Patterson Farms

Fall in Ohio is one of the best times of the year--and a place to take it all in is Patterson Farms.

We loaded up for a tractor ride out to the field where they had acres of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, play houses, hay to play on, slides, and numerous other FUN things.

We passed the apple orchards...(they offer pick your own apples and Strawberries!)

and ended up at the tepee/canoe sandbox.

And slowly made our way through the MANY play structures...

seriously, this place was AMAZING!! This will be our go to place for the rest of the time we are here...it was truly magical.

Back hidden in the woods was a big wooden fort and a 50 foot slide!
(and hundreds of thousands of leaves)

We munched some freshly picked apples....

And tested out tractors...

And found our way through a corn maze...

Was the perfect way to spend a fall day!

Because this is a seasonal thing to do, the info changes year to year. You can find more about their family fun fest here!

Squire's Castle

SQUIRE'S CASTLE: Part of Cleveland metroparks

COST: FREE

Hours: normal park hours--I can't find the times online but it seems like it's open until 10 p.m.

How do I get there?
Click here for a map of the North Chagrin Reservation
It's just south of Chardon Rd--and if you can't find it at first, follow the signs. They will take you right there. :)

Our take?

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! This place was SO cool! It has such a fascinating history and although it has been gutted and only the stone remains, it is so neat to walk through and imagine. The kids had a blast! And behind the castle are all sorts of walking trails for hiking and ejoying nature. There are also picnic tables and a few picnic shelters with grills that are available on a first come first serve basis.

Definitely worth the trip!!!

West Creek Reservation

WEST CREEK RESERVATION:

From their website:

The 9-mile West Creek meanders through a valley that harbors rocky gorges, forest-draped hillsides, and floodplains that each spring burst forth a variety of wildflowers, and flows through the cities of Parma, Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights, and Independence where it eventually connects to the Cuyahoga River.

The 278-acre West Creek Reservation is geologically unique and biologically diverse, as the West Creek tributary not only provides natural beauty, but also a home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, scarlet tanagers, nesting pair of red tailed hawks and five species of oak: white, red, pin, scarlet and swamp white oak. In the wetlands nesting wood ducks, painted turtles, green frogs, cardinal flower and pickerelweed are abundant.

How do I get there?

This is right across from the picnic grove between State and Broadview. Click the link above to see the map (since there is not an actual address)

Our Take?

We have gone here many times now--it is a great place for photography, for nature watching, for evening walks, etc.This really has something for everyone. We love to go off the beaten path and down to the little creek to skip rocks and rest in the shade. We haven't even began to venture into the entire 9 mile span, but are always excited to see what's in store for wherever we get to explore when we DO go.

Great place to walk dogs too!

Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Vistit them on the web: http://www.cbgarden.org/

From their site:

Our facilities include:
Ten acres of beautiful gardens, including the award-winning Hershey Children's Garden, the Elizabeth and Nona Evans Restorative Garden, the David and Paula Swetland Topiary Garden, the Western Reserve Herb Society Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Sears-Swetland Rose Garden, the Ohio Woodland, the C.K. "Pat" Patrick Perennial Border, and the public Campsey-Stauffer Gateway Garden.
The Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, a soaring 18,000 sq. ft. conservatory housing authentic recreations of two of the earth's most fragile ecosystems - the spiny desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica. Over 350 species of plants and 50 species of animals immerse visitors in a dazzling multi-sensory experience that raises awareness of environmental issues.

(SEE PICS HERE)

HOURS:
Summer Hours
April 1 - October 31
Open Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Open Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
Open until 9:00 p.m. every Wednesday evening (Hershey Children's Garden closes at dusk)

Winter Hours
November 1 - March 31
Open Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Open Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
Open until 9:00 p.m. every Wednesday evening
Closed Mondays
Hershey Children's Garden closes for the winter on November 1
All other gardens remain open throughout the winter

Admission
Member: Free
Adult: $7.50 ($5.00 after 5 p.m. on Wednesday)
Children (3-12): $3
Children under 3: Free
Groups: (15 or more): $5.50
Seniors: (60+): $5.50 (Tuesdays only)
We accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa
Above admission rates not applicable for special events


Onsite Parking
Onsite parking is available on a first-come basis in the Garden's attached parking garage. Rates are a $5.00 minimum, $1.00 each additional half hour after 2 1/2 hours, with a maximum daily rate of $10.00 and $3.00 flat rate after 5 p.m. VISITORS TO THE GARDEN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A SPECIAL $5.00 DISCOUNTED ONSITE PARKING RATE.

How do I get there?