The Best Activities to Add to Your Fall Bucket List

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Fall is well underway and it seems to be going too fast! The weather still hasn’t decided what season it wants to be, and by the time it does, we’ll be bringing out Christmas decorations and baking cookies. But, I digress, because we are here to celebrate fall! Fall is, in my opinion, the season that offers the best and most amount of activities to do during the year. You can be inside or outside and still have so much fun. Whether you celebrate alone or with others, fall offers something magical for everyone. If you are overwhelmed by the thought of all these amazing fall activities, no worries. This is why I’ve taken the guesswork out of it for your and created this massive fall bucket list.

You don’t have to live in a small New England town to enjoy fall. Even if you live in a densely populated city where the temperature doesn’t reach below and average of 70 degrees during the coldest months, you can still celebrate fall. I will say, however, as someone who grew up in a small town in the Eastern United States, it only adds to the charming vibes fall has to offer. In this post, I am bringing you my experience and expertise of all things fall, and have wrapped up in a fun fall bucket list. This fall bucket list mirrors my printable, and you’ll see that I have it split into outdoor and indoor activities, making this list a little less overwhelming. I hope you enjoy these activities as much as I do.

If you love this post, consider checking out some of my other content:

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INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO MAKE FALL FEEL EXTRA COZY

HOW TO HAVE A GILMORE GIRLS INSPIRED FALL DAY

10 REASONS TO LOVE LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN

Table of Contents

Outdoor

Have a bonfire

Nothing says fall more than sitting by a bonfire at night, wrapped in a blanket while drinking a hot beverage. This is the perfect item to add to your fall bucket list. You don’t even have to go out into the woods. Just buy your own fire pit, invite over your friends, and light it up. Everyone will have a blast.

Roast s’mores

After you invite your friends over for a bonfire, make sure you roast some s’mores. All you need are graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows, and roasting sticks.

Tell scary stories (or listen to a spooky podcast)

Scary stories are a great tradition and fall bucket list item while you’re sitting around a bonfire. Can’t think of any stories to tell yourself? Check out some spooky podcasts. I personally can’t recommend any since I haven’t listened to any in a while, but just search on Google or Spotify and you’re bound to get plenty of suggestions.

Tour a winery

If you are blessed to live in a thriving wine country, this is definitely something to add to your fall bucket list. If you don’t, it might be worth a trip during the fall to visit one. Check out this list for ideas on some of the best wine regions in the US.

Go on a hayride

Looking for a more budget-friendly fall bucket list idea? Choose a simple hayride! You probably won’t find these in most cities, but if you drive even just a little outside of a city, you’re bound to find a farm that offers hayrides.

Decorate your front door or porch

Decorating the outside of your house for fall adds to the charming feeling of the season. You don’t have to go broke to do it, either. Where I’m from, there are farmstands every mile or so that offer inexpensive and beautiful natural fall decorations. However, here in Colorado Springs, I’m not that fortunate since it’s an urban area. If this is you, opt for a simple wreath and welcome mat instead.

Go apple picking

Apple picking is a great fall bucket list idea! Also, it’s much cheaper than buying apples from the grocery. Plus, you know where you got them from and are supporting a local business. After you pick apples, make something yummy with them, like applesauce, apple butter, apple cider, or apple dumplings.

Jump in a pile of leaves

Wake up your “inner child” and rake a pile of leaves to jump in. You don’t even have to have children to have fun with this fall bucket list item. If you don’t have trees that dump lots of leaves, just find a local park, take a rake, and scoop up a pile of leaves. After you’ve jumped in them, be sure to create some leaf angels.

Take a camping trip

Never been camping? Not one for tents? No worries. You can still go camping. Whether you rent a cabin in the woods or even go “glamping” in a cozy Airbnb, I think it still counts. However, if you’re willing to, try to tough it out and pitch a tent. There’s something so wonderful about camping during the fall. My family had campers all throughout my childhood, and some of my favorite memories are of camping during the fall.

Go to a football game

Ever gone to a football game during the fall? No? Add it to your fall bucket list immediately. Honestly, pro football is somewhat overrated in my opinion. However, college and high school games are where it’s at. I met my husband while he was teaching at Penn State. We went to three Penn State football games together and it was seriously SO much fun. Even better on the days when it was chilly and we were cozied up in sweatshirts and jeans.

Have a tailgating party

Before going to a football game, have a tailgating party! If you don’t want to spend the money for tickets, tailgating can be a really fun way to still experience the game and have fun with friends. Most college stadiums rent spots for a reasonable price, letting you focus on an awesome tailgating experience.

Trick or treat

Yes, I am aware that if you are reading this, you are most likely “too old” to trick-or-treat. However, there are some ways you can get around this. If you have kids that are of trick-or-treating age, this is the perfect excuse to add it to your fall bucket list. If you don’t, you can still “trick-or-treat” by dressing up and just walking around whatever neighborhood you go to. My cousin and I have been taking her boys trick-or-treating for three years now, and we both said that after they are too old to trick-or-treat, we’ll still dress up and walk around just for fun!

Take a train ride

Fall is the PERFECT time to take a train ride. Honestly, most will probably cost you a pretty penny, but they are worth it to see the gorgeous views and fall foliage. Opt for areas that offer spectacular mountain views. Some you may want to consider are Jim Thorpe, PA, Georgetown, CO, the Royal Gorge in Canon City, CO, the Adirondack mountains, Catskill mountains, and Cuyahoga Valley.

Go leaf peeping

Leaf peeping is one of my favorite fall bucket list activities. Fall offers the most glorious colors out of any season in the year. In my opinion, there is nothing more glorious the than foliage of the Eastern US, especially Pennsylvania. However, different areas of the country have different types of foliage to offer. Check out a few more ideas to get your gears turning.

Get lost in a corn maze

Every year, I try to make it a priority to add going to a corn maze to my fall bucket list, and you should, too. Corn mazes are so much fun, and there are so many across the country to choose from. Cherry Crest Farm in Ronks, PA, which is about 30 minutes from my hometown, always makes the USA Today 10 Best Corn Mazes.

Visit a pumpkin patch or farm

Want a fall bucket list item that truly feels like fall? Visit a pumpkin patch or farm. Growing up, I thought everyone just had farms near them where they could pick pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and other fall decorations. I thought it was normal to have miles of farmland around. Well, I guess for many people it is; but, for those who live in urban areas, you may have to travel a little to get to one. However, I can tell you, it’s totally worth it.

Check out a farmers’ market or farm stand

In rural Pennsylvania, we don’t have farmers’ markets because there are farms almost everywhere you look. I didn’t realize that “farmers’ markets” that include stands and booths are more of a thing in urban areas. Whatever is your pleasure, though, make sure you indulge in some local goods and produce before they run out for the season. If you can make the drive to an actual farm stand or farm market, I highly recommend it.

Attend a fall festival

Ah, the grand, ole fall festival. Bringing many from afar. If you are going to attend a fall festival, do it the right way. Yes, there is a right way. Towns and cities with larger populations will have larger, more crowded fall festivals. Smaller towns that have been hyped up by the Internet and social media will also be more crowded. Instead, look for a small(er) town that isn’t as well known and make the trek for what they have to offer. You will be less stressed but still have just as much fun.

Go hiking in the woods

Ok, I will say one thing that’s great about living in Colorado: the hiking. And the weather is usually glorious during this time of year. The Eastern US also offers amazing hiking spots. Even if you don’t have mountains, there are probably some beautiful forests and parks nearby. Get outdoors, get some sunshine, and take in the beautiful scenery fall has to offer.

Pick sunflowers

This is more of an early fall bucket list idea. If you can snag some in September, I suggest picking sunflowers. They are a beautiful natural fall decoration idea that you can add to your home décor.

Run a fall-themed race

If you have never ran before but would like to start, training for a fall-themed race is a great fall bucket list idea. Many cities and towns offer Halloween, fall, and Thanksgiving themed races that are so much fun! Running in the USA has a comprehensive and interactive list for every state in the country.

Attend a Halloween parade

Can’t go trick-or-treating? Go to a Halloween parade instead! They are so much fun. It’s a blast to see the floats and everyone in costume. Not to mention, there’s usually food and music involved. Just read your local newspaper or do a search online to see what parades are in your area.

Have a fall photo shoot

You don’t need a specific reason to do a fall photo shoot. It’s ok to just have taking pictures on your fall bucket list. There are so many locations you can take photos at, like historic buildings, local parks, forests, and landmarks. Search one in your area and snap away.

Indoor

Decorate the inside of your house

One of my favorite indoor fall bucket list ideas is decorating the inside of my house. I may add a few items each year, but for the most part, I’ve had the same decorations for quite a few years. I don’t feel the need to change my style every year. I love my decorations and I hope you take this sage advice. Buy decorations that you will love for many years to come. This will help you enjoy the season while not overspending.

Carve and decorate pumpkins

Can I tell you a secret? I have never carved a pumpkin! I know, I’m crazy. That’s one reason it’s on my fall bucket list every year. Maybe 2025 will be the year I finally do. Anyway, I hope you get a chance to buy some pumpkins and carve them. Need some ideas? Check out the massive list of templates over at the Pumpkin Lady.

Go to a haunted house

If you love to get spooked, going to a haunted house is the perfect item to add to your fall bucket list! Me? I’ll stay at home watching Hocus Pocus, thank you. You don’t have to go to a big haunted grounds. Some local places like schools will put them on for free or for a very low cost.

Buy some fall clothes

Fall is a great time to refresh your wardrobe. You don’t need to spend gobs of money on new clothes. Decide on a few pieces you want to purchase, and see if you can first find them at a thrift or discounted store. Amazon can also be a great option for clothes, but make sure you do research before purchasing, as sometimes the clothing items can be misleading based on pictures.

Make a book pumpkin

This is absolutely the most adorable fall bucket list idea. You can make all sorts of fun crafts from old books. Making a book pumpkin is an inexpensive and fun way to add more decorations to your home during the fall season.

Buy or make some apple cider

If you live in an area that is surrounded by farmland, you are bound to come across a few orchards with delicious, local apple cider. Each type will be a little different but still just as good. If you don’t have local apple cider available, you can make your own and it’s actually pretty easy. Check out this recipe.

Make your own fall coffee syrup or creamer

In order to live a healthier lifestyle, I have switched out most processed foods for those with real ingredients. This includes my coffee creamers and syrups. And plus, they taste way better than the store-bought stuff. I mostly stick to making syrups since they last longer. Among the many fall flavors, some really delicious ones include pumpkin spice, cinnamon roll, salted caramel, and toffee nut.

Cozy up by a fire (real or fake)

Ah, to cozy up by a fire is the epitome of cold weather fun. However, not all of us have a fireplace. If you don’t have a wood burning fireplace, you can buy an electric fireplace; or, if that’s not your thing, just put on this cozy fall fireplace ambience on YouTube.

Read a good book or magazine

While you are cozied up by your fireplace, either real or fake, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, sip a hot beverage, and crack open a book or magazine. It’s the perfect time of year to browse through a magazine filled with delicious recipes. Finding a spooky or cozy fall read is also a great idea.

Volunteer with a local organization or ministry

While it’s a good idea to volunteer your time any time of the year, as we get closer to the holidays, more people feel the nudge to volunteer. There are most likely plenty of organizations in need of your time.

Light a fall-scented candle

I love fall candles. They give me such good vibes. That’s why they’re such a good thing to put on your fall bucket list. If you can, choose candles that smell good but also won’t cause your body to go haywire from endocrine disruptors. I suggest searching for fall candles on Etsy, as you will get plenty of handmade candles that smell amazing.

Bake some fall treats

Baking is my favorite fall bucket list item. Then again, I love it any time of the year. For some reason, though, it seems even more fun during the fall. I love apples, pumpkin, and all the delicious spices. There are cookies, pies, cakes, pastries, and so many other options. Whether you choose to bake from scratch or a box mix, there are plenty of options during the fall season.

Cook a cozy fall dinner

If you don’t enjoy baking, you may want to try your hand at making a cozy fall dinner. This is the perfect time of year for warm foods like casseroles, soups, and stews. Pick up a fall food magazine and try your hand at creating a delicious meal for you and/or your family.

Decorate with a fall tablescape

I don’t know about you, but my table is almost never decorated. By almost, I mean never. We just don’t have a reason to decorate it. However, the fall season is probably the perfect reason. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just place a tablecloth, some candlesticks, place mats, and chargers, and you’ll have yourself a beautiful fall tablescape.

Listen to a fall playlist

While fall doesn’t have specific music for its season, there are types of music that give off certainly fall-like vibes, so that’s why we’re adding this to our fall bucket list. When I think of fall music, I think of fiddles and acoustic guitars, songs with gentle but melancholy vibes. For inspiration, hop on YouTube or your favorite music service to find a playlist.

Knit a scarf or sweater

If you’re looking to add a hobby to your fall bucket list, learning to knit is very popular. Not only that, but you can learn to make clothes for yourself. Many online retailers and craft stores offer all the supplies and patterns you’ll need.

Make a Halloween costume

I’m not too big into Halloween, although I do love to watch Hocus Pocus and attend parties. If you happen to attend a Halloween party this year, make your own costume instead of buying it. It will allow you to tap into your creativity and have fun in the process of planning and gathering materials. Pinterest has SO many great options.

Host a fall dinner party

Fall is a wonderful time to put your hosting skills into practice! Invite friends for a fancy, multi-course dinner, or make it potluck style. You can keep it simple or make it complicated. Either way, your friends will feel valued to know you were thinking of them.

Mix up some fall drinks

You don’t have to drink alcohol to have yummy fall drinks. While there are many fun cocktail ideas, there are also nonalcoholic options, too. Cider, coffee with fun creamers, hot chocolate, and pumpkin chai are all great ideas for your fall bucket list.

Visit a small town

Small towns are where it’s at during the fall. Cute shops and downtown areas are often decorated for the season. Local eateries features seasonal dishes, and you are bound to see corn stalks and pumpkins somewhere. If you are up for the trip, consider visiting the small towns of Pennsylvania, New York, and the New England states.

Watch fall movies and/or shows

It wouldn’t be fall without a cozy Hallmark romance or creepy movie that makes you look over your shoulder. One of my favorites to watch during fall is It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. It’s such a mix of nostalgia and childlike joy that I can’t not watch it every year. Whatever you love, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, drink a hot beverage, and enjoy watching.

Embody Gilmore Girls

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Gilmore Girls in this post! I LOVE Gilmore Girls. Each year, I begin watching on September 1 until I finish, and then I wait to watch again until September 1 of the following year. You can embody the show in so many ways, from coffee to food to fashion to just enjoying the season. Make sure lots of books and donuts are involved.