Visitors can dive into Ohio’s darker folklore, learning about the myths and cryptids that have haunted the state for centuries. If spooky creatures aren’t enough, the museum will also highlight real nocturnal animals, adding a touch of nature to the mix. And for movie buffs, there’s a chance to experience early horror film magic by testing your acting skills with vintage movie reels.

One of the event’s standout activities takes place at the Lustron House, where attendees can step back into the 1950s for a midcentury monster mash, complete with candy from the era. Alongside these fun activities, the museum offers a look into the origins of Halloween in America and weaves together storytelling games that take you through time-traveling spooky tales.

For the hands-on crowd, there are creative projects like making your own Little Brown (paper) Bat and crafting a fall leaf bookmark. As you explore, you’ll also get the chance to help identify some of the deadlier objects in the museum’s collection with artifact testing kits. To round off the evening, there’s a red-carpet dance party, ensuring a lively end to the night.

Local food trucks will be on-site to satisfy any spooky snack cravings. While costumes are encouraged, adults are asked to skip costume masks and prop weapons to ensure a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a fun way to dive into Ohio’s haunted history, Fright at the Museum is a must-visit on October 25, 2025. For more info, or to register for the event, head over to ohiohistory.org.

The post This Halloween, Dive Into Ohio’s Spookiest Legends at Fright at the Museum appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

John Brown Monument

Ashtabula Bridge Disaster Monument

Jesse Owens Statue

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

The Starting Point of the U.S. Public Land Survey

Leatherlips Monument

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

Neil Armstrong First Flight Memorial

William McKinley Memorial

The Haserot Angel

President William Henry Harrison’s Monument and Tomb

President Warren G. Harding’s Tomb

Merchant Ball

James A. Garfield Memorial and Tomb

The post 14 Unique And Unusual Monuments Around Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Dinner and Drinks at Elevator Brewery Followed by The Rocky Horror Show

More info: Elevator Brewing Co.
More info: Short North Stage

Pastries from Bite This Followed by a Ghost Tour

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For the couple with a sweet tooth and a love of the supernatural, start your date with some gothic-inspired treats from Bite This, a bakery known for its ever-changing menu and cozy, spooky vibes year-round. After indulging in some decadent pastries, make your way to a Booze & Boos ghost tour with Columbus Ghost Tours. This walking tour will take you through some of the city’s most haunted taverns, sharing chilling stories about the spirits that haunt them. It’s the perfect way to get in touch with Columbus’ haunted past while keeping the atmosphere fun and playful with a cocktail in hand.

More info: Bite This
More info: Columbus Ghost Tours

Movie Night at Green Lawn Abbey

More info: Green Lawn Abbey

Weekend Getaway to Landoll’s Mohican Castle

On this hour-long tour, you’ll learn about the castle’s haunted past and even attempt to communicate with the spirits who call it home. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good thrill, this overnight adventure is perfect for couples who crave mystery and excitement.

More info: Landoll’s Mohican Castle

Day Trip to The Ohio State Reformatory

Whether you’re fans of ghost hunting or just looking for a chilling adventure, the Ohio State Reformatory provides a memorable experience that will have you and your partner clinging to each other throughout the day.

More info: Ohio State Reformatory

The post 5 Columbus Date Nights For Spooky Season Lovers appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

It’s not a haunted house, and it’s definitely not The Wizard of Oz you grew up with. Instead, this immersive experience turns a familiar fairytale into something eerie, cinematic, and just unsettling enough to keep you on your toes.

You start in a roadside museum in Kansas — a place that feels like it’s seen better days — and before you know it, the world cracks open. What waits beyond isn’t a technicolor dreamland but a moody, shadowy Oz filled with lost souls, rebel camps, and flickering lights that seem to move when you’re not looking. Live actors guide you (and sometimes surprise you) as you move through the story, and while there are a few spooky moments, it’s more mysterious than terrifying.

The whole thing feels like walking through a dark fantasy film, but it’s one you get to help shape. It’s creative, immersive, and atmospheric in a way that’ll stick with you long after you step back into the real world.

In the Land of Oz runs through November 2 at 1165 Dublin Rd., with shows Thursday through Sunday. You can learn more about the production, or snag your tickets, by clicking right here.

Have a good trip to Oz, my friends!

The post Inside In the Land of Oz: Columbus’ Spooky, Story-Driven Halloween Experience appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Pumpkins Aglow is back at Franklin Park Conservatory, transforming the gardens into a glowing wonderland every October. This beloved fall event runs from Wednesdays to Sundays, offering spellbinding scenes and delightful activities for visitors of all ages.

From 5-9 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 5-10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can wander through the garden displays filled with hundreds of intricately carved pumpkins. Use a map to guide your way to both fun and frightful surprises throughout the grounds.

Visitors will be able to enjoy live performances at the Lower West Terrace, featuring a rotating lineup of entertainers each week. From juggling to stilt walking and fire dancers, the shows run from 6-8 PM on weekdays and 6-9 PM on weekends.

Families will love the hands-on activities available every night from 6-8 PM on weekdays and 6-9 PM on weekends. Kids can create spooky sand art or spin spider-themed crafts.

The Glass Pumpkin Patch showcases stunning creations by local artists, available for purchase alongside a rotating selection of food trucks serving seasonal treats from 5-8 PM on weekdays and 5-9 PM on weekends. And don’t forget to stop by the Conservatory’s bar for specialty cocktails.

Pumpkins Aglow is one of of the best ways to enjoy this time of year in the city.

For more information, please visit fpconservatory.org.

The post Hundreds of Glowing Pumpkins Are Back at Franklin Park Conservatory appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

It’s a great season to live or visit Central Ohio, especially for families. Use this fall bucket list as you make your plans for the next couple of months, because you will not want to miss these events.

Go Apple Picking

Apple Picking is a classic for fall. Apple picking is fun while doing it and at home while making homemade applesauce, apple pie, and more.  To make your apple picking experience even more enjoyable remember to pack the following; closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, and snacks.

READ MORE: Where To Go Apple Picking Around Columbus

Take A Walk Through The Great Outdoors

Go outside and enjoy a Nature Walk! Highbanks Metro Park, Prairie Oaks Metro Park, and Slate Run Metro Park are all great options for this. Look and collect the different types of leaves, hunt for animal tracks and guess which animal was here before you, see if you can find pine cones, ant hills, birds nests, worms, and more on your nature walk. You could even make it a scavenger hunt with an ice cream treat at the end. (We’ve got ice cream suggestions too!)

If your kids don’t mind getting a little dirty, you should definitely incorporate these scenic natural play areas into your plans. Off the beaten path can be a lot of fun!

READ MORE: 5 Amazing Fall Hikes Around Columbus

Visit a Corn Maze

Nothing says fall fun quite like a good, old-fashioned corn maze. It’s a great way for the kids to practice their problem-solving skills, and for us adults to practice our patience. Local corn mazes have some really awesome themes, so don’t be afraid to look around a little and see if there’s one that’s particularly appealing to your kiddos.

READ MORE: Don’t Get Lost! The Best Corn Mazes In Ohio

Take A Scenic Train Ride

There’s nothing quite like taking a train ride through some of the most beautiful fall foliage around. Not only will the kids love it, but it give parents the chance to sit back and enjoy nature.

READ MORE: Here Are 5 Can’t Miss Fall Train Rides Around Ohio

Go To A Fall Festival

This time of year, there are plenty of festivals around Central Ohio where you can load up on your favorite fall treats, shop at local vendors, and even enjoy some fun rides. The obvious choice is the Circleville Pumpkin Show, but there are so many more!

READ MORE: Your Guide To The Best Central Ohio Fall Festivals

Spend The Day Enjoying A Fall Farm

Leeds Farm, Lynd’s, Pigeon Roost, Jacquemin Farms, and Lehner’s are all great fall farms that offer pumpkin picking as well as hayrides, corn boxes, small rides, and more.

Take In The Natural Splendor Of Hocking Hills

Of course, the little ones will also enjoy getting out of the car to explore. Luckily, Hocking Hills is full of exciting things to do.

Take A Shot On The Apple Cannon

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching an apple go flying out of a specially designed cannon at top speeds. At Lynd Fruit Farm, you can enhance your apple picking experience by taking a turn on the cannon. In addition to the Apple Cannon, they’ve also got corn mazes, u-pick apples, a market, seasonal events, and so much more.

READ MORE: Lynd Fruit Farm Has An Epic Apple Cannon Shooting Range

Other Fun Stuff…

• Stop by the Columbus Zoo for Boo at the Zoo or Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory.
• Watch the Buckeyes and make buckeyes! I love using this time of year to make one of my favorite treats.  Is there anything better than the chocolate/peanut butter combo that is a Buckeye?
• Paint Pumpkins
• Jump in a Pile of Leaves
• Make Caramel Apples (or just eat one because making them is a lot of work) 
• Get family photos taken. The change in the leaves, the autumn colors, and the cool air makes for the perfect time to dress everyone up for some pictures.
• Take a bike ride
• Have a cook-off with friends – chili, soups, comfort food…all of it.  
• Have a backyard camp out – or if you’re like me send your husband and kids to the backyard and enjoy the house to yourself.
• Make a pine cone bird feeder.  This one can get messy so make sure to head outside with a jar of peanut butter, bird seed, and pine cones.  The directions are easy: Step 1 – Coat the pinecone in peanut butter Step 2 – Dip pinecone in birdseed Step 3 – add string and hang up outside (preferably by a window) for the birds to enjoy.  Step 4 – Watch from your window as the birds enjoy the treat you made them

Now get out there and enjoy the season!

The post The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Families in Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

These sites, ranging from ancient earthworks to historic villages, not only serve as a testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of these early inhabitants but also remind us of the importance of preserving such heritage.

1. Serpent Mound

2. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

3. The Newark Earthworks

6. Seip Earthworks

7. Hopewell Mound Group

8. SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park

9. Inscription Rock

Located on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie, Inscription Rock features petroglyphs carved by Native Americans over 300 years ago. The rock surface displays images of animals, birds, and human figures, offering a rare insight into the region’s indigenous art and communication practices before European contact.
Address: E Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
More info: Inscription Rock

10. Fort Hill Earthworks

11. The Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO)

12. The Ohio History Center’s ‘Indigenous Wonders of our World’

The Ohio History Center in Columbus features exhibits that include artifacts, stories, and histories of Ohio’s Native American tribes, from prehistoric times to the present. The center’s commitment to telling the indigenous peoples’ stories offers visitors insights into the challenges and contributions of Native Americans in Ohio’s history.
Address: 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
More info: Ohio History

13. Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site

The post 13 Incredible Indigenous Sites & Events Around Ohio You Need To Experience appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Just 20 miles southwest of Cleveland, this family-owned farm transforms every September into Pumpkin Village, a sprawling autumn wonderland packed with themed festivals, live entertainment, and more than 20 attractions. It’s the perfect destination for a little road trip up north.

But the star of the show? The Super Slide.

But Mapleside is so much more than just one giant slide. Every weekend through October 26, the farm rolls out a new theme—from Wild Wild West to Superhero Weekend—so there’s always a reason to come back. Dress up like a cowboy, channel your inner caped crusader, or get your costume ready for the season-ending Spooky Fest.

If slides and costumes aren’t enough, you’ll still find plenty to do.

There’s a Lainey Wilson–themed corn maze that stretches for acres, hayrides through the orchards, pedal car races on the Haytona 500 track, and pig races called live by the “MSPN” crew.

Kids love bouncing on the giant jump pillows and riding the cow and pig trains, while animal lovers can hang out at Billy Goat Bluff. And of course, no fall day is complete without a stop for apple cider, caramel apples, and a slice of pie to take home.

Mapleside’s Pumpkin Village is open every weekend, with discounted admission on Fun Fridays and full festival days on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets include unlimited access to all attractions, so you can ride the Super Slide as many times as your legs can carry you back up the hill.

Whether you come for the slide, the pumpkins, or to soak in Ohio’s best fall vibes, Mapleside Farms is one of those places where autumn memories are made.

Mapleside Farms Fall Festivals
Brunswick, OH
September 12–October 26, 2025
Tickets: $15–18 (2 & under free)

The post Ride The Longest Slide In America (and So Much More) At Mapleside Farms appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Whether you’re into history, wildlife, or family fun, the park is rolling out hikes, hands-on activities, and seasonal celebrations that make the most of cooler days and crisp evenings.

One of the highlights of the month is Darby Creek Day (Oct. 5, 2–5 p.m.), a celebration marking the anniversary of Darby Creek’s designation as a Scenic River.

Visitors can get their feet wet with seining, meet live animals, try their hand at archery, and explore kid-friendly crafts. Food trucks will be on hand, and local conservation groups will share their work to protect the Darby Watershed.

History buffs (and adventure seekers) should mark their calendars for the Adults-Only Cemetery Hike (Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.), a 4-mile off-trail trek that visits pioneer cemeteries tucked away in the park and even an Adena Mound, a reminder of the area’s deep Indigenous history.

Other October events bring nature to life in creative ways:

• Full Moon Hike (Oct. 2) – A brisk 4-mile evening hike through forests and fields.<.li>
• Whooo Cooks for You? (Oct. 11) – Learn about Ohio’s barred owls, then make a themed treat.<.li>
• Magic for Muggles (Oct. 16) – Explore the science of animal transformations through the lens of pop-culture spells.<.li>
• Halloween Scavenger Hunt (Oct. 25) – Put on a costume and follow clues with Jackie O’Lantern.<.li>

With more than a dozen programs packed into the month—from preschool leaf crafts to fireside talks on animal survival strategies—there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature, history, and community this fall at Battelle Darby.

To learn more, you can head over to the park’s Facebook page, or check out metroparks.net.

The post Here’s How You Can Embrace Fall At Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Harvest Blooms opened back on September 27, but you’re nearly out of time to see the beautiful fall colors. The exhibit will only be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November 2.

So what can you expect?

“Harvest Blooms instills the Conservatory’s outdoor gardens and courtyards with the magic of the harvest season. Thousands of pumpkins, mums and ornamental cabbages decorate the landscape while two spectacular Pumpkin Houses stand ready to welcome guests.”

Oh, and did I mention the larger-than-life cornucopia filled with overflowing color and a whimsical ‘tree of pumpkins’? It’s seriously going to be epic.

Admission to Harvest Blooms is included with your admission to the conservatory, and it’s a great experience for the whole family. The harvest theme will be incorporated into existing exhibitions, like the Paul Busse Garden Railway.

Later on in the season, you’ll also be able to experience the magic of Pumpkins Aglow. This ticketed event will feature the beautiful Harvest Blooms while surrounded by glowing jack-o-lanterns and themed light displays.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like visiting the conservatory when the fall foliage is in full swing. Each week, Franklin Park Conservatory offers weekly reports to help visitors identify where to look for color at the Conservatory or in the surrounding Franklin Park. The reports are published on Thursday morning, giving you plenty of time to make your weekend plans.

For more info about Harvest Blooms and Pumpkins Aglow, please click here.

Featured image via Facebook.

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