As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something magical about the arrival of autumn. It’s a time for cozy sweaters, golden leaves, warm drinks, and unforgettable family moments. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative indoor fun, or ways to slow down and savor the season, fall is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories together.
To help you welcome autumn with open arms, we’ve put together a family-friendly fall bucket list—a collection of simple, joyful experiences to enjoy before the last leaf falls.
Let the fall fun begin!
1. Go on a Leaf Hunt
Head outside and collect leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Turn your leaf haul into a craft project—like leaf rubbings, garlands, or pressed leaf art.
Try this: Create a leaf ID chart and learn the names of different trees in your neighborhood!
2. Visit an Apple Orchard
Pick your own apples, sip some fresh cider, and maybe enjoy a hayride. Many orchards offer fun extras like petting zoos or corn mazes.
Bonus activity: Bake an apple pie or make caramel apples together afterward.
3. Go Pumpkin Picking
Visit a pumpkin patch to choose your own pumpkins—big or small, smooth or bumpy. Let each family member pick one for decorating or carving.
Try painting pumpkins for a no-mess alternative to carving!
4. Have a Backyard Bonfire
Bundle up, make s’mores, and enjoy stories or music under the stars. Don’t forget the blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate or cider.
Cozy idea: Share your favorite memory from the summer and your hopes for fall.
5. Make a Fall Nature Craft
Use pinecones, leaves, twigs, and acorns to create seasonal art. Nature mobiles, leaf lanterns, or pinecone animals are great for all ages.
Need ideas? Check out our Fall Nature Crafts for Kids blog post.
6. Decorate Your Home for Fall
Let the whole family help decorate with pumpkins, gourds, fall garlands, and handmade crafts. Create a welcoming front porch or a cozy autumn nook indoors.
Add a candle or diffuser with cinnamon or clove for that fall aroma.
7. Plan a Fall Movie Night
Choose a cozy family film (like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or Fantastic Mr. Fox), make popcorn with cinnamon sugar, and snuggle up with blankets.
Theme it: Pajamas, fall snacks, and maybe a leaf-themed bingo game to go with it!
8. Bake a Fall Treat Together
Get the kids involved in baking pumpkin bread, apple crisp, or cinnamon rolls. Let them measure, mix, and decorate—it’s fun and a learning moment too!
Not a baker? Make a simple no-bake treat like trail mix with autumn-colored candies.
9. Read Fall-Themed Books
Visit the library or snuggle up at home with books about autumn, pumpkins, apples, and woodland animals.
Reading list idea: Try “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert or “The Scarecrow” by Beth Ferry.
10. Start a Gratitude Jar
Each family member can write down something they’re thankful for each week and add it to the jar. Read them all aloud at the end of the season or on Thanksgiving.
Tip: Use leaf-shaped paper for extra fall flair!
11. Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
Check out local listings for family-friendly events like harvest festivals, craft fairs, or trunk-or-treats. They’re perfect for soaking up community spirit.
Don’t forget to bring a tote bag for local goodies!
12. Build a Scarecrow
Use old clothes, hay, and creativity to build a friendly (or spooky!) scarecrow for your yard or porch.
Let kids draw or paint the face—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is a season that encourages us to slow down, notice beauty, and connect with the people we love. Whether you’re crunching leaves under your boots or sipping cider by the fire, it’s the perfect time to build traditions your kids will remember for years.
So grab a basket, a sweater, and this bucket list—and let fall be your family’s favorite season.
Whole Heartily 