Fall Bucket List
Fall is a magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the leaves turn golden, and suddenly, everything comes in pumpkin spice flavor. If you’re anything like me, you look forward to this season as a chance to slow down and enjoy some quality family time. After all, as Moms, we know how fast the days slip by, and Fall is the perfect time to soak in the moments before the holiday whirlwind sweeps us off our feet.
So, if you’re looking to make the most of this beautiful season, I’ve put together a Fall bucket list filled with ideas that are fun, meaningful, and easy to fit into our busy schedules. Let’s make this Fall one to remember!
Fun Fall Bucket List Ideas
1. Go on a Leaf Scavenger Hunt
One of my favorite things about fall is the explosion of color in the trees. Why not turn a simple walk into an adventure by organizing a leaf scavenger hunt? Grab the kids, a basket or two, and head to your local park. Challenge them to find leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors.
It’s a great way to teach them about nature, and the best part? You can use those leaves later for crafts or just to admire on the kitchen table. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to tire them out before bedtime, win-win!
2. Bake Fall Treats Together
There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house that just screams fall, doesn’t it? Baking together is such a fun way to bond with the kids, and the memories you make in the kitchen will stick around longer than the crumbs.
Try making apple pie, pumpkin bread, or even cinnamon rolls. And if you’re feeling adventurous, let the kids decorate cookies with fall-themed icing. Sure, the kitchen might end up looking like a flour-covered disaster zone, but those giggles and proud little faces are totally worth it.
3. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
No fall season is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. It’s one of those outings that feels nostalgic and fresh every single year. Let the kids pick out their own pumpkins, big or small, warty or smooth, and then have fun carving or painting them together. We’ve had some… let’s call them “abstract” creations over the years, but I wouldn’t trade those lopsided grins and mismatched eyes for anything.
4. Host a Family Movie Night
Fall evenings are just perfect for cozying up with a good movie. Pick a night, grab some warm blankets, and let everyone in the family choose a fall-themed movie. You could go classic with something like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” or opt for a fun family flick like “Hocus Pocus.” Don’t forget the popcorn, bonus points if you drizzle it with caramel or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top.
5. Go on a Nature Hike
Fall is hands down the best time for a family hike. The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, and the scenery is breathtaking. Find a local trail that’s kid-friendly, and take your time exploring. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa or apple cider for a little treat at the end of the hike. Trust me, the kids will be more willing to walk if there’s cocoa waiting for them!
6. Create a Fall Craft
Let’s be real: sometimes we need to keep the kids busy indoors (especially when the weather takes a turn). Fall crafts are a fantastic way to do that while also tapping into their creativity. You can make leaf rubbings, paint pine cones, or create a fall wreath together.
My personal favorite? Decorating mason jars with leaves and using them as candle holders. The warm glow they give off is just so comforting, and they make great gifts for grandparents!
7. Make a Gratitude Tree
With Thanksgiving around the corner, fall is the perfect time to focus on gratitude. Create a gratitude tree by drawing a large tree on a poster board and cutting out leaf shapes from colorful paper.
Each day, have everyone in the family write down something they’re thankful for on a leaf and stick it to the tree. It’s a beautiful reminder of all the good things in our lives, and by the end of the season, you’ll have a tree full of blessings to look back on.
8. Have a Bonfire Night
If you have access to a safe place to build a fire, plan a bonfire night. There’s something incredibly special about gathering around a crackling fire with the people you love. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and share stories under the stars. And don’t worry if the kids get sticky and the marshmallows catch fire (they always do!). It’s all part of the fun. Just remember to bring along some blankets to keep everyone cozy as the night air gets cooler.
9. Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is a fall tradition in our house, and it’s one that never gets old. Find a local orchard and spend the day in the fresh air, filling baskets with apples. The kids will love reaching for the perfect apple, and you can all enjoy a sweet treat right off the tree. When you get home, you can bake some of those apples into pies, crisps, or just slice them up with a bit of caramel dip. Delicious!
10. Decorate for Fall
Transform your home into a cozy fall haven by decorating with the kids. Let them help you hang a fall wreath on the door, place pumpkins around the house, or even string up some fall-themed garlands. You don’t have to go all out, sometimes the simplest touches make the biggest impact.
My kids love helping me pick out the decorations and figuring out where to put them. And honestly, seeing their excitement every time we bring out the fall bin is one of my favorite things about the season.
11. Take a Drive to See the Fall Foliage
Sometimes, the simplest activities are the most memorable. Taking a drive to see the fall foliage is a great way to spend an afternoon. Pack some snacks, put on your favorite fall playlist, and just enjoy the beauty of nature.
If you find a good spot, stop and take some family photos. Those pictures will be priceless keepsakes of your time together, and who knows, maybe you’ll even end up with the perfect shot for this year’s holiday card!
12. Celebrate Halloween with Homemade Costumes
I know, store-bought costumes are super convenient, but there’s something so special about making your own. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just get creative with what you have at home.
My kids love rummaging through old clothes, craft supplies, and even the recycling bin to put together their costumes. And yes, it does get a little chaotic, but seeing their pride when they show off their homemade creations makes it all worth it.
13. Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
If you’re looking for a fun day out, check out a local fall festival or fair. These events usually have everything from hayrides and corn mazes to games and yummy fall treats. It’s a great way to spend a day as a family, and there’s usually something for everyone.
We love exploring the different booths, tasting the homemade jams, and letting the kids try their hand at the games. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to support your local community!
14. Plan a Fall Picnic
Before the weather gets too chilly, plan a fall picnic in the park. Pack up some sandwiches, thermoses of soup, and maybe even a slice of that apple pie you baked. Bring along some cozy blankets to sit on, and just enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by nature. The kids can run around and play, and you can relax and take in the beauty of the season. It’s a simple, peaceful way to spend a fall afternoon.
15. Make Homemade Apple Cider
There’s nothing like a warm cup of apple cider to really get you in the fall spirit. Making it from scratch is easier than you might think, and it’s a fun project to do with the kids. You can even go the extra mile and let them help with mulling spices and squeezing the juice from fresh apples. The house will smell amazing, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade treat to enjoy together.
16. Write Thank You Notes
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, why not set aside some time to write thank you notes as a family? You can send them to teachers, neighbors, or anyone who has made a difference in your lives this year.
It’s a simple but meaningful way to show gratitude, and it’s a great lesson for the kids. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a handwritten note in the mail? It’s a little gesture that can brighten someone’s day.
This Fall, let’s focus on making memories, slowing down, and soaking in all the cozy, colorful, and sweet moments the season has to offer. These bucket list ideas are just a starting point, feel free to add your own family traditions or try something new. After all, the most important thing is that we’re spending time together and enjoying every leaf-crunching, pie-baking, sweater-wearing minute of it.
