A farm in Ohio claims America’s longest super slide, and it stretches 311 feet. That’s a whole lot of slide to find on a farm with apple orchards and a pumpkin patch.
The surprises kept coming as I read about these places. One orchard has been in the same family since 1879. Another lets kids meet a micro Highland cow named Fiona.
A third hides eight wooden pumpkins inside its corn maze, like a scavenger hunt with stalks.
I love that none of this requires a plane ticket or a hotel room. A full tank of gas, a free Saturday, and a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting muddy will do the job.
I’d happily spend a crisp fall afternoon wandering through a corn maze, enjoying fresh apple cider donuts, and soaking up the colorful countryside. There’s something about a simple day on the farm that makes autumn feel even more special.
1. Mapleside Farms
Most farms brag about apples, but this one also brags about a slide that’s 311 feet long. Mapleside calls it America’s longest super slide, and that’s a fun claim to test with your own two legs.
The farm sits on 146 acres in Brunswick with valley views that stretch about 60 miles. It’s often nicknamed America’s Most Beautiful Farm, and the hilltop setting makes that easy to understand.
Fall weekends bring Pumpkin Village, which is the main event for families. You’ll find a 7-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch where you pick your own, and a 70-foot jumping pillow billed as the largest in Ohio.
Got a little dinosaur fan at home? The Valley of the Dinosaurs is a wooded walk-through with a mission called Search for Scout Dino Detective.
History runs deep here too. The farm dates back to 1927, and the Eyssen family shaped it for decades, including Apple Bill Eyssen, who was tied to the farm for 83 years.
Greg and Kelly Clement bought the place in 2010 and have kept adding new things. They’ve built on that long legacy instead of starting over, which is a pretty nice way to treat a family landmark.
A smart plan is to hit the maze early and save the slide for later. Tired kids zooming down 311 feet makes for a great ending to the day.
Bring a camera for that valley view, because phones rarely do big skies justice. And check the farm’s schedule before you go, since some events need tickets and can sell out fast.
Address: 294 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212
2. Jackson Family Farm
Cows walking right up to your hay wagon for a snack? That’s part of the hayride at Jackson Family Farm, and it might be the most charming traffic jam in Ohio.
High school sweethearts Jason and Jessica Jackson started this working farm in 2009. Their goal is simple: share the fun side of farm life with families.
The Fall Harvest Festival runs on weekends, and it’s packed with things to do. You can tackle a four-acre corn maze or hunt for the right pumpkin in the patch.
U-pick pumpkins cost a little extra, so plan for that before you start loading up. Kids also get a giant pumpkin jump pad, plus a smaller one just for toddlers.
Then come the wild cards. There’s a candy cannon, a barrel train, a mini zipline, and a super mega slide waiting to burn off some energy.
Animal lovers can say hello to pigs, chickens, cows, and goats. Goats tend to steal the show, so don’t be surprised if they get the most photos.
Hungry? The covered Food Barn has picnic tables and serves walking tacos, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and nachos.
Save room for the apple dumplings and pumpkin rolls, which are a big part of the fall menu. Apple cider floats and slushies round things out nicely.
Want to stretch the day into evening? Campfire sites can be reserved on Saturday nights during the festival, which turns a farm trip into a mini getaway.
Before heading home, peek into the farm market for farm-raised beef, pork, and eggs. Grabbing dinner supplies at a farm beats a grocery run any day.
Address: 6760 W. Alexandria Rd., Middletown, OH 45042
3. Cedar Crest Farm
Here’s a fall festival where the cattle aren’t props. Cedar Crest Farm is a working beef and grain farm in Bolivar, and the family has run it since 1959.
Three generations in, the farm still mixes learning with play. That makes it a solid pick if you want kids to see where food actually comes from.
The Fall Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the season. It sits in southern Stark County, so the drive itself comes with plenty of country views.
The corn maze is the centerpiece, and it’s big enough to feel like a real challenge. Afterward, you can browse pumpkins and mums to take home for the porch.
Little ones have plenty to keep them busy. Hayrides, a corn box, a barrel train, a mini zipline, and a super mega slide are all part of the fun.
Live farm animals are on hand too, which fits a place that raises livestock for real. It’s a nice chance to answer the endless questions kids love to ask.
Food comes from the Grosenbaugh Food Truck on site. Home-grown sweet corn and kettle corn are two favorites worth trying.
Don’t skip the farm store on your way out. It carries pre-picked pumpkins, straw bales, and corn stalks for anyone decorating at home.
The pantry shelves add farm-fresh eggs, creamed honey, jams, and other locally made goods. Creamed honey on toast the next morning is a sweet way to remember the trip.
One practical tip matters here. Wear comfortable shoes, since the paths are gravel and dirt on an active farm.
Address: 9755 Shepler Church Avenue Southwest, Bolivar, OH 44612
4. The MAiZE at Little Darby Creek
Six generations of the Rausch family have farmed this land, and they’re celebrating a big milestone. The MAiZE is marking its 25th season, and the maze design honors both that and America 250.
That maze covers 8 acres in Milford Center. It’s the kind of puzzle that turns a quick walk into a real adventure.
Beyond the corn, the list of activities is long. Unlimited rides on the Cow Train and a Low Ropes Course are part of the deal.
Kids can bounce on the Barnyard Bouncer or wander through the Kiddie Maze. A petting zoo and the new Barnyard Rail Riders, where kids power their own ride, add even more.
Now meet the star of the farm. Fiona is a micro Highland cow, and special Highland Hugs Animal Encounters let you get close to her.
Pumpkins are handled with style here. A hayride carries you out to a 6-acre patch, and there’s also a U-Pick Flower Patch for something colorful.
For extra fees, you can try the corn cannon or paintball pandemonium. Those are great picks for older kids who think petting zoos are for babies.
Brave souls should know about the Field of Fright. On select October weekend nights, it becomes a haunted corn maze and barn experience.
When hunger hits, the Feed Bunk serves BBQ pulled pork, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. The Kettle Corn Shack makes homemade kettle corn and flavored popcorn.
Grab a bag for the car ride home. You’ll thank yourself somewhere around mile ten.
Address: 8657 Axe Handle Rd, Milford Center, OH 43045
5. Ramseyer Farms
Fifty-plus attractions on one farm sounds like a typo, but Ramseyer Farms really offers that many. Clear your whole Saturday, because this Wooster spot is built for an all-day visit.
The family has farmed here since 1880, and today the fifth generation keeps it going. That’s a lot of falls to practice getting it right.
Two big corn mazes lead the lineup. The Ohio Maze covers 8 acres, with trail markers sharing facts about Ohio cities and famous people.
Think of it as a field trip disguised as a game. The second option, the Mystery Maze, gets a new theme each year and offers a tougher challenge.
Smaller kids can try the Mini Maze instead. There’s also plenty of pumpkin picking, with both U-pick and pre-picked choices.
Hide and Slide Hill brings serious speed with corn slides and 60-foot slides. Pedal cart race tracks give competitive families another way to settle scores.
For a calmer moment, head to the sunflower field. Zinnias and marigolds are also there for picking, so you can leave with a bouquet.
Food stands are spread across the farm. You’ll find Farmyard Flatbreads, fresh-cut fries at The Fry Factory, and specialty hot dogs at Denny’s Dogs.
The Pretzel Barn handles pretzels, and farm-popped kettle corn covers snack time. That’s a lot of choices for one afternoon.
Want to cook your own dinner? Campfire sites can be rented for roasting hot dogs and s’mores, which is about as fall as it gets.
Address: 4000 Ramseyer Lane, Wooster, OH 44691
6. Patterson Fruit Farm
Seven generations in, the Patterson family is still growing fruit in Chesterland. The farm traces back to 1879, when it sold fruit, eggs, and milk.
Today, a visit comes in two parts. The Farm Market and Bakery sits on Caves Road, while the Family Fun Fest and U-pick fields are on Mulberry Road.
Let’s start with the bakery, because priorities matter. The apple cider donuts are famous here, and homemade pies and fresh produce fill out the shelves.
The market is open year-round, so a donut craving in February can still be fixed. That’s a comforting thought.
Over on Mulberry Road, Family Fun Fest is aimed at kids from preschool through sixth grade. A giant covered straw pile is ready for jumping.
There’s also a 50-foot racing slide, pedal tractors, a corn maze, and wagon rides. Younger kids will probably sleep well that night.
Apple fans have serious options. More than 30 varieties ripen from late August through October, and the pumpkin patch is open too.
On weekends, swing by the Big Red Barn. Purebred Horned Dorset sheep, baby lambs, and Willett the Great Pyrenees are waiting to say hi.
Here’s a bonus most people miss. The Caves Road market is right next to Orchard Hills Park, which has hiking trails and views of Lake Erie.
So grab your donuts, take a walk, and enjoy the lake view. That’s a pretty great way to make a Saturday feel like a vacation.
Address: Farm Market and Bakery: 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, OH 44026; Pick-Your-Own and Family Fun Fest: 8765 Mulberry Road, Chesterland, OH 44026
7. Hillcrest Orchards
Apple cannons might be the best idea anyone ever had for leftover fruit. You’ll find them at Hillcrest Orchards in Amherst, along with a long list of fall fun.
The farm is fifth-generation and family-owned, located not far from Cleveland. It’s an easy drive for a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip.
The Fall Festival runs on weekends and offers more than 20 attractions. U-pick apples and pumpkin patches let you choose your own harvest.
A corn maze and hayrides cover the classics. Then things get playful with a giant sandbox, Tractor Tire Mountain, Trike Raceway, and Slide-o-rama.
Not up for the full festival? The Farm Market is open daily during the season, and you don’t need a festival ticket to shop there.
That’s handy if you just want snacks and a quick dose of fall. And the snacks here are worth the trip.
The homemade apple cider donuts are made fresh daily and sold in different pack sizes. Buying the bigger pack is a decision you won’t regret.
Caramel apples are made with Hillcrest apples and Brummer’s Homemade Chocolates. Fresh cider, kettle corn, and local honey round out the market shelves.
Weekend meals are covered too. The Pizza Patch serves pizza and gourmet pretzels, while the Orchard Grill food truck offers burgers, pulled pork, and fresh-cut fries.
A smart plan is to shop the market last. That way, your donuts make it home instead of disappearing in the parking lot.
Address: 50336 Telegraph Road, Amherst, OH 44001
8. Szalay’s Farm & Market
How many farms can say they sit inside a national park? Szalay’s can, since it’s located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula.
The story began in 1931 as a vegetable farm. Four generations later, it’s known for sweet corn and an old-fashioned farm market.
Sweet corn is the signature item, and the family takes it seriously. The market also stocks fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade goodies.
Fall brings a 3-acre corn maze with a sneaky twist. Eight wooden pumpkins are hidden inside, so you’re not just finding the exit.
Kids love a mission, and this one keeps them focused. The maze area also includes a Spinning Barn for extra fun.
Weekends get even livelier. Three outdoor eateries serve hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, and caramel apples.
Burger fans have options too, including turkey and salmon versions. Kettle corn and live music add to the festive weekend mood.
Location is a big bonus here. Szalay’s sits off the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, so it’s a handy stop during a bike ride or hike.
Picture pedaling through fall leaves and rolling up to fresh corn. That’s an Ohio weekend that feels like a real escape.
One tip before you go: bring cash, since it’s often preferred. An ATM is on site if you forget.
Address: 4563 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
9. Branstool Orchards
Peaches came first at Branstool Orchards, which might surprise anyone who shows up for apples. Marshall Branstool, the son of grain and hog farmers, started the orchard in 1983.
Today it spans 75 acres in the Utica countryside. Apples, peaches, and pears all grow here now.
Fall is apple time, and the choices are impressive. More than 35 varieties are available for picking, from early Honeycrisp to late Pink Lady.
The season usually runs from mid-August through late October. Checking what’s ripe before you go helps you find your favorite.
A new U-pick pumpkin patch adds another reason to visit. Pre-picked pumpkins and gourds are also sold at the market.
Flower lovers can cut their own blooms too. Sunflowers and zinnias make a cheerful souvenir for the kitchen table.
The farm market shelves are stocked with homegrown produce and homemade donuts. Fall flavors include apple cider and pumpkin spice.
You’ll also find local honey, maple syrup, and jams. For a hot snack, The Donut Hut makes fresh cake donuts, and The Happy Apple Eatery food truck serves smash burgers.
Special events add extra fun to the calendar. Applepalooza Apple Celebration happens in September, and pumpkin carving stations show up in October.
Bringing the family dog? Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome, and a free playground gives kids a spot to play.
Address: 5895 Johnstown Utica Rd NE, Utica, OH 43080
10. Derthick’s Corn Maze
Getting lost on purpose is the whole point at Derthick’s. This Mantua farm spreads fall fun across 17 acres, with corn mazes that change design and theme each year.
The family has offered fall entertainment for about 15 years. It’s located in northern Portage County and opens on fall weekends.
Returning visitors get a fresh puzzle each season. That keeps the maze from feeling like a rerun.
Once you find your way out, there’s plenty more. Giant slides, sand piles, a corn box, and trike riding keep kids busy.
The Farm Experience barn is a highlight for younger visitors. Mini donkeys, goats, and Lola the mini cow live there.
Little ones can also ride a bucking-cow train. It’s silly in the best way.
Looking for a bigger thrill? Two traditional harness zip lines give older kids and grown-ups a chance to fly.
A wagon ride takes you out to the pumpkin patch. Picking your own straight from the field beats grabbing one from a store display.
Concessions keep the energy up with lemonade and fresh-cut fair fries. Sausage sandwiches make a filling lunch between maze runs.
Watch the calendar for special events too. Dog Day and Horses, Horses, Horses! give the season some extra personality.
Costumes are encouraged for some Halloween fun, so dress up if you’re feeling bold. A pumpkin costume in a pumpkin patch is hard to beat.
Address: 5182 Twinsburg Warren Rd, Mantua, OH 44255
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