Hello, Pumpkin: Fall Fun is on its Way to Warren County!

Blog by Stacha Yundt

While not much can top the water parks, river adventures and roller coasters of summer, we can't wait for this new season of pumpkin patches, festivals and spook-tacular fun!

First, dust off your favorite medieval garb and gear up for the Ohio Renaissance Festival! Beginning Labor Day weekend and returning every weekend through October, travel through time and visit the festival for one-of-a-kind shopping, live shows (including fan-favorites like The Mud Show and the Kamikaze Fireflies!), and tons of tasty festival food.

But Fall food in Warren County doesn't end with turkey legs — the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival will take over downtown Waynesville again in October! If you thought pineapple and pizza was a marvel, wait until you meet sauerkraut and pizza. Sample this winning combination and other mouth-watering sauerkraut concoctions October 14-15.

Waynesville Fall Fest is one festival packed with fun all season long. Open weekends from September 16-October 29, Fall Fest is packed with activities for the whole family including mini golf, a corn maze, a scenic trolley ride, a 3-story playset, pumpkin painting, and much, much more!

Fall comes to the city of Lebanon every year in two unbe-leaf-ably fun events: Feast & Fall-y and Country Applefest. Country Applefest, a two-day arts and crafts festival, features more than 300 vendors and live entertainment, while Feast & Fall-y takes over historic Downtown Lebanon and invites visitors to enjoy the crisp fall weather, small-town shopping and unforgettable food.

But what’s fall without pumpkins? Be sure to carve out time to visit any (or all) of the fabulous farms that call Warren County home. Blooms and Berries is quickly becoming a family-favorite fall destination, featuring a pumpkin bounce pad, a beer garden and a 5-acre corn maze. The apple cider donuts, apple fritters and more from the market make Irons Fruit Farm a must-stop for any fan of fall treats. When you swing by Hidden Valley Orchards, be sure to tour through their own market for treats and gifts and stop for a pint at their on site taproom, The Crate Room at HVO. And don’t worry: each of these farms has a patch where you can pick a pumpkin of your very own.

Conjure up screams on coasters and in haunted houses when Halloween Haunt returns to Kings Island select Friday and Saturday nights in September and October. Each night the park is transformed into a bone-chilling experience, complete with live entertainment and haunting frights lurking in the fog. Experience some of the park’s most exhilarating rides after dark including Banshee, Orion and the original monster itself — The Beast.

Brimstone Haunt at Renaissance Park will also return this year, featuring four haunted experience select Fridays and Saturdays in September and October.

But spooky season isn’t just about the thrills. Before the sun sets at Kings Island bring the family to Tricks and Treats Fall Fest for Halloween activities including costume contests and trick-or-treat stops. Most rides and attractions will be open during the festival, making this a must-add to this season’s bucket list.

For more family fun, be sure to snag tickets for the LM&M Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch Express in Lebanon. The seasonally inspired train ride through the Warren County countryside will include pies, hay mazes and on-board entertainment. You can also catch this historic train during Lebanon's Country Applefest.

With sweater season rapidly approaching, you’ll be falling over your feet to take in all of the autumn fun to be had in Ohio’s Largest Playground this year. Grab your favorite pumpkin beverage and let’s play, Ohio!