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

Blog by Stacha Yundt

Pumpkin-spiced beverages are back on the shelves which means that fall has finally arrived in Ohio’s Largest Playground! While not much can top the water parks, river adventures and roller coasters of summer, we’re extremely excited 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 in Waynesville. Beginning Labor Day weekend and returning every weekend through Halloween, travel through time and visit the festival for one-of-a-kind shopping, entertainment, and everyone’s favorite turkey legs.

And Waynesville doesn’t just see an influx of lords and ladies in the fall — it’s also home to another iconic autumn event in the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival. 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 on October 8th and 9th.

One of the newest additions to Waynesville's lineup of fall festivities, Waynesville Fall Fest is another awesome choice for autumn adventurers.

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.

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!