5 Family-Friendly Summer and Fall Events in Central Ohio
From sunny midsummer celebrations to cozy seasonal traditions, central Ohio comes alive with family-friendly events that are perfect for making lasting memories. Whether you're searching for family-friendly summer activities or unforgettable fall activities for families, we’ve rounded up five events across central Ohio that you’ll want to add to your seasonal calendar.
1. Caroline’s Flower Fields at Timbuk Farms (Granville, OH)
Dates
August 28th – October 4th
Price
$12.50 per person (Children under 2 are FREE!)
Standard Bouquets: $20 (includes 24 stems & a container)
Free Parking
Description
If you're looking for the ultimate flower festival experience in Licking County and central Ohio, then look no further than Caroline's Flower Fields at Timbuk Farms! Located in Granville, Ohio, this flower festival is awash in colorful flowers and family-friendly fun. There’s something for everyone (kids and adults alike!) including:
U-Pick Flowers: Explore acre after acre bursting with dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons, cosmos, celosia, and more. Cut your perfect flowers at our U-pick flower fields to create a bouquet that is customized to you.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Let the little enjoy farm-style rides, outdoor games, photo ops, and a charming petting zoo.
Food Trucks & Local Artisans: Enjoy delicious local eats from rotating weekend food trucks and shop from local artisan vendors. , special weekend themes (like Pick & Pose photo weekends and behind-the-scenes farm workshops), and local artisan vendors.
Themed Weekend Activities: Enjoy NEW and fun activities each week! Each weekend is themed differently, so keep your eye on our socials and newsletter so you have the latest updates on our themes.
Garden Center Shopping: While you're here, visit our always-open Ohio Garden Center packed with houseplants, outdoor seasonal blooms, home decor, and gardening supplies (no festival ticket required to shop the Garden Center!).
Whether you want a lively weekend outing complete with food trucks or a quiet weekday stroll through our serene U-pick fields (plus weekday coupons to shop the Garden Center!), Caroline’s Flower Fields is a premier experience great for kids and parents alike. Visit our Ultimate Guide to Caroline’s Flower Fields & Flower Festival for more details and a schedule of our vendors, food trucks, live music, activities, and themes.
2. The Hartford Fair (Croton, OH)
Dates
August 9th – August 15th
Price
General Admission: $10 cash at the gate ($9.50 online)
Weekly Pass: $60 ($55 online)
Free Parking
Description
Known affectionately as "The Biggest Little Fair in the World," the Hartford Fair in Croton (Licking County) offers classic county fair charm that’s perfect for families. Kids can visit farm animals in the livestock barns, enjoy youth 4-H exhibits, watch the lumberjack show, ride fun fair rides, and enjoy delicious local fair food. It’s an authentic central Ohio tradition that feels like a step back in time.
3. Lynd Fruit Farm Summer & Fall Harvests (Pataskala, OH)
Dates
U-Pick Apple Season: July 16th – October 18th
Apple Cannons & Corn Maze: September 4th – October 25th
Price
Corn Maze Admission: $12 per person ($11 for Seniors/Military)
Children under 2: FREE
Wagon Rides: $4 per person
Free Parking
Description
When late summer transitions into early fall, taking the family out to Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala is a central Ohio tradition. Families can enjoy U-pick apples, Asian pears, and pumpkins during the fall. With huge corn mazes, wagon rides, and farm market treats like fresh apple cider donuts, it’s a wonderful weekend outing that gets kids outdoors and connected with local farming.
4. Young’s Jersey Dairy Fall Farm Festival (Yellow Springs, OH)
Dates
September 19th – November 1st
Price
Free Admission to Grounds
Individual Activity Tickets: $6–$10
Family Value All-Day Wristbands: $23.00 (Ages 12+) / $17.50 (Ages 11 & under)
Description
Young's Jersey Dairy offers year-round fun that reaches its peak during late summer and fall. Families can take wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch, navigate the corn mazes, feed the friendly barnyard goats, and play a round of miniature golf. Don’t forget to try the homemade ice cream that’s made onsite!
5. Velvet Ice Cream’s Ye Olde Mill (Utica, OH)
Dates
May 1st – October 31st
Price
Free Admission to Grounds
Festival Days: $10 per carload (Utica Ice Cream Festival: May 23rd – May 25th)
Description
Nestled on 20 scenic acres in Licking County, Ye Olde Mill in Utica is a historic, family friendly destination perfect for a sunny day trip. Kids can play on the lawn, feed ducks by the pond, tour the small ice cream museum, and grab lunch and a sundae at the 1800s-style ice cream parlor. Throughout the summer and early fall, Ye Olde Mill hosts weekend events, classic car shows, and outdoor family games.
Plan Your Visit to Caroline’s Flower Fields!
Ready to make unforgettable memories with your family this season? Join us for Ohio’s premier flower festival at Caroline's Flower Fields at Timbuk Farms! This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate late summer and early fall with your family, get gorgeous family portraits, and enjoy the colors of nature. Leashed, friendly dogs are always welcome. In fact, we love seeing your pet pictures on social media, so don’t forget to tag us! You can buy your tickets to the flower festival here. We can’t wait to see you!
