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Get ready to embrace the vibrant colors and crisp autumn air with this ultimate fall bucket list! I’ve listed some fun activities that will make you fall in love with this amazing season all over again. Fall is my absolute favorite, and this year my goal is to check off every one of these must-do activities!
Outdoor Adventures for Your Fall Bucket List
Visit a Pumpkin Patch (Farm)
We do this every year, and where I live there are plenty of local farms that are set up for fall activities. These farms have live pumpkin patches with different varieties of pumpkins still on the vines. You can pick your own pumpkins for carving, decorating, or baking. We especially like visiting the farms that also have corn mazes; I just love them, they are so much fun!
Go Apple Picking
Spend the day at an orchard picking fresh apples. Bring them home and make some of your favorite apple recipes like pies, scones, cobblers, and ciders. Yum!
Take a Scenic Fall Hike
Take in the vibrant autumn scenery on a nature trail, even if you only manage to go the first 50 steps. Every little bit of nature is worth experiencing, and you might just find the beauty in those first few moments.
Attend a Local Fall Festival
Check out their seasonal activities, local foods, and crafts. Don’t be shy—start conversations with others there. You never know; you might just make some new friends!
Go on a Hayride
This is a classic fall activity that’s a must when you visit a farm! It’s the perfect way to take in the fall scenery and enjoy some good company while you’re at it.
Take a Drive to See Fall Foliage
This is one of my favorites, and definitely worth adding to your fall bucket list this year. I actually make it a point to find scenic routes to drive through every season, but there’s nothing more beautiful than in the fall. Find routes known for their vibrant autumn leaves, and take a nice drive to soak it all in. The deep reds, oranges, and yellows will make it feel like you’re stepping into a fall wonderland. And, don’t forget to stop along the way for photos.
Add Camping to Your Fall Bucket List
Even if it’s just in your backyard, kick back and enjoy the cooler temperatures by a campfire. There’s something so relaxing about the crackling sounds and the soft glow on a cool fall night. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket with a warm drink in hand. Even better, roast some marshmallows, exchange stories, and just embrace the peaceful vibes of the outdoors.
Visit a Haunted House
I’ll admit, this is another activity we do every year. And not just one, but several! Technically, we visit “haunted forests,” not houses, because we prefer outdoor scares over indoor ones. If you’re into a good scare, this is a Halloween classic you don’t want to miss, and will definitely get your adrenaline going.
Host a Friendsgiving
Get together with friends for a pre-Thanksgiving celebration. It’s the perfect excuse to hang out, share some good food, and catch up without the stress of a big holiday meal. Make it a fun and relaxed version of Thanksgiving—potluck-style, with everyone bringing their favorite dishes.
Go Wine Tasting at a Vineyard
Sip on some delicious seasonal wines while taking in the gorgeous fall scenery. It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak in those cozy fall vibes with friends or family.
Jump in a Leaf Pile
Ok, seriously, have you ever jumped (or rolled) into a pile of leaves when you were a kid? I sure did! And if you’ve never done it, now’s the time to try new things. It’s the most innocent and childish activity on this fall bucket list, but the feeling you’ll get during and after will be one you’ll never forget. It’s hilarious and fun, trust me on this one.
Cozy Fall Bucket List Activities
Snuggly Indoor Vibes
The evenings are growing cooler, so now’s the perfect time to embrace the coziness of fall. Light a fire in the fireplace (or some candles), wrap yourself in a warm blanket with a good book in hand, or binge-watch your favorite fall-themed movies or shows. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel snuggly and content.
Carve or Paint Pumpkins
Let your creativity run free and your personality shine through in your designs. This is a great fall bucket list activity for all ages. When finished, display your pumpkins on your porch or inside your home.
Read by the Fire
Grab your coziest blanket and settle in by the fireplace with a good book. Add a hot drink, and you have the ultimate relaxing fall evening!
Decorate Your Home for Fall
Get your home ready for fall by decorating with pumpkins, gourds, and fall flowers that add pops of color to your space. I usually start decorating for fall at the beginning of September; I just can’t help myself. Like I mentioned earlier, fall is my absolute favorite season.
Throw some warm, textured blankets on your couch, and maybe swap out your decorative pillows for rich, earthy tones. And don’t forget to add a wreath to your front door for a nice touch that sets the perfect mood as soon as you step inside!
Self Care Fall Bucket List Ideas
I have the perfect guide on how to create a fall self care routine with essential tips, if you want to check that out next.
Create Fall-Themed DIY Projects
Tap into your creativity again and make your own fall-themed DIY projects. Whether you’re making a beautiful wreath for your front door, homemade candles, or hand-painted signs, it’s the perfect way to add a personal touch to your home this season.
Plus, it’s a fun way to spend a fall afternoon, either by yourself or with friends and family. My daughter and I make our own wreaths for fall and winter using items from Dollar Tree, and I promise, you can’t even tell! You can certainly craft stunning decor on a budget.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Take some time to reflect on what you’re thankful for during this season. It’s a great opportunity to pause and appreciate the little things, whether it’s the beauty of the changing leaves, or your time spent with loved ones.
Plan a Fall Self-Care Day
Treat your skin to a nourishing pumpkin face mask. Afterward, draw yourself a nice warm bath infused with calming essential oils or your favorite bath salts. Brew a cozy cup of chai or herbal tea, and enjoy it while curled up in your favorite spot.
Start a New Fitness Routine
Consider starting a new fitness routine, like yoga or Pilates, to keep yourself active as the weather cools down. Both of these practices are great for improving flexibility, strength, and overall well-being, and they can be modified to suit your own fitness level. I recently started doing Pilates at home, and I absolutely love how I feel afterward.
Foods and Drinks to Warm Your Soul
Try New Fall Recipes
Bring your fresh picked apples and pumpkins to life by cooking or baking with them. But don’t stick to just pumpkin or apple pie—there’s so much more to enjoy! Have fun making homemade apple cider, or apple and brie puff pastry bites.
If you’re on a “healthier kick” these days, try my lower-fat sourdough discard pumpkin chocolate chip cookies—they’re chewy, delicious, and perfect for fall. And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try this small batch sourdough pumpkin spice bread that you can bake right in your air fryer. It’s easier than you might think, and packed with warm fall flavors.
Make a Pot of Chili or Soup
Enjoying a hot bowl of chili or hearty soup when you come in from the cold is so comforting. Plus, it’s super easy to make in big batches, so you can have leftovers for days. Serve it with some warm, crusty sourdough bread or crackers, and you’ll have a delicious meal that feels like a great big hug!
Make a Variation of Pumpkin Spice Lattes or Hot Chocolate
If you’re tired of the same old pumpkin spice latte, but still love the flavors of pumpkin spice, you’ll need to try my pumpkin spice white hot chocolate. This drink is definitely worth adding to your fall bucket list of recipes. The inspiration came about because one of our local coffee shops features a similar drink, but their business unfortunately closes – a lot.
My daughter and I were recently craving it, but they were closed – again. So we decided to make something similar at home. And let me tell you, it was an absolute success. I’ll continue to support their business while they’re open, but our version of this delicious drink will continue to be made by us – at home!
Whether you try my recipe or get inspired to create your own variation of the ever-so-popular pumpkin spice latte, you’ll have a delicious, cozy fall drink to enjoy and make the season even sweeter.
Have a Pie Baking Party
A spin on the traditional potluck, and such a cute idea. Gather your friends and family for a day of baking and sharing your favorite pie recipes! Once everything’s baked, you can sit down together, enjoy a slice (or two), and celebrate your delicious accomplishments.
Final Thoughts on Creating the Perfect Fall Bucket List
I hope these fall bucket list ideas bring some inspiration to your life this season. Autumn is such a beautiful season for reflection and gratitude. As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a moment and appreciate all the beauty around you and the experiences you’ve had. Whether you go for a quiet walk in the woods, take a scenic drive, or just relax and watch the leaves fall from the trees, it’s all about soaking in the magic of the season. Enjoy your fall season, and be well my friend!
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