Omg, y’all it’s legit (almost) Fall!! Bring on the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), boots, flannels, sweaters, apple picking, pumpkin patches, pumpkin pies, apple pies, cinnamon & sugar doughnuts, apple fritters, fall festivals, corn mazes, hayrides, and so much more! Fall is when the Midwest shines, but don’t blink, it goes by fast, so tag friends and make plans now! Here is this year’s Toledo Fall Family Fun Guide….
Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm
Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm is a working farm that provides a real farm experience to all visitors. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and fun family atmosphere…visit the cows, pigs, goats, bunnies, roosters, etc. and don’t forget to pick put the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch!
Location: 13639 Mulberry Rd, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267
Phone: (517) 486-2237
Dates: Open Sunday, September 8 to Thursday October 31, 2019
Hours: Open every day from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M
Cost: FREE (but do bring some spending cash for a Hay Ride, donuts, cider, and other Fall goodies and decorations)
Website: https://www.gustbrothers.com/
MacQueen’s Apple Orchard
Famous for their Apple Butter Stir Festival held every year on the first weekend of October, MacQueen’s Orchards grows 16 varieties of apples and 10 varieties of peaches, plus they sell a large variety of all your favorite, seasonal locally grown vegetables year round. In the fall, (Mid-Sept-3rd Week of Oct.), you can drive your own vehicle in the orchard to pick your own apples, if you choose.
Location: 7605 Garden Rd, Holland, OH 43528
Phone: (419) 865-2916
Dates: Apple Stir & Crafts Festival 2019 Saturday, Oct. 5th & Sunday Oct. 6th for more farm fun!
Hours: Aug-Oct: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Varies depending on your purchases (and parking for the Apple Butter Stir)
Website: http://www.macqueenorchards.com/index.htm
Erie Orchards & Cider Mill
Erie Orchards and Cider Mill is a working farm with approximately 70 acres in production. Approximately 15,000 bushels of apples are harvested annually. They minimize the use of chemicals and use no chemicals which are absorbed into the tree. There is something exciting going on every weekend be sure to check the website for a full list.
Location: 1235 Erie Rd, Erie, MI 48133
Phone: 734-848-4518.
Special Event Dates: Literally an event every weekend September-end of October, click on website for details
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9am – 7:00pm and Sunday: 11am – 6:00pm. Note: the u-pick closes a 1/2 hour before the store closes each evening
Cost: Varies depending on purpose for visit and event
Website: http://www.erieorchards.com/?pg=events
Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
Savor the fall season with your family at their farm! Located just two miles south of Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, OH. Opened from the 2nd Sat. of Sept. thru Oct 31!
Location: 7133 Seaman Rd, Oregon, OH 43616
Phone: (419) 836-7613
Dates: FALL Opening Day is Sept. 12th @ 10AM (Thursday special is Oreo Donut!)
Cost: Varies depending on purchase…FREE admission
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fleitzpumpkinfarm/?rf=593051204063529
Trabbic Pumpkin Farm
Experience the Fall Atmosphere in a Family and Faith Filled environment. From visiting the animals in the “Animal Kingdom”, to the rides, Cider and Doughnuts, if you love the Fall season, then the farm is the place to be. This year they are celebrating their 29th year with the pumpkin patch and it wouldn’t be possible without you. God has blessed them and the farm in so many ways over the past 29 years and they appreciate all of your business and support.
Location: 1560 E Sterns Rd, Erie, MI 48133
Phone: (734) 848-4049
Dates: September 14th – October 31st, 2019
Hours: 10am-7pm
Mon-Wed: 4-6:30pm (Corn Maze and Play area Only)
Thurs-Fri: 4-6:30pm (Corn Maze, Play area, Pumpkin Train, and Teddy Bear Spin Only)
Sat-Sunday: 11am-6:30pm (Hay Ride, Corn Maze, play area, Pumpkin Train, Teddy Bear Spin)
Cost: Admission is FREE (Bring money for Rides, Pumpkin, etc.)
Website: https://www.trabbicpumpkinfarm.com/
The Pumpkin Peddler
The fall season just isn’t complete without a hayride to a pumpkin patch, and The Pumpkin Peddler offer a memorable ride through the tree farm for you and your family to enjoy. There are thousands to choose from and your children can pick their own pumpkins right in the field. Your family can enjoy other activities as well, such as a pumpkin maze, face painting, and guessing the weight of a painted pumpkin. A craft store is also on site where they offer Indian corn, gourds, mini and pie pumpkins straw bales, corn stalks and more for your fall and Halloween decorating needs. Enjoy a cookie and some apple cider and your family outing is complete!
Location: 20354 N Dixie Hwy, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone: (419) 409-0252
Dates: Month of October
Hours: Weekdays: Noon til Dark, Saturday: 10 til Dark, Sunday: 11 til Dark
Cost: Varies depending on purchase Admission is FREE
Website: http://bowlinggreenchristmastrees.com/pumpkin-farm.php
Country Lane Tree Farm Fall Festival Weekends
No other farm in NW Ohio or Michigan allows you to wander through their farm, alongside of peacocks, ducks and chickens, hold baby ducks, chicks and bunnies, and then feed all of their farm animals. Milking their REAL cow is always a big hit with the kids and adults! In addition to the farm tours, Fall season brings the Fall Festival that features 10 acre U-Pick pumpkin patch, a FREE Hayride, Family Farm Animal Tours, and NW Ohio’s ONLY Haunted Hayride! (see Panic in the Pines)
Location: 3525 N Bolander Rd, Genoa, OH 43430
Phone: (419) 461-1298
Dates: OCTOBER 5,6, 12,13, 19,20 and 26,27
Hours: SATURDAY and SUNDAY 11 am to 4 pm – NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED!!! Last Admission 3 PM. (All activities end at 4 PM!)
Cost: FALL FESTIVAL WEEKEND ADMISSION PRICES: Children under 2 are FREE, 3yrs – 12 yrs -$10/person, Adults – $5/person, Active Military – FREE
Website: https://www.countrylanetreefarm.com/
Little Boo At the Zoo
Little Boo is the pre-school pirates’ and princesses’ chance to delight without the fright! Toddlers and preschool aged children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to trick or treat throughout the Zoo and enjoy crafts and games sized just for them.
Location: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
Dates: Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: $8 for Members’ Children, $18 for Non-Members Children & $18 for Non-Members Adults
Website: https://www.toledozoo.org/boo
Pumpkin Path
Pumpkin Path is when the Halloween fun really comes alive at the Toledo Zoo! In addition to costumed trick or treating for all ages, there will also be games, artistic pumpkin carving demonstration, bounce houses and magic shows to entertain all the ghosts and goblins!
Location: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
Dates: Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $8 for Members’ Children, $18 for Non-Members Children & $18 for Non-Members Adults
Website: https://www.toledozoo.org/pumpkinpath
Sandpiper Fall Color Cruise
Travel down the Maumee and enjoy the fall festival of color. Make sure to bring your camera for some of the most beautiful views along the Maumee River. As the leaves change, the river becomes even more breathtaking. This 2-hour cruise will leave you counting down the days until the next Sandpiper season.
Location: The Sandpiper is docked at Water Street and Jefferson Avenue in Downtown Toledo. For GPS directions to the dock, use this address: 1 Jefferson Avenue Toledo, Ohio
Phone: (419) 537-1212
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays in October @ 1pm and 4pm
Cost: Adults are $19 Children are $11 (12 and under) reserve your spot online today!
Website: https://www.sandpiperboat.com/public-cruises/
Sandpiper Halloween Boo Cruise
Halloween BOO! Cruise is a family-friendly experience for kids of all ages. This 30-minute cruise features Halloween treats and fun. Dress to impress!
Location: The Sandpiper is docked at Water Street and Jefferson Avenue in Downtown Toledo. For GPS directions to the dock, use this address: 1 Jefferson Avenue Toledo, Ohio
Phone: (419) 537-1212
Dates: 24th, 25th, 26th, & 27th of October with various times each day, click on link below for times
Cost: only $5 per riders! Buy Tickets online in advance, these will fill up FAST!
Website: https://www.sandpiperboat.com/calendar
Wheeler Farms Corn Maze
CLOSED DUE TO CROP GROWTH HINDERING THIS SEASON
Location: The Corn Maze 11455 Obee Rd. Whitehouse, OH 43571
Phone: 419.872.1731
Dates: Closed for the 2019 Season
Hours: Friday: 5pm – 11pm, Saturday: Noon – 11pm, & Sunday: Noon – 8pm
Cost: Adults (12-64):$10, Youth (4-11): $8, 65 & Over: $9, Under 3: Free with Adult
Website: http://www.wheelerfarms.com/corn-maze/
PANIC IN THE PINES
Panic in the Pines is located deep within a 150 year old farm. Climb onto the hayride that takes you out into the Forest of Pines where flesh eating zombies are lurking around each twist and turn…waiting for the right victim.
Enter if you dare into the Haunted Woods….where a crazed Psych Doctor and his staff work to keep the current patients locked up and try to pick out a few new ones to stay!
The Haunted Trail will take you back to what you may believe to be happy memories of childhood play…. BUT games can be misleading and not what they seem.
Haunt ticket booth opens at 7PM!
Location: 3525 N Bolander Rd. Genoa, OH 43430
Phone: (419) 461-1298
Dates: October 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th
Hours: 8-10pm…The first hayride of the night starts promptly at 8PM! All 3 haunts are outside so dress appropriately.
Cost: 3 Haunts- 1 price! $20 purchase tickets online, click link below
Website: http://www.panicinthepines.com/
Wolcott Heritage Complex
Enjoy an afternoon of family time together. Listen to live music or enjoy a story at the log house. Youngsters can make a craft to take home and so much more. Cost: Free!
Location: 1035 River Rd, Maumee, OH 43537
Phone: (419) 893-9602
Hours: Saturday and Sundays from 12:00-4:30 (Tours Saturday at 12:30 and 2:30pm)
Cost: FREE
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/maumeevalleyhistoricalsociety/museum-complex
Children’s Halloween Pizza Train
Magician Andrew Martin performs as Count Wakula. Includes pizza, salad, bread sticks, dessert and pop, coloring activities, costume contest with prizes, cider and doughnuts, and two hour train ride!
Location: 301 E Adrian St, Blissfield, MI 49228
Phone: (888) 467-2451
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2019 Board @ 4:30PM leaves @ 5:00PM
Cost: $34.00 Adults, $22.00 Children (2-12)
Website: https://www.murdermysterydinnertrain.com/
Sauder’s Village Family Fun Nights
There is something magical about being in the Village after hours! Register now to take part in their annual Fall Family Fun Night! Take a trolley ride, learn about pioneer life, decorate a pumpkin, warm up with some hot cocoa and enjoy a snack, take an evening train ride and other activities fun for everyone in the family. Space is limited, so register early!
Location: 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, Ohio 43502
Phone: Register early, call 419.446.2541 or 800.590.9755
Dates: Friday & Saturday, October 18 & 19, 2019
Hours: 6:00 – 8:00 pm each evening
Cost: $13 for adults, $7 for children (4-16) and children 3 & under are free. Discounted rates available for members. Pre-registration is required!
Website: https://saudervillage.org/classes-events/details/2019/10/18/default-calendar/fall-family-fun-nights
Garrison Ghost Walks at Fort Meigs
Come to Fort Meigs for a “spirited” stroll this fall at the Garrison Ghost Walk. Tour the fort with your 1812 guide and encounter the spookier side of this historic place. The whole family will enjoy hearing tales from the past, and while the ghosts may not be real, the fun certainly is! Proceeds from this event go to the Old Northwest Military History Association, the volunteer association for Fort Meigs. (Advanced Tickets required, Online ONLY)
Location: Fort Meigs 29100 W. River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551
Phone: (419) 874-4121
Dates: October 18-19 & 25-26, 2019
Times: 7 & 8:30PM (For ALL) 8:45 & 9PM (Adults ONLY)
Cost: $10 ages 13+, $5 ages 6-12, Not recommended for ages 5 and under
Website: http://www.fortmeigs.org/
Valentine Theatre Silver screen Classic, Young Frankenstein!
Young Frankenstein is a 1974 American horror comedy film, directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character–a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The supporting cast includes Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Richard Haydn and Gene Hackman. Tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the box office window one hour prior to the show. Tickets are only $5 and Tall Drafts, Full Bar, and Popcorn are available for purchase!
Location: 410 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: 419.242.3490
Date: Friday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
OctoBOOfest Downtown Perrysburg
Join Downtown Perrysburg Inc for another fun OctoBOOfest event, sponsored by Mercy Health. OctoBOOfest is their annual Fall festival filled with family fun events, including trick or treating, costume parades, and scavenger hunts. Click on website for more information on the fun activities to come!
Location: Downtown Perrysburg
Date: October 26th 11am-3pm
Cost: Admission is FREE
Website: : https://www.facebook.com/events/2412352012330908/
Hoen’s Greenhouse Autumn Harvest Festival
Bring the entire family for a weekend of warm autumn cheer at the Autumn Harvest Festival. Enjoy delicious eats and fall treats around a warm bonfire, a relaxing tractor hayride around the farm, or search the pumpkin patch for unique pumpkins and gourds. They’ll have a petting farm with some of your favorite barn animals, pony rides for the little ones, and plenty more outdoor activities and crafts for kids of all ages.
Location: 1710 Perrysburg Holland Rd, Holland, OH 43528
Phone: (419) 865-6566
Dates: To be Announced
Cost: Varies depending on activities/purchases admission is FREE
Website: https://www.facebook.com/hoensgardencenter/
Roche de Bouef Festival in Waterville
The Roche de Boeuf Festival has something for the entire family to enjoy. Children will love the kids zone and parents can shop for beautiful art and one of a kind items. Take a journey back in time with Pioneer Village, see amazing cars in the car show, and enjoy wonderful music and entertainment throughout the day. The Roche de Boeuf Parade is the cornerstone of the Roche de Boeuf Festival. Local bands and organizations make their way through downtown Waterville as a kickoff to the Festival. Parade begins on Farnsworth Rd. The parade starting point will be on Farnsworth at Michigan Street. The parade will then proceed east onto Farnsworth to River Road and then to Waterworks Park.
Location: FREE Shuttle Service, pick-up locations Conrad Park next to the Waterville Library (800 Michigan Ave) and Waterville Landings (J&R Contracting) 1300 Michigan Ave.
Date: September 28, 2019
Hours: Parade Starts at 10 AM and Festival 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost: FREE admission
Website: https://watervillechamber.com/roche-de-boeuf-parade-and-festival/
43rd Applebutter Fest Grand Rapids Ohio
What is Applebutter Fest? It’s historical reenactments, pioneer demonstrations, crafts, live music, food, and family fun along the beautiful Maumee River!
Location: Click on website for specifics….where to park and what streets will be closed
Phone: N/A
Date: October 13th, 2019
Hours: 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Cost: There are no participation fees other than a $15 per vehicle parking fee that provides the operating funds for the Fest. Parking in the official lots is sincerely appreciated!
Website: http://www.applebutterfest.org/
Downtown Sylvania Fall Festival and Parade!
A longstanding Sylvania tradition, the Sylvania Fall Festival returns this year with several dozen food, craft, informational and other vendor booths will line Main Street, Tree City’s historical throughway. Everybody’s perennial favorite, the fall festival parade, will energize the town from Monroe to Main Street. Catch a stage performance at the corner of Main and Maplewood, explore Sylvania Historical Village and celebrate community when you join us for the 34rd Annual Sylvania Fall Festival!
Location: Downtown Sylvania
Phone: 419.882.2135
Date: Sunday, October 20th, 2019 10AM-4PM
Cost: FREE admission
Website: https://www.sylvaniachamber.org/sylvania-fall-festival/
The Shops at Fallen Timbers Truck or Treat
Bring the kids out in Costume for a family afternoon of Truck or Treat, Dance party, and Costume Contest! This FREE event is one for the whole family! Let the kids explore some of their favorite “big trucks” and get some early trick- or- treating done! Enjoy spooky Sounds, Character interactions, & Treats!
This event will be located at the Main entrance of the mall, in front of Men’s Warehouse/Dillard’s
Location: The Shops at Fallen Timbers – Maumee, OH 3100 MAIN STREET, Maumee, Ohio 43537
Phone: (419) 740-7080
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Hours: 11 AM – 2 PM
Cost: FREE
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1379951865498296/
THINGS THAT GO! at Levis Commons
Get up close and personal with all your favorite things that GO at this year’s THINGS THAT GO SHOW at Levis Commons. Live Music From Mike Szafarowicz Music 10am -2pm, Free Train Rides On The JR Express, See ProMedica Air land at the event at Noon. Visit with the pilot and see the inside of the helicopter from Noon-2pm (weather, wind and emergency dependent), and much MORE, for full list of trucks click on link below…
Location: The Town Center at Levis Commons 3201 Levis Commons Blvd Perrysburg, OH 43551
Phone: (419) 931-8888
Date: October 5th
Hours: 10am-2pm
Website: https://www.shopleviscommons.com/event/Things-That-GO-Show/2145530884/
Want to add to the list? Email momonthegoinholytoledo@gmail.com
This is one of my Favorites!! Between the classical music playing, watching the delicate fluttering of the gorgeous butterflies, and the general warm embrace of the atmosphere my blood pressure lowers instantly….and kiddos absolutely adore visiting. They look forward to every May 1st because that’s the day the Butterfly House Opens!!! FYI-the land is gorgeous and there is a picnic table available so pack lunches and make an afternoon of it!!
The Sandpiper is a 100-passenger cruise vessel located on the Maumee River. The boat is available for private and public rides from May through October. There are a variety of cruise options throughout the summer but our favorite is FRIDAY NIGHT FAMILY CRUISE Bring the whole family for a fun 2-hour cruise on the Maumee and enjoy the dusk views of Downtown Toledo, area wildlife, and stately homes. Bring a picnic or order Marco’s Pizza to be delivered to the boat before departure: (419) 698-1511, (don’t forget to let them know you’ll be on The Sandpiper! Note: All public cruises are BYOB)
“The Schoonmaker was unsurpassed in both size and elegance. On her maiden trip, she carried 12,650 net tons of coal from Toledo, Ohio to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The ship held the title of “Queen of the Lakes” as the largest ship operating on the Great Lakes until April 14, 1914”. And you and your kiddos can step aboard!! Tour this magnificent ship and get awesome, pics aboard (I may have dressed my kiddos in sailor suit inspired outfits and taken pics-still my favorites!) and of the Toledo Skyline! FYI-This one is totally worth the membership!!
Indian Creek Zoo is a unique place that offers camel rides and up-close viewing of exotic animals such as Zebras, Camels, Emus, Wallabies, Donkeys, Coatimundi, Alligators and Peacocks and many more! My kiddos have an absolute blast each time they visit!
Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to 5/3rd Field. Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks. I don’t care if I never get back. Let me root, root, root for the Mud Hens…and get my pic with Muddy and Madonna!! Get your tickets now and enjoy a fun filled family friendly America pastime.
Registered Kids Receive 2 FREE GAMES Of Bowling Each Day Of The KBF Program All Summer Long, Valued At Over $500 Per Child!
May 18th 10am-4pm @ Side Cut (Silver Lake Area)
Goodbye school days and hello pool days, summer camps, & road trips!!!
We arrived at Providence Metropark and enjoyed the modern amenities (plumbing, flushing toilets, running fresh water, etc.) and then made our way across the bridge where we were taken back to the year 1876. 
The flux capacitor could not have done a more superior job! As we strolled up to purchase our ticket for The Volunteer, the mule-drawn canal boat, the attendant was dressed in 1876 period costume with a long prairie dress, apron, bonnet,…the works!
Before boarding The Volunteer, we received some background information on the time period from one of the crew members who was also dressed in a period costume circa 1870s. As we boarded the canal boat we were officially submersed in 1876, just as Marty McFly was asked about his “life preserver” I feared I might be questioned about my pants! Lol! The canal crew stayed 100% in character, it was fascinating!!
We learned so much about canal life while aboard the 60 foot replica of a “state-packet” boat. First and foremost the pace of life back then was extremely slow compared to our modern day Wi-Fi speeds and instant gratification addictions. The two-mule team pulled The Volunteer at a whopping 4 MPH. I must admit there was something inviting, comforting, and even enjoyable about slowing down our speed and soaking in a glimpse of what life was like back in the 1870s.
Lock #44 is one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks!! It was fascinating watching the crew spring to action to open and close the lock. To be able to literally view and feel The Volunteer, being lifted 4 feet and then lowered was amazing. 
And to think, these 19th century canal boats carrying passengers and freight from Toledo to Cincinnati were where it all began, was the modern day means for transporting materials for commerce back then…that is until those “metal monstrosities” (railroads/trains) which eventually replaced the 4MPH canal boats. 
The staff/ volunteers manning the mill were also in period costumes and did a remarkable job illustrating how the antique milling equipment operates. 
The gentleman expressed the process so fluently that even my kindergartner was fascinated. 
We were able to witness the mechanics involved with the process of milling used in the 1800’s and there was products produced at the mill available for purchase. 
Kiddos can’t wait to go back and see artisan demonstrate crafts like tinsmithing, candlemaking, blacksmithing, etc.
Plan your trip today….go back to the future!!