24 Fun Fall Activities in Columbus Ohio

In fall Columbus, Ohio, transforms into a haven for fall enthusiasts! With abundant fall activities to keep you entertained, Columbus is the place to be in the fall. Columbus and its neighboring cities offer a wealth of seasonal delights. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your hometown or a visitor eager to explore in cool temperatures, we have your complete list of fall activities in Columbus Ohio! 

Why visit Columbus Ohio in the Fall? 

Columbus Ohio in the fall offers so much to explore and take part in! The city’s parks and gardens showcase beautiful fall colors, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Columbus, along with its neighboring towns, offers an immense amount of fall festivals and yummy food to consume. 

Columbus is such a popular destination that the town even has its own playlist for the chiller season! Let’s dive into exactly what you can do to make your fall trip to Columbus memorable: 

Look at the colors of fall at the Franklin Park Conservatory 

If you’re a plant lover and looking for some fall color fun, this is the place for you. The Franklin Park Conservatory offers experiences for even the fall season. Coming in at only $3 for admission, Franklin Park offers many seasonal delights. 

Despite the cold temperatures that fall might bring, Franklin Park offers both indoor and outdoor greenhouses and plant life for you to study. This attraction also offers fall events like “Pumpkins Aglow” which features painted and carved pumpkins! 

As a bonus, one of Franklin Park’s most unique offerings is its intermediate and advanced blown-glass classes! In the same way, visitors can make hummingbird feeders and engage in personal glass-blowing sessions. 

Explore The German Village 

Just south of downtown Columbus, this historic village has something for everyone! Initially platted in 1814, the German Village offers a fall farmer’s market full of seasonal delights. The German Village offers walking tours with locals that teach you about the historical architecture and more. 

Featuring 11+ different restaurants and eateries, the German Village in Columbus Ohio is true to its long-time heritage. No matter your preference, you can dine on traditional German cuisine and sweet treats. 

See wildlife at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Open to the public all year long, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has something for everyone. Unlike other Midwest zoos, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has Florida Manatees to enjoy and learn about! Because of this attraction’s proximity to Columbus, this zoo offers hotel and ticketing packages for more convenience. 

In the fall, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers the iconic “Boo at the Zoo” event throughout October. Including fun for all families like a trick-or-treat trail, a hay maze, and giant pumpkin carving, you won’t want to miss this event. 

Visit an apple orchard 

Columbus Ohio offers a variety of U-Pick farms and orchards to choose from for fall enjoyment. What’s better than picking your apples to make your own fall treats? Plan your visit to a Columbus Ohio apple orchard with Experience Columbus’s top picks: 

1. Branstool Orchards 
2. CherryHawk Farm 
3. Lawrence Orchards 
4. Legend Hills Orchard 

Explore a pumpkin patch 

Pumpkin patches are one of the best ways to ring in the fall season! Here are some of the best pumpkin patches in the Columbus area according to Experience Columbus: 

1. Dupler’s Pumpkin Land 
2. Freeman’s Farm  
3. Hann Farms 
4. Hidden Creek Farms 

Center of science and industry (COSI)

Escape the crisp fall air by exploring Columbus’s Center of Science and Industry! For 58 years, the COSI has been inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. With the opportunity to explore 300+ interactive experiences, a Planetarium, and more, COSI has classic and limited-time exhibits you’ll love! 

Venture around downtown Columbus 

Known as the city’s central hub, downtown Columbus has a lot to offer in the fall. First off, if you’re looking for some great fall pictures, this is the place to capture the beauty of the season. Downtown Colombus also offers a host of fall events like food truck gatherings and movie nights in the park! 

Take a walk in the Dawes Arboretum 

The Dawes Arboretum is open all year round with classes and festivals to marvel at. The Dawes Arboretum offers the opportunity even in the fall to get ahead in the spring season. You can register for a free native planting class to help Columbus get off to the best foot in the spring! 

The Dawes Arboretum also allows guests to participate in a fall festival and fall foliage stroll. You can take this still either on foot or in a wagon for a delightfully guided tour. 

Walk the trail of scarecrows 

Named the “Scarecrow Capital of Ohio,” Fairfield County hosts an event close to Columbus you won’t want to miss. Fairfield County holds a scarecrow contest in each community across the county to bring in the joys of fall. 

Just a few miles away from Columbus, the “Trail of Scarecrows” also offers guests the chance to graze over a selection of produce, participate in a flashlight tour, and more! 

Take the ghost trolley at the Ohio Railway Museum

Train enthusiasts of all ages will love The Ohio Railway Museum! This museum holds a collection of over 30 pieces dating as far back as 1900. 

As a special treat in October, the Ohio Railway Museum gives guests the chance to embark on a haunted ghost trolley! Take a mile and a half round trip where you can hear ghoul-ish ghost stories and if you survive the ride, you get a free goodie bag. Don’t worry, this event is totally kid-friendly. 

Build a fall-themed toy at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center 

Keep your kiddos active even in the chilly weather! LEGOLAND in Columbus offers a slew of rides and activities for kids of all ages. You won’t want to miss out on LEGOLAND’s 4D theater where you can help your favorite Lego characters through trouble! 

For an extra touch of fun, your kiddos can actually meet their favorite Lego characters in real life for fun photo ops. Lastly, take a creative building workshop and take home your creations for long-time play even after you’ve left. 

Wander around haunted woods 

Not suited for young children under 7, the Pataskala Haunted Forest might leave you sleeping with the lights on. Lasting between 30-45 minutes, Pataskala Haunted Forest is known as Ohio’s longest-running haunted attraction. This event tells the story of the Murdocks who stumbled upon the burned-down remains of a building. During this show, the Murdocks tell their story of what haunts they’ve found. 

Embark on a spooky ghost tour 

Columbus Ohio has a rich 200+ year history of ghostly stories and legends. What better way to hear these tales than on your own ghost tour around the area? Many stops throughout Columbus’s tours go through historic and iconic institutions like the State House and Greenlawn Cemetery. 

See a Halloween movie in the park

No matter what kind of movie experience you are looking for, Columbus has you covered! This city offers amazing cinema experiences against the backdrop of the city skyline. Better yet, on select nights in September, the Columbus Commons invites you to enjoy a drink and a flick at their sunset movie series. 

Attend an Ohio State football game 

Everyone knows that fall is the best time for kickoff! What better way to discover true Buckeye passion than watching one of the best teams in college football. Grab some friends, some warm cider and good vibes to experience the electric atmosphere of Ohio Stadium. Cheer alongside thousands of fans, feel the excitement with every touchdown. 

For more information on tickets and the fall football schedule, visit the official website! 

Make a fall bonfire 

Take in the beauty of the changing fall colors and stay warm with a fall bonfire! Many eateries and pubs around Columbus have patios and pits that stay open during the fall season. Some even offer a fall-centered menu with seasonal treats and spirits to bring the whole experience together. 

Take a bike ride around the Columbus area 

A bike ride is one of the best ways to Columbus in the fall – and it’s great exercise too! No need to worry about bringing your own bike either because Columbus has a bike sharing system. All it takes is a smartphone and the ability to ride. Pack a picnic and be on your way to enjoy this marvelous city in fall. 

Engage in a fall craft 

Find a cozy spot at Bicentennial Park with a buddy and make a cute fall craft. Bring along some supplies like leaves, pinecones, and acorns collected from the park to create autumn-themed decorations. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, share some laughs, and take home a handmade memento of your fall day in Columbus. 

Take a hike in Hocking Hills

Whether you’re looking for a 2-mile hike or to visit some waterfalls, Hocking Hills has something for every nature lover. Explore Hocking Hills with guided tours that cover rock formations and geology for an educational hiking experience.  

Even if you’re looking to unwind and get back to nature, try out Hocking Hills’ forest bathing. People have credited this hiking experience with managing feelings of anxiety, depression, burnout. After your long day, you can even rent a cabin that’s in the middle of all the parks for a whole weekend of adventure. 

Gallery hop at the Short North Arts District 

Often referred to as Columbus’s “favorite day of the month to celebrate art”, the Short North Arts District hosts a monthly gallery hop on the first Saturday of each month! Enjoy an evening of new gallery exhibitions, street performers, and more during this time. And as a bonus, special holiday events and treats during Halloween and Christmas. 

Luckily, the Short North Arts District is open all year round with something new to discover. Aside from the art, Short North has a few parks you and your buds can explore including the iconic Italian Village Park.  

Learn at the Olentangy Caverns 

Just a mere 20 miles away from Downtown Columbus, has something for even the littlest of adventurer. Full of one-of-a-kind activities like gem mining and a large treasure hunt maze. In the fall, the caverns host a fall fest filled to the brim with pumpkins, seasonal flowers and exclusive fall activities. 

And most special of all, guests can participate in a cave yoga session. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session 75 feet underground and be sure to bring your own mat! 

Visit a local brewery 

Like many major cities, you won’t find any shortage of breweries. In Columbus alone there are 30+ breweries available. Take a tour to learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of seasonal ales and craft beers. 

Pick produce at the Lynd fruit farm 

At Lynd Fruit Farm, you can pick your own produce from apples, to berries, to pumpkins. If apples are the sweet treats you’re looking to add to your autumn table, Lynd Farm has over 10+ types of apples to pick from! This farm also allows customers to pick native plants and seasonal produce for all Ohioans to enjoy.  

Delight at the Circleville Pumpkin Show 

About 30 miles from Columbus, Ohio, this annual event isn’t one to miss. Circleville residents hold this festival each year as a way to celebrate agriculture and the fall season. The fall event hosts multiple competitions to crown fall winners. This includes the “Miss Pumpkin Show” as well as art, baking and a contest for the largest pumpkin.  

For information on this event, visit its website now! 

Fall festivals in Columbus Ohio 

If you’re looking to celebrate fall all season long, check out our picks for the best fall festivals in Columbus Ohio: 

1. The Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport, Ohio. 
2. The Upper Arlington Labor Day Festival in Arlington, Ohio. 
3. The Ohio Renaissance Festival in Waynesville, Ohio. 
4. Germania Oktoberfest in Columbus, Ohio. 
5. Columbus Coffee Festival in Columbus, Ohio. 

Columbus, Ohio, is an ideal fall destination with a wide range of activities to suit every interest. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, Columbus offers a memorable autumn experience filled with warmth and excitement.