This post contains affiliate links which pay me a small commission for every purchase made through my links on this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Thank you for your lovely support! xo
The leaves are changing colors, the kids are going back to school, and your social media feed is littered with pumpkin pie recipes. Time to break out the sweaters, scarves and boots. Yep, it’s fall! Nothing says fall more than a hay ride, craft fairs, corn mazes and pumpkin patches.
Here is a list of fall activities that are sure to put you in the right spirit this fall season.
Journal.
There is a science behind writing down all the jumbled thoughts living in your head rent free on a piece of paper. I am such a huge fan of journaling and I recommend it to everyone! It gives you a sense of clarity and it’s definitely helped me throughout my healing journey. I know a lot of people make New Year’s resolutions, but this is the perfect time to reflect on what you’ve done this year before it ends.
Watch Hallmark movies.
Invest in cozy pajamas.
When the weather gets cold, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in a warm, cozy pair of pajamas. The best kind of pajamas are ones that can be worn all day long without feeling too cumbersome or too stiff. I love being warm so I recently bought THESE which help me stay snug.
Have a fall photoshoot.
Get your family together, or go out with friends, and have a fun fall photoshoot. You can find some great ideas on Pinterest or Facebook. Make sure to add “fall” before “photoshoot” when searching on Pinterest or Facebook. You can use props like pumpkins, acorns, leaves and more. Or let your imagination run wild with the colors and textures of nature!
Donate old clothes.
When the weather starts getting cooler, you might be tempted to store your summer clothes away for another year. Yet, there’s no need to throw away those old clothes yet! You can donate them to Goodwill or another charity that accepts clothing donations. Many organizations will pick up the donated items from your home or office if you cannot drop them off yourself, too.
Decorate your space with fall decor.
Get out the pumpkins and gourds and make your house look like a scene from a pumpkin patch. Hang wreaths on your door and make scarecrows out of cardboard boxes and clothespins. You can even make your own cornucopia (horn of plenty) by cutting a hole in the side of an empty milk jug, filling it with colorful autumn leaves and inserting a stem at the top. Put it on display in your kitchen or front window for all to see! You could also look online for ideas on how to make these crafts yourself or buy pre-assembled items from grocery/craft stores.
Have a candlelit bath.
Light some autumn scented candles and pick out a good book while running a hot bath. Add some epsom salts for ULTRA relaxation.
Disney movie marathon.
Take a break from the cold weather by watching your favorite family movies. Kids (and adults) love this one! A movie marathon is a must-do for any Disney fan. You can watch all your favorite Disney movies, or if you’re feeling ambitious, try to watch all the animated films in order of release.
Visit a winery.
Everyone loves a good wine. The rolling hills, the vineyards and the beautiful views are just a few reasons why it’s such a great place to visit. Wineries offer tasting rooms and tours where you can learn about how wine is made, taste different varieties and purchase bottles to take home with you. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, why not visit a winery that offers horse-drawn hayrides? You’ll be able to enjoy the fall scenery while sipping on some delicious wine!
Backyard campfire with smores.
This is one of our favorites because it’s simple, inexpensive and everyone loves to gather around a fire! You can roast marshmallows while sitting around the fire, roast hotdogs on sticks or make s’mores.
Go on a road trip and leaf peep.
This is one of the most popular fall activities. The leaves change colors and trees begin to lose their leaves, which makes it easier to see other things in nature such as animals, birds and insects. You can visit many states in the U.S. that offer beautiful views during this time of year.
Try a Starbucks fall themed drink.
Starbucks is known for its seasonal drinks, and the fall menu is no exception. Some of the brand’s most popular drinks include the Pumpkin Spiced Latte, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate or the Peppermint Mocha. Personally, I’ve tried all three and the Peppermint Mocha wins this round.
Spend a lot of time outside in the sun.
Seasonal depression is a thing so it’s important to be outside as much as you can. Go for a nice bike ride, collect some leaves, etc. It’s been proven to be a major mood booster.
Learn how to knit.
Knitting is one of the most popular craft trends, and it’s also one of the easiest to learn. This fun fall activity is perfect for knitters and non-knitters alike. If you’re new to knitting, start with a simple project like a scarf or hat. Find a pattern that looks fun or easy to follow, then get your hands on some yarn. You’ll need two needles, which can be purchased at any craft store, and some knitting needles in whatever size you prefer (I recommend starting with something smaller than a size 8). Once you have all the materials, follow the directions in your pattern and start practicing! If you find yourself stuck on a step or two, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you out.
Take a long nature walk.
There’s something so relaxing about a long nature walk. You can go anywhere and experience it all. But here are some of my favorite places to walk:
- The beach. The beach is probably one of my favorite places to walk, especially in the early morning or at sunset. There’s something so peaceful about walking along the shoreline, and you never know what you might see. You might even find some cool shells or driftwood to take home with you!
- The woods or forest. Walking through the woods is another great way to enjoy nature, although it may not be as relaxing as walking along the beach due to all of the bugs flying around (and possibly biting) you! But despite those pesky insects, walking through a forest is fun because there are so many different kinds of trees and plants that you can learn about along the way, plus lots of animals that live in them too!
- Your local park or botanical garden. A lot of people don’t realize this but most cities have parks or botanical gardens close by where they live! These areas are great for taking walks because they offer plenty of shade from trees and bushes, as well as lots of different types of wildlife.
Pumpkin picking.
Pumpkins are one of the most popular fall decorations, but they can also be used for fun fall activities like pumpkin carving. Kids can carve their pumpkins into funny faces or spooky designs, and parents should encourage them to use their imagination and create something unique.
Bake all the sweets.
It’s time to get your kitchen on and whip up some delicious treats. If there is one thing that screams fall, it’s the smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven. Make this tasty treat for your family and friends at home this month.
Start a new book.
Reading a book is one of the best ways to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. It’s also an activity that can be done just about anywhere, so if you want to spend some time relaxing, but don’t want to be stuck inside on a clear day, grab your favorite book and head outside! HERE are some of my favorites.
Start therapy.
I can’t recommend this enough. Therapy has allowed me to heal some dark wounds I never thought I’d get over. Even if you feel like you’re not struggling, it’s always nice to talk to someone about your emotions. I use Betterhelp because it’s budget-friendly and I can have unlimited sessions with the package I chose. You can choose to do the sessions through the phone, video chat or live text. I’d start off with the text option because I felt anxious. However, the closer I got with my therapist, the more I decided to try the video option and it’s been working really well. Nope, that wasn’t sponsored, I just really love my therapist, lol. Start the healing journey before the new year begins!
Go on a picnic.
Nothing says “fall” like a picnic in the park. Picnics are great for everyone. You don’t have to worry about spending too much money or having to go out in the heat of the day. Plus, there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting under a tree with your family while eating great food. Pack a basket with all your favorite foods and enjoy them at an outdoor table while surrounded by trees, birds and squirrels. If you’re feeling adventurous, pack some camping chairs and make your picnic more like a dinner party.
Visit a farm.
Visiting a farm is a fun, inexpensive way to get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air. You can visit farms that offer tours, animal exhibits and even hay rides. Kids will love seeing all the animals in the farm, especially if they get to pet them! Make sure to check out the farm’s website so you know what they have to offer before you go.
Check out a fall festival.
This is a perfect opportunity to spend time with loved ones, see all the new fall decor and play wholesome games while munching on a good ole’ candy apple.
Go on a hayride.
Hayrides are the quintessential fall activity. They’re fun for all ages and they provide a great opportunity to enjoy the crisp weather and beautiful scenery of autumn.
Walk through a corn maze.
Corn mazes are more popular than ever and there’s no better time to visit one than today. The weather is still nice enough that you can enjoy the outdoors without being too cold. Plus, there’s nothing like getting lost in a maze with friends or family and then finding your way out together!
Go for a hike.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous and exciting than just walking through a corn maze, then hiking down into the woods might be what you’re looking for! Many parks have trails that run throughout them which will take you on a journey back in time as you walk through forests full of trees that are changing color before your eyes!
Check out some Halloween lights in your town.
Halloween is a fun holiday for kids and adults alike. You can check out some of the best Halloween light displays in your area and see how creative people can be with their decorations. Some displays may even have events such as trick-or-treating for kids or even a haunted house!
Attend a local football game/ tailgating.
Tailgating is a fun, affordable way to spend time with friends and family. The best part? It’s the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy some fresh air — especially in the fall. Tailgating is more than just eating hot dogs and drinking beer; it’s an experience. Here are some fun fall activities that you can do while tailgating:
- Get your face painted: If you have kids, this is a great way to keep them entertained while you’re waiting for kickoff.
- Play cornhole: This game is easy to learn but challenging enough to keep things interesting. It’s also a great way to make new friends at the game.
- Have a pumpkin carving contest: There’s nothing like watching people carve pumpkins at night while they’re waiting for the game!
- Play drinking games: If your tailgate space has room for lawn chairs, bring out board games or cards that require drinking as part of play (as long as everyone involved is of legal age). It’ll keep people busy until kickoff!
Volunteer at soup kitchen/pantry.
Soup kitchens provide free food to those who need it most. Many homeless shelters have soup kitchens where volunteers can cook and serve meals, while others rely on volunteers solely for serving food. If you’re interested in helping out at a soup kitchen, ask at your local shelter or church if they’re able to use any extra hands! Volunteering is a great way to spend time and make a difference in your community. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends with like-minded people. It is also a good way to help yourself and your family by increasing your sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Visit an outdoor market.
Visiting an outdoor market is one of the most fun fall activities to do. Not only will you spend time with your family, but you’ll also have a chance to pick up some great deals on seasonal produce and other items. And since they usually take place during the weekend, they offer a nice break from your usual routine.
Apple picking.
It seems like everyone goes apple picking at some point during their lives, but if you’ve never had the opportunity, it is definitely something worth trying. Pick up an old-fashioned cider press at an antique store and make your own cider if you want to go all out. If not, just pick your apples, slice them up and prepare them in any way you like!
Bob For Apples.
Bobbing for apples is a fun fall activity that kids and adults can enjoy. You’ll need an apple tree, or you can buy a bag of apples at the grocery store. The more apples you have, the more people can play. To play bobbing for apples, fill a large tub or bucket with water and drop in one or two apples. Make sure the tub is large enough so that everyone has room to get in and out easily. Players must use only their mouths to grab an apple from the water. Players cannot use their hands or arms while they’re in the water. The player who gets the most apples wins!
Go Stargazing.
Stargazing is one of the best ways to get away from the city lights and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can go camping in the desert or just go out into the country where there are fewer artificial lights. If you have trouble seeing the stars because of light pollution, you can use apps like Sky Map that tell you exactly which constellations are up at any given time. Pick a spot where you can lie down on the ground and gaze up at the sky, or bring along a blanket to sit on. It’s fun to look at the stars together, but it can also be a great way to spend quality time with your kids while they learn more about science!
Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is a fun fall activity to do with your family, friends and co-workers. It’s a great way to celebrate the fall season, enjoy some delicious German food and drink, and get in the spirit of the season. These events are held all over the country during the months of September–October and feature parades, costume contests and other fun activities for kids. And adults get beer. Win-win!
Scenic train ride.
Whether you’re traveling with your family or looking for a fun date idea, scenic train rides are an excellent way to take in new sights and sounds. Some scenic train rides will allow you to hop on and off at different stops along the route while others will be continuous. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to check whether there are any activities available onboard. For example, some trains offer face painting or games while others may even have live entertainment.
Decorate a pumpkin.
Pumpkins are a must-have decoration for any Halloween party or celebration — but they’re also tons of fun to carve! It’s a great activity for kids who like arts and crafts (and parents who need an afternoon distraction). Plus, it’s easy enough that even little ones can help out by using markers or stickers to decorate their own pumpkins.
We hope you enjoyed this list of fun fall activities to do. It was a lot of fun to put together and these activities have been some of the ones I like to do every year. We’ve still got a few weeks left to enjoy the fresh air and eat some yummy treats. I hope you can find time for a few of these and have a great fall season. Have fun!
What is your favorite fall activity?
Leave a Reply