Fall Trivia
Fall, the season of crunchy leaves, chunky sweaters, and everything pumpkin-flavored. If you’re anything like me, once the calendar flips to September, you’re lighting cinnamon candles and pretending the house isn’t still full of summer sand and leftover sunscreen.
But how much do you really know about Fall? Whether you’re cozying up with a hot drink, planning a family trivia night, or just want some fun facts to impress your kids (or stump them!), this Fall trivia post is packed with crunchy knowledge and a sprinkle of sass.
What Even Is Fall?
Let’s kick things off with a few fun facts about the season itself.
1. Fall goes by many names.
We call it “Fall” in the U.S., but most of the world says “Autumn.” The word “Fall” actually comes from the phrase “Fall of the leaf,” which makes total sense. (And let’s be real, it sounds way more poetic than “mud season.”)
2. It’s all about the equinox.
Fall begins with the autumnal equinox, which usually happens around September 22 or 23. That’s when the day and night are almost exactly the same length. After that, the nights get longer and the days get shorter, cue the early sunsets and cozy vibes.
3. Leaves don’t “change” color they reveal it!
That brilliant orange and red color? It’s been hiding under the green all along. The green chlorophyll fades away in fall, letting the true colors shine. Fall is basically nature’s version of makeup remover.
Leafy Laughs and Tree Trivia
Let’s talk trees, those leafy giants that go all-out in autumn.
4. The sugar maple is the diva of Fall.
If you see a tree decked out in bright red and orange, there’s a good chance it’s a sugar maple. These beauties are the stars of the leaf-peeping season.
5. Leaves don’t fall because they’re tired.
They actually cut themselves off. In the Fall, trees grow a special layer of cells at the base of the leaf stem that slowly pushes the leaf away. So when a leaf drops, it’s like, “I’m done. Goodbye forever.”
6. There’s a science-y word for leaf-crunching lovers: psithurism.
It means “the sound of wind through the trees.” But we think it should also mean the joy of stomping through a pile of dry leaves. Seriously, best free therapy out there.
Pumpkins, Apples & All Things Yum
Fall is foodie heaven. But behind those tasty treats are some fun facts!
7. Pumpkins are fruits.
I know, it feels wrong. But pumpkins have seeds, so they’re technically fruits. Don’t worry, you can still call it pie.
8. The largest pumpkin ever?
A whopping 2,749 pounds! That’s like three grizzly bears in pumpkin form. It was grown in Italy in 2021. Imagine trying to carve that beast…
9. Apples are the OG fall snack.
There are over 7,500 types of apples in the world! Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, there’s a flavor for everyone. Apple picking isn’t just a fall tradition; it’s an adventure.
10. Apple cider vs. apple juice?
Cider is usually unfiltered and a bit tangier. Juice is more processed and sweet. Either way, both taste better in a mug with a cinnamon stick and a chilly breeze.
Fun Fall Holidays & Traditions
Fall isn’t just about food and leaves. It’s packed with holidays, too!
11. Halloween started as a Celtic festival.
Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”) was the original spooky celebration. People lit bonfires and wore costumes to scare away ghosts. It’s basically Halloween’s great-great-grandma.
12. Thanksgiving was made official by Abraham Lincoln.
Sure, the pilgrims and Native Americans had a feast in 1621, but it wasn’t a yearly thing until Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863. Thanks, Abe!
13. Fall is also football season.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just there for the snacks, football is the fall sport. Super fans plan their weekends around it, while some of us just want the buffalo dip and an excuse to wear team colors.
Turkey Day Trivia
Let’s talk turkey, literally.
14. Wild turkeys can fly!
Yep. Even though your Thanksgiving bird couldn’t fly if it tried (too plump), wild turkeys can fly up to 55 mph. They also sleep in trees. Who knew?
15. Turkey wasn’t the star of the first Thanksgiving.
Historians think they probably ate venison, seafood, and whatever else they could hunt or gather. Turkey came later. But we’re not giving up those leftovers any time soon.
16. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days.
Three. Whole. Days. That’s a lot of feasting. And probably a lot of post-meal naps.
Fun Fall Facts to Share at the Table
These are the “did you know?” moments your kids will roll their eyes at, but secretly love.
17. Squirrels don’t remember all their hiding spots.
They bury hundreds of acorns each fall, but they forget where most of them are. Nature’s forgetful little gardeners!
18. Fall babies might be taller.
Some studies show babies born in the Fall are slightly taller than their peers. (Go ahead, measure your kids.)
19. Monarch butterflies migrate in the fall.
They travel up to 3,000 miles to get to Mexico. That’s a lot of wing flapping!
20. Candy corn was originally called “Chicken Feed.”
Because corn used to be only for animals. This doesn’t make candy corn any more appetizing, but it is a great fact to gross out your kids.
Fall Fun Around the World
Not everyone celebrates fall the same way! Here are a few cozy customs from other countries:
21. In Germany, they celebrate Oktoberfest.
It starts in late September and ends in October. Think big tents, traditional clothing, music, and food. So much food.
22. Japan is famous for “koyo.”
It means “autumn colors,” and people travel to the mountains to see the changing leaves. Think of it as leaf-peeping on a whole new level.
23. In Korea, they celebrate Chuseok.
It’s kind of like Korean Thanksgiving, a time to honor ancestors, eat traditional rice cakes, and spend time with family.
Fall Trivia Questions for Family Fun
Here are a few questions you can quiz your crew with during dinner or game night:
- What’s the term for animals preparing for winter?
Answer: Hibernation. - What fruit is carved on Halloween?
Answer: Pumpkin (bonus if they say “jack-o’-lantern!”) - Which fall month has the most daylight?
Answer: September. - Which tree is famous for its bright red leaves?
Answer: Maple. - What’s the name for the day when night and day are equal in fall?
Answer: Autumnal equinox.
Fall is hands down one of the most magical times of the year. It’s a cozy, colorful, and slightly crunchy season that gives us a chance to slow down, sip something warm, and soak up the little things, like jumping in a pile of leaves or picking the perfect pumpkin.
Whether you use this trivia to create a fun family quiz night, add it to your fall classroom activities, or just read it while hiding in the pantry with leftover Halloween candy (no judgment), I hope you had some fun along the way.
