Fall into seasonal fun with these local farms, pumpkin patches and apple orchards
It’s October now, and that means that fall is in full swing. Likewise, so are all the activities that come with the season. With several farms, pumpkin patches and apple orchards just a short drive away, the Dayton area is in the perfect spot to take advantage of the change in season. Here are five locations offering fall activities this month.
Tom’s Maze and Pumpkin Farm
Celebrating 27 years of fall fun this year, Tom’s Maze and Pumpkin Farm is notable for its intricate mazes. Thanks to this impressive labyrinth, Tom’s was named among the best corn mazes in Ohio in 2022, among other awards from regional and national publications.
In addition to the maze, Tom’s farm has several other fall-focused events for families to enjoy such as a hayride, a goat petting zoo and a sunflower garden. In the farm’s shop, visitors can browse through a selection of pre-picked pumpkins and gourds as well as handmade crafts.
$12, open Thursday-Sunday
4881 Germantown Liberty Road, Germantown
tomsmaze.com
Tuken’s Orchard & Farm Market
Located in West Alexandria, Tuken’s Orchard & Farm Market offers visitors a chance to shop among the farm’s locally grown produce. In addition to the freshly picked produce, Tuken’s also sells several sauces, pickles and preserves, all made in-house. In the fall, guests are invited to head out to the orchard and participate in the u-pick offering, allowing them to gather honey crisps, Cortlands and more. A full list of Tuken’s fall produce offerings is available on their website.
Free, open Monday-Sunday
15725 Eaton Pike, West Alexandria
tukensfarmmarket.com
Lucas Brothers Farm
Lucas Brothers Farm, located in Bellbrook, provides those looking for fall fun with all the usual offerings of a hayride, corn maze and pumpkin patch. For those looking for more, though, the farm is celebrating its 8th year of its “family-friendly fall festival.” On Friday nights, families are invited to stay till 9 p.m. to join in the activities but also take in some live music, featuring a different genre each week.
$5 for entry only, $14 wristband for hayride and corn maze, open Friday-Sunday
3229 Ferry Road, Bellbrook
lucasbrosfarms.com
Peifer Orchards
Out in Yellow Springs is Peifer Orchards. This apple farm and farmers market offers all the seasonal specialties including Ohio-made maple syrup, 25 varieties of apples for guests to pick themselves and freshly pressed, small-batch apple cider. Additionally, for those looking to knock out a trip to the orchard and pumpkin patch all in one go, there is a pumpkin patch to visit. Even better, the produce stand is open until December making it an ideal spot to get all your fresh produce for the holidays.
Free, open Monday-Sunday, u-pick apples Saturday-Sunday only
4590 U.S. 68 N., Yellow Springs
peiferorchards.com
Cowvin’s Corny Corn Maze Young’s Dairy
Also in Yellow Springs is the popular Young’s Dairy Farm. Offering fun for families all year long, the farm adds fall-centric events during the season. Most notably, its Cowvin’s Corny Corn Maze opens Aug. 3 and runs until Nov. 3. The 3.5-acre field has over one mile of paths for visitors to get lost in. Also notable is the haunted hayride, an after-dark ride that takes guests through the corn field, where “mounters and goblins live.”
$10, ages 4 and under free, open Monday-Sunday
6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
youngsdairy.com
