100+ Fun Fall Bucket List Ideas to Try This Year đ
There’s just something magical about fall. The crisp air, golden leaves, cozy layers, and warm drinks make it the perfect season to slow down—and adventure up. Over the years, while traveling across the world, we’ve discovered that autumn is one of the most underrated times to explore, try something new, or simply enjoy life’s simple pleasures. So we created this ultimate fall bucket list to help you do the same for every fall month. It’s packed with fun, easy, and joy-sparking ideas you’ll actually want to do.
Ready to soak up all the fall vibes? Let’s dive in 🍂
Fall Bucket List Ideas 🍂
If you’re dreaming of pumpkin-scented days, golden leaves underfoot, and the kind of cozy moments you’ll remember forever—this list is for you. These fall bucket list ideas blend comfort and adventure, perfect for a weekend at home or a spontaneous escape to nature. Ready to romanticize your life this autumn?
1. Go apple picking in a dreamy orchard
Whether you’re in upstate New York or Northern California, apple orchards are autumn gold. Fill your basket, snap cute pics, and bake pie when you get home. Bring a reusable market tote to carry your goodies in style.
2. Take a scenic drive on Vermont’s Route 100
This iconic route winds through charming towns and fiery foliage. Add coffee shop stops, antique stores, and cozy B&Bs for the perfect weekend.
3. Visit a pumpkin patch and sip hot cider
Pick your own pumpkins, take a hayride, and sip a cup of warm spiced cider. Bonus points if you wear your cutest flannel shirt.
4. Hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Early to mid-October is peak foliage season here. Breathe in crisp mountain air and soak in nature’s palette.
5. Decorate your front porch with pumpkins & mums
It’s such a joyful ritual. Add string lights, a plaid throw, and a cute fall doormat for the full cozy effect.
6. Make s’mores around a backyard firepit
Roast, giggle, repeat. A must-do fall memory with kids, friends, or just your partner and a good playlist.
7. Bake something pumpkin-spiced
Try muffins, bread, or a no-fuss cake. Light a cinnamon-scented candle while you’re at it.
8. Go glamping in the Colorado Rockies
Glamping tents and cabins offer all the nature vibes without sacrificing comfort. Waking up to mountains in fall? Unreal.
9. Create a cozy fall reading nook
Grab a soft throw, a steaming mug, and that book you’ve been meaning to read. Don’t forget your favorite oversized mug.
10. Join a fall-themed paint-and-sip class
Whether it’s in-person or virtual, painting pumpkins with a glass of wine is the perfect girls’ night.
11. Host a soup night with friends
Everyone brings a different soup. You provide the crusty bread and fall playlist. Bonus: Use a beautiful Dutch oven for serving.
12. Attend a fall festival or harvest fair
Check out your local event calendar—there’s something magical about the community vibes, food trucks, and pumpkin spice everything.
13. Road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching from Virginia to North Carolina, this drive is stunning in October. Pack snacks, stop at overlooks, and snap all the leaf-peeping photos.
14. Take family photos in matching flannels
Fall is the best backdrop for photos. Book a mini shoot or DIY it with a tripod and a clicker remote.
15. DIY a fall wreath for your door
Use leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones, and a glue gun. It’s easier than it looks and way more fun.
16. Stay in a log cabin in Lake Tahoe or Big Bear
The smell of pine, a wood-burning fireplace, and misty mornings—pure autumn bliss.
17. Visit a winery during fall harvest season
Napa, Oregon, or even local wine country—fall is grape-picking season and the perfect excuse to sip in style.
18. Start a gratitude journal for fall
Write down one thing each day that brings you joy. A simple ritual that makes a big difference. Try our Gratitude Journal Pages to make it extra beautiful.
19. Roast root vegetables for a cozy dinner
Beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes in maple glaze—yes please. Serve it on a rustic wooden board for dinner party charm.
20. Walk through a local botanical garden
Many gardens host fall-themed nights with lights, pumpkins, and autumn plant displays.
21. Explore a haunted house or ghost tour
Perfect if you love a little spooky fun. New Orleans, Salem, and Savannah have the best ghost tours in the U.S.
22. Watch classic fall movies in your PJs
You’ve Got Mail, Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus—add popcorn and your softest fall pajama set.
23. Make caramel apples with toppings
Set up a little DIY bar with crushed nuts, sprinkles, and melted chocolate. It’s messy joy at its best.
24. Go leaf-peeping in the Adirondacks
Early October is stunning in this New York mountain region. Stay in a lakeside cabin and soak up the scenery.
25. Take yourself on a solo fall date
Go to a café, visit a museum, wander a bookstore, and breathe in the season. You deserve it.
That’s just the beginning of the fall magic. Let’s take it one step further and explore what makes each fall month extra special. Next up?
👉 September Bucket List
September Bucket List 🍎
September feels like a deep breath after summer’s rush. The air gets crisper, the leaves start turning, and there’s a sweet window of time where everything feels possible. Whether you’re easing into a slower rhythm or planning one last outdoor escape, September is the season’s soft launch—and full of magic.
Here are some of the best things to do in September:
1. Visit a sunflower field before they fade
Many bloom late August through mid-September. Search for local spots in your state—bring your camera and wear your favorite flowy fall dress for dreamy pics.
2. Host a back-to-routine brunch with your girlfriends
Celebrate the shift in seasons with mimosas, breakfast boards, and meaningful catch-ups. A round wooden serving tray makes it extra Pinterest-worthy.
3. Plan a weekend escape to the Catskills
This mountain region in New York starts to glow with early fall colors. It’s the perfect September hiking and leaf-spotting getaway.
4. Make homemade apple butter or jam
Stock your pantry with cozy flavors. It’s easier than you think and smells incredible while cooking.
5. Join a fall book club or start one with friends
Pick something light and lovely, like a romance set in a small town or a cozy mystery. Pair with personalized fall bookmarks for a fun surprise gift.
6. Have an early morning coffee outside with a blanket
Just you, the birds, and that crisp September air. It’s the ultimate reset before your day begins.
7. Swap your summer wardrobe for cozy layers
Pull out your sweaters, boots, and scarves. Organize with pretty storage baskets to make it feel like a ritual instead of a chore.
8. Take a photo walk at golden hour
Capture the way the light softens, the colors deepen, and everything feels touched by gold.
9. Visit an outdoor farmers market
Stock up on seasonal veggies, honey, and fresh flowers. September is harvest heaven.
10. Plan your fall goals in a pretty notebook
Whether it’s travel dreams, creative projects, or slowing down, writing them out feels grounding. A beautiful fall-themed notebook makes it even more inspiring.
1. Try a new workout or fall movement ritual
Nature walks, stretching in the sun, or dancing in your living room—move in a way that feels good.
12. Decorate your entryway with early fall touches
Think mini pumpkins, dried wheat, and a wreath that hints at harvest vibes without going full Halloween (yet).
13. Have a game night with fall-themed snacks
Think popcorn, cider, and maybe a round of Uno or a cozy puzzle night. Don’t forget the fuzzy socks.
14. Pick apples and pack a fall picnic
Bring fresh bread, sharp cheese, and spiced cider. Lay out under the trees with a checkered picnic blanket and enjoy the season’s shift.
15. Watch the sunset from somewhere new
A rooftop, a lakeside dock, a quiet field—it all hits different in September.
Let’s keep the momentum going and get a little spookier…
👉 Next up: October Bucket List
October Bucket List 🎃
October is the golden child of fall. Crisp air, crunchy leaves, spooky fun, and that magical middle ground between cozy and thrilling. It’s the season of pumpkin everything, flannels, and memory-making moments you’ll talk about for years.
Here are the most fun, festive, and feel-good things to do this October:
1. Visit a pumpkin patch and pick the biggest one
Wander through rows of pumpkins, hop on a hayride, and grab a cup of hot cider. It’s a must for fall lovers. Don’t forget a canvas tote for carrying your chosen gourd home.
2. Decorate your home with spooky (but cute) Halloween touches
Think cozy meets witchy: fairy lights, velvet pumpkins, and black taper candles to set the mood.
3. Take a ghost tour in a historic town
Salem, Savannah, or St. Augustine—America has no shortage of haunted history. It’s spooky, fun, and surprisingly romantic.
4. Bake a batch of Halloween cookies
Grab some bat or ghost-shaped cutters and let your creativity flow. A nonstick baking mat makes cleanup a breeze.
5. Hike a leaf-covered trail in Shenandoah National Park
Virginia’s foliage peaks in mid-October, and Skyline Drive is absolutely breathtaking.
6. Host a chili night or fall potluck
Everyone brings a cozy dish. You provide warm lighting and a big Dutch oven full of goodness.
7. Watch a classic Halloween movie marathon
Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, Coraline, Practical Magic… Add popcorn, candy corn, and your coziest throw blanket.
8. DIY your Halloween costume with what you already own
Make it fun, creative, and low-stress. Bonus: Host a costume challenge with friends.
9. Go on a fall foliage road trip to Colorado or Oregon
Catch the golden aspens in the Rockies or the colorful vineyards in Willamette Valley. So worth it.
10. Make mulled wine or spiced apple cider
Simmer with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges for the ultimate fall scent (and sip). Use a mason jar mug set for cute serving.
11. Try a fall-themed DIY craft or Pinterest project
From candle-making to painted leaves, October is creative energy season.
12. Carve or paint pumpkins
Classic or artsy—it’s a tradition that never gets old. Bonus: Host a pumpkin decorating night with friends.
13. Go apple picking and make cider donuts
If you’re near Michigan, Pennsylvania, or upstate New York, you’re in for a treat.
14. Visit a corn maze at sunset
Make it a date night or bring the kids—it’s equal parts fun and eerie as dusk settles in.
15. Create a spooky charcuterie board
Add brie with fig jam, blackberries, pumpkin seeds, and Halloween candy for a mix of creepy and cute. Serve on a black slate cheese board.
16. Light a fall-scented candle and write a letter to your future self
Reflect on what you love about this season and what you hope for. Tuck it into a journal to open next October.
17. Attend a local fall fair or harvest festival
From caramel apples to live music and handmade goods—it’s a vibe you don’t want to miss.
18. Read a mystery or witchy novel by candlelight
There’s something magical about curling up with a book that matches the season. Try The Once and Future Witches or The Secret History for atmospheric reads.
19. Take fall-themed photos in a park or forest
Golden hour, crunchy leaves, warm knits—create content or just keep the memories. Use a mini tripod with remote for the perfect shot.
20. Make pumpkin soup from scratch
Roast, blend, season, and savor. Serve in a rustic soup bowl for that cozy farmhouse look.
October is the season for play, imagination, and letting yourself be a little extra. Whether you’re road-tripping or staying home, these ideas will help you soak it all in.
👉 Up next: November Bucket List
November Bucket List 🧡
November invites us to slow down, reflect, and savor everything we’ve gathered throughout the season. It’s when fall leans into coziness, gratitude becomes the focus, and comfort food takes center stage. Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat or creating new traditions at home, these November ideas will fill your heart (and your calendar) with joy.
Here are the best things to do in November:
1. Take a leaf-peeping getaway in the Ozark Mountains
Arkansas and Missouri still glow in early November—less crowded, just as stunning. Stay in a cozy cabin or treehouse with mountain views.
2. Host a Friendsgiving dinner
Set a long table, light candles, and make it potluck-style. Bring out your favorite recipes and serve with a neutral-toned table runner and mismatched thrifted plates.
3. Start a daily gratitude ritual
Each morning or night, jot down one thing you’re thankful for. A beautiful journal with gold-edged pages makes it a joy to keep going.
4. Go for a crisp morning walk before breakfast
Layer up, breathe deep, and let the stillness of the season anchor you. Fall walks are the best for thinking clearly.
5. Visit a small town holiday market
Many start mid-November and are packed with handmade gifts, hot drinks, and twinkling lights.
6. Make your own fall simmer pot
Fill your home with the scent of cinnamon, orange, cloves, and rosemary simmering on the stove. Use a pretty enamel saucepan to make the ritual even sweeter.
7. Bake your family’s favorite Thanksgiving pie
Pumpkin, pecan, apple—whatever brings back good memories. Play music and turn it into a mindful baking moment.
8. Write handwritten notes to loved ones
Before the holiday rush hits, send a little love by mail. Use blank kraft stationery sets for a personal touch.
9. Watch a sunrise wrapped in a blanket
Bring a mug of something warm and find a quiet spot—on your porch, a hilltop, or even your roof if it’s safe.
10. Make a cozy fall playlist
Think acoustic vibes, soft piano, or jazz with a hint of nostalgia. Play it while cooking, writing, or journaling.
11. Create a fall photo book or digital album
Look back on everything you did this season and save the best shots. A minimalist hardcover photo book makes a thoughtful keepsake or gift.
12. Declutter and donate gently used clothes
Prepare for the season ahead by letting go of what no longer serves you—and helping someone else in the process.
13. Cook a comforting one-pot meal on a chilly evening
Our One Pot Recipe Ideas to Simplify Your Life post has tons of inspiration—from hearty chili to creamy risotto.
14. Visit a local farm for late fall harvest
Many still offer squash, root vegetables, and warm homemade treats. Bring cash and enjoy the rustic charm.
15. Watch Thanksgiving Day parades or holiday movies
Let yourself be a little cheesy—it’s part of the magic.
16. Create a cozy reading corner for winter prep
Stack your favorite books, add fairy lights, and a chunky knit throw blanket. You’ll thank yourself later.
17. Volunteer or give back in a small way
Drop off cookies, write a kind review, or buy someone’s coffee. Gratitude in action feels good.
18. Do a social media detox for a weekend
Unplug, reset, and be present. Replace it with journaling, art, or slow living rituals.
19. Write out your fall memories before the season ends
Capture the small moments—the crackling fires, the crunchy leaves, the laughter. They’re the magic.
20. End the season with a slow Sunday brunch
Whether at home or in a cute café, order something warm, sip slowly, and celebrate everything fall gave you.
November is the soul of the season—quiet, meaningful, and full of warmth. Before we move into the holiday buzz, let’s savor the stillness and cozy connection that autumn offers.
👉 Let’s keep going with: Fall Bucket List for Kids
Fall Bucket List for Kids 🍁
Fall is pure magic for kids. Crunchy leaves, silly costumes, warm treats, and endless chances to play outside before winter rolls in. Whether you’re a homeschooling mama, a weekend explorer, or just love cozy family traditions, these fall bucket list ideas for kids are all about simple joy and seasonal memories.
Here are some fun, easy, and exciting fall activities to try with your little ones:
1. Jump in a giant leaf pile
No fancy plan needed—just rake, jump, and laugh. Capture the moment with a mini instant camera for memory-making magic.
2. Go on a fall scavenger hunt
Look for acorns, red leaves, pinecones, squirrels, and mushrooms. Print a simple checklist or make your own with pictures and stickers.
3. Make nature art with pressed leaves
Glue them into shapes, animals, or colorful collages. Display on the fridge or gift to grandma.
4. Bake pumpkin muffins together
Let them pour, stir, and taste test. Use silicone baking cups for easy clean-up and colorful fun.
5. Visit a kid-friendly fall festival
Face painting, pony rides, caramel apples—it’s the stuff fall dreams are made of.
6. Create a fall sensory bin
Fill a tub with dried corn, tiny pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and measuring cups. Keep it for indoor play on rainy days.
7. Go on a flashlight walk after dark
Bundle up, give everyone a flashlight, and explore your backyard or local path. Pure excitement for little adventurers.
8. Paint mini pumpkins
Forget carving—paint them with silly faces, glitter, or animal prints. Set up an outdoor art table with a kid-sized paint set.
9. Watch a cozy fall movie with popcorn
Think Curious George’s Halloween Boo Fest, Room on the Broom, or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
10. Build a leaf fort in the backyard
Gather sticks, leaves, and a few big branches to make your own autumn hideout.
11. Collect pinecones and turn them into crafts
Add googly eyes for forest creatures, or paint them into snowy decorations for later.
12. Host a backyard campout with hot cocoa
Set up a tent or fort with blankets. Tell stories, stargaze, and sip from kid-friendly thermal mugs.
13. Take a hayride at a local farm
Bumpy, silly, and unforgettable—especially with a cup of cider in hand.
14. Try fall-themed playdough
Make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange food coloring—or buy a non-toxic autumn playdough set.
15. Visit a petting zoo or pumpkin patch
Let them run free, meet animals, and pick out their own tiny pumpkin.
16. Make a “thankful tree” together
Cut out leaves from paper and write something you’re thankful for on each one. Tape them to the wall or a real branch in a vase.
17. Have a picnic under the fall trees
Pack snacks, bring a blanket, and eat surrounded by nature. Let them help pack the bento-style lunch boxes.
18. Dress up for Halloween—even just at home
Costumes aren’t just for trick-or-treating. Have a dance party, photo shoot, or mini parade around the block.
19. Try apple stamping art
Cut an apple in half, dip it in paint, and stamp away on paper or fabric. It’s messy fun they’ll love.
20. Read fall books aloud under a cozy blanket
Try “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves,” “Pumpkin Soup,” or “Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn.”
Fall Bucket List for Couples 🍂
Fall is made for slow walks, warm drinks, and romantic little getaways. Whether you’re newly in love or deep into forever, these ideas will bring you closer and make the most of the season together.
1. Take a weekend cabin trip
Think hot drinks, flannel sheets, and crackling fires. Colorado, Vermont, or the Smokies? Yes, please.
2. Visit a vineyard during fall harvest
Sip wine, share a cheese board, and wander through colorful vines hand in hand.
3. Have a cozy movie night with cider + blankets
Pick your favorite fall flicks and curl up with your softest throw blanket.
4. Go leaf-peeping on a scenic drive
Try the Blue Ridge Parkway or Oregon’s McKenzie Pass for stunning autumn views.
5. Host a backyard bonfire date
Roast s’mores, play soft music, and talk under the stars.
6. Make a homemade pumpkin or apple dessert together
Bake, flirt, and enjoy the sweet reward.
7. Take fall photos in a scenic park
Capture the moment with a tripod + remote and your best fall outfits.
8. Create a couple’s fall bucket list
Plan what lights you both up—then check it off one cozy moment at a time.
Next up: Fall Bucket List for Families
Fall Bucket List for Families 🍁
Fall is the perfect season to slow down and savor time together. With cooler weather and cozy traditions, it’s easy to turn simple moments into lifelong memories. These ideas are fun for all ages—and easy to make your own.
1. Visit a pumpkin patch together
Pick pumpkins, sip cider, and take a family photo in flannel.
2. Plan a Sunday soup night
Let everyone help chop and stir. Serve in your coziest soup bowls and eat by candlelight.
3. Take a fall-themed day trip
Apple orchards, corn mazes, or a scenic forest trail—choose an adventure close to home.
4. Host a backyard fall picnic
Pack sandwiches, bring hot cocoa, and sit under the leaves with a checkered picnic blanket.
5. Make a family “thankful jar”
Each day, everyone adds one thing they’re grateful for. Read them together at the end of fall.
6. Create a seasonal family photo album
Print photos and let the kids help decorate pages. A sweet tradition to look back on every year.
7. Have a no-screens fall game night
Pull out your favorite board games, light a candle, and serve snacks with a fall twist.
Make This Fall Unforgettable 🍂
Whether you’re adventuring through golden forests, baking pumpkin treats, or snuggling up at home—this fall is yours to make magical. Pick your favorite ideas, add your own twist, and enjoy the cozy, colorful ride.
For even more autumn joy, check out these next:
- Road Trip Snacks That Are Actually Delicious
- Road Trip Essentials & Hacks: Pack Like a Pro
- Side Dishes for BBQ So Good They Steal the Show (for cozy outdoor gatherings!)
✨ Loved this list? Save this pin and come back anytime you need a little fall magic.
