Fall is a busy time of year in Cincinnati and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast number of options for family fall festival fun. Every family looks for different things when choosing the best festival to attend, so we decided to (hopefully) help you out in your decision making process!
So while the list of exciting fall activities in Cincy could go on and on, we’re handing out awards to recognize 7 of the area’s farms and festivals that each have something extra special. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but rather a guide to help narrow down your search.
Without further ado, we present Cincinnati Parent’s Fall Festival Awards:
Best Overall Festival: Blooms and Berries Fall on the Farm
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop experience, Blooms and Berries in Loveland delivers. This beautiful farm is spacious and offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. You pay one price to participate in most of the fun, such as a hayride to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, cow train ride, play area and story time. It’s very organized and the perfect spot for overall fall family fun.
Most Variety: Niederman Family Farm
Niederman Family Farm is a fall tradition for many Cincinnati families and for good reason. One price gets you access to a wide variety of activities from a large corn maze to hayrides, a barrel train, enormous jumping pillow and much more. The sweet treats are also a highlight here, especially the famous cinnamon sugar donuts!
Most Beautiful Location: Neltner’s Farm
From the moment you drive up to the parking lot at Neltner’s, you know it’s going to be something special. This stunning farm is located in a scenic valley in Northern Kentucky and each area of the farm is lovelier than the next. You’ll love the covered bridge, the valley views from the hillside pumpkin patch and the sight of brightly colored leaves, falling around you as you enjoy their homemade chili. No wonder this farm is also a popular spot for weddings!
Most Classic Location: Coney Island’s Fall-O-Ween
When you think classic Cincinnati, Coney Island often comes to mind. Thankfully, this nostalgic Cincy destination also gets in on the fall fun with its own festival – Fall-O-Ween. You can continue to enjoy the classic rides that are popular during the summer, but they also add a plethora of fall fun, such as a trick-or-treat trail, light show, farmyard friends, pumpkin painting and many other activities.
Best Event For The Littlest Lovers of Fall: Halloween Nights at Parky’s Farm (pictured)
Thursdays through Sundays, starting October 12th, your little ones will love the only non-scary nighttime Halloween party in Cincinnati. You’ll enjoy a hayride light show, ghostly mini golf, fortune telling and many other family-friendly activities. It has the charm and fun that you always find at Parky’s, but with a Halloween twist!
Most Authentic Farm Experience: Country Pumpkins
If you’re looking for an authentic farm experience, along with all of the festive activities, then Country Pumpkins in Dry Ridge, Kentucky is the spot for you. Located on a working dairy farm, you turn onto a gravel road to reach it and the hayride to the pumpkin patch takes you right past the barn where the cows are milked. You’ll still find an amazing corn maze, a barrel ride, corn boxes, and other fall festival favorites, but the farm maintains its authentic charm, making it one of the area’s favorites.
Best Food: Young’s Jersey Dairy
If you need an amazing meal to go along with your fall festivities, then take the family to Young’s. There are two restaurants on site, and both have delicious food that includes their famous cheese curds. And of course it is a dairy farm, so you have to try the ice cream! In the fall, Young’s also adds a corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, and other seasonal activities to their already fun options, making it another perfect family destination this fall.
When it comes to choosing a fall activity for your family this year, the bottom line is…you can’t go wrong with any of these festive favorites! So pick one (or many!), and enjoy all Cincinnati offers this season. Happy pumpkin hunting!
Feature image credit: Facebook/Great Parks
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati (and, ahem, Kentucky!) publications and brainstorming ideas for her next children’s book! With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.