Autumn is the time to soak in the crisp air, marvel at the changing leaves’ vibrant hues, and cozy up indoors on chilly evenings. It’s all about change, abundance, and seizing the moment.
Our Fall Bucket List 2024 is here to help you savor these experiences without breaking the bank! From leaf-peeping to DIY harvest decorations, we’ve rounded up 43 budget-friendly ways to dive into the autumn spirit.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer snuggling by the fire, our fun fall ideas promise a mix of experiences to create unforgettable fall memories.
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The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Families
Get ready to embrace autumn magic with our family fall bucket list! Explore pumpkin patches, tackle corn mazes, bake an apple pie together, and enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor fun. These activities bond families, create lasting memories, and cultivate a love for the season’s charm and abundance.
Indoor Fall Activities
Kick start your autumn with these creative and cozy indoor activities, perfect for those chillier days when you prefer the warmth of home!
1. Leaf Rubbings
I love this! Lindsey, over at Filth Wizardry, takes leaf rubbings to a whole new level by creating a gorgeous mural for her dining room wall. It’s absolutely stunning, and the best part of all is that her kids did it!
All you have to do is head outside, collect a bunch of leaves, and get started. I remember doing all kinds of rubbings when I was a kid!
2. Make Leaf Stationary
Here’s a really easy way to make stationary – with no paint required! Let Lindsay, from Delighted Momma, show you how.
3. Paint Pinecones
These painted pine cones from Today’s Parent are absolutely gorgeous! Not only can you make a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, but you can also paint some up for Christmas decorating!
4. Paint Acorns
These painted acorns will look great with your painted pine cones!! 😁 Get all the deets from Beth at Home Stories, A to Z.
5. Decorate Your House
Don’t go through all of the work of decorating by yourself – kids love to help with seasonal decorations!
Here’s a great round up of DIY fall decor from Lauren at Bless ‘Er House that you can do this year to make your house feel just as cozy as your heart does. 🥰
6. Have a Family Game Night
Put a fire on and grab your favorite board game or puzzle! It’s family game night season!
7. Bake Seasonal Fall Treats
Nothing captures fall like the aroma of fresh baked goods at home.
Spend a weekend afternoon baking seasonal treats with your family – from pumpkin bread to apple pie, sweet potato casserole, and cinnamon rolls!
This activity not only fills your home with autumn scents but also builds cherished memories with loved ones.
8. Make Homemade Apple Cider
Making homemade apple cider is so easy!! You’ll never buy it premade again! Just follow my recipe – and don’t forget the fireball for the grown-ups! 😉
9. Make Homemade Apple Sauce
Toss out that apple cinnamon candle! I’ll do you one better. Throw some apples in a crockpot and let them cook on low all day.
Your house will smell better than that candle could ever do! And then enjoy this easy homemade applesauce for an after-school snack!
10. Roast Pumpkin Seeds
I don’t think I’ve made roasted pumpkin seeds since the twins were born. It just got to be too much monkey business, with so many little kids running around!
Now they are ten, however. So this might be the year to do it.
Spaceships & Laserbeams has a real easy recipe.
11. Cook Fall Comfort Foods
Nothing screams fall like the comforting smell of simmering foods. From creamy butternut squash and pumpkin soup, to hearty beef stew and spiced pumpkin pie, it’s the season to indulge in these cozy recipes.
They not only bring warmth and comfort on chilly days but also offer a chance for families to gather and enjoy a meal together.
Outdoor Fall Activities
With the kitchen filled with the scents of autumn, it’s time to turn our attention to the great outdoors!
The crisp fall air and colorful leaves provide the perfect backdrop for a range of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Here are some outdoor fall activities to consider adding to your ultimate fall bucket list.
12. Build a Scarecrow
As Heather, from The Morning House, says, sometimes it just doesn’t feel like fall! Especially if you live in California. 😁
We don’t have that issue here, of course, but if you need to get in the ‘fall’ mood, do what Heather does, and build a scarecrow!
13. Make a Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Here’s a really easy way to enjoy bird watching, and keep them fed throughout the cold winter months!
This bird feeder, from Melissa at Kid Friendly Things to Do, works best in characteristically chilly autumn locations because it is made with lard. The lard will melt in warmer climates.
14. Go on a Hay Ride
Hayrides are great this time of the year! There’s nothing better than cuddling up with your kiddos and checking out the fall scenery while being pulled by a tractor on a hay ride. 😆
15. Go on a Nature Walk
Bundle up and go on a nature walk with your kids. Be sure to bring a plastic bag or a basket – you’ll want to collect cool things, maybe even to use for a fall craft later!
16. Have a Scavenger Hunt
Download this free nature scavenger hunt checklist from Mrs. Merry, grab your kiddos, and head out that door!! Be sure to serve yummy fall treats afterward, such as warm apple cider and pumpkin bread!
17. Roll Down Hills
Best thing ever! Bundle up, hop in your car and go for a drive. See if you can find the biggest hill in town, and then roll down it!
Over and over and over again. 😆
18. Go for a Bike Ride
Fall is the best time to hit the trails with your kids. The leaves are beautiful, and the air is cool, so there’s no whining about being too hot!
When the ride is over, stop for some hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte. 😁
19. Jump in a Pile of Leaves
Give your kids a rake and put them to work! With the sweet promise of jumping in those leaves when they are done!
20. Make S’mores
We live in the country and have our own fire pit, so we often roast marshmallows. And it is so much fun!
But if you don’t have a fire pit, you can easily make make-shift s’mores in your oven!
Just place graham crackers on a baking sheet, put chocolate chips or Hershey’s bar pieces on one side and then marshmallow on the other. Bake at 350 for around 10 minutes.
21. Stargaze
My kids and I are into stargazing now. I used to know all the constellations in college, but now I’m clueless.
I do remember they change with the seasons. At least I can always spot the big dipper! 😅
Thanks to Game Mom’s post on the best stargazing apps for kids, things are much easier.
22. Do Some Leaf Sliding
One last thing to do this fall…pile your leaves at the bottom of the slide, of course!! Sliding into leaves is a classic, but Jackie from Happy Hooligans can tell you all about it if you’ve never done it before!
23. Play Flag Football
Ah yes, flag football. No fall bucket list is complete without it! I actually hated football in high school.
But, one evening, my boys taught me how to play. I had a blast playing with them – and my hubby, of course! 😉 Find out how to play at Game On, Family!
24. Play Capture the Flag
This game can be played any time of the year, of course, but fall is fun because the weather is cooler and it gets dark faster. My little Toots had a Nerf Gun Birthday Party, and Capture the Flag was one of the games we played this summer.
The boys loved it!! Fun Games Kids Play will walk you through how to play, including how to play in the dark. 😁
25. Play Kick the Bucket
My big boys taught this one to my little boys. It’s best played at night, believe me!! Find out how to play at A Mother’s Shadow.
Cheap Places to Visit in the Fall
After a season filled with exciting backyard games and laughter, fall ushers in a splendid time for outdoor exploration and discovery. Below are some budget-friendly destinations that promise adventure and breathtaking autumnal landscapes.
26. Go to a Football Game
You can get tickets to the NFL, of course, but that isn’t very cheap. What’s better is a high school or elementary football game! They are all fun.
27. Take a Drive
Every town has someplace gorgeous to go see! Go for a drive, check out the colorful fall foliage. And then stop for a picnic!
28. Visit an Apple Orchard
If you don’t have your own apple trees, you may want to go apple picking. The experience alone is fun for the kids, but imagine all the fun fall things you can do with the apples you pick!
Plus, some apple orchards have other fun things to do as well. Minnetonka Orchards lists the 21 best apple orchards to visit in Minnesota, while Chowhound lists the 50 best across the nation.
I’m sure you can find one near you!
29. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
At my old house – where my oldest boys grew up for 13 years – we had a pumpkin patch. I enjoyed growing pumpkins and making pumpkin everything each fall.
There’s also a big pumpkin patch nearby with a woods to hike, a hill to roll down, and stories for the kids with yummy pumpkin treats and cider. We went every autumn.
Check out the top 9 Minnesota pumpkin patches on Explore Minnesota and the best nationwide on Chowhound.
30. Run Through a Corn Maze
There are several corn mazes nearby that we enjoy running through! If you’re looking for a corn maze nearby, check out Only In Your State’s awesome list for Minnesota and Time Out’s top 15 in the U.S.
31. Visit a Hobby Farm
We have a hobby farm nearby with farm animals, fruits, veggies, playhouses, bouncy houses, and vendors. Check out the best 10 hobby farms in Minnesota on Trip Advisor.
For other states, just Google to find one near you!
32. Visit a State Park
State parks are gorgeous in the fall! Find a state or national park near you and go exploring.
33. Host an Outdoor Movie Night
Nothing beats snuggling under a blanket on a crisp fall evening for an outdoor movie night. All you need: a projector, a wall or sheet, favorite films, popcorn, and warm drinks to stay cozy.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather with loved ones at an outdoor movie night – a perfect fall experience.
Splurge-Worthy Bucket List Ideas for Fall
Looking to treat yourself this autumn? Check out our Splurge-Worthy Fall Bucket List Ideas for unforgettable experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From adventures to relaxation, these ideas will make the season memorable.
34. Shop at a Farmer’s Market
You’ll discover a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and homemade items at Farmer’s Markets! Everything is in season, which is a bonus.
Check out the best in Minnesota at Home Snacks or find one in nearly every town. Explore the top farmers’ markets across the country on Eat This, Not That!
35. Host a Fall-Themed Dinner Party
Host a cozy fall dinner party with loved ones. Decorate with autumnal touches like leaves, pumpkins, and candles.
Serve a menu with seasonal ingredients such as squash, apples, and cinnamon. Enjoy the warmth of the season together.
36. Take a Gourmet Cooking Class
Have fun learning new recipes and techniques while savoring delicious food. Seek classes with seasonal produce for an authentic autumn experience.
Specialty classes at cooking schools and gourmet shops suit all skill levels.
37. Go on a Train Ride
Experience fall’s vibrant colors on a scenic train ride through the countryside. Many regions offer special autumn excursions winding through picturesque landscapes, showcasing changing leaves and serene nature.
It’s a unique, relaxing way to enjoy the season’s beauty.
38. Schedule an Outdoor Family Photo Shoot
Fall is a great time to schedule a family photo shoot – because then you can use it for your family Christmas photo!
Ditch those summer clothes and grab those cozy sweaters and matching fall clothes and find your favorite spot for your Christmas card photo!
39. Go Camping
Fall can be a great time to go camping because the weather is cooler and there are fewer bugs! If it’s your first time though, check out this fall camping guide from Off the Grid.
40. Visit the Planetarium
I haven’t been to a planetarium since Toots was little! Time to go back.
They have cool laser shows, but the stars are the best. Check out some Minnesota planetariums here and the top eight in the U.S. here.
41. Take in a Fair or Festival
The best time to visit a fair is in the fall!! To find fall fairs and festivals in Minnesota, visit Explore Minnesota, and to find a fair or festival near you, visit Everfest.
42. Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Experiencing the world from above in a hot air balloon is breathtaking, especially during the fall when the landscape is painted with vibrant colors. It’s a pricier activity but truly unforgettable.
Check out this guide to hot air balloon rides for the best fall color rides.
43. Rent a Cabin in the Mountains
For those looking to unwind amidst nature’s tranquility, renting a cabin in the mountains could be the perfect fall retreat. It’s a chance to enjoy the crisp mountain air, stunning views, and possibly some early snowfall.
Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a range of options suitable for any budget, though indulging in a luxury cabin can make the experience even more memorable.
Free Fall Bucket List Template
To help you organize and maximize the fall season, we’ve created a Free Fall Bucket List Template. This comprehensive checklist includes all activities mentioned above – plus a blank bucket list, making it easier for you to plan and tick off all your fun fall activities.
Whether you’re aiming to cozy up in a mountain cabin, soar in a hot air balloon, or master autumnal dishes, this template has you covered. Download it here and start crafting your unforgettable fall season!
Family Fall Bucket List FAQs
Got questions on how to make the most of autumn with your loved ones? Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you through crafting a memorable family fall bucket list.
What do you put on a fall bucket list?
The ultimate fall bucket list will include tons of fun fall ideas that capture the essence of the season. Consider visiting a pumpkin patch, apple picking, navigating a corn maze, enjoying fall foliage on a scenic drive, and attending a fall festival.
Don’t forget cozy indoor activities like baking pumpkin treats, crafting with fall leaves, or hosting a movie night with seasonal classics. Mix outdoor adventures with warm indoor traditions to appreciate all facets of autumn.
How do I make a fall bucket list?
Creating a fall bucket list is a fun process. Start by brainstorming with your family, categorize suggestions into themes, prioritize activities based on factors like weather, budget, and time, then make a visual representation using tools like a poster board or a digital app.
This visual aid serves as a reminder of your autumn goals and adds excitement as you check off completed activities.
What activities are popular in the fall?
Fall offers a range of activities for all ages:
- Hiking and Leaf Peeping: Enjoy walks in cool weather to admire autumn leaves.
- Visiting Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards: Pick produce, enjoy hayrides, and explore mazes.
- Seasonal Baking and Cooking: Delight in fall recipes like pumpkin pie and apple cider donuts.
- Crafting with Fall Elements: Get creative with leaves, pumpkins, and pine cones.
- Scenic Drives: Relax and see the colorful fall foliage.
- Attending Sports Events: Football season gatherings are a fall highlight.
Enjoy these activities to celebrate the season and make lasting memories.
What is the best fall activity?
Deciding on the best fall activity depends on personal preferences; visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards is a top choice. This activity lets you enjoy the autumn air, vibrant colors, and a range of fun experiences.
From picking pumpkins and apples to hayrides and corn mazes, these outings offer adventure and nostalgia, creating lasting memories. The produce and unique experiences gained can become cherished traditions.
What is on your fall bucket list?
So, on my fall bucket list for 2024, I’ve got family photos as a must-do. There’s magic in a photoshoot surrounded by beautiful fall colors.
The reds, oranges, and yellows create a stunning backdrop that brings out warmth and joy in family pictures. These photos are timeless treasures capturing the beauty of the moment and family bond.
Excited to make this a yearly tradition, celebrating time passing and our family growth against nature’s autumn show.
What’s on your fall list? Share your adventures and inspire a season of activities and traditions!
At the End of the Day…
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t how we fill our fall bucket lists, but with whom we share these moments.
The laughter shared over a cup of hot cider, the warmth of hands held during a hayride, and the joy in the faces of loved ones as we roll down those hills under the autumn sky—these are the true treasures of the season.
In the rush of activities and the pursuit of the perfect fall experience, it’s these connections, these simple moments of togetherness, that enrich our lives far beyond the season’s end.
