Who doesn’t like a sharp, crisp apple plucked right from the tree? How about a chubby orange pumpkin that you and your kids picked off the vine?
October is ideal for orchard trips and pumpkin picking all month long. Here’s a few of the best apple orchards and pumpkin patches around, where you’re guaranteed to find the perfect crunch of an apple or orange of a pumpkin.
1. Lynd Fruit Farm | Pataskala
The farm offers a wide variety of tart to sweet U-pick apples from 10 AM to 5 PM Thursday through Sundays while supplies last. Lynd provides bags and encourages pickers of all ages to stuff them full. While you’re there, don’t miss out on their U-pick pumpkin patch.
2. Legend Hills Orchard | Utica
Pick from over 25 varieties of apples across 45 acres of land at Legend Hills. Visit Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. If you like fresh apples, make sure try some of their juicy peaches too.
3. The Orchard & Co. | Plain City
The orchard has U-pick apples on Saturdays and Sundays through October 26th from 11 AM – 6 PM. Be sure to check their website for extended times and apple varieties. Once you’ve had your apple fill, send the kids off to the orchard’s zip line, gem mine and pedal car track.
4. Hidden Creek Farms | Sunbury
The farms’ annual fall festival runs from September 20th to October 26th, 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The $10 admission (free for children under 2) includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin slide, a straw maze, visits with live farm animals and more. Pumpkins are an additional charge.
5. Cherry Hawk Farm | Marysville
The farm offers good old-fashioned apple picking and is an easy drive through the country from Columbus and surrounding cities. Their U-pick hours run from 11 AM – 7 PM Fridays through Sundays until early to mid-November. Be sure to check their website for apple types and ripening schedules.
6. Ochs Fruit Farm | Lancaster
This orchard grows over 100 different varieties of apples! They also offer a weekly pick list of apples, peaches, and vegetables. Get your fresh fruit and visit their market Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
7. Apple Hill Orchards | Mansfield & Fredericktown
This family-owned and operated orchard is known for its apple cider off the tap, but it doesn’t stop there! Experience good food, family fun and entertainment this fall. Check their website for varying hours and dates.
8. Springhill Fruit Farm | Shiloh
This orchard has over 5,000 trees, plenty of pumpkins, and over 30 varieties of pre-picked produce to choose from! The goods don’t stop with apples, either. Pick from peaches, pears, plums, pumpkins and more. Visit from 9 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday or 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday.
9. Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm | Radnor
Named one of the top pumpkin patches in the United States, this farm has plenty of kid-friendly activities to help kids release some energy. Hayrides, pumpkin bowling, barrel rides, giant inflatable jump pillows, slingshots, sack races and much more are available to ensure everyone has a blast. There are also corn mazes, big and small, so people of all ages can enjoy a fun challenge. Opening day is September 20th, so don’t miss out.
10. Libby’s Pumpkin Patch | Albany
Southeast Ohio has some of the best fall colors, and the best pumpkins! This patch isn’t just pumpkins, it has a flower field, corn maze, hay rides and more. You’ll find something for the whole family here. Libby’s is open every weekend in October from 12 PM to 5 PM, and a ticket grants access to unlimited activities and fun.
Not a big apple fan? Check out the top 10 Ohio-grown fruits and vegetables perfect for the fall season.
