival
The perfect place for loads of family-fun activities. Featuring attractions where kids and adults can run, jump, climb and play! Hayrides, barn yard games, jumbo bounce, ropes course, vine climb, mini zip lines, paintball shoot, face painting, amusement rides, carnival games, straw castle, cow train ride, puppet show, pumpkinland walk through and much more.
Fall Farm Fun at Burwinkel Farms
Join Burwinkel Farms this fall for some Family Farm Fun! Enjoy a sunflower hayride to our pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and sunflower fields. Explore a punch-card maze, Halloween scavenger hunt, animals, plus much more! Fun for all ages, kids and adults alike!
Waynesville Fall Fest
If you’re looking for a new family tradition, Waynesville Fall Fest has you covered! Get ready for a corn maze, two mini golf courses, gem mining, the Wildwater Mining Company mega playset, carnival games, a petting farm, pedal cars, Water Wars, disc golf, pumpkin painting, S.L. Expeditions adventure trucks, and so much more!
2. Explore the outdoors.
Cincinnati Nature Center
Nature centers have the best of everything. Hike, discover and play outside before heading indoors for educational activities and exhibits at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Explore 1,800 acres and 20 miles of trails through forests, prairies, streams, ponds, and wetlands.
Aullwood Audubon
Explore eight miles of scenic trails through prairies, woods, and wetlands, visit the Nature Center & Farm, and meet the three trolls in The Troll That Hatched an Egg exhibit. Enjoy hands-on programs, field trips, and volunteer opportunities for all ages.
Five Rivers MetroParks
Five Rivers MetroParks offers 18 free, year-round parks in the Dayton area with family-friendly amenities and programs like Conservation Kids. Celebrate fall with seasonal events and new vendors at the 2nd Street Market.
MetroParks of Butler County
Explore Butler County’s largest greenspace provider, with nearly 5,000 acres and 17 parks and regional trails which are free for all visitors. Get outside and enjoy the season on trails and playgrounds or attend a family-friendly program and find your new favorite fall tradition.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
Fall is the most beautiful time of year to visit Pyramid Hill! Choose your own adventure and explore over 300 acres and 78 larger-than-life outdoor sculptures, plus ancient artifacts and contemporary exhibitions all in one daytime visit.
4. Take in all the fall colors.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, peak fall break foliage dates for 2025 are October 5-21 in Ohio, making this a great time to plan a scenic weekend road trip to see fall foliage in Ohio.
5. Ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express.
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During the journey Scarecrow hosts will be making balloon pumpkins for passengers to enjoy as they take in the sights of fall outside.
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After a 45 minute ride, the train will stop at the Pumpkin Patch for a layover. At this time, all ticketed passengers will receive a small pie pumpkin.
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While at the Pumpkin Patch, passengers will enjoy a variety of fall activities before a 15 minute ride back to the station.
6. Cross off 50 Things to Do This Fall in Southwest Ohio.
Print out this bucket list and get to exploring! Here’s 50 ideas to make the most out of Fall in Southwest Ohio. Apple picking, creek stomping, pumpkin patches, fossil finding, camping and more!
7. Be “Haunted” at Heritage Village Museum’s Haunted Village
This fall, Heritage Village will transform into a Haunted Village for a family-friendly, slight-fright Halloween event! Heritage Village Museum’s Haunted Village happens Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25 from 6 – 10 pm each night.
8. Practice Trick-or-Treating early.
Whether you’re needing some practice on the fine art of trick or treating or the kiddos just can’t wait for October 31st, we’ve tracked down a few ways to hone in your trick or treating skills before Halloween! Take it one step further and try to visit every Trunk or Treat event in the city!
9. Or head to Tricks and Treats at Kings Island
Experience Kings Island’s Tricks and Treats, a family-friendly Halloween event packed with spooky fun, tasty seasonal treats, and festive activities for all ages. Come in costume, enjoy your favorite thrilling rides, and celebrate the season with candy, contests, and kooky Halloween fun!
10. When in doubt, go to the library.
Southwest Ohio has some incredible libraries, both for finding new books and creating new adventures. Here are a few of our favorite library branches:
- Anderson Branch: 7450 State Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
- Clermont County Miami Township: 5920 Buckwheat Rd Milford, Ohio 45150
- Midpointe West Chester: 9363 Centre Pointe Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069
- Dayton Metro Main: 215 E. 3rd Street Dayton, Ohio 45402
