
Skating is a popular activity around Northeast Ohio, and you'll find plenty of ice rinks in the area where you can take a spin around the ice. Several offer great scenery, and some are located near shopping areas where you can also spend some time browsing in shops when you're out and about.
Dress in warm layers before you go since even indoor ice rinks stay cold to maintain the ice. Don't forget to bring your cell phone or camera to take photos of your kids or others in your group.
Check out the following indoor and outdoor ice rinks around Northeast Ohio, where you can glide away the stress of the day.
9999 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
The Pond Ice Rink stays busy, hosting figure skating and ice hockey as well as open skate sessions. If you'd like to drop by to skate, register online. The cost is $10, including skates and gliders (if available). And if you'd like to get more serious about your time on the ice, The Pond offers Saturday and Sunday skating lessons for all ages and skill levels. Private lessons are also available.
177 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145
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Browse in the upscale Crocker Park shopping center and then head out to the open skating rink to have some fun. Located at Union Square in front of Regal Cinemas, the rink has a surface that's made of real ice. Glide along as you listen to Christmas tunes, or keep a check on social media to see which select days DJs from 96.5 KISS-FM will be there to spin some tunes. The rink is open through Feb. 21, 2022, and costs $12 per person, including skates.
8319 Port Jackson Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Center Ice Sports Complex is a hub for several types of ice-related activities and sports, including figure skating, hockey, and ice skating. If you'd like to do your own thing on the ice, register online in advance for an open skate. It costs $10 admission and $4 for skate rental. And whether you're just starting out or already have some skills you'd like to improve, the complex offers ice skating lessons for toddlers through adults and for everyone from beginners to more advanced levels. Before long, you might find yourself ready to tackle figure skating or hockey!
10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
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The Rink at Wade Oval is located at University Circle, where you can spend time exploring this square mile that's filled with museums, parks, restaurants, and more. It's even been named the Best Arts District in the country by a USA Today poll of readers. The perfect place to spend a day or afternoon, University Circle also houses a skating rink to help you extend the fun. The rink is open through Feb. 27, 2022, and skating costs $3 for general admission and $2 for students. Skate rental costs $2 for general admission and $1 for students. As an added bonus, if you show your skating admission wristband, you can visit the nearby Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland History Center, and Cleveland Museum of Natural History for $2 off same-day admission.
2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Try the ice rink in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, located at the plaza by the downtown pavilion and amphitheater. It's the perfect spot to skate after spending some time browsing at the town's outdoor shops. Park in one of three public parking decks, or try a metered spot on Front Steet when you're heading over to skate. Through Feb. 21, the rink is open from 3-8 p.m. on Fridays and noon-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Holiday hours can differ, so check the website before you go. Admission is free for everyone, and skate rentals are $4 per person.
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Winter RiverFest, an annual holiday celebration held at Rivergate Park and Merwin's Wharf, brings an authentic ice skating rink to the park this year. You'll be able to enjoy scenic views of the Cuyahoga River as well as festive decor while you skate, and be sure to make time for other activities like visiting a beer garden or warming up at the firepits. Book your rink time online in advance since walk-ups are based on availability. Prices (including skate rental) are $15 for ages 6 and up and $8 for ages 3-5. Skating aid rentals can also be rented for $10. The rink is open until Jan. 2, 2022.
851 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
If you're looking for a Northeast Ohio ice skating rink that offers skating year-round, head to Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster. The rink has open ice time on most days for $9 admission and $3 skate rental, except for Thursdays when admission is free. Lessons are also offered through the Learn to Skate USA program for kids as young as 3 and adults of all ages. And if you're ever ready to take your skating to the next level, figure skating and hockey lessons are available.
Where's your favorite place to skate in Northeast Ohio, and do you prefer an indoor rink or an outdoor one?

Winter is a wonderful time for family fun around Ohio, with indoor and outdoor activities that offer something for everyone. Whether you're enjoying some skiing in Northeast Ohio, watching some pro sports with the family in Columbus, or doing some stargazing at a historic observatory in Cincinnati, there's something to look forward to in every corner of Ohio this winter. Our latest guide has all of the delightful details on nine great places for winter family fun around Ohio this year.
10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
Just west of Cleveland you'll find Alpine Valley Resort, the perfect place to enjoy some winter sports with the whole family. While it's not the largest ski resort, its smaller size makes it an ideal learning destination for any family members who are still learning how to ski or snowboard. The resort features seven trails from beginner to advanced, along with a terrain park. There's also a talented team of instructors ready to teach visitors of all ages the basics of skiing and snowboarding.
200 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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The temperature may be dropping, but that only means that the fun is heating up in downtown Akron at Lock 3. This is where you'll find Akron's most popular outdoor ice skating rink, along with loads of other fun outdoor attractions. There's a nine-hole miniature golf course, rentable igloos where you can enjoy a meal in a unique setting, and fire pits where you can warm up. You'll also find a busy schedule of events during the holidays, like breakfast with Santa and dinner with the Grinch.
2260 International Pkwy., North Canton, OH 44720
For a great mix of education and family fun, try a visit to the fascinating MAPS Air Museum, which allows you to get hands-on with some of history's most impressive aircraft. You can actually sit in the cockpit of many historic aircraft, and see what it's like to be a pilot. There are also tons of interesting educational exhibits that trace aviation history from the early 1900s to the present day.
4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
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In most cities that are fortunate enough to have both an aquarium and zoo, you'd have to make two trips to enjoy both attractions. That's not the case at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, where you can enjoy it all in one fun-filled day. There are thousands of animals to see in countless habitats, and plenty of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy along the way as you explore. You'll also find special experiences that allow you to feed the animals, see how the zoo works behind the scenes, and see fascinating shows like Dive into Adventure.
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215
The Blue Jackets are Ohio's only NHL team, and they're located close to home in Columbus! A trip to Nationwide Arena to see a Blue Jackets game is a great way to enjoy a winter evening with the family, and see some of hockey's biggest stars up close. There are special family ticket packages available, which include tickets to the game, food, and drinks for one price. On some nights, those family ticket packages even include the opportunity to skate on the ice before the game with the Blue Jackets mascot or try your luck on the ice with some slap shots after the game.
157 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
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A massive indoor playground for both body and mind, LEGOLAND Discovery Center consistently ranks as one of the most popular attractions for families around Columbus. Kids will love building unique creations, racing LEGO cars, enjoying fun rides, and exploring a scaled replica of the city of Columbus made from more than 1.5 million LEGO blocks. Catch a popular LEGO movie at the 4D cinema, or take a behind-the-scenes factory tour to see how your favorite LEGO products are created.
3489 Observatory Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Did you know that Cincinnati is home to one of the world's oldest public telescopes still in use today? The Cincinnati Observatory is the perfect place to plan a fun, educational family outing that will allow you to explore the stars. Visit at night to participate in the Astronomy Evenings program, which includes a guided tour and an opportunity to look at the stars through the observatory's telescopes. Or stop by during the day to see the facilities and take a historic walking tour of the lovely area around the observatory.
520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Bumper cars on ice. If those four words won't get your kids excited this winter, what will? Every year, Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati is transformed into an icy playground, with bumper cars on ice and so much more. Buy a full pass to enjoy both bumper cars and ice skating, or simply choose one ticket for your favorite activity. The rink is open seven days a week and is also available for event rentals if you're planning an outing with a larger group. You can rent all of the equipment that you'll need at the rental stand, including dual-blade skates that make it easier for younger kids to learn the basics of ice skating.
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
Located in the beautifully restored Union Terminal, the Cincinnati Museum Center mixes education and entertainment in a way that few attractions can match. The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Cincinnati Children's Museum, the Cincinnati History Library & Archives, and a state-of-the-art Omnimax Theater. The latest featured exhibit is The Science Behind Pixar, which provides a fascinating look at how some of the most popular movies in the world are made.
How will you turn Ohio into your own winter wonderland this year?

The air is crisp, temperatures are moderate and colors are vivid. Does the open road ever seem more appealing than it does during fall in Ohio? There's no better time to hop on your motorcycle and see all the natural splendor this state has to offer.
Celebrate National Motorcycle Ride Day on Saturday, October 9 with a road trip along one of these amazing routes around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Every curve in the road brings a new view along OH-26, which follows the gentle bends of the Little Muskingum River out of Marietta. As the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta itself is well worth a stop. On the road, covered bridges add a pleasantly rustic touch as you pass through towns with names like Steel Run and Woodsfield. Call it a day when you hit I-70 just before Morristown, or turn off on US-40 for more adventures.
OH-374 and US-33, Rockbridge, OH 43149
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Traversing 26 miles through the state park that shares its name, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is one of the most stunning routes in Ohio. The byway connects the six non-contiguous sites of Hocking Hills State Park, making it perfect for a short jaunt or an all-day excursion. Enjoy the colors of the fall foliage, or stop off to explore further on one of the many hiking trails. Popular spots include the 50-foot cascades of Cedar Falls and Rock House, a tunnel-like cave located halfway up a 150-foot cliff.
It's all smooth travels on Three Rivers Ride, a 105-mile route developed by a veteran biker, with no gravel, water, or other impediments along the road. The ride takes the form of two loops that meet in the middle at Coshocton. Either one is a great trip, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make both loops. Travel back in time when you cross the picture-perfect Helmick Covered Bridge. Built in 1863, the bridge was restored in 1996 to enchant new generations of visitors. With its living history tours, specialty shops, and canal boat rides, Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton is a fascinating bookend to your day.
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With a catchy name like the Triple Nickel, how could you go wrong? This 159-mile trip starts off on OH-555 in Zanesville, heading south through Ringgold, Chesterhill, and Bartlett. It hugs the Ohio-West Virginia border before turning north to pass Watertown and McConnelsville. Check out a classic roadside attraction at Big Muskie's Bucket, featuring the remains of the one-time largest earth-moving machine in the world. Animal lovers can combine the ride with a side trip to The Wilds, a safari park and conservation center in Cumberland.
Old-school Americana is alive and well in Ohio, as represented in the landscape around Port Clinton. On any given day, you'll see farmers working in fields dotted with historic barns and classic equipment. Start your drive any place along OH-4, a north-south road that originates in Cincinnati, and follow it to OH-2, which takes you into Port Clinton. Once you reach your destination, visit attractions such as the Liberty Aviation Museum or African Safari Wildlife Park. Of course, you can't leave Port Clinton without a stop at a seafood restaurant for some yellow Lake Erie perch, a local favorite.
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All roads lead to Athens on Ohio's Windy 9. This collection of nine routes isn't "windy" like breezy, but "windy" as in twisting and turning. Numerous curves and elevation changes make for an entertaining ride that attracts a number of motorcyclists. Start your journey with Rim of the World, which runs nearly 90 miles along OH-78, named one of the most scenic highways in the country by Car and Driver. History buffs love Black Diamond Run, a 103-mile ride through the Little Cities of the Black Diamonds, a series of turn-of-the-century mining towns. For more current history, channel some flower power at the 60s-themed Fur Peace Ranch in Pomeroy.
If you're in the mood for a leisurely ride through some breathtaking scenery, head to the Foothills of the Appalachians. OH-125 leads out of West Union through gently rolling hills and farmland that inspire a delightful feeling of serenity. The crown jewel of this route is Shawnee National Forest, dubbed the "Little Smokies of Ohio." Approximately 8,000 acres are designated as wilderness, but there are many wonderful roads to follow in the other 52,000 acres. The forest is home to Copperhead Fire Tower, the first one in Ohio and a popular stop for visitors. Climb 60 feet to the top and get rewarded by panoramic views of the surrounding landscape below.
OH-39 and US-62, Millersburg, OH 44654
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When you really want to get away from it all, there's no better trip than the Amish Country Byway. Leave the cell phones and computers behind as you discover (or rediscover) the joys of the land. One of the signature stops on this route is the Farmer's Product Auction, held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in October. Get up close and personal insights into Amish life with guided tours, buggy rides, and the petting barn at Yoder's Amish Home. Don't forget to pick up a treat from the bakery before you go! Start or finish your day with a visit to the Amish & Mennonite Cultural Center, highlighted by the 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural known as Behalt.
Zanesville is the jumping-off point for yet another of Ohio's beautiful motorcycle rides. Pick up OH-93 just south of Zanesville and follow it through the black diamond region down to Ironton. Be sure to stop at Shawnee, a village that's home to 655 people but still feels frozen in time. Main Street, lined with brick buildings featuring protruding balconies, could be the set of a Western movie.
What's a day on the open road without music? What favorite tunes make up your road trip playlist?

Nothing gets done halfway in Ohio. Whatever your interests may be, you can indulge them to your heart's content. Immerse yourself in outdoor activities, cultural pursuits, and more at these popular destinations around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Mother Nature shows off all her glory at Hocking Hills State Park, with six distinct areas showcasing a full range of features. The most popular area is Old Man's Cave, named for a hermit who once lived on the grounds and is buried beneath the main recess cave. Activities in the park include hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. If you want an extended stay, there are campgrounds and cottages along with a main lodge. Park hours are 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily and admission is free.
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Millions of viewers around the world have enjoyed the thrilling Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, and this amazing sensory experience is headed to Cleveland. Gain a new perspective on classics such as Starry Night when you see them projected across 500,000 cubic feet. The background soundtrack adds another element as you wander past the moving images, noting each detail. Adding to the glamorous atmosphere is the secret location at a historic Cleveland venue, which will be announced shortly before opening day. Immersive Van Gogh runs from Thursday, September 9 through Sunday, February 6. Tickets are for specific showtimes from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and price is $50.
50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's location on the banks of the Ohio River has special significance. The mighty Ohio marks the physical and symbolic dividing line between Southern slave states and Northern free states. Taking inspiration from stories of the Underground Railroad, the Center is dedicated to keeping the spirit of freedom alive with permanent and special exhibits. Displays such as the Slave Pen, an actual structure recovered less than 60 miles from the Center, bring the realities of that era to life and underscore the heroic sacrifices made in the name of freedom. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10.50 for ages 3-12, with tickets good for specific times.
1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433
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People's fascination with flight dates back to the ancient Greek myth of Icarus. Get amazing insight into America's distinguished aviation history at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. A dozen galleries feature actual aircraft and other memorabilia from specific eras in aviation, including World War II, Cold War, and the space race. Memorial Park honors the sacrifices made by men and women of the Air Force, such as those missing in action during the Southeast Asia War. Museum hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and admission is free for all visitors.
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870
With 18 world-class roller coasters, Cedar Point is already well-known to thrill-seekers as "America's Roller Coast." But you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to have a fun-filled time at this amusement park that's been entertaining visitors for 150 years. There are dozens of rides to fit any tolerance level, as well as an 18-acre water park with activities for all ages. Add live entertainment, shopping, and food and beverage, and there's never a dull moment. Visit the website for schedule and hours. Tickets start at $49.99, with add-ins and season passes available.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd. (E. 9th St.), Cleveland, OH 44114
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame denotes Cleveland's prominent place in pop culture history. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the distinctive glass pyramid celebrates music with an incredible assortment of artifacts, exhibits, videos, and interactive displays. In addition to the permanent collections, the Museum hosts a number of limited-time exhibits. Make your own music in the Garage, a fully supplied studio where you and your friends can hold an impromptu jam session. Visit the website for current hours and prices. Advance ticket purchase is required.
As you check out the seemingly endless attractions on Kelleys Island, you'll find it hard to believe this lively spot measures just over four square miles in size. Visit the museum to get some background on the island's history, such as Inscription Rock, which is carved with Native American symbols that date back to 1200 A.D. Art lovers will head to the gallery and adjoining sculpture garden, while sporting types can swim, golf, or scuba dive. Scheele Preserve, Lilac Walk, and North Pond are popular spots to take in the island's natural beauty. Don't miss Glacial Grooves, the number one destination on the island, created by the same glacier that formed the Great Lakes and Lake Erie Islands.
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Dubbed the "Key West of the North," Put-in-Bay is a convenient getaway for a day or a weekend. In the past, the island has served as home to Native American tribes as well as the naval squadron of Commander Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812. Today, people take the quick 18-minute ferry ride to explore Stonehenge Estate, paddleboard and parasail on the bay, visit the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, and tour Crystal Cave at Heineman Winery.
6 W. Jackson St., Millersburg, OH 44654
Ohio Amish Country offers a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of another culture. Tour an Amish home or view a working farm from a horse-drawn wagon. Kids love Madhrikan's Theater of Magic, a 90-minute show of spectacular illusions that includes audience participation. A number of local families open their homes to share authentic meals with visitors for a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Bargain hunters can shop till they drop for incredible buys at thrift shops, flea markets, and antique malls. You'll probably find that one day just isn't enough, so plan to spend the night at one of the charming inns or B&Bs in Holmes County.
If you could immerse yourself in one activity for an entire week, what would you choose?

Did you know that sunflowers are native to North America or that their flowers rotate throughout the day, so they are always facing the sun? There's no doubt about it; sunflowers are incredible. Luckily, there are several wonderful sunflower fields that you can visit in Ohio. Surrounding yourself with these bright, yellow flowers is sure to make you feel uplifted.
4000 Ramseyer Ln., Wooster, OH 44691
Ramseyer Farms is another great place to enjoy sunflowers in Northeast Ohio. They even have an annual sunflower festival each fall — a good opportunity to celebrate these magnificent flowers. The flowers here are well cared for and brilliantly colored.
In addition to the sunflower fields, Ramseyer Farms has all sorts of other fun activities. In the fall, there's a corn maze for all ages. You can pick your own potatoes, shop for farm produce and baked goods, or simply walk around and see the scarecrows. You can buy tickets or season passes online. They give you access to the sunflower field and other accompanying activities.
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If you're in Northeast Ohio, this is the perfect sunflower field to visit. It was founded in 2014 by Ed and Megan McNamara as a way of honoring their daughter, Maria after she lost her life to brain cancer. There is no charge to visit this sunflower field, but donations are requested, and proceeds go toward cancer research.
The Prayers From Maria Field of Hope is lined with benches, so there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view. Visitors love photographing themselves standing on the bridge or by the sign that reads "hope."
8637 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
Rogish Farm is a friendly, family-owned farm established in 2014. They have a large sunflower field, and they let customers visit and cut their own sunflowers. That's right — after admiring these beautiful flowers at the farm, you can take a couple home with you. Visitors do need to register in advance to attend.
Along with their sunflower fields, Rogish Farm also offers blueberry picking, and they have a shop where you can buy various cut and dried flowers, garlic, and other goodies.
4625 US-68, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
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The Tecumseh Sunflower Field is a part of the larger Tecumseh Land Trust, dedicated to preserving natural land and ecosystems in Ohio. Admission is free, but visitors are not permitted to cut the sunflowers. Parking can be a bit limited but tends to open up later in the evening.
There is a path that leads deep into the Tecumseh Sunflower Field, offering wonderful, 360-degree views. Many of the sunflowers reach more than 5 feet tall, so you may want to ask your friend for a piggyback ride so you can get a better view.
5066 Keller Rd., Hebron, OH 43025
Van Buren Acres is just a short drive to the east of Columbus. This family-friendly farm opened in 2017, and it offers all sorts of fun activities, from pumpkin picking to corn mazes. Their sunflower field is approximately 9 acres large, making it one of the biggest on this list.
You will need to pay admission to enter Van Buren Acres, but the cost of admission covers the sunflower fields and other activities. Watch the farm's Facebook page for an announcement when the sunflowers start blooming. They're only around for a few weeks.
5455 Davis Dr. SE, Newark, OH 43056
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This farm offers a 5-acre sunflower field, and to make things even more interesting, they've planted 15 different varieties of sunflowers in the field. It's entertaining to stroll along and compare the different varieties. Pick a favorite, and see if your friends choose the same one.
22 Acre Farms' sunflower fields are only open through August 31, 2021, so make sure you schedule your visit soon. You can purchase tickets online. The cost is $10 per person, except on Tuesdays when there's a $5 per person deal. Hours are 8 am - 8 pm, Monday-Friday. Visit the website to learn about some special sunflower events, like Sunrise in the Sunflowers.
2626 Higby Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
Located to the east of Cincinnati, Dresbach Farms is a busy farm with many different animals and crops. They have a sunflower field that guests can visit for a few dollars each. There's an extra fee if you want to clip some sunflowers to take with you. Typically, the sunflowers bloom in late August or early September.
While you're at Dresbach Farms, you may want to do some shopping at their farm market. They offer locally produced honey, cabbage, beef, tomatoes, eggs, whole chickens, and so much more.
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Cottell Park is a 47-acre public park in the town of Mason. Over the past few years, they have begun planting a sunflower field for guests to enjoy. The sunflowers here are not always as large as the ones seen on private farms, but they are gorgeous, nonetheless.
After walking through the sunflower field, you can spend some more time at Cottell Park enjoying the basketball courts, tennis courts, or soccer fields. There are also several shelters where you could enjoy a picnic lunch, along with playgrounds that are great for kids.
CherryHawk Farm is primarily an apple picking farm, but if you visit to pick apples, admission to the sunflower fields is included. The sunflower fields here are vast, and the flowers themselves represent an impressive variety. There are grass paths you can follow for a nice, complete view of the fields.
Visitors can take one stem home for no additional charge. If you would like more than one sunflower, the farm charges $1 each. Guests are welcome to take photos in the sunflower fields, but professional photographers are asked to check in with the farm beforehand.
Which of these sunflower fields will brighten your day?