This Family Fall Bucket List will give you plenty of ideas about what to do in the fall to make the most of it.
When you think of Autumn, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Cozy sweater weather? Apple pie in the oven? Pumpkin picking? Haloween preparation? Perhaps, it is hiking and some leaf-peeping fun? Let’s explore all the ideas for the whole family!
How to Make The Most Of Fall
Whether you cross all or just some of the below family fall bucket list activities, the key to making the most of fall is to have fun and bonding. Most of the below activities are free or affordable so take advantage of those.
Family Fall Bucket List Ideas
It is my favorite season of the year. I love the transition from hot and humid days to cooler sweater weather. But also, it goes by quickly. Try to use enjoy what nature offers at its best.
1. Go Apple-Picking
Visit your local fruit orchard to handpick those ripe and juicy apples. Yes, you can buy apples at a supermarket, but where is any fun in that, right?! Visiting an orchard to pick apples and roam between the apple trees is fun for adults and kids. It is a great way to reconnect with nature and teach your kids about apples and how they make their way to the groceries.
If you live near the NYC area, check out Alstede Farms, Demarest Farms, or Battleviw Orchards.
When to Visit Apple Orchards?
Depending on where you live, there are a variety of apples grown. They all grow at their pace and have different harvest times. However, mid-September and early October are the best times to have apple-picking fun and gather some sorts of apples!
2. Make an Apple Pie
There are a lot of delicious desserts, but nothing fits the fall mood more than an apple pie. Engage family members in the process while listening to some fall-inspired music. Kids will undoubtedly love getting messy during the process and appreciate the dessert made with apples picked by themselves.
3. Visit Pumpkin Patch
Fall is when you will find the pumpkin flavors in most food and beverage establishments. Pumpkins have become the top decor items to fill the homes and outdoor porches during the fall season.
Pumpkin picking season usually opens in mid-September and lasts till early November only. So make sure you put this on your family fall bucket list.
4. Carve / Decorate Pumpkins
Carving is a traditionally fun thing to do with pumpkins, but you can get more creative. Gather fun materials you can work with, such as paint, leaves, acorns, rocks, grains, and flowers, and start decorating! It sure is a fun way to challenge kids and make something special with the pumpkins they chose at the farm. Here are some of the fabulous inspirations to decorate pumpkins without carving.
5. Make Pumpkin Bread
Bake pumpkin bread and instantly fill the home with a delicious fall scent from the oven. Who needs scented candles when you bake something at home?
6. Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Do not rush to toss around pumpkin seeds after carving and decorating. Those can make a delicious snack for the whole family. First, make sure you dry those very well and then roast them. You may add your favorite seasonings to make them taste extra delicious.
7. Visit Sunflower Field
Sunflower season usually starts in July until the Mid September, so if you did not have a chance to visit the beautiful blooms, early fall is your chance! Most farms offer pick-your-own stems. Bring a few to decorate your fall corner afterward, or use them for a dinner table centerpiece.
8. Attend Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the fall season with a family trip to a fall harvest festival! You can find one locally at farms and schools. Just search “Fall festivals near me” and save the date. There is a variety of activities that they offer at the fall harvest festival. Usually, there is music, food vendors, arts and crafts for kids, pumpkin decorations, and some will also have hay rides!
9. Visit a Corn Maze
Corn maze is a classic fall activity for kids and a great family challenge. You can find them on most Farms.
10. Gather Colorful Leaves
Gathering leaves is an easy yet enjoyable activity during the fall season. Besides, you do not have to go far for it. Stroll around the local park or go for a short hike. Try to find colorful and uniquely shaped leaves and bring home to use them for arts and crafts later.
You can also let kids make piles of leaves and jump in it. So fun!
11. Make Something with Colorful Leaves
Another great idea for kids is to get creative with colorful leaves. If you struggle with ideas, do not worry because there are tons of Autumn-inspired leaf crafts ideas like this out there on the internet.
12. Make a Fall-themed Dinner Table Centerpiece
A change of season is a perfect time to decorate. Adding a festive fall centerpiece to your dinner table will be a heartwarming piece to enjoy autumn meals with family and friends. There are many ideas for fancy fall centerpieces, but you can stick to simple and easy ones that are simple to put together with just things you and your kids find out in nature!
13. Go Fall Shopping
You will probably agree that seasonal shopping (in moderation) uplifts the mood. Adding a new pair of cozy booties, scarves, beanies, and cozy sweaters is a great way to refresh the closets and get ready for crispier days.
Some of the new fall looks
14. Pull Out Your Fall Wardrobe
It is time to pull out your fall wardrobe and put away the summer clothes. Until next year shorts! If you are someone like me who loves sweater weather, cleaning your closet will most likely be satisfying. Involve your kids in the process. Let them go though what they have and what they have outgrown. This is a perfect time to also introduce them donating.
Seasonal wardrobe cleanups are a great time to put away some unused clothes for donation. But you can also donate other things such as kids books. Reorganize the kid’s books and donate a few to your local library.
15. Go on a Scenic Drive
Fall is the best season to plan a scenic day trip! Road trips are fun in general but imagine driving through the colorful wonderland! There are many stunning places to view the foliage. If you want to go close to NYC, check out the 16 best scenic rides in New York.
16. Plan a Fall Family Getaway
You can guess; family getaways are my favorite. Fall is a great time to escape the cities and head somewhere mountainous where you can reconnect with nature and take in all the fall beauty. Below are my favorite places to enjoy fall away from NYC.
- Catskills, New York – Check out our guide to Fall Foliage in Catskills.
- Stowe, Vermont – Stowe is magical every season, including fall. Check out our little getaway to Stowe, Vermont.
- Woodstock, Vermont.
- Portland, Maine.
- White Mountains, New Hamshire – If you visit New Hampshire, drive through the famous Kankamugus highway. One of the most scenic roads in New Hampshire.
17. Decorate Home For Fall
Nothing is more heartwarming than making a home cozy and festive during the holidays. Fall is one of the best times to decorate and make it stand out with colorful pillows, throw blankets, autumn-scented candles, and so on. Get creative!
18. Organize Picnic Outdoors
Picnics are a fun way to bond with family. Whether you are up for hiking locally or driving through some scenic roads, have some goodies packed in the picnic basket and a large shawl and enjoy a great lunch with a panoramic view!
19. Go Boating / Kayaking
While boating and kayaking are more summer fun for most, do not underestimate the views of the fall you can get from the boat during the autumn season. Besides, there will be fewer crowds and more lovely views!
20. Get Cozy With a New Book
Get cozy under a warm blanket and read a new seasonal fall book with your kids. It is a great way to celebrate fall and introduce them to the change of seasons. Here are some of the fantastic fall-inspired picture books to consider.
21. Drink Cider & Eat Kettle Corn and Cider Donuts
This could be tasty any other season, too, but it is something about Autumn that makes fresh kettle corn and cider extra delicious. When you visit the local farm or a fall festival, make sure you try these. Kids love kettle corn, especially. They come in so many flavors, yum!
22. Go On A Hike
No other season offers views as beautiful as fall. Could you take advantage of it and go for a hike? You can find many kid-friendly hikes locally. Get lost in nature and let the kids collect and bring home all the natural things that are safe to play with later.
23. Make S’mores
Roasting marshmallows is one of the favorite activities you can do for the whole family. You do not need to be camping or starting a real wood fire to make it happen. Use a mini fire pit for indoor fun too just make sure you follow all the safety rules.
24. Plan a Family Movie Night
Get a cozy blanket, gather popcorn and hot cocoa with marshmallows, and have quality time together. If you like spooky movies, this is the time to turn them on. Otherwise, any family-friendly film will make the evening fun and relaxing.
Fall Family Movie Recommendations:
- Hotel Transylvania
- Hocus Pocus
- Matilda
- How to train your dragon
- Monsters inc
- Ghostbusters
- The Harry Poter Series
- Shrek
- The book of life
25. Add Fall-Themed Mug To Your Mug Collection
Suppose you are obsessed with a seasonal mug, then it is time to add one to the collection! They add a little coziness every time, and the drink tastes extra delicious. Look out for new designs and fill your cup with your favorite fall drink during those crispy, chill days.
26. Take Family Pictures
Family photos are always a good idea, but it is a must when nature offers a realistic picture backdrop. Take this opportunity and take some family photos. You do not need to hire a professional photographer ( Unless you want to!). Snapping a few pictures with a tripod will do too.
Other Family Fall Bucket List Ideas
- Gather around bonfire
- Make Cinnamon Rolls
- Get / Make your own Halloween Costumes
- Host a Friendsgiving
Free Family Fall Bucket List Printable
Below is the printable list for you. Use it when you feel like there is nothing to do, and look for family activities during the fall season.
What is your favorite family fall bucket list idea? Do you have more to add to the list? Please share in the comments!
