23 Essential Greater Cincinnati Fall Activities to Look Forward to This Season

Enjoy A Fall Train Ride

There are several spots that offer seasonal train rides around the city. The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad has the Pumpkin Patch Express that takes kiddos (or anyone of any age) out to a pumpkin patch where they can pick the perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkin. If you’re willing to drive a bit, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway hosts a Fall Foliage ride where you can see the changing of the leaves.

Blooms & Berries Farm Market

9669 S. State Route 48, Loveland. Sept. 17-Oct. 31.
The all-inclusive farm fest at Blooms & Berries features a 5-acre corn maze, a pumpkin bounce pad, hayrides through the pumpkin patch, a kids play area, train rides and friendly farm animals. Snack on caramel apples or fresh apple cider, peruse fall decor, and in September, take a selfie in a blooming field of sunflowers. A weekend craft beer garden is open starting at noon Fridays through Sundays. Check the online calendar for special events.

HallZOOween

3400 Vine St., Avondale. Select weekends in October.
Go wild at the Cincinnati Zoo while gathering candy and seeing some animals. Kids can dress up in costumes and bring their own treat bags to fill up with goodies at different trick-or-treat stations. There will be Halloween-themed animal enrichment to watch plus a Hogwarts Express train ride and a Scare-ousel.

Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park

8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. Through Nov. 2
Choose from multiple haunted attractions such as Phobia, Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, or Big Mamma’ s Revenge for a night full of terror. There will be sweet treats, live entertainment, freak shows and madmen, according to Land of Illusion's website.

Niederman Family Farm

5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Liberty Township. Open Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 23-Oct. 30
Find your way through a corn maze, go on a hayride, or let the little ones enjoy time with barnyard animals. Or, walk to the pumpkin paradise to select your own pumpkin (priced by size), or indulge in some cinnamon-sugar donuts, caramel apples plus apple cider. Guests can also rent bonfire pits with benches. Niederman lights the bonfire, you provide the snacks to roast over the open flame.

Take a Weekend Roadtrip to Camp and Hike

When you're in need of a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a weekend camping trip is just what the doctor ordered. There are several destinations within driving distance of the Queen City to explore, like Hocking Hills, Red River Gorge or John Bryan State Park. Some boast waterfalls and hiking trails, while others feature beaches and mountain views — whichever one you choose, you're sure to enjoy the beauty of autumn.

Irons Fruit Farm

1640 Stubbs Mills Rd., Lebanon. Open through December
Take a tractor-driven hayride to pick your own pumpkins at this fourth-generation family farm — then feast on apple fritters, cinnamon-cider donuts, cookies, pies and more from the bakery. There is also a themed corn maze, pumpkin patch, apples available for purchase and friendly farm animals.

Country Pumpkins

1835 Sherman Mt. Zion Rd., Dry Ridge, Kentucky. Open daily Sept. 10-Oct. 30.
Country Pumpkins began selling single pumpkins by the road back in 2000 on the Alpine Hills Dairy Farm. Now, the business has turned into a fall destination, complete with a fall festival and tour. Open Sept. 10 through Oct. 30, Country Pumpkins features a festival with farm animals, a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin picking, vendors and more.

Evans Orchard Cider Mill

198 Stone Road, Georgetown, Kentucky. Open Tuesday-Sunday through the end of fall.
This fifth-generation family farm and cider mill grows apples, peaches, pumpkins and more — many of which you can pick yourself. U-pick pumpkin season starts in September and goes through the end of October; pick up a bag and an orchard map in the store and then purchase your picks by weight. Other fall fun includes a petting zoo, hayride, corn maze, and mega slide. Visit the market and cafe for tasty treats.

Enjoy The Season In a Treehouse

What better way to see the seasons change than in a treehouse? There are plenty of adorable glamping-worthy treehouses to rent within driving distance of Cincinnati. Nestled among the trees, these retreats are not for the faint of heart. For a special sort of adventurer, a trip to one of these escapes is just what the doctor ordered. Click the link to see 15 of the coolest treehouses for rent near the city.

Hidden Valley Orchards

5474 OH-48, Lebanon. Open Wednesdays-Sundays weekly. This fruit farm (formerly Hidden Valley Fruit Farm) got a makeover in 2018 as Hidden Valley Orchards with a coffee bar, bakery, The Crate Room taproom, and the COOP Ice Cream barn. Fill up on all things apple — cider, dumplings, cobbler, fritters and donuts. For more family fun, pick a pumpkin or take a hayride. Check the website to plan for upcoming events and see the U-pick schedule.

McGlasson Farms

5832 Hebron Rd., Hebron, Kentucky. Open daily.
This roadside farm has been family-owned for six generations, serving fresh-grown fruits and vegetables from the farm. The farm, which is open from July through November, offers produce such as berries, green beans and sweet corn. During the fall, the farm specializes in apples, apple cider, gourds, potatoes and classic pumpkins. During the fall season, the farm hosts an annual Fall Music Festival, with live bluegrass performances and fall festivities near the Ohio River.

Kings Island Halloween Haunt

6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason. Select Nights Sept. 23-Oct. 29
Head to Kings Island for a frightening night to remember. Choose from a variety of haunted houses to get your haunting fix. Multiple roller coasters will remain open during Halloween Haunt. Recommended for those over 13. No re-entry is allowed after leaving the park at 6 p.m.

Hollmeyers Orchard

3241 Fiddlers Green Rd., Westside. Open daily.
Over 100 years old, Hollmeyer Orchard offers a variety of farm-fresh classics like apples, cider, peaches, plums, eggs and a range of vegetables.

See the Leaves Changing

The southern Ohio area won't see the changing of the leaves until mid-October, but once they do, there is a brief time before they die and winter begins. The Farmers Almanac suggests Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Buckhorn Lake State Park in Kentucky as some of the best places in the country to watch the leaves change. If you're willing to go on a real road trip up north they also suggest foliage viewing in Traverse City, Michigan.

Enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you're looking for a pumpkin spice latte (PSL for short) around Cincinnati, you'll definitely find it at Starbucks, but if you're wanting to go somewhere local, we've got some inspiration for you. From cappuccinos to Americanos or the simply perfect piping hot cup o' joe, there are plenty of top-notch local options for coffee fiends in the Queen City. Looking to skip Starbucks to support your local coffee shop? We’ve got you covered. Or, should we say, "caffeinated." Click the link for some Queen City caffeine inspiration.

Weber’s Farm Market

6085 Kilby Rd., Harrison. Open daily.
Weber’s Farm Market is a fifth-generation farm that was originally established in 1899. The market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, with pumpkins available soon. On Oct. 15-16, the farm will host its annual Pumpkin Festival. The tradition brings families from many areas of the region together for a weekend of fall fun.

Karnes Orchard

8200 Worley Mill Road, Hillsboro. Open Mondays-Saturdays through mid-November.
This family-owned orchard market has been operating since 1876, offering picks of fresh fruit from July through November. The orchard is known for their wide variety of apples, which are swapped out when they are best in-season. Their website offers tips for which type of apple is best for a specific preparation, such as applesauce, salads or simple snacking. Check their Facebook page for updated fruit availability.

Jack O’Lantern Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction

7379 Squire Court, West Chester. Sept. 24-Oct. 31
Train museum and education center EnterTRAINment Junction hosts an annual Jack O’Lantern Junction for Halloween. This kid-friendly celebration offers trick-or-treating plus a maze filled with ghosts and skeletons. The miniature train displays that run throughout the space will also have Halloween themes.

Black Barn

1161 W Main St, Lebanon. Open daily.
The historic Black Barn is open for its 50th season. The barn boasts 16 on-site greenhouses that allow for a wide variety of produce to be sold. Take your pick of ripe fruits and vegetables that range from sweet corn and peppers to cherries, watermelon and blackberries.