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Best Things to do in September in Ohio – Sunflower Fields, Apple Orchards, Covered Bridges & More

Last Updated: 5/30/2025

Dropping temperatures and changing leaves can only mean one thing, it’s almost fall! Arguably one of the most beautiful seasons in Northeast Ohio. Kick the season off right with our picks for the best events and things to do in September.

Enjoy the Akron Zoo FREE for Summit County Residents

Lions at the Akron Zoo
Lions resting in their enclosure at the Akron Zoo

Did you know that every September, the Akron Zoo offers residents of Summit County FREE admission to the zoo? All Summit County residents are eligible to receive 4 free tickets per household. Reserve your tickets online in advance and enjoy a fun-filled family day at the Akron Zoo. Find out more and all the find print for Free Admission to the Akron Zoo and have a great time! 

Walk through a Field of Sunflowers

Harp's Harvest Sunflower Field, Jackson Township Ohio
Harp’s Harvest Sunflower Field

Spend some time roaming through a sunflower field searching for that perfect flower to cut and take home with you. Bring your camera and get ready for amazing photo ops. Don’t delay because the fields only bloom for so long. 

Explore the Cleveland History Center

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum at the Cleveland History Center
Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum at the Cleveland History Center

Have you been to the Cleveland History Center recently? If not, you should definitely plan a trip. There is so much to experience! See 200+ antique automobiles, motorcycles, bikes, aircraft. Ride on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel and learn about the unique history of Cleveland through interactive exhibits. You also have the opportunity to tour the The Hay-McKinney Mansion and see all the unique historic pieces making for a full day of family fun! 

You may also be interested in: More fascinating Museums in Ohio

Try a New Park or Playground

KidStation playground & safety village, Stow Ohio
Many unique structures to climb and play on

Play at the HUGE playground at Parknoll Playground in Berea. Go for a walk and let the kids play at the playground at Glenmeadow Park. Let’s the kids play and ride their bikes at KidStation Playground it’s a fire station themed playground and mini city in stow. Choose from 90+ amazing playgrounds in Northeast Ohio.

Explore nature at Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center

Inside the Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center Ohio
Inside the Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center

The Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park focuses on wildlife conservation, featuring an indoor atrium and an outdoor enclosure for non-releasable animals. You’ll find environmental education and opportunities for close animal encounters. Be sure to explore the surrounding trails for hiking around the entire park while you’re there. Find out more about the conservation center and many more Nature Centers across the area.

Take a road trip to Dayton, Ohio

Wright Brothers Plane at the Dayton Air Force Museum
Wright Brothers Plane at the Dayton Air Force Museum

Dayton, Ohio, known as the birthplace of aviation and a hub for innovation, offers a variety of fun activities beyond its historical significance with the Wright Brothers and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures like rappelling in scenic gorges, exploring Ohio’s largest underground cavern, and experiencing an ancient Native American village. Find some of the best things to do in Dayton, Ohio and have a blast!

You may also be interested in: More family friendly Travel in Ohio

Enjoy unique arts and crafts at the FREE Community Arts Center

The Free Community Arts Center in Cleveland
The Free Community Arts Center in Cleveland
 
Walk through the colorful exhibits featuring floats, costumes and pieces from previous Parade the Circle events. There are also hands-on art stations set up with materials and prompts for creating unique arts and crafts. We love the various wall displays showcasing kids artwork. The Center is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art and is open during the weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Visit during the first Sunday of the month for a the free Family FUNday with special crafts and activities. Find out more about the Community Arts Center and more FREE things to do in Northeast Ohio.

Take Photos at a Covered Bridge

Netcher Covered Bridge in Ohio
Netcher Covered Bridge, one of the many covered bridges in Ashtabula County | photo credit: Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau

From the longest at over 613 feet long to the shortest (18 feet long) and every size and shape in between, the covered bridges in Ohio make for a picturesque backdrop. Add in the changing leaves and you have a frame worthy family photo. 

Learn about music history at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

Long Live Rock sign at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

See iconic costumes, instruments and other music memorabilia and enjoy the fascinating The Garage exhibit where you can pick up a real instrument and play! Video prompts walk you though easy to follow instructions on how to play the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards for a lot of fun. Best suited for families with older children and teens with many interactive exhibits to keep everyone engaged and having fun.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
Website 

Explore the scenic Lanterman’s Falls 

Lanterman's Falls and Mill in Mill Creek Metroparks
Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Metroparks

Lanterman’s Mill is a historic landmark that showcases beauty throughout all four seasons. Visitors can explore picturesque plunge falls, a 96-foot covered bridge, an operational waterwheel, artisan stone-ground flours, and multiple walking trails to enjoy. You’ll also find Fellows Riverside Gardens close by. It is an active, pubic and free garden. Both are part of the 2,658 Mill Creek Park.  

Lanterman’s Mill
1001 Canfield Rd. (SR 62), Youngstown, OH 44511

You may also be interested in: More more fun things to do in Youngstown

Rocky River Nature Center

Inside the Rocky River Nature Center, Cleveland Ohio
Inside the Rocky River Nature Center

Stop by the Rocky River Nature Center to observe local wildlife, enjoy river views from the observation deck, and engage in activities like the bird feeding station. For a more adventurous experience, consider the 4.6-mile Fort Hill Earthworks trail or take a shorter trip up the Fort Hill Stairs for stunning views after climbing over 150 steps.

Rocky River Nature Center
24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Website 

Looking for more ideas & inspiration? Check out our Fall Fun Guide filled with 100+ things to do during the fall season in Ohio.

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