Autumn in the Midwest is hard to beat. We have pumpkins, hay rides, corn mazes, and so many seasonal delights! Here is my list of the best things to do for fall fun in Richland County, Ohio. All of these places are within 25 minutes of downtown Mansfield. Which one do you plan to visit this year?
Pumpkin Head Pumpkin Patch
2056 Beal Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903
Pick your own pumpkins, explore the corn maze ($5 pp), and enjoy the beautiful photo ops! My girls spent most of their time smitten by a stunning, black barn cat. 
Pay by cash or Venmo!
Spring Hill Fruit Farm 
5646 Ganges-Five Points Rd., Shiloh, OH 44878
This is your stop for apples!! U-pick patch ($14 peck), apple slushies, and a small playground for the kids! The prices are phenomenal.
Burkholder U-pick pumpkin patch
2711 London Road East, Shelby, OH 44875
New this year and offering $1 u-pick pumpkins! Follow the directions on the sign. Cash only! This was so fun (and cheap). I spoke to the owner, James, and he has 5 acres full of pumpkins ready for you and your family to enjoy. It was a little muddy, so wear old shoes and maybe bring a rag or old towel for your car (the pumpkins are muddy, too).
Apple Hill Orchards
1175 Lexington Ontario Rd., Lexington, OH 44904
Apple Hill Orchard is perfect for families. They offer a U-pick patch, apple slushies, apple donuts, and a local produce/product market. It is definitely worth a stop! Don’t leave without some baked goods and a coffee for Mom!
The cutest fall sweater for your adventures!
Kingwood Center Garden’s The Great Pumpkin Glow
This event is one of the cornerstone events at Kingwood Center Gardens. The Great Pumpkin Glow only runs Friday – Sunday, October 16-18. Fun for all ages and featuring 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns, plus a kids’ carnival and beautiful fall decor. Due to the popularity of this event, make sure you purchase tickets in advance.
Wayne’s Country Market free play area
2440 Lexington Ave., Mansfield, OH 44907
Each October, Wayne’s Market rolls out the fun in their barn! A zipline, corn crib, slides, and lots of fun in the straw make this the best hangout for kids ages 2-8! My tip: visit just after lunch when the field trips usually leave and school hasn’t let out.
Looking for more playgrounds to visit? Check out my list of the best parks & playgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio.
Malabar Farm Barn Dance
4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, OH 44843
Malabar Farm State Park hosts a barn dance every month during the summer and fall. This year’s last dance is on Halloween night! What a fun way to celebrate the season; you could dress up in your best cowgirl/cowboy gear or something more. FREE.
The Prairie Peddler Festival
3170 OH 97, Butler, OH 44822
Held only two weekends in September & October, October 3 & 4 is the last weekend this year! Crafts & primitive goods, amazing food, and live entertainment make this festival fun for friends and families! Want more info? Check out my first-timer’s guide to the Prairie Peddler. Admission charged.
Have you been to all of these fall destinations? Let me know your favorite in the comments!
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Apple slushies sound amazing! Maybe the girls need a new kitten??😂
Haha! They would love that, but Mr. Yoder would kill me.
I read it! And while I’m from Akron, some of these things look like they’re worth the drive!
Awww, yeah! I definitely think the Great Pumpkin Glow combined with an apple slushie would be worth it!