This post was updated on September 4, 2019 to reflect current information.
If you're looking for historic, educational and kid-friendly farm experiences around Cincinnati, you're in the right place. Right here in our southwest corner of Ohio and into Kentucky, we have countless farms and orchards that have been family-owned-and-operated for decades. During the fall, these places turn festive, selling their homegrown pumpkins and hand-picked apples alongside seasonal fun like corn mazes, hayrides and petting zoos. This year, make the most of the season and see how many of these pumpkin patches you can visit. There might even be one on the list that turns into your new favorite family tradition. Enjoy!
This small, family-owned farm has been in operation since 1918, accumulating one hundred years of experience in growing, harvesting and celebrating. During the fall, that culminates into an October fall extravaganza complete with more than 20 varieties of locally grown apples, corn stalks, gourds and pumpkins of all kinds, Indian corn, apple cider and mums. While visiting the farm in Ross, families can also enjoy the corn maze, the skid maze, the Halloween scavenger hunt, the crawl-through straw tunnel, the corn pool and weekend hayrides!


Right here in Cincinnati, Parky's Farm is run by Great Parks of Hamilton County and is nestled on more than 100 acres in Winton Woods. Those acres are home to beehives, goats, gardens, chicken coops, farmland and a barnyard. A visit during the fall means you can find out what it's like to grow up on a farm and take home your own pumpkin.
While you're in Tremont, you cannot pass up a visit to the Christmas Story house. Opt for a quick photo op outside the house, which includes the iconic leg lamp in the window, or linger a bit longer to explore the museum across the street. The museum features original props, costumes and various memorabilia from the film, in addition to hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. This legendary house and its accompanying museum are open year-round seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Linger in Ohio City a bit longer (and work off the food you just devoured) and explore West Side Market, Cleveland's oldest public market, which is home to 100 vendors offering meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices and nuts. Continue to wander throughout this trendy neighborhood, popping in and out of shops, like Room Service, Wild Cactus Boutique and XHIBITION. Top off your visit with a sweet treat at Mitchell's Ice Cream, considered the best ice cream shop in Cleveland. The Mitchell's flagship is located in a former theater in the heart of Ohio City, which is where all of the production is done!
Photo Courtesy of Megann Galehouse via Salt+
If you can't get enough of Ohio City, you may consider visiting SOHO Chicken + Whiskey for a delicious and hearty Southern dinner focused on — you guessed it — chicken and whiskey! Otherwise, some of the best dinner spots in the city include Il Rione Pizzeria, Edwins, Gigi's on Fairmount, Red, the Steakhouse, Salt+, and The Greenhouse Tavern. If you're looking for a particularly fancy option, you might want to make a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in Cleveland!
Photo Courtesy of Pour Cleveland
Try out another exceptional coffee shop to kick off day two, this time sticking closer to the heart of downtown. Pour Cleveland is a bright and modern multi-roaster pour over and espresso bar with a simple menu and a focus on crafting exceptional coffee. Ask about the current pour over or opt for a latte or hot cocoa.While you're near the water, make a point to visit Edgewater Park, a massive park along the shore of Lake Erie. This 147-acre park features 9,000 feet of shoreline, dog and swim beaches, boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic area and grills, and a rentable pavilion. The Edgewater Beach House is a modern lakefront eatery with a great selection of beer and delicious food.View this post on Instagram
The downtown area of Cleveland has experienced a renaissance in recent years, ultimately making it one of America's hottest cities in 2016. From gorgeous historic structures to shiny modern skyscrapers, the city is teeming with excitement and history. The Cleveland Museum of Art was ranked the second best museum in America by Business Insider in 2016 — and it's easy to see why. The mission statement of this award-winning museum is to create "transformative experiences through art, for the benefit of all the people forever." That also means admission is free to all!
Admire an impressive work of art in the form of architecture at The Arcade, America's first indoor shopping center established in 1890. Today, this stunning building is home to the Hyatt Regency Cleveland, boutique shops, various services, a food court and fine dining destinations.
Take a stroll through the new Public Square, a beautifully landscaped two-block central plaza in the heart of the city. The square was part of the original town plat overseen by Moses Cleaveland in 1796 and now acts as an integral part of the city's landscape. The three tallest buildings in Cleveland all face the square, including Key Tower, 200 Public Square and the Terminal Tower.
Photo Courtesy of Butcher and the Brewer
The renowned East Fourth block is home to some of the most exceptional eateries in the city. In fact, one celebrity chef (and James Beard Award-winner!) runs two restaurants in this adorable pedestrian-only alleyway adorned with string lights. Michael Symon runs Lola Bistro, a sleek New American eatery, and Mabel's BBQ, a swanky, industrial-chic BBQ joint with a wide selection of bourbons. Also, don't miss Butcher and the Brewer for delicious brews and a wide array of seasonal and local bites.
Photo courtesy of Hocking Hills
The Hocking Hills region, with its beautiful scenery and entertaining attractions, is a popular spot to visit year-round. But in the warmer months, the campgrounds are bustling with Ohio locals and travelers alike, anxious to soak in all that the area has to offer. Choose to stay in a traditional Sioux-style tipi (perfect for a romantic weekend) or settle down at a spot near the famed Old Man's Cave and hike around the stunning waterfalls and sandstone formations by day.
Photo courtesy of Sandusky Park District County
Wolf Creek Park is nestled along the scenic Sandusky River just south of Fremont, and provides a natural oasis for locals looking for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of it all. The Buckeye Trail (a renowned statewide trail) runs straight through the park, but campers can also enjoy canoeing or fishing on the river, and cooking dinner on the community grills.
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of State Parks and Watercraft
Kelleys Island is the most popular camping destination of the Erie Islands, known as the "Emerald Isle." It's a great retreat for nature enthusiasts, offering access to unique geological, ecological and archaeological features. Enjoy the stunning scenery and views of the great lake while engaging in activities such as swimming, hiking, boating and fishing. Plus, the ferry ride from Marblehead to get there is an adventure in itself!
Photo courtesy of Recreation.gov
Grassy, shaded campsites and picnic areas are the name of the game at this quiet, picturesque retreat on the Ohio River. Hike a short distance from the site on the Camping Bridge Scenic Byway, which will take you over four historic covered bridges and offer romantic views of the surrounding countryside. Don't forget to make a wish as you cross each bridge — it's tradition.
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of State Parks and Watercraft
Arguably the prettiest park in western Ohio, this 752-acre park attracts visitors from all across the state. Its claim to fame is the stunning limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River, part of which is designated as a national landmark. Bring the whole family (even the dog) to take in the beauty and enjoy the countless activities the park has to offer.
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of State Parks and Watercraft
Nestled in Shawnee State Forest and along the banks of the Ohio River is the picturesque Shawnee State Park Campground. This area was once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians, but now offers a secluded retreat for campers. Enjoy boating, hiking, fishing (the works), or just sit back and admire the beautiful carved valleys and wooded hills that are famously known as "The Little Smokies."
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of State Parks and Watercraft
25 cabins and 118 campsites dot the rugged but beautiful landscape of Mohican State Park. Take your pick of lodging options (make sure to make a reservation) and get ready for a weekend of fun on the Mohican River, which is known as one of the finest kayaking locations in Ohio. If biking is more your thing, the Mohican mountain biking trail traverses 24.5 miles and has been named the #1 mountain bike trail in Ohio according to Mountain Bike Action Magazine.
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of State Parks and Watercraft
This gem in southwestern Ohio offers a beachside camping experience. Enjoy eating s'mores with the family under the shade of the large trees, letting the kids play at one of the playgrounds, and renting paddle boats.
Photo courtesy of Five Rivers MetroParks
What better spot to enjoy nature than at your local MetroPark? These places feel like a different world, but are conveniently located just minutes from your door. There are four metroparks that welcome camping and are popular across the state, including Possum Creek, Twin Creek, Englewood and Germantown. Take your pick and pitch your tent for a weekend under the stars!
Photo courtesy of Reserve America
Don't let the name scare you away — there are no more mosquitos at this lake than at any other campground in Ohio. Instead, you'll find families, couples and solo adventurers alike enjoying the summertime activities lakeside. It's not the best spot for swimming, but fishing and boating is rumored to be spectacular. Plus, your furry friend is invited to join in the festivities!