Fall is almost here, and it’s about time to embrace the season by visiting pumpkin patches, farms, haunted houses and fall festivals across the region.
From picking pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns to hay rides to sipping on some boozy cider, getting spooked at a haunted house and more, there is plenty to do in NKY this time of year.
While some spots are set to open soon and others have already started their fall events, we wanted to let our readers know when and where they can find autumnal activities in the area.
Farms
Neltner’s Farm – Melbourne
Head over to Neltner’s Farm in Melbourne starting Sept. 27 through Oct. 31 for their annual “Fall Fest.” During the week, attendees can enjoy pumpkin picking, corn mazes, a farm stand with fresh produce, plus a petting zoo and other kid-friendly activities. Stop by on the weekend for horse-drawn carriage rides, food from Four Mile Pig, homemade ice cream, locally sourced wine, live music and more.
Admission is free during the week and $7 on weekends for everyone three years and up. The farm accepts cash and card, and pumpkins are sold by the pound. They are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Find the live music lineup and more at neltnersfarm.com.
Kinman Farms – Burlington
Kinman Farm in Burlington is open seven days a week, mid-April through Christmas. This family-owned farm offers a variety of locally grown produce, flowers and more. Their fall farm market runs Sept. 20 through Oct. 26. Families can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and other fall activities. DJs and bands will be on deck on Saturdays and Sundays in October.
The festival is open Friday through Sunday, 4 p.m. -9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $13 during the weekend festivities for those three and over. Find more information at facebook.com/KinmanFarmMarket.
Sugar Ridge Farm – Walton
Starting Sept. 20, Sugar Ridge Farm in Walton will be offering tons of family-friendly fall fun. Running Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October, this farm fest includes access to the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, playgrounds, hay rides and more. For an additional cost, the farm offers trolley rides, entrance to a bounce house, plus a corn cannon.
New this year at Sugar Ridge Farm is the Fall Fest Craft Market. Attendees can check out handmade décor, seasonal gifts and locally crafted items from regional artisans. The market is included with admission and open every festival day, with different vendors each weekend.
The fall fest is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Tickets are $10 for anyone over the age of three. The farm is cash only. Find more information, live music lineup and special events at facebook.com/SugarRidgeFamilyFarm.
McGlasson Farms – Hebron
Find plenty of pumpkins at the McGlasson Farms farm stand in Hebron. The farm’s pick-your-own pumpkins and apples have already started for the season. According to their harvest calendar, visitors can also pick up locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, peppers, squash, eggplant, kale, apples, sweet potatoes and, of course, pumpkins. Cider and caramel apples are also available at the farm shop.
The farm is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free, “pick-your-own” rates vary by item and weight. McGlasson is cash and Venmo only. Find more information on their Facebook page.
Haunted Attractions
Scream Ridge Scare Park
Starting Oct. 3, Sugar Ridge Family Farm in Walton transforms into Scream Ridge — a haunted farm attraction featuring four themed scares: the Butcher Barn, Carnival of Screams and the haunted Killing Fields. Created with The Cincinnati Circus Company, Scream Ridge is designed for teens, adults, and anyone who loves a fright, with fog, strobe effects, and plenty of jump scares.
Standard admission is $20, and VIP is $30. Find more information at screamridge.com.
USS Nightmare
USS Nightmare returns to the Ohio River this Halloween season, bringing back one of Greater Cincinnati’s longest-running haunted attractions. The 277-foot dredge boat William S. Mitchell transforms into a two-level haunted tour featuring more than 30 themed areas and a cast of eerie characters.
The attraction offers several experiences, ranging from kid-friendly Lights-On Matinee tours to the intense RIP Experience and the Captain’s Extreme Tour, which is recommended only for those 17 and older. Fast pass and front-of-the-line admission options are available. The attraction runs now through Nov. 8. Tickets and full details can be found at ussnightmare.com.
Sandylandacres
Sandylandacres is in its 20th year of operation and is ready to spook anyone who dares come for a visit. Located in Petersburg, Sandylandacres offers both a haunted hayride and a haunted barn. Tickets for the barn are $15, and the hayride is $20. You can also purchase combined passes for $30. Sandylandacres is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight now through Nov. 1. Find more information at sandylandacres.com.