Fall in Columbus, OH

Katie Seemann, freelance travel writer, gives us her list of “The Best Fall Activities in Columbus, OH” and we couldn’t agree more. Preferred Living communities are located throughout Columbus so you have quick and easy access to more than one of these ideas.

Fall in Columbus is a beautiful time of year — the leaves on the trees are bright and colorful, the weather is cool and perfect for your favorite sweater, and there are tons of activities to keep you busy.

1. Immersive Monet Exhibit

This digital and interactive exhibit projects Monet’s artwork over floors, ceilings, and walls covering 500,000 cubic feet! This immersive art exhibit is a great experience for the whole family. Click here for tickets.

Location: 940 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio

Dates: Now through September 25, 2022

2. Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is one of my favorite things to do in Columbus in the fall! As soon as I am in the orchard I feel like I’m ready for boots, sweaters, and pumpkins galore.

There are lots of places to pick apples in Columbus. Many locations also have other activities in addition to apple orchards so you can make a whole afternoon out of it.

• Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala
• The Orchard and Company in Plain City
• Cherry Hawk Farm in Marysville
• Branstool Orchards in Utica

3. Visit A Pumpkin Patch

You can’t get more fall than spending an afternoon at a pumpkin patch, and Central Ohio has no shortage of them. There is something amazing about a pumpkin patch in the midwest — the colorful leaves on the trees, drinking apple cider, and enjoying “sweater weather” — it’s all so festive!

Here are a few pumpkin patches to check out this fall in Columbus and surrounding areas:

• Circle S Farms in Grove City
• Leeds Farm in Ostrander
• Lehners Pumpkin Farm in Radnor
• Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala
• Pigeon Roost in Hebron

4. Go On A Columbus Scavenger Hunt

Here’s a unique and fun activity to try out in Columbus — a scavenger hunt. Explore landmarks and hidden gems in downtown Columbus during this walking tour/scavenger hunt. This activity is suitable for up to 10 people in a group and lasts about 2 hours.

Starting point: 233 South Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Tickets: Order here

5. Nightlight 614 Movie Series

Enjoy a movie under the stars along with local food trucks, live music, craft beer, and wine. These events are 21+ only and tickets can be purchased here.

Dates:

• September 1, 2022 – Crazy, Stupid, Love
• September 15, 2022 – Pulp Fiction
• September 22, 2022 – The Hangover
• October 6, 2022 – Inception
• October 14, 2022 – Scream

Location: Genoa Park, next to COSI

6. Visit A Columbus Metro Park

The fall season in Columbus comes with some gorgeous days — blue skies and crisp, autumn air. It’s a great time of year to visit one of the 19 metro parks in Columbus! This park system includes more than 230 miles of trails and over 27,700 acres of land across 7 counties.

In addition to activities like hiking and biking, you’ll find special events for the whole family. More information can be found here.

7. Do the Short North Gallery Hop

The Gallery Hop is a long-standing Columbus tradition that happens the first Saturday of each month on High St. in the Short North Arts District. You’ll find a mix of gallery exhibitions, street performers, special events, food, drinks, and more. Festivities run from 4-10 p.m.

Fall 2022 Dates:

• October 1, 2022
• November 5, 2022