Best Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes Near Columbus This Fall

There's a specific kind of September energy in Columbus once the corn mazes open — group texts start forming, everyone's suddenly free on a Saturday, and every family with kids has strong opinions about which farm has the best pumpkin patch. Here's where to go this year.

Dupler's Pumpkin Land (Newark)

A bit further out but worth the drive for a full day trip: traditional and specialty colored pumpkins, wagon rides, a corn maze, a haunted room, a giant slide, and a web climbing net. It's more of a destination outing than a quick stop.

Van Buren Acres (East of Columbus)

One of the most popular fall destinations in the region, Van Buren Acres pairs a large pumpkin patch with hayrides, a giant corn maze, barnyard animals, and no shortage of photo-worthy spots. It's open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with admission around $12 — a solid full-afternoon option if you're coming from the east side or Central Ohio suburbs.

Circle S Farms (Grove City)

South of the city, Circle S Farms offers hayrides between the parking area and pumpkin patch starting in October, along with corn and sunflower mazes, a petting zoo, and a fun barn for younger kids. It's an easy pick if you're closer to the southwest suburbs.

The MAiZE at Little Darby Creek

For anyone who wants an actual maze challenge, this 8-acre corn maze is built in three phases — a quick 15–20 minute Phase 1, a more involved 30–45 minute Phase 2, and a separate Kiddie Maze for younger visitors who aren't ready for the full route. It's a good option if your group has a mix of ages and patience levels.

Pigeon Roost's "A-Maize-ing Maze"

Part of the Great Pumpkin Fun Center, this maze runs Wednesday through Sunday from mid-September through Halloween, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and includes a smaller sorghum mini maze for younger kids who want the experience without the full-size commitment.

A Few Tips Before You Go

• Weekends fill up fast, especially in October. If you can go on a weekday or early in the season (mid-to-late September), you'll trade a little bit of "peak pumpkin" atmosphere for dramatically shorter lines.
• Check hours and pricing before you drive out. Farm hours and admission can shift week to week, so a quick check of the farm's own website or social media the morning of is worth it.
• Dress for mud. However dry it's been, pumpkin patches find a way.

Why This Belongs on a Real Estate Blog

Half-joking, half-serious: a fall Saturday spent at a pumpkin patch in Grove City versus one east of the city near Van Buren Acres will tell you a lot about which side of Central Ohio actually fits your family's rhythm. If you're weighing a move and haven't spent real time in different pockets of the region, fall activities like these are some of the most pleasant "research" you'll ever do.

The Bottom Line

Whichever farm you pick, Central Ohio's fall lineup gives families a genuine reason to get outside before the weather turns. Enjoy the season — and if wandering a new part of town this fall gets you thinking about a move, you know where to find me.

Subscribe for a monthly roundup of Columbus events and market updates → [link to newsletter signup]