This post was updated September 19, 2019 to include current information and recommendations.
It's hard to believe that fall is already upon us. Though we had a tough time bidding summer farewell, we are thrilled at the prospect of a new season filled with vibrant colors, warm apple cider and plenty of pumpkins. Visiting the pumpkin patch is a beloved tradition here in Ohio, as it allows families to spend time together soaking up the autumn sunshine. Whether you plan to carve your selection into a jack-o'-lantern, paint it with fun colors, or bake it into a pie, choosing your own pumpkin at a local farm is so much more fun than picking one up from the store. Most even offer hayrides, corn mazes and games for the little ones, so you can make a full day out of it! We rounded up our favorites below, all within easy reach of Columbus. Enjoy! The Best Pumpkin Patches Near Columbus Include:Pigeon Roost Farm | Lehner's Pumpkin Farm | Leeds Farm | Hidden Creek Farms | Lynd Fruit Farm | Lohstroh Family Farms | Jacquemin Farms | Schacht Farm Market | Branstool Orchards
Photo courtesy of Pigeon Roost Farm
2018 will mark 38 years of family fun at Pigeon Roost Farm, and it's no surprise this local pumpkin haven has been successful since the very beginning. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday from September 15 through Halloween and boasts tractor-pulled wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch, flavorful refreshments, face painting, multiple mazes, farm animals, a fort, giant slides, impressive pumpkin displays and much more.
Photo courtesy of Lehner's Pumpkin Farm
Lehner's Pumpkin Farm is one of the most popular destinations for pumpkin picking in the state, boasting more than 50 acres of pumpkin patch and a full gauntlet of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Get lost in the eight-acre maze, cuddle a baby bunny, and challenge yourself to hit a new record with the giant slingshot (which flings little pumpkins across the field).
Photo courtesy of Leeds Farm
Leeds Farm is the epitome of autumn family fun. Spend the day soaking up the Ohio sunshine with your loved ones as you marvel over pumpkins big and small. Don't miss out on the family-friendly activities, which include paintball, zip lining, hayrides and animal feeding.
Photo courtesy of Lynd Fruit Farm
Lynd Fruit Farm is a local favorite—not just because of the bountiful and fresh produce, but also because of the warm and welcoming staff that treats customers like family. Enjoy hayrides, a giant corn maze and an unbeatable selection of giant pumpkins. This is one pumpkin patch you will return to year after year.
Photo courtesy of Jacquemin Farms
Jacquemin Farms is open on weekdays if you're just stopping by to pick something up, but the real fun happens on Saturdays and Sundays. During the weekend, you have the option to hop on a hayride to pick your own pumpkin from more than 15 acres of fields. After you've chosen the best one, come back to the farm to enjoy family-friendly activities, including a straw maze, giant air toys and grain boxes for the little ones. And don't forget to pick up a seasonal donut, too!
Photo courtesy of Branstool Orchards
Located just 45 minutes outside of Columbus, Branstool Orchards sits on a gorgeous piece of countryside in Utica, Ohio. The farm is best known for its peaches, but don't miss out on the pumpkins during autumn. Rumor has it that since the fields are slightly less crowded than those near Columbus, you will have your pick of the biggest and best varieties. The farm is open seven days a week for pumpkin picking, so stop by whenever you like—and make sure to grab some fresh apples while you're here!This post was updated on August 28, 2019, to reflect current information
The leaves are starting to change, pumpkin is taking over every menu in town, and that familiar chill has returned to the air. Fall is upon us again! We look forward to this season every year for the fun traditions it provides, such as picking your own apples. A day in the orchards gathering a fresh harvest with loved ones is the perfect way to ring in the new season — and there's no denying that apples straight from the tree just taste better. Thankfully, the gorgeous Ohio countryside is filled with orchards and farms filled to the brim with juicy, crisp apples ripe for picking. Below, we rounded up some of our absolute favorites. Enjoy!
At Patterson Fruit Farm, producing fresh fruit is a way of life. The team here enjoys providing food for their local community and sharing the farming experience with families who stop by for a day of adventuring. During apple season (August through early winter), the farm invites you to take a wagon ride and pick your own apples from more than 30 varieties grown on-site. Fun Fest runs from September 14th through October 27th, and boasts a full gauntlet of family-friendly activities, including horse-drawn wagon rides, giant haystacks, a corn maze, pumpkin painting and more!
Photo courtesy of Bauman Orchards
If you make the hour-long journey to Bauman Orchards in Rittman, you will be treated to more than 40,000 apple trees and 18 different varieties (10 available to pick yourself). Guests are invited to pick their own apples from September 2 through October 14. After a long day in the orchard, reward yourself with some fresh-pressed apple cider (and maybe a few baked goods) in the market. Looking for a pumpkin, gourd or squash for eating or decorating? You can find those in the market as well.
This family-owned market is a favorite year-round, but especially during the fall months. Starting in September, bring the family and pick your own apples in the scenic orchards. After your arms are full, peruse the market for fresh pastries, baking supplies and more! You're going to need some apple pie materials, after all.
Photo courtesy of Monroe's Orchard
Monroe's Orchard is a must-visit location for families looking for a fun day out in the sun. You'll find fresh fruits year-round, but it would be a shame to miss the sight of the bountiful apple orchards during the fall months. Stop in for a pick-your-own experience you won't soon forget.
Photo courtesy of Rittman Orchards
Rittman Orchards is known far and wide as one of the most gorgeous settings to spend an afternoon with loved ones. The market is open year-round and offers a wide variety of baked goods and fresh produce, but fruit-picking is the real draw of this location. Strawberries, peaches, apples and more are all available for you to grab straight from the source!
Photo courtesy of Sage's Apples
This local favorite is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and it's no wonder it has been so successful for so long! The farm grows more than 50 varieties of apples and sells a wide range of fresh produce in its market year-round. While you aren't actually able to pick your own apples at this location, the market offers several delicious varieties that you won't be able to find anywhere else. It's certainly worth a visit.
Photo courtesy of the Varsity Club
Snagging an invite to a friend's tent or tailgating party is one of the most common ways to celebrate, but if you aren't sure where to start, here are some of our favorite venues in the stadium vicinity.
Photo courtesy of Buckeye Corner
Supporters of the opposing team are bound to get a little bit of flack — so you best be wearing gray and scarlet to avoid any confusion. Here are the best shops to stock up on your apparel for game day (and every day).
If you're partying at a friend's house or hosting a tailgating extravaganza by the stadium, you will definitely need some grilling supplies, some seven-layer dip, some peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes, and plenty of beverages. Here are some nearby shops to keep in mind.