Autumn is an indulgent treat for the senses. Brightly tantalizing colors add a golden hue to the local landscape, a crispness hangs in the air, and delicious comfort foods come out of their summertime slumber to once again adorn local menus. Here in Northeast Ohio, autumn is a season of pure magic, and there’s no shortage of fall fun in Greater Cleveland. From corn mazes to pumpkin patches, there are many places to celebrate the bounty of fall. So, grab a pint of your favorite fall brew, kick off your shoes, and join us on a Northeast Ohio fall adventure. These fascinating things to do in Cleveland in the fall may just become an annual tradition!

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Best Things to Do in the Fall in Greater Cleveland

Autumn is magical in Greater Cleveland, and these incredible local attractions offer plenty to see, do, and enjoy in the fall. These fan-favorite destinations never disappoint!

1. Embrace the season at Mapleside Farms
Motorcycle mishifts/Google Images

Few places embrace the season as passionately as Mapleside Farms in Brunswick. This century-old farm is now an orchard filled with fall attractions like Pumpkin Village and one of the nation's longest hillside slides. Pumpkin Village's family fun attractions are perfect for kids, but beer tastings and late events are geared toward adults. In the autumn months, this cool spot is often quite busy... and it's no secret why! From a wine-themed corn maze to apple-based goods in their on-site store, there's no shortage of autumnal goodness. If the weather cooperates, you'll have no problem enjoying a corn maze, hayride, live performances, and more.

The events take place Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours are seasonal, so be sure to check their website if you're planning a late-season visit. And budget plenty of time to find parking... the area gets wildly busy each fall!

5 Minutes Away: Enjoy seasonal splendor at Princess Ledges Nature Preserve down the road.
2. Soak up the splendor of autumn at Patterson Fruit Farms
Joan Zarrelli/Google Images

Hidden in Chesterland, Patterson Fruit Farms is a gem of a location. It is now in its sixth generation of family ownership, and it maintains a sense of family in everything it does. And while its on-site market is open year-round, many locals consider autumn to be the best time to visit.

Their annual Family Fun Fest runs through the end of October and includes pedal tractors, tire swings, pumpkin picking, face painting, wagon rides, and so much more. Admission is $6 per person, and it runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Fun at the farm continues via apple picking, which spans until all of the orchards are fully combed through.

Of course, fall isn't the only time to visit! Treat yourself to gifts, baked goods, maple syrup, apple cider, and more at their year-round market.

10 Minutes Away: Take a quiet, peaceful hike at North Chagrin Reservation.
3. Swing by Szalay's Farm & Market
Jason Almendras/Google Images

As one of the best corn farms near Cleveland, Szalay’s has amassed quite the local reputation. Since 1931, four generations of one family have lovingly tended to this local farm and market. While sweet corn is their specialty, you'll find all sorts of fresh seasonal veggies in their market. This, paired with handmade delicacies, ensures a worthwhile experience.

During the early stretches of fall and before it gets cold, they have an on-site eatery offering turkey burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. Their roasted corn on the cob is worth the trip on its own! Plus, their corn maze runs through the end of October.

This is the place to go for pumpkins, gourds, straw bales, and anything else that might add ambiance as you creep toward Thanksgiving. Their inventory has plenty to choose from, but it also sells cider, maple syrup, local honey, and other sweet treats. Follow Szalay’s on Facebook to keep an eye on their seasonal offerings!

5 Minutes Away: See how the fall colors frame the beautiful Everett Road Covered Bridge.

Honorable Mentions

There’s even more to see and do in Greater Cleveland this fall! Check out these other fan-favorite attractions for more fun.

4. Get local produce at the West Side Market
West Side Market/Google Images
As Cleveland’s oldest market, the West Side Market has been a long-cherished local attraction. Since it started in 1840, this charming collective of local growers, producers, makers, and purveyors has offered an eclectic variety of delicacies to Clevelanders. In the autumn months, seasonal specialties such as handmade sweets, comfort foods, and an array of fresh produce make it a perfect destination.
5. Hike the Towpath Trail
Erik Drost/Flickr
The Towpath Trail is where history and nature meet. The trail, which spans more than 100 miles in total, traces the route where mules once pulled barges along the now-defunct Ohio & Erie Canal. It stretches from Cleveland down into Tuscarawas County, and it's still growing. Year after year, more sections of this historic route are restored and unveiled to an enthusiastic public. While you certainly won't hike the entirety of its expanse in a few hours, spending just a bit of time on this trail in the fall is a treat.

Best Things to Do At Night in the Fall in Greater Cleveland

A good autumn evening is hard to forget. In Northeast Ohio, there’s no shortage of pretty places that can make your fall season unforgettable. Check out these cozy spots for late adventure!

6. Take a late-night hike at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Erik Drost/Flickr

While most local parks close at dusk, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) stays open late. Some parks in its 32,000-acre expanse do close at dark for safety, but the majority of the park is open 24/7. As the only national park in Ohio, any visit to this park is incredible... but it's an amazingly different world at night.

Surrounded by the coos of owls and the rustle of nocturnal critters, this pretty park is a treat at night. Bring a buddy or two for safety reasons (day or night, never hike alone!), but plan to immerse yourself in the splendor of the evening. As an added autumnal perk, the Orionid meteor shower is active until late November. At the same time, the Taurids will be sending streaks of light across the sky. There's no better place to watch shooting stars... but bundle up, because Northeast Ohio gets cold around this time!

With such vast acreage, there are many parks in CVNP worth visiting. It's up to you how close to home or how far you'd like to venture!

10 Minutes Away: Take in the old-school charms of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.
7. Take a sunset stroll at Lakewood Park
Erik Drost/Flickr

When it comes to city-owned parks, Lakewood Park is one of the best in the area. At 31 acres, it’s fairly small; however, it’s filled to the brim with incredible attractions, including a skate park, a small museum, and, of course, the stunning Solstice Steps.

While this place is lively in the summer with musical performances, a seasonal pool, and more, it’s much more laid back in the fall months. The lakefront promenade is the perfect place to take it easy and reflect on a warm autumn night… but you’ll still want to bundle up, because the wind from the lake can make even a warm day feel chilly. You can park right on-site at this pretty local park and stay until 11 p.m. As the moon rises over Lake Erie, you’ll find yourself humbled by the autumnal beauty of Ohio’s northern border.

5 Minutes Away: Warm up with a slice of delicious pizza at Angelo’s, just down the road and around the corner.
8. Get cozy at Brewnuts
J. Scott Muscatello/Google Images

Early or late, Brewnuts can keep you satisfied. This local donut shop, like many bakeries, opens at 6:30 a.m. every Wednesday through Friday, and at 8 a.m. on the weekends. It’s the perfect place to grab a sweet treat at the start of your day… but unlike many donut shops, this one is open late into the day. Like, really late for a donut shop. It closes at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (however, it does close at 3 p.m. every Sunday to give its hardworking employees a much-deserved weekend break).

Brewnuts is open late because, while donuts are its specialty, it’s also part bar. This casual local watering hole has local beer, familiar domestic libations, and even liquor. And while sweet donuts go well with beer, it also has more savory options to balance out your palate. There’s something for everyone on their menu, and you’ll love cozying up on late autumn evenings. As Old Man Winter sets you, this cozy spot on Detroit Avenue might become a familiar haunt of yours!

5 Minutes Away: Take it easy on Lake Erie’s shore at Edgewater Park.

Honorable Mention

Looking for more evening fun? There’s another destination we just had to add to the list!

9. Grab some comfort food and bowl at RollHouse Parma
mohrab2001/Google Images
As autumn marches on in Northeast Ohio, the nights will become chilly, and outdoor activities will probably fall off your radar. However, RollHouse Parma is an awesome place to relax! Its on-site restaurant is open until 10 p.m., and they specialize in pierogies and sausage. The bowling alley itself is open even later, with lanes closing between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. depending on the day.

Things to Do With Kids in Greater Cleveland Each Fall

Kids make autumn magical, as they take in the seasonal splendor with unabashed wonder and curiosity. Fortunately, Greater Cleveland has no shortage of awesome attractions that are family-friendly to the core!

10. Swing by Grobe Fruit Farm
Mario Cipriano/Google Images

Grobe Fruit Farm is absolutely filled to the brim with charm. This family-owned farm has long served the community, but something truly special started happening here when apples were introduced back in the 1920s. Ever since, locals have looked to Grobe Fruit Farm for all sorts of seasonal fun!

The on-site market opens each year when sweet corn is ready for harvest, and it continues to offer local produce like pumpkins, winter squash, apple cider, and more throughout the season. While the weather is still warm in early fall, you can grab a pumpkin from their famous pumpkin pile and take a hayride. As things cool down, their cozy market will become your primary focus. It’s here that apples are offered until produce runs out, and you’ll find all sorts of local goodies to indulge your senses. Swing by every day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to see what’s in season!

10 Minutes Away: Head over to Cascade Park to see vibrant leaves surrounding gentle cascades.
11. Spend the day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Erik Drost/Flickr

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo spans 183 acres of space, and it’s a diverse landscape that is home to the likes of lions and tigers and bears… and so much more. With distinct regions like the Australian Adventure and Asian Highlands, you’ll find no shortage of fascinating attractions. Plus, with private tours, golf cart cruises, and more, you can truly customize your experience.

In the autumn months, there’s no shortage of awesome events to experience at the zoo. On-site trick-or-treating runs through Halloween, and November brings the beginning of their annual winter lights festival. The latter is a great opportunity to get into the holiday spirit before the big chill and Christmastime rush sets in! However, the zoo is just as memorable when it’s a typical day outside of event season. Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though special events cause this change. Check their hours ahead of time to plan accordingly, and remember to wear comfortable shoes… this is one huge campus that you and the kids will want to explore!

5 Minutes Away: Check out the gorgeous fall foliage at Big Creek Reservation.
12. Get your hands dirty at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN, D.C./Google Images

Over in Kirtland, there’s one 235-acre campus that’s like no other local park. The Lake Metroparks Farmpark has entertained visitors since 1990 by providing an inside look at a working farm. Daily activities like feeding, milking, grooming, and more will provide visitors a chance to get to know the animals that call this farm home.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Monday, this neat park is the perfect place to take the day at your own pace. There are playgrounds, corn mazes, farm exhibits, and even a plant science center to help your kids play and learn. As an adult, you might even experience the same wonder as the kids! With horse or tractor-drawn wagons (which are fully accessible) escorting you throughout the park, it’s hard to not give in to wonder. Admission is $6 for kids, $8 for visitors aged 12 through adult, and $7 for those aged 60 and up. Free admission is offered to kids under 2 and those with military ID.

10 Minutes Away: Take some time to hike at Penitentiary Glen Reservation.

Honorable Mentions

There’s even more family-friendly fall fun in Greater Cleveland! Check out these additional destinations for some extra oomph in your day-tripping adventures.

13. Pick up fall-themed goodies at the Medina Farmers Exchange
Google Maps
Autumnal ambiance abounds at the Medina Farmers Exchange. Located just south of Historic Medina Square in a picture-perfect town straight out of a model train set, this neat market is a bit like a small-scale West Side Market. Since opening in 2019, this neat little marketplace has offered local produce, honey, syrup, baked goodies, smokies, and… honestly, their offerings seem almost endless. Visit with the kids to pick up some sweet goodies, then swing through Medina Square to keep the fun going!

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14. Grab a fall-themed donut at Jack Frost
Andrew Sobotka/Google Images
Just a single mention of Jack Frost Donuts is enough to get most Clevelanders salivating. This gourmet donut shop piles its baked goods high with toppings, creating indulgent delicacies that are out-of-this-world yummy. If they’re not piled high with extra toppings, the donuts are probably decorated in a seasonably-appropriate way… and autumn is an incredible time to explore their offerings!

Free Things to Do in the Fall in Cleveland

Who doesn’t love free fun? In Northeast Ohio, autumnal awesomeness abounds across the local landscape. Dive into a world of color at these fascinating fall destinations!

15. Hike at Chapin Forest Reservation
Erik Drost/Flickr

We know what you’re thinking. Cleveland doesn’t have any mountains. To the contrary, we have one. Sort of. Gildersleeve Mountain is actually a summit that rises 1,163 feet above sea level. It’s pretty small for a mountain, but it’s a unique feature in a landscape that was largely flattened by glaciers during the last ice age. It may look a bit different than the mountains you’re used to seeing elsewhere in the U.S., but it’s a unique geological landmark that you can actually climb.

A large portion of the mountain is covered by Chapin Forest Reservation, which boasts nearly six miles of trails across its expanse. If you climb to the top of the summit, you can see all the way to Cleveland and Lake Erie on a clear day (despite being 18 miles away). The park is open until 11 p.m., and some trails are lit for your convenience. As autumn takes hold, the mountain bursts into fiery shades of red and gold, which fade into a peaceful natural palette as winter approaches.

10 Minutes Away: Check out a local cascade at Stoney Brook Falls.
16. Admire the fall colors at Rocky River Reservation
Erik Drost/Flickr

When it comes to the Cleveland Metroparks, Rocky River Reservation is kind of the park district’s crown jewel. In addition to being the first plot of land ever acquired by the Cleveland Metroparks, this spot is a true historic wonder. In addition to boasting historic earthworks from human cultures that once populated the area, the park has also produced incredible fossils that you can now see at the local history museum.

History aside, this magnificent landscape spans circa 5,600 acres of pure beauty. The park follows the course of the Rocky River (and the northern stretches Valley Parkway, which makes for a stunning fall drive) and boasts a diverse landscape. Hike forested trails or coast along the river bank admiring its massive cliffs. Visit the on-site nature center, take pictures of the waterfalls at Berea Falls Scenic Overlook, and picnic at a number of unique locations. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

10 Minutes Away: Soak up more fabulous fall beauty at Bradley Woods Reservation.
17. Check out the views at Lookout Ridge in Parma
David/Google Images

Lookout Ridge in Parma is a stunning hike that many Clevelanders don’t know about. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in West Creek Reservation, and its 1.5-mile trail isn’t too challenging to traverse. This unique trail only opened in 2019, but it has quickly become one that locals adore. In the autumn months, late-blooming wildflowers line the trails, and rust-hued leaves cast a golden hue across the local landscape.

West Creek Reservation is a 326-acre park with all sorts of charms. Babbling brooks, rocky gorges, marshland, and man-made waterfalls add elegance to an unspoiled landscape in a highly-developed area. Well, unspoiled is a bit of an exaggeration… this landscape was lovingly restored, and it now acts as something of a living laboratory for stormwater observation and management. However, it’s a real treat that locals can’t get enough of! Check it out between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

15 Minutes Away: Check out more autumnal beauty at Brecksville Reservation.

Honorable Mentions

Looking for more free fall fun in Greater Cleveland? These additional spots are perfect for memory-making!

18. Enjoy the season at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Erik Drost/Flickr
Autumn isn’t complete without a trip to Cleveland’s prettiest urban attraction. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens truthfully deserve a visit in every season, as there’s a great deal of variety in its various gardens. With incredible landscaping and man-made features like stone staircases and statues, these gardens feel a bit like ancient ruins.
19. Warm up at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Erik Drost/Flickr
Always free and always incredible, the Cleveland Museum of Art is a destination like no other. Filled with historical collections and modern art alike, it’s an awesome place to warm up after a day spent outdoors. Of course, if you can brave the wind a bit longer, its Fine Arts Garden at Wade Lagoon is a real treat in the autumn months.

Things to Do Outdoors in the Fall in Cleveland

While so many of these already-highlighted attractions are located outdoors, there’s even more worth exploring in and around Cleveland. These additional outdoor landmarks will round out your bucket list!

20. Walk through Cleveland's oldest cemetery
Tim Evanson/Flickr

Unless you’re in a city like Savannah, Georgia, you usually wouldn’t expect to see a historic cemetery located in the heart of downtown. However, Downtown Cleveland’s Erie Street Cemetery is a bit of a surprise. It’s located in the city’s sports-heavy district, and it is right across the street from Progressive Field and right around the corner from the Guardians of Traffic. It was once on the very edge of the city, but as Cleveland grew, the cemetery suddenly found itself in the heart of a bustling Rust Belt city.

The cemetery, which is open until dusk, was established in 1826. It is the eternal resting place of Cleveland’s first resident, first mayor, and many other early residents. It is purported to be haunted and, whether or not you believe that story, it has a history that includes a few chilling moments. For one, it has been threatened with development on several occasions, and some bodies have been removed and reburied elsewhere over the years. It’s also home to interments from the city’s first burial ground, who were moved to the cemetery and placed in a mass grave in 1939. All in all, there are somewhere between 8,000 and 18,000 interments on the seemingly small site… there are, as you might imagine, a great number of unmarked graves here.

Whether you’re celebrating spooky season or just taking in the beauty of a fall-kissed landscape, this cemetery belongs on your bucket list!

10 Minutes Away: Enjoy autumn on the banks of the Cuyahoga River at Rivergate Park.
21. Live out your fairytale fantasy at Squire's Castle
Erik Drost/Flickr

Tucked away in North Chagrin Reservation, Squire’s Castle is truly incredible. This stunning sandstone structure is open to the elements (and, you know, the public), but it was once a private residence enjoyed by Feargus B. Squire, a Standard Oil executive. It was originally meant to serve as a gatehouse at his soon-to-be estate, but the project never fully came to fruition. Instead, Squire ended up using the gorgeous castle as a countryside escape for a few years.

Eventually, the castle and surrounding landscape were donated to the Cleveland Metroparks, and they now entertain locals all year round. However, the landscape takes on a certain sort of fairytale magic in the fall. With autumnal hues surrounding the gorgeous castle, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of a movie… or maybe even in your own story. Swing by between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. to check it out!

5 Minutes Away: Explore even more at the nearby Hach-Otis Sanctuary State Nature Preserve.

Honorable Mention

The fun doesn’t end there! There is even more outdoor fall fun to be enjoyed in Greater Cleveland.

22. Stroll along the Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum
LifewithMarch/Google Images
The ever-gorgeous Holden Arboretum is a 3,600-acre landscape filled with trees, gardens, and a wide variety of unique plants. It’s also home to unique attractions like pop-up outdoor art exhibits, a tower that allows you to see all the way to Lake Erie, and the Murch Canopy Walk. This treetop hike is 65 feet above the ground, and it allows you to experience fall foliage like never before!

Unique Things to Do in the Fall in Cleveland

But wait… there’s more! There is no shortage of incredible attractions in Cleveland, and we have even more to round out your local bucket list. Check out these additional attractions for more fall fun in Greater Cleveland!

23. Explore the campus of Hale Farm & Village
Matt Fox/Google Images

Hale Farm & Village is a living history museum that brings to life the region’s farm-based roots. Get to know what life was like in the old Western Reserve as you explore the fictional Wheatfield settlement, which is populated by blacksmiths, farmers, and other historical reenactors eager to tell you about their trades.

This unique living history museum is open on the weekends through October, and then the focus shifts to seasonal events and offerings. The annual Harvest Festival and Thanksgiving with Abe Lincoln add a degree of festivity to the autumn-hued landscape. Plus, as winter starts to set in, a deliciously quaint holiday atmosphere takes over. What’s not to love?!

10 Minutes Away: Explore the charming small-town vibe of Downtown Peninsula.
24. Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR)
Cuyahoga jco/Flickr

When you ride aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you’re always in for a treat. This unique passenger railroad runs from Independence to Akron, crossing through the national park and passing a variety of stunning features. The trail offers rides nearly all year round, with autumn providing some of the prettiest backdrops.

Scenic tours, dinnertime rides with snacks and drinks, nighttime tours, trivia nights, ghostly story tours, and so many other unique events make this railroad particularly memorable. Visitors love the combination of a unique experience on a restored passenger train with the stunning views that each excursion offers. Plus, with so much to choose from, you can find a time and price point that works well for you!

10 Minutes Away: Get to know the landscape of F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron.

Honorable Mentions

Don’t worry… the fun doesn’t end there! These additional spots offer even more fun that is downright perfect for fall.

25. Tour the Cleveland Grays Armory
Matt Tucci/Google Images
There’s never a bad time to tour Cleveland's history, but autumn is the perfect time to explore the city’s haunted history. The stunning Cleveland Grays Armory is now a museum, but it was one the home base of the city’s most prominent private militia. Members of the Grays actually served in various wars… but, oddly enough, one of their most haunted items is a simple piano that’s said to be adored by a ghostly woman in white. Come for the history, but keep an open mind… you never know what unexpected experience you might find.
26. Stroll through the beautiful and lively Lake View Cemetery
Erik Drost/Flickr
Like the Cultural Gardens, the always-beautiful Lake View Cemetery deserves a visit in every season. Its ever-changing landscape spans 285 and has been providing peaceful resting grounds since 1869, but it is also something of a local park. With various notable attractions and stunning walkable paths, this historic Cleveland cemetery is a real fall treat.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Cleveland in the fall! These 26 autumnal destinations are almost guaranteed to knock your socks off. Craving more? Check out the best things to do in Cleveland for ongoing local fun.

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