Fall Family Photos at Side Cut MetroPark
Fall Family Photos at Side Cut Metropark are full of colorful trees, rocky riverbanks, hidden pieces of driftwood, and some of the prettiest fall sunsets along the Maumee River. If you’re considering Side Cut for your fall family photos, I’m sharing a few of my favorite little pockets throughout the park, what to wear, and why this is such a fun location for families who love to explore. I’m Cynthia Dawson, a Toledo family, maternity, and newborn photographer who loves giving families room to explore, love on each other, and enjoy their time together. I photograph families throughout Toledo, Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and the surrounding Northwest Ohio communities.
I Have a Confession to Make…
I have a confession to make. Side Cut Metropark used to be one location that I hated photographing families at. I’m not even sure why! I just always found this park a little harder to photograph than some of my other favorite Toledo locations.
But I kept coming back, mostly with my own family because we love the playground, walking along the river, and exploring together. Somewhere along the way, I started noticing all these little pockets of the park I had overlooked before.
I found the rocky parts of the river where kids can explore and climb, which they love! I started noticing how pretty the light can be tucked along the riverbank. And then there are those little areas of open field where, at just the right time, we can catch the sunset coming through.
Little by little, Side Cut completely won me over. For a few years, it was even my favorite Metropark to photograph families! While I have a few other favorites these days, there is still something about Side Cut, especially in the fall that keeps me coming back.
Where the River Runs Through It
The star of Side Cut Metropark, besides that famous sledding hill in the winter, is definitely the river. It winds its way through the park, and depending on where you stop, it can look completely different.
Near the canal locks, you’ll find the bigger drop offs where water flows over the rocks and into the creek bed below. When the water is low and it’s still warm enough, this can be such a fun area for kids to explore and even wade in a little.
Closer to the playground, you get more of that classic Maumee River view along the walking trail. When we’ve had a particularly dry stretch, the water can get so low that you can walk surprisingly far out into the river.
But my favorite spot is a little farther down. When the river gets lower in the summer and fall, it starts showing off what it’s been hiding all year. Huge, smooth slabs of rock stretch farther and farther out into the river, giving us so much room to explore.
This is one of my favorite places to bring families at Side Cut in the fall. The kids can climb around and explore, everyone has room to spend time together, and when the sun starts setting over the river, the light here can be absolutely gorgeous.
Made for Little Explorers
You’ll find a big pile of driftwood tucked along one of Side Cut’s many walking trails. It might not look like much at first, but adventurous kids usually love this spot. And of course, climbing on the wood is pretty much a must!
The driftwood gives kids something to do right away instead of thinking about the camera. They can climb and explore while parents watch or jump in when little legs need an extra boost.
I especially love this spot for families who feel a little camera shy. Exploring together takes the focus off the camera and helps everyone settle in. You can play and enjoy time together while I photograph it all.
Meet Me Under the Maples
Have you ever seen a line of people waiting to take photos in front of a fall tree? No, just me?! Well, that has definitely happened to me at Side Cut Metropark in the fall.
There’s a small grove of huge maple trees right near the parking lot, and for a short time every fall, their leaves turn the most incredible shades of yellow, orange, and red. When you catch them at just the right time, it’s easy to understand why everyone else had the same idea!
It’s one of those little pockets of Side Cut that is easy to walk right past most of the year, but come fall, you can’t help but notice it.
Dressing for a Little Adventure
Side Cut has colorful maples, rocky riverbanks, driftwood, and plenty of earthy tones throughout the park. That gives us a pretty neutral backdrop when planning what your family will wear.
For fall, I love warm colors like mustard, rust, maroon, brown, and tan. Shades of blue can also break up those traditional fall colors. If you prefer something softer, creams and other natural tones look beautiful here too.
When we start planning outfits, I usually suggest choosing mom’s outfit first. Find something you feel amazing in, then we can build everyone else’s outfits around it. Subtle patterns, cozy textures, and layers help each person feel unique while keeping everything pulled together.
Keep in mind that we may do some exploring at Side Cut! We could walk the trails or climb around the driftwood. We may even head onto the rocky riverbed. Choose shoes that look great but still let you comfortably move around.
If outfit planning already has you opening seventeen browser tabs, don’t worry. I offer one on one styling help for my full session families. We can choose everything together.
You can also check out my full guide to what to wear for fall family photos for more ideas.
For My Adventure Loving Families
If your kids love to explore, Side Cut might be a great fit for your family photos.
Sessions here usually involve some wandering and a little adventure. We might head down to the river or climb around the driftwood. When the water is low, the kids can explore the rocky riverbed. We can also follow one of the wooded trails and see where it takes us.
There is always something new for kids to discover here. They can explore while I photograph your family spending time together.
Side Cut also gives us plenty of variety for your photos. The river and rocks can feel completely different from the colorful maple trees and wooded trails. We can find several beautiful backdrops without ever leaving the park.
If your family would rather explore than stay in one spot, Side Cut might be just the place for you.
Because Next Fall Will Look a Little Different
We all know fall in Ohio never seems to last quite long enough. One minute the trees are full of color and the next, the leaves are on the ground and we’re wondering how it went by so quickly.
Family life has a funny way of doing the same thing. By next fall, routines may look different, your kids will be a little taller, and your family will have grown and changed in ways you probably don’t even notice happening right now.
That’s why I love making time for family photos during seasons like this. There is so much about your family right now that is worth remembering. The way your kids fit in your arms (or don’t!), the personalities that keep you laughing, and simply what being together looks like in this season.
If you’ve been thinking about fall family photos at Side Cut Metropark, I’d love to spend an evening here with your family and help you remember a little piece of this season together. Reach out to Cynthia today to start planning your fall family photo session in Toledo, Ohio!
Want even more fall fun? Check out the What to Wear for Fall Family Photos complete guide, Where to Take Fall Photos Near Toledo and Beyond, Fall Family Photo Checklist, and What is the Best Month for Fall Photos?
Side Cut Metropark FAQ
Is Side Cut Metropark a good location for fall family photos?
Yes! Fall Family Photos at Side Cut Metropark can include everything from the rocks along the river and colorful maple trees to wooded trails, driftwood, and open areas where we can catch the sunset. It is a great location if you want lots of variety and a little exploring during your session.
When is the best time for fall family photos at Side Cut?
October is usually a beautiful time for fall color at Side Cut, especially around the large maple trees. The exact timing of peak color varies each year, so I never rely on one specific week to give us a beautiful backdrop.
Where is Side Cut Metropark?
Side Cut Metropark is located along the Maumee River in Maumee, Ohio, making it a convenient location for family photos for families around Toledo, Maumee, Perrysburg, and the surrounding Northwest Ohio area.
Can we take family photos along the river at Side Cut?
When water levels allow, yes! Some of my favorite areas are along the rocky portions of the Maumee River. When the river is low, large slabs of smooth rock are exposed and give us an amazing place to explore and photograph your family.
Is Side Cut a good location for families with active kids?
Absolutely. There is plenty for kids to explore, whether they are climbing on driftwood, walking along the river, or checking out the trails. Having something to do also helps kids forget about the camera and gives me a chance to photograph their personalities while your family enjoys being together.
