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    Home » Lifestyle » 60 Fall Bucket List Ideas

    60 Fall Bucket List Ideas

    Published Sep 27, 2019 · Updated Sep 28, 2023 by Ginnie · 6 Comments

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    Celebrate autumn with this fun Fall Bucket List (with free printable) ... these creative fall activities will help you make the most of the best season of all!

    A Fall Bucket List with 60 Things to Do in Fall on a wood table.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I don't care if it makes me sound basic, fall is my favorite season!

    There are so many things to love about fall, from the cooler weather to the cozy sweaters, beautiful scenery, sweets treats, outdoor activities, and so much more.

    Once bad thing about autumn? It always seems to go by too quick. Especially here in Texas, where it's practically non-existent!

    So this year, I decided to make the most of my fave season by creating a list of the best fall activities.

    A list of fall activities, a piece of pumpkin pie, and pumpkin on a wood table.

    Fall Bucket List

    If you're looking for fun things to do in the fall, then this list is for you.

    I figured that we could all use some seasonal inspiration, so I've rounded up 60 Fall Bucket List ideas. Whether you're looking for recipe ideas, outdoor activities, or fall events, I guarantee there are at least a few ideas you'll want to add to your own list.

    You'll find a free printable with all of these autumn activities at the end of the list below. Print it out, then start checking off your favorite fall things!

    There's also a blank printable so you can create your own fall to do list if you'd prefer.

    Before you go ... if you're looking for things to do in other seasons, make sure to bookmark this Winter Bucket List and this Spring Bucket List, too. You can always save them for later! And as the weather starts to get colder, this list of 130 Things to Do at Home will surely come in handy ... as will these At Home Date Night Ideas!

    A blank fall bucket list printable on a wood table with a pumpkin and a piece of pie.

    60 Fall Activities

    There's something for everyone here, from couples to kids ... try one or attempt to do them if all if you're feeling ambitious!

    1. Enjoy your favorite pumpkin drink or treat.

    We have to start here, right? While I don't love Pumpkin Spice Lattes quite as much as your average fall-obsessed lady, no Fall Bucket List is complete without a a pumpkin treat (or two)! If PSLs aren't your thing, try one of these ideas instead:

    • Pumpkin Steamer (like a pumpkin hot chocolate ... so good!)

    • Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

    • Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops

    • Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt

    • Layered Pumpkin Mousse

    2. Run through a pile of leaves.

    Embrace your inner child and jump in!

    3. Carve a pumpkin.

    Whether you have kids of not, carving a pumpkin is a quintessential fall activity that cannot be missed. Pick out the perfect one at a local pumpkin patch.

    4. Roast pumpkin seeds.

    Don't throw away the seeds when carving that pumpkin ... they make a delicious and healthy fall snack. Try my easy roasted pumpkin seed recipe if you need a little guidance. It has lots of fun seasoning ideas, from garlic to cinnamon and so much more!

    5. Plan an autumn picnic.

    A picnic is the perfect way to make the most of a gorgeous fall day! Wear something warm, grab a blanket and delicious food, then head to your favorite park. Read my 5 Easy Picnic Ideas and Autumn Picnic in Central Park articles for plenty of inspiration, recipes, and tips.

    6. Sleep in and snuggle under the covers.

    There's nothing better than a lazy Saturday snuggle in bed, especially on a chilly fall day. Don't resist it!

    7. Visit and orchard and go apple picking.

    Taking a trip to a local farm is one of the best things to do in fall ... it's guaranteed to put you in the autumnal spirit instantly. Pick a big bucket of apples, eat as many apple cider donuts as you can, sip hot cider, an enjoy those country vibes.

    8. Learn how to knit, then make something warm.

    Fall is the perfect time to learn to knit. It's so relaxing, and knitting a hat or scarf is much simpler than you'd think.

    9. Take a road trip to see fall leaves.

    Make the most of a sunny day by hitting the road. A leisurely drive to a nearby town you've been meaning to visit (or a longer weekend trip) is the best way to see colorful fall foliage. Check out my Road Trip Essentials before you go.

    10. Bake an apple pie.

    Fall is the perfect time to try your hand at a homemade pie! This Sour Cream Apple Pie from Posie Gets Cozy is a favorite recipe that's actually fairly easy to make. Not into pie? Try my yummy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Parfait instead.

    A bucket of red apples.

    11. Cook your favorite comfort foods.

    I start craving my favorite rich and hearty recipes at the slightest hint of cooler weather ... are you the same? Here are some recipe to try the next time you must have comfort food:

    • Vegetable Stew with Dumplings

    • Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

    • Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells

    • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

    • Tamale Pie

    • Sourdough Grilled Cheese

    12. Go hiking at a state or national park.

    Fall is the best time to go hiking in my opinion. It's not too hot, the scenery is gorgeous, and parks are usually less crowded than they are mid-summer. Hit the trails at a local park or visit a national park (there are a few in every state, including my state, Texas!).

    13. Create a collection of fall leaves, acorns, and pine cones.

    I love collecting colorful leaves and other autumn elements on my fall hikes and walks. Show off your finds in a bowl or save them for a craft project.

    14. Attend a fall festival.

    Autumn is full of fun events, like Oktoberfest, harvest fest, music festivals, and more. Embrace that warm fall spirit by attending one or more.

    15. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

    If there's any better than a hot chocolate on a brisk fall day, I can't think of it! Check out my favorite hot chocolate recipe here.

    16. Air out your house with crisp, fall air.

    Before the weather gets too cold, let that wonderful autumn air into your home. It's an easy way to refresh your space ... no cleaning or decorating required.

    17. Plan the perfect Halloween costume.

    Halloween isn't just for kids. Embrace the spooky spirit of the season by coming up with a clever costume. Extra points if you make it yourself!

    18. Dress up your pet for Halloween.

    There's nothing more fun than a pet in a Halloween costume, right? If you're looking for ideas, Amazon has a huge selections of adorable and affordable pet costumes ... this hula outfit couldn't be cuter!

    Tip: if you'll be NYC this October, make sure to check out the annual Thompkins Square Halloween Pet Parade. The costumes are AMAZING, and it's such a fun event!

    19. Take a local trip.

    Autumn is the perfect time to take a mini vacation. Explore somewhere that you've never been before, like a local town, vineyard, or neighborhood. Stay overnight or head home at the end of the day.

    20. Throw a Halloween party.

    If none of your friends are planning a Halloween party, why not throw your own? Go all out by holding a big party, or gather your favorite ladies for an afternoon of Halloween crafting.

    A jack-o-lantern with smoke coming out of it at a Halloween party.

    21. Sign up for a cooking class, and learn to make something new.

    Fall is a great time to hone your cooking skills. Take a class to perfect your cookie technique, learn a new cuisine, or simply master the basics. I love taking online classes through Craftsy ... I have an annual subscription, which allows you to watch unlimited classes. Every class I've taken has been amazing and the instructors (like Jacques Torres, Amanda Haas, and Rick Bayless) are top notch.

    22. Plant bulbs for spring flowers.

    For a pretty garden, you'll want to plant bulbs now for anything that blooms in spring. Check out these easy tips for planting bulbs in fall from the Farmer's Almanac.

    23. Warm up with a bowl of chili or soup.

    Chase away the chill on cold fall day with a steaming hot bowl of soup or chili. Here are some of my favorites to inspire you:

    • Creamy Kale and Potato Soup

    • Spinach and Artichoke Soup with Tortellini

    • Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons

    • Beer Cheese Soup

    • Spicy 3 Bean Chili (Slow Cooker)

    • Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Chili

    • Vegetarian White Bean Chili

    24. Decorate your house for fall or Halloween (or both).

    Changing up your home's decor is the fun way to embrace the season. Go all out, or keep it simple by hanging a Printable Halloween Boo Banner, arranging a pretty Fall Tablescape for a dinner party, or trying one of these DIY fall decorating ideas.

    25. Get cozy in your favorite fall outfit.

    It's sweater weather season! The minute the temperature dips, you can find me in my coziest knits and fave boots ... are a you a fan of that fall uniform, too?

    26. Make homemade applesauce.

    If you've never made your own applesauce, you might be shocked by how easy it is. And of course, it's an excellent way to use lots of apples if you were a little over ambitious at the orchard.

    27. Go on a hay ride.

    When was the last time you went on a hay ride? It's probably been a while, right? Don't let another autumn go by without enjoying this classic fall experience.

    28. Burn an autumn-inspired candle.

    Welcome fall into your home the simplest way possible ... with a wonderful-smelling candle! I picked up this adorable maple scented candle when I was Canada last winter, and I couldn't wait to pull it out this fall.

    29. Visit a haunted house.

    It's been years since I've visited a haunted house, and I think it's time to change that. When was the last time you went to one?

    P.S. If you need a good laugh, check out these photo's of people's terrified faces inside a haunted house ... I haven't laughed that hard in a looong time!

    30. Watch a scary movie.

    When I was a teen, my friends and I would rent literally any slasher flick ... I'll never forget the truly horrible Blood Shack, ha! These days, I'm more into psychological thrillers and old (non-creepy) faves, like It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. What's your favorite scary movie?

    A woman holding leaves in front of her face.

    31. Plan a festive Thanksgiving party.

    Are you in charge of Thanksgiving this year? Keep it low stress and start thinking about your menu now. Here are some delicious Thanksgiving recipes to add to your menu (plus a few crafty ideas, too!):

    • Mom's Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

    • Mushroom Gravy

    • Dad's Classic Bread Stuffing

    • Wheat Berry Salad with Roasted Vegetables

    • Mushroom Wellington

    • Butternut Squash Lasagna

    • Mini Pumpkin Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Topping

    • Free Thanksgiving Printables

    • DIY Thanksgiving Chalkboard Art

    32. Swap out your summer and fall wardrobes.

    Now's the time to put away those summer clothes you won't wear for at least six months. If you don't have tons of storage space, try my favorite under-the-bed storage containers . Make sure to rid of anything that doesn't fit, or that you don't like anymore, in the process (donate anything that's in good condition).

    33. Make a fall craft.

    Autumn is the perfect time to embrace your crafty side! Make a wreath for your front door, use those acorns you picked up to make cute napkin rings, or relax with this fall coloring page.

    34. Host a movie night.

    With autumn's cooler weather, you're probably spending more time inside ... so why not throw a movie night? Show your favorite movies, gather your warmest blankets, and serve homemade popcorn and hot chocolate.

    35. Visit a cemetery and get spooked.

    Call me weird, but I love visiting historic cemeteries. They're full of history and beautiful tombs, and stroll through one is a sure fire way to get in that Halloween spirit. My favorites are Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans (or any of that city's historic cemeteries) and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, but obviously, you can find cemeteries anywhere.

    36. Gather your buddies for Friendsgiving.

    While I love Thanksgiving, sometimes the busy holiday season means less time to spend with friends. Show them you care by gathering everyone for Friendsgiving. I'd recommend keeping it simple and hosting a potluck ... here are some dishes everyone will love:

    • Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans

    • Tips for Arranging a Cheese Plate

    • Creamy Wild Rice Soup

    • Roasted Butternut Squash and Gorgonzola Salad

    • Roasted Vegetables

    • Creamy Mushroom Strudel

    • Cranberry Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash

    • Mini Chocolate Toffee Pumpkin Pies

    37. Cheer on your fave team in the World Series.

    If you're a baseball fan, this might just be your favorite time of year ... or least fave (ha). Celebrate your team by watching the game at a local bar or with friends. Go Brew Crew!

    38. Get lost in a corn maze.

    Wandering a classic corn maze is a super fun autumn activity, no matter your age. Track down the best one in your area, then get lost for an hour or two.

    39. Take photos for your Christmas cards.

    Beautiful autumn scenery makes the perfect backdrop for family photos. So before things get too hectic, set aside time to take your Christmas card pictures.

    40. Create a fall playlist.

    Set the mood for the best fall yet by creating a playlist of your favorite songs. Don't have enough time or energy for that? Then, download Spotify and let someone else do all the work.

    A pile of candy corn.

    41. Indulge in your fave Halloween candy.

    Whether you're pro candy corn or not, treat yourself to a few pieces of your fave candy. Give me all the peanut butter cups!

    42. Make caramel apples.

    Caramel apples are super easy and fun to make, plus you can decorate them however you want. Check out my Gourmet Caramel Apples recipe for a simple recipe and decorating inspiration.

    43. Spend the day reading a book.

    One of the best ways to enjoy a chilly autumn day is curled up inside with a great book. What's on your fall reading list?

    44. Visit the farmers market before it closes for the year.

    Depending on where you live, the farmers market may be winding down for the season. Make at least one more visit before it closes to take advantage of all the yummy fall produce.

    45. Invite your friends over for a bonfire, then tell ghost stories and make s'mores.

    A bonfire party is a must for any Fall Bucket List! Make sure to tell some classic ghost stories and treat everyone to s'mores.

    46. Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

    Before your guests arrive, gather the family together to watch the most iconic Thanksgiving parade of them all.Tip: if you'll be in NYC for Thanksgiving, of course you'll want to see the actual parade. Get there very early to ensure a seat. You can also watch the floats being blown up the day before (find them in the streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History). Don't miss this, even if you don't plan to attend the parade ... it's so fun and perfect for kids and adults alike.

    47. Give back to your community.

    Giving back to your community is one of the best things to do in fall. There are so many ways to do this, even without committing lots of time or money: gather and donate gently-worn coats, collect cans for a food bank, spend a day serving food or volunteering at a shelter, read books at the library, shop at your local thrift store, make a monetary donation, or simply ask your favorite nonprofit how you can help.

    48. Curl up in front of a fireplace.

    If the cold weather is getting you down, spending the day in front of a fireplace will brighten your mood in no time! Don't have your own? Convince a friend to invite you over, or track down a local bar or restaurant that has one.

    49. Bundle up and go for a long walk.

    Put on your cutest fall clothes and take a walk around your neighborhood or a quaint downtown. This crisp fall air is sure to put you in a good mood!

    50. Make a fall cocktail.

    A festive autumn drink is the fun way to channel those autumn vibes. Treat yourself to a Spiked Apple Cider or an Apple Cider Moscow Mule, mulled wine, maple-flavored old fashioned, Spiked Hot Chocolate, or a pumpkin beer!

    A bunch of colorful fall leaves.

    51. Learn how to preserve the fall harvest.

    Whether you have your own garden or simply stocked up at the farmers market, it's time to preserve your fall bounty to enjoy this winter (and beyond). Here are 10 ways to preserve food at home to get you started ... or try one of my easy freezer jam recipes!

    52. Start a giant puzzle that you can work on all fall long.

    Since you'll be spending more time indoors soon, why not start a fall puzzle that you can work on all season long? I love this pretty Autumn in the Country puzzle, and at 2000 pieces, it's sure to keep you busy for a while!

    53. Wake up early for a sunrise.

    Before Daylight Savings Time throws you totally off kilter, wake up early for a beautiful sunrise. With later sunrise times (Google "sunrise time" to find yours), fall is the perfect time to do it!

    54. Treat yourself to a bold fall manicure.

    Now that autumn is here, swap your neutral or pink manicure for something dark. I love reds—Essie Fishnet Stockings is gorgeous!—but try other shades like browns, oranges, and even black , too.

    55. Host a game night party.

    Gather your favorite friends for a night of game playing ... it's one of my favorite activities any time of year, but especially in fall when I love staying in. Check out my tips for Hosting a Game Night Party here, and if you really want to up the ante, make a Game Night Champion Ribbon for the winner.

    56. Pull out the Ouija Board and ask it your deepest questions.

    Did you know that the classic Ouija Game is over 130 years old? Asking it a question or two is sure to put you in that spooky Halloween spirit!

    57. Take one last trip to the beach.

    I love visiting the beach in fall. It's so relaxing and beautiful, plus there are no crowds! Bundle up, bring a mug of your fave coffee drink, and enjoy the peaceful landscape.

    58. Buy a bunch of sunflowers.

    A big bunch of sunflowers is the perfect way to brighten up your home this autumn.

    59. Take a bike ride with family or friends.

    Cooler temps make long bike rides even more fun. So get your friends and family together for a spin around the neighborhood or on a local trail.

    60. Create a list of everything you're grateful for.

    The fall season is a wonderful time to reflect on everything you're grateful for ... sometimes seeing things in writing is the best way to realize everything you have. If you want to make it a habit, consider starting a gratitude journal ... This beautiful journal makes getting started easy!

    A list of things to do in fall on a wood table.

    Autumn Bucket List Printable

    Ready for that fall to do list? There are two bucket list printables: one with all 60 fall activities, and a blank printable so you can create your own Fall Bucket List.

    To download the free printables, simply click on the images below. I'd recommend printing the files on card stock ... that way they'll last all season long.

    A small image of the Fall Bucket List Printable.
    A small image of the Blank Fall Bucket List Printable.

    I hope you found some fun fall ideas. Let me know if you try any of them, and I'd love to hear what other items are on your Autumn Bucket List!

    A Fall Bucket List with 60 Fall Activities on a wood table.
    60 Fall Bucket List Ideas60 Fall Bucket List Ideas
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    6 Comments
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    Carol
    5 years ago

    Great ideas for fall!

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    Ginnie
    5 years ago
    Reply to  Carol

    Thanks, Carol! I hope you're having a great fall. 🙂

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    Mother of 3
    5 years ago

    What a wonderful fall bucket list! I'm currently hosting a Happy Fall Link party an we'd love to have you link up with us. (@ Our Unschooling Journey) Pinned!

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    Ginnie
    5 years ago
    Reply to  Mother of 3

    Thank you so much, Joanne! I will check it out. 🙂

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    Mother of 3
    5 years ago
    Reply to  Ginnie

    Glad to see you joining up with us!! Thank you so much for sharing this with all our readers. Pinned (again!)

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    Ginnie
    5 years ago
    Reply to  Mother of 3

    You're welcome! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

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    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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