Fall Bucket List
Fall is that cozy, cinnamon-scented, sweater-weather, pumpkin-spiced time of year that just makes you want to grab a fuzzy blanket, light a candle, and soak it all in.
If you’re anything like me, you start each Autumn with grand plans, apple picking, decorating the porch, baking pies, and taking just one more photo with the kids in the leaves. But let’s be honest: between school runs, soccer games, and juggling busy schedules, Fall can fly by in a blur.
So this year, I’ve made a Fall Bucket List, a mix of family-friendly favorites, traditions, and a few new ideas to spice things up. Whether you’re spending the season with little kids, teens, friends, or even solo, there’s something on this list for everyone.
50+ Fun Ideas for a Magical Autumn
Classic Fall Family Fun
These tried-and-true activities are beloved for a reason. They’re the heart of any Fall season and perfect for making memories together.
1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Let the kids pick their own pumpkins, no matter how weirdly shaped they are. It’s all part of the charm!
2. Go Apple Picking
Nothing beats the taste of a crisp apple you’ve just plucked from the tree. Plus, it’s a great photo op!
3. Carve (or Paint) Pumpkins
Little ones might prefer painting. For older kids, break out the carving tools and host a pumpkin-decorating contest.
4. Have a Leaf Jumping Day
Rake a big pile and let the kids jump in over and over. Yes, you’ll have to rake again. Totally worth it.
5. Drink Hot Apple Cider
Warm, spicy, and comforting, serve it at home or take a thermos on your Fall walk.
6. Set up a Family Fall Festival with Games
Try out some fun Fall festival games right in your own backyard!
7. Bake a Pumpkin Pie
Or pumpkin muffins, cookies, or bread! Let the kids help stir and sprinkle cinnamon.
8. Watch a Family Halloween Movie
Think Hocus Pocus, Hotel Transylvania, or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
9. Make a Scarecrow
Use old clothes and hay or newspaper to stuff a DIY scarecrow for your yard.
10. Host a Backyard Bonfire
Toast marshmallows, tell spooky stories, funny Fall jokes and enjoy the crisp night air.
Fall Activities for Kids and Teens
Looking for ways to keep your crew entertained after school or on weekends? These ideas are easy to pull off and fun for all ages.
11. Create a Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt
List items like red leaf, acorn, pinecone, squirrel sighting, then head out to find them.
12. Make DIY Fall Slime
Orange glitter, pumpkin scent, and stretchy fun. Teens secretly love this too!
13. Decorate Their Bedroom with Fall Vibes
Mini pumpkins, fairy lights, Happy Fall quotes, have a fall decorating day!
14. Host a Costume Fashion Show
Before Halloween, let the kids model costume options and vote on the funniest or scariest.
15. Make Caramel Apples Together
Messy? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. Let them dip and decorate with toppings like crushed cookies or sprinkles. These are the perfect Fall party food.
16. Create a Gratitude Jar
Have everyone write one thing they’re grateful for each day. Read them on Thanksgiving.
17. Try a DIY Haunted House
Set up spooky zones in your garage or hallway. Invite a few brave friends!
18. Have a Pajama & Puzzle Afternoon
Pick a fall-themed puzzle and cozy up in PJs with hot cocoa.
19. Design a Fall-Themed Obstacle Course
Use hay bales, pumpkins, rakes, and cones for a fun backyard challenge.
20. Make a Leaf Craft or Garland
Collect pretty leaves and create art or hang them as decor.
New & Exciting Fall Ideas You Might Not Have Tried
If you’ve done all the classics and want to shake things up, try something fresh and fun from this list:
21. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Hunt
Hide mini plastic pumpkins in your backyard at night with glow sticks inside!
22. Host a Soup Swap
Invite friends to bring a batch of their favorite soup and exchange portions. You’ll end up with a week’s worth of cozy meals!
23. Try a Fall-Themed Games Night
Print out these fun Fall family games and make a night of family fun.
24. Camp in the Backyard
Cooler temps make fall perfect for outdoor sleeping. Don’t forget the s’mores.
25. Take a Fall-Themed Photoshoot
Dress the kids (or yourself!) in cozy clothes and snap pics in the leaves.
26. Attend a Local Fall Festival or Harvest Market
Explore local crafts, try seasonal food, and support small businesses.
27. Try Pumpkin Bowling
Stack rolls of toilet paper like pins and use a small pumpkin as the ball!
28. Host a Chili Cook-Off
Invite family or neighbors and let everyone taste-test and vote for the winner.
29. Create a DIY Fall Candle
Make your own with scents like cinnamon, apple, or vanilla. Great for gifts too!
30. Make a Fall Charcuterie Board
Think apple slices, spiced nuts, sharp cheddar, pumpkin hummus, and caramel dip. Yum!
Indoor Fall Ideas
Perfect for rainy days, introverts, or when you just want to stay in your fuzzy socks all day.
31. Read a Fall-Themed Book
Try Room on the Broom for kids or a cozy autumn romance for you.
32. Start a Fall Family Journal
Let each family member write or draw something every day or week.
33. Do a Fall Puzzle or Board Game Night
Choose a puzzle with pumpkins or a favorite family board game.
34. Bake Together Every Weekend
Make it a tradition: new treat every Saturday or Sunday, donuts, pies, scones, you name it.
35. Write Letters to Faraway Family
Use leaf or pumpkin-themed stationery and brighten someone’s day.
36. DIY Fall Playdough
Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to give it that cozy scent.
37. Make a “Cozy Nook”
Pile blankets and pillows in a corner for reading or quiet time.
38. Set Up a Gratitude Tree
Use a large branch in a vase. Add paper leaves with thankful messages.
39. Host a DIY Candlelight Dinner
Turn off the lights, light some candles, serve soup or stew, and pretend you’re in a cottage in the woods.
40. Do a Virtual Tour of a Fall Destination
Explore it all right from the couch!
Preparing for Thanksgiving Together
Fall flies into Thanksgiving faster than we realize! These bucket list ideas help you savor the season while preparing for the big day.
41. Plan Your Thanksgiving Menu as a Family
Let everyone vote on their favorite dish, even the kids!
42. Create Thanksgiving Place Cards or Decor
DIY crafts that add a personal touch to your feast.
43. Practice a New Pie Recipe
Try something new like maple pecan or cranberry apple crumble.
44. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Snuggle up with breakfast and enjoy the balloons, bands, and performances.
45. Host a “Friendsgiving”
Have a casual pre-Thanksgiving meal with friends. Potluck style is easiest!
46. Do a “Thankful Countdown”
Each day in November, write one thing you’re thankful for on a paper leaf.
47. Donate to a Local Food Drive
Get the kids involved by choosing food items and dropping them off together.
48. Make DIY Napkin Rings
Use twine, leaves, or cinnamon sticks to craft beautiful table accents.
49. Share a Family Story Night
Take turns telling funny or heartfelt stories from past Thanksgivings.
50. Start a New Family Tradition
Maybe it’s baking a certain pie, playing a game, or taking a family walk after dinner.
The beauty of a bucket list isn’t about doing it all. Some weekends, you might tackle three ideas. Other days, it’s enough to just sit back and enjoy the weather.
Print this list, hang it on the fridge, and let everyone in the family check off their favorites. Better yet, let each person pick one must-do activity for the season. However you choose to enjoy fall, make it yours, and make it memorable.
