Though the weather has been feeling more like summertime recently, fall break is quickly approaching for Kent State students. Those few days can be a great time to rest, try out a new coffee shop or explore some fun autumnal activities.
Here are a few things you can do in the Northeast Ohio area to make the most of the upcoming days off from school.
Mapleside Farms
Head to Brunswick for the “Fall Festival” at Mapleside Farms. The theme for the weekend of fall break is “Wild Wild West.” This festival is full of every classic fall activity you could think of: try your hand at the large corn maze, take a trip down the longest slide in America or enjoy live entertainment.
There are also hayrides through the orchards, pig races and delicious fall food. You can end your fall-filled day with a trip to the marketplace at Mapleside Farms. There, you can stock up on baking supplies, apples or pies to head home and enjoy a fall dessert.
Rockin’ R Ranch
Another classic fall festival can be found in Columbia Station at Rockin’ R Ranch. Here you can enjoy the “Old West Pumpkin Fest.” Pick pumpkins, enjoy the animal petting zoo and take a trip on the scenic fall hayride.
If you’re looking for something a bit more spooky for fall, stick around until night to enjoy the “Spooky Ranch.” During the Spooky Ranch hours, there are five different spooky attractions to choose from. You can feel the thrill of the haunted hayride or stroll through the four haunted houses on the grounds, including a 3-D haunted house.
End your spooky fall night by going home to watch your favorite Halloween horror movie.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
If you’re looking for a colorful fall hike, head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Try walking along the Oak Hill Trail in early October. This is a 1.8-mile trail that intertwines with the 5-mile Plateau Trail, offering a longer hike option.
Explore the beautiful colors of the fall foliage as you hike through the trees and through areas that were once farmland. There are also ponds along the trail where you can sit and watch the sun reflect upon the water, especially early in the morning.
There are a ton of other trails and overlooks to explore throughout the park if you’re looking for fall foliage. You can also explore the Brandywine Falls Trail if you are looking for a beautiful waterfall scene.
Holden Arboretum
Head to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland if you’re looking for a chance to get high above the trees and look down on the fall foliage from above.
You can climb 120 feet into the air on the Kalberer Emergent Tower. Here, you can look out above the trees and see the beautiful colors of fall. Take it even further by walking through the trees in the Murch Canopy Walk. You can cross rope bridges and explore interconnected platforms.
This year, you can also take a walk through the Skeleton Grove, where you will be met with 12 differently designed skeleton figures.
There are many activities and places to explore around Northeast Ohio if you’re looking for fall fun. Carve a pumpkin, pick some apples, bake a fall dessert or just catch up on rest with your favorite fall movie.
Olivia Montgomery is a writer. Contact her [email protected].
