6 Things to do at The Dawes Arboretum this Fall

The Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio is offering fun and family-friendly events for fall of 2022!

The Dawes Arboretum is always a great place to visit, no matter the season! Whether snow is on the ground or flowers are in bloom, there’s always something to see and appreciate!

Some of our favorite things to do at The Dawes Arboretum include visiting the Discovery Center, playing in the Natural Play Area, climbing the Observation Tower, and (my personal favorite) visiting the Japanese Garden.

This fall, you can visit The Arboretum to do all of those things AND to participate in one of these 6 special events and activities:

1. Columbus Bonsai Society’s 50th Annual Show

• Dates: September 24 & 25 2022

This two-day event will include a display of bonsai trees, demonstrations, vendor booths and hands-on workshops where you can create bonsai! To register for workshops, visit here.

2. Ex-STRAW-dinary Scarecrows

• Dates: October 8, October 15-31, 2022

On October 8, 2022, guests can participate in a free family day from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM where they can build their own scarecrows! The Dawes Arboretum will provide the straw, you provide all of the accessories to bring your scarecrow to life!

Then, October 15-31, check out the Parkwoods Trail at Dawes Arboretum to find all of the costume-outfitted scarecrows! The scarecrows will feature some of your favorite superheroes and characters! Visitors can vote for their favorite!

3. Trick or Trees

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

From 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, come dressed in costume to walk the Parkwoods Trail and get treats! This Halloween event will give you the opportunity to see the fall colors at The Arboretum and to enjoy the spooky season! Kids 15 and under get in free!

4. Turkey Trail Challenge

Date: Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

Register at the Visitor’s Center on Friday, November 25 between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and walk The Dawes Arboretum! Bring your pedometer, as guests who walk 2,500, 5,000 or 10,000 steps will be eligible to receive a prize (while supplies last)!

5. Avian Avatars

Date: Ongoing

Avian Avatars consists of six natural sculptures created by The Myth Makers, featuring various birds and towering up to 20 feet tall! These sculptures will slowly deteriorate over time and will remain at The Dawes Arboretum over the course of their life.

6. Winter Wonder Walks

Dates: Friday and Saturday evenings in December

Winter Wonder Walks will take place along the Parkwoods Trail, which will be illuminated for these special nights.

Read more: 9 Fun Things to do in and Around Newark, Ohio (Including The Dawes Arboretum!)