20+ Things to Do This Weekend at Hidden Valley Orchards
It’s the question that comes up every single week: what are we going to do this weekend? If you want something that gets everyone outside, works for all ages, and doesn’t take a spreadsheet to plan, the answer is closer than you think. Just up North State Route 48 in Lebanon, Ohio, Hidden Valley Orchards is a working family farm packed with more than 20 things to do all in one place.
From orchard activities and farm-fresh food to live music and hands-on family fun, here’s your go-to list of things to do this weekend at Hidden Valley Orchards. Mix and match a few, or spend the whole day there’s more than enough to fill it.
What makes it such a reliable answer to the weekend question is variety in one spot. Instead of driving to a park, then a restaurant, then somewhere for the kids to play, you get all of it on a single farm which means less planning, less driving, and more time actually enjoying the day together.
Quick answer: Hidden Valley Orchards offers 20+ weekend activities, including the Apple Play Yard, corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, cider donuts, live music, and seasonal farm fun. Entry to the farm is free, the Apple Play Yard requires a ticket, and some events ask for a quick RSVP. Offerings change with the season, so check the Farm Calendar for what’s on this weekend.
Orchard Activities & Seasonal Farm Fun
This is the heart of the farm hands-on activities that make the most of a real working orchard. Some are seasonal, so a few of these shine most as summer turns to fall.
1. Play in the Apple Play Yard The farm’s ticketed activity area packs in 30+ attractions, from Sproutsville Tiny Town and the Apple Crate Crawl to Grain Bin Basketball and the Hillside Slide. It’s the anchor of a big farm day for kids and your wristband allows re-entry throughout the same day, so you can break for lunch and come back.
2. Find your way through the corn maze Wind through the twists and turns of the corn maze, a classic farm challenge that’s fun for the whole family.
3. Take a hayride Climb aboard for a relaxed ride around the farm and take in the orchard scenery the easy way.
4. Wander the sunflower field Stroll through rows of sunflowers for a picture-perfect moment and a bright, cheerful walk.
5. Pick your own pumpkins When the season is right, head to the pumpkin patch for U-pick pumpkins straight from the field.
6. Meet the animals at the petting zoo Say hello to the farm’s friendly animals, always a favorite stop for younger kids.
7. Explore the Bee Barn & Exhibition Garden Peek at the observation hives and wander the exhibition garden in this outdoor-classroom corner of the farm.
8. See how apples become cider The on-site cidery turns fresh-picked apples into crisp cider, a fun bit of farm know-how the kids will remember.
Food & Drink Worth the Trip
Half the fun of a farm weekend is eating your way through it. Hidden Valley has several spots, each with its own specialty, so you can graze slowly across the day rather than sitting down for one big meal. Here are the tastes worth planning around.
9. Grab warm apple cider donuts The Great Barn’s old-fashioned cider donuts are a must warm, fresh, and hard to stop at just one.
10. Treat yourself to a caramel apple or Big Barn Bun Fresh apples dipped in house-made caramel, or a warm, cinnamon-swirled Big Barn Bun both are farm favorites.
11. Fuel up at the Orchard Kitchen Savory staples like crispy chicken sandwiches, burgers, hand-breaded tenders, and waffle-cut fries keep a full day going.
12. Share a French bread pizza at the Pizza Barn Fresh-baked French Bread Pizzas are made for sharing and Pizza Night rolls around every Thursday.
13. Build a meal at The Farm Stand Sandwiches, salads, sundaes, and slushies make this the grab-and-go stop that keeps everyone happy.
14. Cool off with an apple cider slushie Head to The Crate Room for apple cider slushies, signature "Croptails," and local craft beer a treat for grown-ups and kids alike.
15. Scoop up some ice cream Finish with a scoop in a fresh waffle cone or a layered Hidden Valley Sundae topped with a house-made donut.
Family Experiences & Kids' Activities
Some of the best weekend moments are the simple, hands-on ones. These are built especially with kids and families in mind.
One thing parents tend to appreciate: the pace here is gentle. Between quiet story mornings, easy animal encounters, and open space to roam, younger kids get a full, happy day without the overstimulation of a busier attraction. It’s an easy environment for caregivers, too, with plenty of shade, seating, and food close at hand.
16. Settle in for weekend Story Time A calm, cozy farm morning for toddlers and young kids, offered Friday through Sunday. An RSVP is requested.
17. Say hi at Meet the Animals Each weekend, a different farm animal comes out to the Social Lawn for a free, up-close experience for kids and families.
18. Bring a toddler to Toddler Farm Adventures A weekly experience designed for little ones ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers.
19. Make a day of Learn & Play Thursdays Discounted Play Yard admission plus a free farm learning experience at noon meet animals, get close to wildlife, and hop on a tractor ride.
20. Let the kids loose in the free play area The play area by the Pizza Barn is open to all guests, so little ones can burn off energy at no extra cost.
Live Music & Weekend Entertainment
When you want your weekend to have a soundtrack, the farm delivers.
21. Catch live music at the Concert Series On select Friday evenings, the outdoor amphitheater fills with live music from around 6 to 9 PM. RSVP for complimentary admission.
22. Join a seasonal celebration Throughout the season, weekends bring bigger events from summer favorites like Peach Days and Summer Palooza to festive fall gatherings.
23. Gather around a campfire Reserve a campfire for a cozy, classic way to cap off an evening on the farm with friends or family.
Free Things to Do on the Farm
One of the best parts about Hidden Valley: a lot of the fun costs nothing at all. Entry and parking are free, and so is exploring most of the grounds.
24. Explore the grounds Wander the Great Lawn, visit the waterfall, cross the covered bridge, and stroll past the animal paddocks and upper fields all free to enjoy.
25. Relax on the patio near the live music Grab a treat and settle in on the patio to soak up the weekend atmosphere at no cost.
That’s already 25 ways to spend your weekend and depending on the season and the current calendar, you’ll often find even more happening on any given Saturday or Sunday.
Not sure how to fit it all in? You don’t have to. A great half-day looks like the Apple Play Yard plus a round of cider donuts and a stop at the petting zoo. A full day adds a hayride, the corn maze, lunch at the Orchard Kitchen, and Meet the Animals, with live music to close out a Friday evening. Pick a pace that suits your crew. The farm works just as well for a quick outing as it does for a sunup-to-sundown adventure.
Turn It Into a Special Occasion
A weekend visit is also a great excuse to plan something bigger. The farm hosts private events in its historic barns like birthdays, showers, and celebrations and welcomes school and group field trips. If a regular weekend outing has your family dreaming up a party on the farm, it’s an easy next step.
How to Plan Your Weekend Visit
A few quick logistics will make your visit smooth:
● Hours: In the spring and summer season, the farm is open Thursday through Sunday, with different hours each day. Confirm current times on the Plan Your Visit page before you go.
● Free entry & tickets: Entry, parking, and exploring the grounds are free. A ticket is only required for the Apple Play Yard.
● RSVPs: Events like Pizza Night, Story Time, the Concert Series, and Learn & Play Thursdays ask for a quick RSVP, so reserve ahead for the ones you don’t want to miss.
● Getting there: The farm is at 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, OH 45036. Spell out "North" in your GPS to avoid being routed to South Lebanon.
● Come hungry: Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted, but there’s plenty to eat and drink on-site.
Because seasonal activities like the corn maze, hayrides, and U-pick pumpkins rotate throughout the year, the Farm Calendar is always the best place to see exactly what’s happening this weekend.
FAQ
What are the best things to do this weekend near Lebanon, Ohio?
Hidden Valley Orchards is a top pick, with 20+ activities in one place: the Apple Play Yard, corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, cider donuts, live music, and more. It’s an easy, family-friendly option close to home.
Are Hidden Valley Orchards free to visit?
Yes. Entry to the farm, parking, and exploring most of the grounds are free, and some experiences (like Meet the Animals) are free too. A ticket is only required for the Apple Play Yard.
What is there to do at Hidden Valley Orchards with kids?
Plenty Story Time, Meet the Animals, Toddler Farm Adventures, the petting zoo, the free play area, and the Apple Play Yard are all designed with families and young children in mind.
What days are Hidden Valley Orchards open on the weekend?
During the spring and summer season, the farm is open Thursday through Sunday, with hours that vary by day. Check the Plan Your Visit page for the current schedule before you head out.
Do I need to RSVP for weekend events?
Several events including Pizza Night, Story Time, the Concert Series, and Learn & Play Thursdays request an RSVP so the team can manage capacity. Reserving ahead is the best way to secure your spot.
Are the corn maze and hayrides open right now?
Seasonal activities like the corn maze, hayrides, sunflowers, and U-pick pumpkins rotate through the year. The Farm Calendar and Plan Your Visit pages show exactly what’s available this weekend.
Where are Hidden Valley Orchards located?
The farm is at 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, Ohio 45036, in Warren County. Remember to spell out "North" in your GPS to avoid being routed to South Lebanon.
Conclusion
The next time nobody can agree on what to do, let the farm decide for you. With 20+ things to do this weekend, orchard activities, farm-fresh food, live music, and hands-on family fun Hidden Valley Orchards turns an open Saturday or Sunday into the kind of day everyone remembers. And because so much of it is free, you can plan a big outing or a simple one and still leave happy.
Pick a few favorites from the list, check the Farm Calendar for what’s on, and make a plan. Your next great weekend is waiting just up the road in Lebanon, Ohio.
