As the long days of summer slowly fade, a vibrant tapestry of colors emerge, signifying the arrival of fall. Toledo, with its enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, becomes an idyllic destination to celebrate this magical season. Embark on a journey through Toledo's most unforgettable fall activities, where moments of wonder, discovery, and delight await at every turn. From leaf-peeping at our scenic metro parks to indulging in harvest-inspired outings, and embracing the cozy spirit of the season, Toledo beckons you to immerse yourself fully in these captivating autumn activities!

 

Visit a Local Farm for Fall Favorites and Events

It’s Pumpkin Time! Fleitz Pumpkin Farm is a great spot for all your favorite fall staples. In addition to a massive selection of pumpkins, Fleitz offers all sorts of free and affordable family-friendly activities including multiple corn mazes, a corn “sandbox”, hayrides, farm animals and a straw climbing tower. Don’t forget to stop by the Snack Shack for freshly-made donuts, hot sandwiches or a cider slush. Fleitz Pumpkin Farm is open daily starting early September through fall from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

Country Lane Tree Farm is another perfect fall destination. Bring the whole family out for tons of animal encounters, the largest U-Pick Pumpkin Patch in the Toledo area and awesome events like Fall Family Festival Weekends open every Saturday and Sunday in October. For the brave, come out for Panic in the Pines featuring three haunts: a Hayride, Trail, and Woods all five Saturdays in October. Check back soon for updated event details!

If you are looking for other pumpkin patch and farm experiences, Pumpkin Pete's & Gwen's Gourds is another fall pumpkin patch destination in Perrysburg which offers the quintessential fall family experience along with tasty food truck offerings! Then there is Gust Brother's Pumpkin Farm, which is a working farm that provides a real farm experience to all visitors.

 

Apple Picking at MacQueen's

Grab your gang and get ready to pick some apples! MacQueen Orchards allows you to drive your vehicle right into the orchard and pick your own apples. MacQueen grows dozens of apple varieties and several varieties of peaches, plus they sell a large variety of tasty bakery items and seasonal locally grown vegetables year-round. Don’t forget to stop by Martha’s Gift Shop and Boutique on the grounds for unique gifts. 

Visit one of Toledo's 19 Metroparks

From quality leaf peeping to fun family activities, there’s few better places to be in the fall than Metroparks Toledo. With 19 Metroparks and 12,000 acres to explore, each park offers something unique. Try your hand at tree climbing, archery, mountain biking, backpacking and more. If photography is more your speed, there’s no shortage of opportunities for great shots. Check out “The Spot” at Oak Openings to capture the amazing scenery of endless towering trees (they call it “The Spot” for good reason).

 

 Adams Street Zombie Crawl

Photo by: The Toledo Blade

Join thousands of the undead to swarm UpTown for the annual Adam’s Street Zombie Crawl on Saturday, October 7 on Adams Street between 11th - 21st. Get creative with your scary make-up, flesh wounds, blood smear and tattered clothes to match as this event attracts thousands in the best zombie costumes to party like the night of the living dead. This event is 21+ so leave the kiddos at home, don’t forget your I.D. and be sure to read the Zombie Crawl Survival Guide beforehand!


Enjoy a Fall Color Cruise on The Sandpiper

Travel down the Maumee River on a Fall Color Cruise in October to enjoy the fall festival of color on the Sandpiper Boat. Make sure to bring your camera for some of the most beautiful photo opportunities along the Maumee and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy. The Halloween BOO! Cruise is a also a family-friendly 30-minute cruise experience for kids of all ages filled with Halloween treats and lots of fun. See the Sandpiper calendar for the complete schedule of cruise offerings.

 

Hop on the 419 Ale Trail!

Why should kids have all the fun this fall? Hop on the 419 Ale Trail to begin your northwest Ohio craft beer adventure. The Trail includes dozens of breweries and participants have until June 17, 2024 to complete it, so plan on making several trips to experience all the locations!

To begin your journey, download the free, mobile-exclusive passport at 419AleTrail.com to check in at participating breweries and craft beverage makers located in Toledo and throughout 10 counties in northwest Ohio. Trailblazers can win prizes as they check in to the breweries and receive entries into the grand prize drawing. A number of breweries provide special discounts to redeem along the way and fall is the perfect time to explore, so get out and get started today!

 

Cheer on the Rockets!

Photo by: University of Toledo

You can’t celebrate fall without football! University of Toledo Rocket Football is back with an exciting 2023 season schedule lined up. Don your midnight blue and gold and grab your tickets for a home game at the Glass Bowl.

This season brings 6 home games to the Glass Bowl Stadium and 6 away games including the battle for i-75 rivalry against Bowling Green State University on November 14!

Check out all the home games below: 

Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. | UT vs. Texas Southern
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 3:30 p.m. | UT vs. San Jose State
Saturday, September 23, 2023 | TBA | UT vs. Western Michigan
Saturday, September 30, 2023 | 3:30 p.m. | UT vs. Northern Illinois - Homecoming!
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 | TBA | UT vs. Buffalo
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 | TBA | UT vs. Eastern Michigan

 

Go on a Ghost Walk

Photo by: Fort Meigs

Experience Fort Meigs: Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield after dark on a "spirited" stroll! The Garrison Ghost Walks occur in October each year. Tour the fort with your 1812 guide after dark and encounter the spookier side of this historic place. The whole family will enjoy hearing tales from the past and maybe encounter an otherworldly experience! 

Hop on the 419 Brew Bus for an exclusive ghostly tour to some of the most haunted spots in and around Toledo. Visit a one-time brothel listed on the National Register of Historic Places still haunted by spirts from the past, then take a lantern-guided Garrison Ghost Walk to experience ghostly tales at Fort Meigs battlefield.

 

Boo! at The Toledo Zoo

Photo by The Toledo Zoo

October fun kicks off at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium with Little Boo at the Zoo in October 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

Photo by 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 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.

Believe it or not, this is just the beginning of all the things to do in Toledo this fall! For a full list of upcoming fall events, check out our complete Calendar of Events.

Don't forget to capture all your memories you'll be making and share them with us @ToledoCVB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and use #ThisIsToledo!