As summer gives way to crisp air and golden leaves, Toledo transforms into a vibrant autumn escape filled with charm, tradition, and seasonal delights. Whether you’re craving the crunch of leaves underfoot in our scenic Metroparks, the thrill of navigating a corn maze, or the simple joy of sipping cider at a local harvest festival, there’s something for everyone to love. In this guide to the top fall activities in Toledo, Ohio, discover how to make the most of the season—from pumpkin patches and hayrides to cozy, memory-making moments perfect for families, couples, and curious explorers alike.
Written by: Kendahl Plank
8/5/2025
Visit a Local Farm for Fall Favorites and Events
It’s Pumpkin Time in Toledo! Fleitz Pumpkin Farm is a beloved fall tradition, perfect for enjoying all your seasonal favorites. Along with a wide variety of pumpkins, Fleitz offers plenty of free and affordable family-friendly activities, including multiple corn mazes, a corn “sandbox,” hayrides, farm animals, and a straw climbing tower. Be sure to swing by the Snack Shack for freshly made donuts, hot sandwiches, and a refreshing cider slush. The farm is open daily from September 5 through October 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Country Lane Tree Farm is another fantastic fall destination the whole family will love. Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, explore the largest U-Pick Pumpkin Patch in the Toledo area, and don’t miss Fall Family Saturdays throughout October. Feeling brave? Come back after dark for Panic in the Pines, featuring three spine-tingling haunts: a hayride, haunted trail, and eerie walk through the woods. These nighttime scares run Saturdays in October and the first Saturday in November.
Looking for even more pumpkin patch fun? Pumpkin Pete’s & Gwen’s Gourds in Perrysburg offers a classic fall family experience with pumpkins, festive activities, and delicious food truck fare. Or head to Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm, a working farm where visitors can enjoy a hands-on, authentic glimpse into farm life while picking the perfect pumpkin.
Apple Picking at MacQueen’s
Gather your crew and head to one of Toledo’s most cherished fall destinations—MacQueen Orchards. A visit here isn’t just about apple picking; it’s a full seasonal experience perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving crisp air and fresh flavors. At MacQueen Orchards, you can drive your vehicle right into the orchard and wander through rows of trees to pick your own apples straight from the branch. With dozens of apple varieties grown throughout the season—including classics like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Jonagold—you’ll find the perfect pick whether you’re baking, snacking, or making cider. They also grow several varieties of juicy peaches, available in late summer.
Beyond the orchard, MacQueen’s Farm Market offers a delicious selection of house-made bakery treats like apple fritters, fresh pies, donuts, and cider—all perfect for taking a little bit of fall home with you. Their shelves are also stocked year-round with seasonal produce, much of it locally grown, along with jams, jellies, sauces, and other pantry goodies.
Before you leave, be sure to stop into Martha’s Gift Shop & Boutique, located right on the farm. You’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of unique gifts, home décor, and seasonal items that add a cozy finishing touch to your visit. Whether you’re in it for the apples, the donuts, or just the nostalgic fall vibes, MacQueen Orchards is a must-stop this season.
Explore a Park
From colorful leaf-peeping to hands-on outdoor adventures, fall is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of Northwest Ohio—and there’s no better place to do it than Metroparks Toledo. With 19 parks and over 12,000 acres to discover, each Metropark offers something unique for visitors of all ages and interests. Climb a tree with the help of a trained guide, test your aim at an archery range, hit the mountain biking trails, or plan a weekend backpacking trip. If a slower pace is more your style, bring your camera and enjoy endless opportunities for scenic photography among the fall foliage.
Don’t miss Providence Metropark, home to the historic Canal Experience, where costumed characters, hands-on activities, and a working canal boat bring Ohio’s 1800s canal era to life. It’s a family favorite and a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Looking for even more autumn adventure? Maumee Bay State Park delivers with beautiful views along Lake Erie, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and camping options—from rustic sites to a cozy lodge stay. You can also enjoy a round of golf, explore the wetlands boardwalk, or simply soak in the serenity of the season.
Whether you’re chasing fall colors, planning a weekend getaway, or just want a day outside in the crisp autumn air, Toledo’s parks and public lands are ready to welcome you..
Enjoy a Fall Color Cruise on The Sandpiper
Climb aboard the Sandpiper Boat this October for a relaxing Fall Color Cruise along the Maumee River. This peaceful ride offers a front-row seat to Northwest Ohio’s brilliant autumn colors—perfect for enjoying the crisp air and capturing stunning seasonal photos. Pack a picnic lunch and unwind as you take in the scenic views from the water.
Families won’t want to miss the Halloween BOO! Cruise, a festive 30-minute outing filled with Halloween treats, kid-friendly fun, and plenty of smiles for all ages.
Be sure to check the Sandpiper’s cruise calendar for a full list of fall excursions and themed river rides throughout the season.
Explore Northwest Ohio’s Craft Brew Scene
Northwest Ohio’s craft beer scene is pouring with personality, flavor, and hometown pride. From Toledo’s Warehouse District to the surrounding small towns, local breweries are crafting everything from hop-forward IPAs and rich stouts to inventive seasonal brews that reflect the region’s character.
Whether you’re sipping a flight on the patio at Maumee Bay Brewing Company, enjoying live music with your pint at Inside the Five, or discovering hidden gems like Findlay Brewing Co. or Twin Oast, there’s always something new on tap. Many breweries also offer locally sourced food, laid-back atmospheres, and special events that make them perfect hangouts year-round. For beer lovers and curious tasters alike, Northwest Ohio serves up a welcoming and ever-evolving craft beer experience worth raising a glass to.
Cheer on the Rockets
You can’t celebrate fall in Toledo without UToledo football! The University of Toledo Rockets are back with an exciting season ahead, bringing big plays and even bigger energy to the historic Glass Bowl Stadium.
With six home games on the schedule, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, including the can’t-miss Battle of I-75 rivalry against Bowling Green State University. Whether you’re tailgating with friends, cheering from the student section, or introducing the next generation to Rocket pride, there’s nothing like game day in Toledo. Throw on your midnight blue and gold, and head to UTRockets.com for tickets, game day info, and the full season schedule. Go Rockets!
Explore by Lantern Light
Experience Fort Meigs: Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield after dark! Led by costumed guides, guests will tour the fort by lantern light, witness a nighttime musket demonstration, and experience the historic battlefield as soldiers did during the War of 1812. For a more spooky experience, go on one of their Garrison Ghost Walks! Each summer during Fort Meigs’ living history encampments, strange lights and sounds, along with the appearance of soldiers long dead have been reported by staff, volunteers, and visiting re-enactors.
Fort Meigs, named after then Governor of Ohio, Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., was first built as a reaction to British attacks on American forts in the Northwest Territory during the War of 1812. It was built in what is now Perrysburg, Ohio, on a bluff overlooking the Maumee River rapids. Ground was broken on February 2, 1813 under the orders of General William Henry Harrison, who wanted to fortify the region. Throughout the next three months professional soldiers and militiamen alike persevered through cold winter weather and mud that would at times be knee-deep. Despite horrid weather and disease in the camp, the American army was able to complete Fort Meigs by the end of April, 1813, just in time for a British attack.
Harvest Fest at The Toledo Zoo
October fun kicks off at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium with Little Boo at the Zoo! Toddlers and preschool aged children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo and enjoy puppet shows, strolling magic, pumpkin carving demos and all kinds of fun festivities.
Get your costumes ready for Pumpkin Path and enjoy costumed trick-or-treating for all ages. Other activities include games, pumpkin carving demonstrations, Boo-tacular Play Area, Jack-o-lantern Express Train and TSA Glass City Steel Drums performances to entertain all the ghosts and goblins. Kids aren’t the only ones who like to get into the Halloween spirit, the animals like to partake too!
The whole month of October is Harvest Fest —a fantastic fall festival included with general Zoo admission featuring giant pumpkin displays, pumpkin animal displays, seasonal food and beverage offerings and autumn-inspired activities — all among a vibrant display of beautiful fall flora. Visit during the Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp and observe the animals as they discover pumpkins in their exhibits.
Fall Family Fun at Sauder Village
What better way to welcome in the fall season than a trip to Sauder Village? Enjoy a hands-on opportunity as you explore the many ways our ancestors sustained themselves by preparing for the fall harvest and winter from making cider, churning butter, playing old-fashioned games and pumpkin decorating to creating leaf art and helping with fall planting.
Check out the entire fall events calendar at Sauder Village here.
