Fall is officially here–does it feel like it where you are? The days have definitely started feeling cooler and we’re just waiting for the leaves to change colors. I’m sad about summer ending and I’m trying to work up the motivation for fall decor and baking. If you need some fall inspiration too, grab a mug of hot cocoa or apple cider and check out this family fall bucket list that’s full of ideas for autumn adventures!
fun family fall bucket list ideas
1. Pumpkin Patch Perfection
No family fall bucket list is complete without a trip to a local pumpkin patch. We recently went to one of our favorites and watched an outdoor movie! Keep it simple with a patch that carries all sizes of gourds. Or, visit a patch that offers hayrides, corn mazes, and apple picking to make a day of it!
| Read: Northern California Fall Fun |
2. Leaf Art Extravaganza
Have you ever made leaf art? It’s super simple to do for all ages and requires minimal materials. All you need are a variety of leaves of leaves and some crayons and paper. You can press them between the pages of heavy books, and once they’re flat, let your imaginations run wild. Create leaf animals, beautiful collages, or even use them to embellish homemade cards. You can also create leaf rubbings with leaves before they’re dry! Find out how in this fall leaf rubbings art post.
3. Cozy Campfire Nights
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a bonfire on those crisp evenings. There’s something magical about sitting around an outdoor fire while roasting some marshmallows. Set up a campfire in your backyard or at a local campsite, and share stories, sing songs, and indulge in gooey s’mores. Take it a step further by setting up an outdoor movie!
| Read: Favorite Fall Books for Littles |
4. Scenic Nature Scavenger Hunt
Turn a simple nature walk into an exciting adventure by organizing a fall-themed scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for your little explorers to find, like acorns, pinecones, colorful leaves, and maybe even a feather or two. It’s a fantastic way to encourage observation skills and spark curiosity about the natural world.
5. Fall Treats Baking Day
The fall season is synonymous with certain scents and flavors. Embrace that by spending a day in the kitchen baking some apple and pumpkin treats. Whether you’re baking pumpkin pies, apple cakes, or even trying your hand at homemade caramel apples, the kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of fall. Bonus–you get to enjoy all the treats afterwards!
| Read: Apple Cake Pops Recipe for Fall |
6. DIY Costume Crafting
Can you believe that Halloween is just around the corner? Why not get the whole family involved in a some DIY costume crafting this year? Each weekend leading up to the big day, work on different elements of your costumes. You can start from scratch, or recycle costumes from years past!
7. Foliage-Fueled Bike Rides
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy family bike rides through scenic trails or parks. This is the ideal way to view the changing leaves in your own town or nearby state park. Pack a picnic to enjoy on your biking journey and make sure you get plenty of pictures to look back on!
| Follow along with our family’s fall fun on Instagram! |
8. Haunted House Movie Marathon
As the nights grow longer, why not have a spooky movie marathon with a twist? Create a cozy blanket fort and fill it with pillows and stuffed animals. Pick a lineup of family-friendly Halloween movies that range from slightly spooky to delightfully funny. Dim the lights, make some popcorn, and settle in for a night of giggles and thrills. You can find some of our favorite fall movies in this post!
9. DIY Gratitude Tree
A DIY gratitude tree is the perfect way to show appreciation during Thanksgiving and all season long. Cut out leaf-shaped paper and have everyone write down something they’re grateful for each day. Attach the leaves to a tree branch or a designated wall space. Pretty soon you’ll have a great visual representation of all the blessings in your lives!
| Read: Thanksgiving Neighbor Gift |
10. Harvesting Kindness with Volunteering
Fall is the perfect time to instill the value of kindness and community in your little ones. Spend a day volunteering as a family – whether it’s organizing a food drive, cleaning up a local park, or visiting a senior center. Not only will you be making a positive impact, but you’ll also create lasting memories.
more family fall bucket list ideas
Make crayons for trick-or-treaters.
Which of these family fall bucket list ideas is your family most excited for?
