Farms
You may only think of visiting some of our local farms in the fall, but some are open year-round or at least when the weather gets warmer. There are so many farms close to Mason Ohio and Greater Cincinnati to visit. I think children really enjoy farm adventures - they get to see up close what a cow, pig, goat or sheep looks like; they can see how food actually comes from crops; and they get to be outdoors. It's a great combination. Of course, always a good idea to wear old shoes or boots since you may also find yourself in some mud.
Barn 'n' Bunk
3677 Wayne-Madison Rd., Trenton, (513) 922-9211
Wow, this place has it all including a Sunday Brunch. gift shop and ice cream. The market hosts its annual fall festival each weekend leading up to Halloween, with specialty crafts and Amish baked goods available. Children's activities include face painting, horse-drawn hayrides, mini train ride, scooters, pedal tractors, corn maxe and games (some activities have a charge). Pumpkins are also available for sale.
Blooms and Berries
9669 Ohio 48 South, Lovleand, (513) 697-9173
This is a farm gem and is a perfect place to take all ages. My kids always enjoyed their Fall on the Farm Festival held in October. They liked to run through the hay bale maze, put their feet in the big corn seed bin, pick out a pumpkin, slide down the big tube slide and play in the farm themed kid's area. You can also do a hayride, The farm's market offers hand-dipped caramel apples, fresh pressed local cider, fresh popcorn, and Ohio apples. Pick up some decorations for your yard for a great fall scape. They also open seasonally in the spring.
Bonnybrook Farms
3779 State Route 132, Clarksville, Ohio 45113, (937) 289-2500
Bonnybrook Farms is all about having fun on the farm.Folks enjoy good eats and good fun at the Chuck Wagon Dinner Ride, Saturdays in June, July and August. The summer and fall seasons host corporate picnics. School field trips in May, September and October are teacher favorites. Crazed Corn Maze, Adventure Hayrides, Pony Rides, petting animals, birthday parties, pumpkins, Giant Slingshots, Clodhopper Golf and farm-fresh foods have been Bonnybrook favorites for years during their Fall Farm Festival. Saturday nights in October take a hayride and catch a glimpse of travelers past, during the Lantern Light Wagon Ride.
Dogwood Farms
1730 Shaker Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005, (513) 226-8455
This farm has local ties and their website says it best, "At Dogwood Farm we strive to provide natural healthy products that supports the need for locally grown food and educates consumers about the value of these products." Farm fresh eggs will last 8 weeks in the refrigerator. Think about buying locally next time you get your grocery list together. They have free range turkeys,all natural beef, free range broliers, and much more.
Hidden Valley Fruit Farm
5474 N. State Route 48, Lebanon, Ohio 45036, (513) 932-1869
Hidden Valley Fruit Farm has a market and bakery on site with farm animals you can visit. Visit their barn and bakery for fresh fruits and vegetables and delicious baked goods. For their fall festival, they offer hayrides and pumpkins. Festivals happen throughout the year.
Irons Fruit Farm
1640 Stubbs Mill Rd., Lebanon, Ohio, 45036 (513) 932-2853
Enjoy farm animals, bakery items, and fresh fruit (in season). Offering orchard tours for groups of 12 or more. During their fall festival time, pumpkin hayrides are available every weekend in October. There is a corn maze and other activities include donkey rides, local craft displays and pioneer re-enactments.
Niederman Family Farm
5110 Lesourdsville-West Chester Rd. Hamilton, (513) 779-6184
Offering a Fall Festival, farm tours, paintball, parties and more. We originally discovered this wonderful farm over the holidays - I wish it were Christmas so you could check out the most awesome light display (and it's FREE). It is a biblical display and it is unbelievable. Bundle up for a long and beautiful walk filled with dazzling lights and displays. After the amazing journey, you can head to their warm barn for free hot chocolate and cookies. I know you'll want to make a donation after you've seen all that they offer. Then they have the cutest little barns (very well kept) where your kids can see some farm animals up close. It is an amazing place.
Shaw Farms
1737 Ohio 131, Milford, Ohio, 45150, (513) 575-2022
This is one of our favorite places to visit in the fall since they have the cutest handmade displays featuring pumpkin characters and they also have hayrides with bluegrass music on the weekends. There's hands-on entertainment for children and an interactive playground (free). Tractor-drawn and horse-drawn hayrides are available on the weekends for a smalle fee. Their hayrides are well worth it - they have horse-drawn as well as tractor driven wagon rides and it is a nice long enjoyable ride!
Sunrock Family Farm
103 Gibson Lane, Wilder, KY 41076, (859) 781-5502
I've read about Sunrock and have seen some of their animals at local events but we haven't made it to KY to check it out yet. They have educational farm tours, day camps, and other programs. In the fall visit their pumpkin patch. They also do birthday parties, school tours and corporate events.
The Black Barn
1161 West Main St., Lebanon, Ohio, (513) 932-2093
The Black Barn is a great small farm to visit. They have an inviting farm store with gorgeous displays. If you visit in October, the weekends are filled with festive fun - hayrides (we enjoyed a free 20 minute ride but call to make sure they still offer these). Don't miss out on the sliced apples with hot caramel...yummy! There are beautiful hardy mums available too. Also lots of yummy varieties of apples, jams, and honey to choose from.
Young's Jersey Dairy Farm
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, 45387 (937) 325-0629
We finally visited Young's Dairy Farm and it is filled with fun. They have a petting zoo, mini-golf called Udders & Pudders, an ice cream shop (YUM), moovers & shakers (like a mini train), the Golden Jersey Inn where you can get down home cooked food, and so much more. They have an annual fall festival but also have programs and things do throughout the year! They are open every day but Christmas Day and some of their things to do are seasonal so make sure you check out their website for more information.