Make this fall one to remember with a bucket list the whole family will get excited about. This list has a little something for everyone, whether you like to get crafty, go away for a night, get a little spooked, or savor some food-themed fun.
Print this list off and modify it—or add to it as you go. Every time you complete an activity, cross it off the list and then hone in on your next fall adventure. It’s a wonderful way to spend more time with those you love and have fun doing something a little different for a refreshing change.
- Squeeze out the last of farmers’ market season
In some states, farmers’ markets are open year round. But even in colder states, farmers’ markets are typically open until the end of October or November. Layer on a sweater, grab your tote, and hit the farm stands to peruse all the gorgeous bounty of fall.
Load up on seasonal and locally-grown greens like kale, arugula, chard, artichokes, root veggies, squash, pears, apples, mushrooms, and more. Then find creative ways to make the most of your fall haul.
- Throw a pumpkin carving competition
Take the tradition of pumpkin carving to the next level and host a competition amongst friends or neighbors. Bring everyone together for a night of carving and may the best carver win. Prizes could include a golden pumpkin trophee or a fall gift basket loaded with pumpkin spiced goodies, a fall scented candle, and a cozy scarf.
- Host a chili off (or bake off)
Combine your love for cooking and competition with a friendly chili off and see who’s one-pot wonder will win. If chili’s not your thing, switch from savory to sweet with a bake off!!
- Go apple picking
Nothing says fall quite like apple picking. Find an apple orchard near you and make an afternoon of it. Once home, put your haul to good use and have fun baking pies, turnovers, homemade applesauce, and jelly—or try your hand at apple fritters or donuts.
- Visit a pumpkin patch
Really get into the spirit of fall and visit a nearby pumpkin patch for all your decorating, carving, and pumpkin-pie making desires. And don’t forget your phone for all those irresistible photo ops.
Use this handy guide to find a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and more near you.
- Take your holiday card photos
If you’ve ever received a Christmas card—either electronically or via snail mail—and thought, “Wow, they’re so organized!” it’s because they seized the moment in the fall.
Pick a date and location and start planning your festive outfits now for an adorable holiday card photo you will look back on fondly in years to come.
- Plan and make Halloween costumes
Don’t wait until the last minute to come up with your Halloween costume. Not only will you lack creativity under pressure, but all the good costume supplies will be long gone.
Plan your costume early and make as much of it by hand or by gathering pieces from second-hand stores as possible. This will ensure your costume is detailed, one of a kind, and supremely authentic.
- Gather around a bonfire
Campfire season is just about over, but fall is probably the best season of all to cozy up around a big bonfire with friends and family and roast marshmallows and s’mores.
- Make homemade trail mix
Make a seasonal trail mix that rivals any prepackaged one you’d buy—and saves you money. Unlike the packaged ones that sometimes skimp on the best ingredients, a homemade trail mix can have any proportion of goodies you choose.
Try a fall-inspired trail mix with cashews, peanuts, pecans, cranberries, dried mulberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dark chocolate chips. Combine your ingredients in a bowl and either separate into individual packages or store in a large glass container to enjoy later.
- Give back
Fall is a time for giving thanks. What better way to do that than by giving back to those in need? Give back to your community this fall by donating food to a local food bank near you or by donating your time to a charity in need. Here’s a great resource for finding a volunteer opportunity that matches your passion and skills.
- Have a scary movie marathon
Bust out the popcorn, dim the lights, and burn a seasonal candle for the ultimate spooky movie marathon. If there’s debate over which movies to watch, let everyone in the group have one selection, buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Blankets for the inevitable, “I can’t look!” moments are highly recommended.
- Rent a cabin or stay at a B&B
When you’ve exhausted this fall bucket list, but you’re still itching for more fall fun, consider a night away. Rent a cabin or spend a night at a romantic bed-and-breakfast for a fun autumn escape.
- Host a murder mystery dinner
Gather your friends for the event of the season and host an elaborate murder mystery dinner party. You can either purchase a ready-to-go party kit that takes all the guesswork out of it or you can get really creative and create your own. Invite your most animated friends for the best experience.
- Go on a haunted ghost tour
Search “haunted tours” or “ghost tours near me” and you’re bound to get a few results. Almost every town and city has some form of a haunted house experience, but what’s even more fun is a guided ghost tour that lets you experience the more sinister side of your city with ghost stories rooted deep in local history. Here are 32 of the best across the US.
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