Fall Activities Near Lebanon, Ohio: A Family Bucket List for Autumn
When the leaves start turning and the air gets that first crisp edge, families across Warren County start asking the same question: what are the best fall activities near Lebanon, Ohio? The short answer is that most of your autumn bucket list can be checked off in a single visit to Hidden Valley Orchards. This family farm has welcomed guests since 1956, and today it's grown into one of the region's favorite places to pick a pumpkin, wander a corn maze, catch a hayride, and warm up with a cider donut, all in the same afternoon.
Below is a practical, season-specific bucket list built around what's actually happening on the farm this fall, so you can plan your visit around what your family will enjoy most.
Pick Your Own Pumpkin in the Patch
No fall bucket list is complete without a proper pumpkin patch, and Hidden Valley Orchards dedicates 5 acres to U-Pick pumpkins in every shape, size, and color. Whether you're hunting for a big carving pumpkin, a small pie pumpkin, or a few unusual varieties to dress up the front porch, the fields give you plenty to choose from.
One detail families appreciate: there's no admission charge to walk the pumpkin patch itself. You simply pay for the pumpkins you pick, load up a wagon, and take home exactly what you want. It's an easy add-on to any farm visit, and a natural stop for seasonal photos.
Test Your Sense of Direction in the Corn Maze
For families who want a little more adventure, the 2.5-acre corn maze is the classic autumn challenge. Wander the winding paths, see if you can find your way out without doubling back, and let the kids take the lead on navigation. It's the kind of activity that works for a wide range of ages, from cautious first-timers to older kids who want to "solve" it.
The corn maze is included with an Apple Play Yard ticket, and it's also available to all guests as a standalone add-on for a small fee at the maze entrance. It runs during the same hours as the rest of the farm, so it's easy to fit into a broader day of fall activities.
Climb Aboard a Tractor-Pulled Hayride
A tractor-pulled hayride is one of the most-loved traditions at Hidden Valley, and it's an easy, relaxing way to see the orchard together as a family. You'll get scenic fall views, plenty of photo-worthy moments, and a slower-paced activity that's especially nice for grandparents or younger kids who need a breather between the corn maze and the play yard.
Hayrides run during select weekends and events, weather permitting. Like the corn maze, they're included with an Apple Play Yard ticket and available to other guests as an add-on, depending on the day.
Spend the Day in the Apple Play Yard
If your family wants a full day of activity rather than a quick stop, the Apple Play Yard is where most of that energy goes. It's a ticketed area packed with more than 30 attractions built around a farmyard theme think the Apple Crate Crawl, Hillside Slide, Country Corn Bin, Hay Bale Highway, Sproutsville Tiny Town, Barnyard Roundup, and the Popcorn Pad jumping pillow, along with games like Grain Bin Basketball and the Buckaroo Bale Toss.
General admission runs $10 when the Red Apple Area is open and $16 when both the Red and Green Apple Areas are open, with children under 2 admitted free and discounted senior admission available. Guests receive a wristband for re-entry throughout the day, so families can take breaks for food or a rest without losing their spot.
Meet the Animals at the Petting Zoo
The Petting Zoo is free to enter and a good stop for families with younger kids who want a slower, hands-on experience. Guests can meet goats, sheep, cows, chickens, bunnies, and more, with feed cups available for purchase for those who want to get the animals a little closer. Shaded rest areas, handwashing stations, and staff on-site make it a comfortable stop mid-visit.
Warm Up by a Private Fall Campfire
Once the temperature drops, a campfire reservation turns a farm visit into an evening. Hidden Valley offers a private campfire experience for up to 8 guests, with a 3-hour reservation window, wood, kindling, and fire-starting assistance included. It's a nice option for families wanting a longer, cozier visit, or for a group looking for a low-key date night or gathering under the stars.
Campfires are available Thursday through Sunday, with optional add-ons like a s'mores kit or donut boxes. Because spots are limited each weekend, advance booking is recommended and same-day requests may not be accommodated.
Taste the Flavors of Fall at Hidden Valley
Fall activities work up an appetite, and the farm's food stops lean into the season. The Great Barn serves apple cider starting in September, along with apple cider donuts made with fresh apple cider, caramel apples dipped in house-made caramel, fried pies filled with warm spiced fruit, and soft pumpkin-spiced pumpkin rolls. For something more filling, the Orchard Kitchen and Farm Stand offer sandwiches, burgers, chicken tenders, and salads, while the Pizza Barn serves French bread pizzas on select days.
For the adults in the group, The Crate Room tap room offers a rotating selection of local craft beers alongside signature "Croptails" and apple cider slushies a nice way to end a long day of walking the fields.
Watch for Half Tober Fest on the Farm Calendar
Beyond the day-to-day activities, Hidden Valley hosts seasonal events throughout the fall, including Half Tober Fest. Because event details, dates, and pricing can change from year to year, it's worth checking the farm's calendar before you plan a visit around a specific weekend, especially if you're coordinating a larger group.
Bring the Class (or Co-Op) for a Fall Field Trip
Fall is peak season for school and homeschool field trips, and Hidden Valley offers dedicated Field Trip reservations that make it easy to bring a group. The Petting Zoo, in particular, is available for field trips and private group visits, giving students hands-on time with farm animals as part of an organized outing. If you're a teacher, co-op leader, or group organizer planning a fall trip, it's worth reaching out early, since fall weekdays tend to book up.
Planning Your Fall Visit
A little planning goes a long way when you're juggling pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and a snack stop in the same afternoon. Here's what's helpful to know before you go.
What's Free vs. What Requires a Ticket
General admission to the farm is always free that includes parking, the Great Lawn, the Waterfall, the upper field, animal paddocks, the Petting Zoo, and the play area by the Pizza Barn. The Apple Play Yard is the one area that requires a paid ticket, and the corn maze and hayride are included with that ticket or available as small add-ons for guests who skip the play yard.
Hours and Getting There
Hidden Valley Orchards is located at 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Be sure to spell out "North" in your GPS, since a shortened address can direct visitors toward South Lebanon instead. The farm is closed Monday and Tuesday, closed Wednesday except for toddler programs and field trips, and open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and again from 4pm to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 9pm, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
A Few House Rules to Know Before You Go
Outside food and drinks aren't permitted, since the farm offers its own food and drink options on-site. The property is tobacco-free, and while pets are asked to stay home for the safety of the farm animals, service dogs are welcome. Guests are responsible for supervising their own children throughout the visit.
However you build your fall bucket list, a single trip to Hidden Valley Orchards covers most of the classics: pumpkin picking, a corn maze, a hayride, farm animals, and fresh apple cider, all within one Lebanon, Ohio address.
FAQ Section
What are the best fall activities near Lebanon, Ohio?
Hidden Valley Orchards covers most of the seasonal favorites in one visit: U-Pick pumpkins, a corn maze, a tractor-pulled hayride, the Apple Play Yard, a petting zoo, and fall food like apple cider, cider donuts, and caramel apples.
Do I need a ticket to visit Hidden Valley Orchards in the fall?
No. General admission to the farm is free, including the Petting Zoo, Great Lawn, and animal paddocks. A ticket is only required for the Apple Play Yard, which also includes access to the corn maze and hayride.
When does pumpkin picking start at Hidden Valley Orchards?
Pumpkin picking is a fall-season activity at the farm's 5-acre U-Pick patch. For exact opening dates each year, check the farm calendar before planning your visit.
Is the corn maze included with Apple Play Yard admission?
Yes. The 2.5-acre corn maze is included with an Apple Play Yard ticket. Guests who don't purchase a play yard ticket can still add on the corn maze separately at the entrance.
Can we bring outside food for a fall picnic?
Outside food and beverages aren't permitted on the property. The farm offers a range of food and drink options on-site, including seasonal treats at The Great Barn and full meals at the Orchard Kitchen and Farm Stand.
Are pets allowed during a fall visit?
Pets are asked to stay home for the safety of the farm animals and in accordance with the farm's insurance policy. Service dogs are welcome.
How do I book a campfire for a fall evening?
Private campfires for up to 8 guests can be reserved for a 3-hour window, Thursday through Sunday. Wood, kindling, and fire-starting help are included, and add-ons like a s'mores kit are available. Booking in advance is recommended, since spots are limited each weekend.
Is Hidden Valley Orchards a good fall field trip destination?
Yes. The farm offers dedicated Field Trip reservations, and the Petting Zoo is available for school and group visits, making it a practical option for fall class trips or homeschool co-ops.
