The leaves are falling, and the temperature is dropping, which means fall is in full effect and finding activities to deal with the newfound stress becomes a priority.

Students begin to search for ways to spend their scarce free time enjoying the outdoors before it gets too cold. One option that’s fun and easy on the wallet is a hayride.

Passengers on a hayride get into a wagon, sleigh or open truck partly filled with straw or hay. These rides are usually through farm or wooded areas. Many local areas feature hayrides during the fall season.

Located in Hartville, a quick 15-minute drive from Kent State, is Kingsway Pumpkin Farm. Friday through Sunday, for $4 a person, guests can take a ride through its pumpkin fields and even pick out a pumpkin to take home.

Along with hayrides, the farm also has petting zoos, corn mazes, train rides and tons of picture opportunities for the season change.

“Hayrides are a good way to see the fall weather,” said Kevin King, Kingsway Pumpkin Farm owner. “People can come out and experience the weather before it’s too late.”

A trip to a hayride can even be a way to get closer to that special someone.

“With all the pretty scenery and getting to snuggle up for warmth, it’s a great way to spend time with a boyfriend or girlfriend,” said Paige DeMattie, sophomore public relations major. “I’m surprised more people don’t think to go.”

But if you’re more of a group person, Walnut Drive Gardens in Mogadore has just what you’re looking for.

Walnut Drive Gardens offer a 50- to 60-minute hayride around its farm. Visitors have the option of doing more than the just the simple ride, though. After a trip through the pumpkin patch for pumpkins, guests can enjoy a bonfire with apple cider.

Offering parties as small as 25 people or as large as 300 people, Walnut Drive Gardens provides a chance for large groups to enjoy the farm life.

“We hope people come so they can view our farm and see how peaceful and enjoyable it can be,” said Joanne Sall, owner of Walnut Drive Gardens.

Local farm hayrides aren’t the only rides available; the Cleveland Metroparks also offer hayrides through its property in Strongsville. Attendees can even get the opportunity to ride a horse-drawn wagon through the wooded area.

Kingsway Pumpkin Farm is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with Wednesday nights offering a discounted ticket price and Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Walnut Drive Gardens is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cleveland Metroparks offer hayrides every Saturday night from 6-10 p.m. and every Sunday afternoon from noon to 4 p.m.

All hayrides are open through Halloween.

You can contact Max Hayden at [email protected].