Autumn Bucket List Ideas: 50 Things to do in Fall

Fall is the time of year when the air is crisp and cool and the leaves start changing from bright green to shades of red and orange and yellow. It’s the time of year when you might want to take brisk walks to admire the changing colors or else curl up reading a book with all the windows open and the wind wafting in. It’s the time of year when things get scary at Halloween and you get grateful at Thanksgiving. With so many fall activities, having an autumn bucket list helps you get in all those things you should do to really take in the season.

Below is a list of 50 things to do in fall. It includes fun autumn activities and other must-dos, both indoors and out, so you can take advantage of everyone’s favorite season of the year.

 

Autumn Bucket List Ideas:


Autumn Bucket List Ideas

 
JUMP IN A PILE OF FALL LEAVES | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

1. Jump in a Pile of Fall Leaves

You can’t walk outside on a crisp autumn day without being at least a little bit tempted to jump into a big pile of fall leaves. This fall: go for it. It’s worth it to hear the crunch and crackle  below your boots as you tromp on through.

 
GO TRICK OR TREATING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

2. Go Trick or Treating

Everyone loves trick or treating. You get to dress up in a costume and be whoever you want to be. You get to beg for candy in hopes of getting all the Reese’s and none of the Mounds. It’s just fun. So this year be sure to take your child or nephew or hang along with a friend and her kid to go trick or treating around the neighborhood for Halloween.

 
GO APPLE PICKING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

3. Go Apple Picking

Nothing screams fall more than apple picking. So head to an apple orchard and pick out as many apples as you can handle. It’s a fun fall activity for families and friends alike, plus, afterwards, you’ll be able to bake pies and apple sauce for days.

 
KNIT A SCARF | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

4. Knit a Scarf

If you know how to knit, fall is the perfect time to get ahead on your winter wear. Knit a scarf, hat and mittens, and pretty soon you’ll be ready for the impending winter. And, if you don’t know how to knit, now is the perfect time to add learning to your bucket list for fall.

 
RUN A MARATHON | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

5. Run a Marathon

Sure, you can run a marathon any season of the year. But fall is the best time for long-distance running. The cooler weather and crisp air is perfect for training after sweaty, hot, summers and the fall colors that surround your jog  will make the 26.2 miles ahead of you all the more pleasant.

 
ATTEND A FOOTBALL GAME | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

6. Attend a Football Game

Are you ready for some football? Every fall, both NFL and college teams take to the field. Sure, you can watch the games on TV, but going to a game is a whole different experience. So if you’re thinking of what to do in fall, add cheer on your favorite football team to your autumn bucket list.

 
HAVE A BONFIRE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

7. Have a Bonfire

Having a bonfire is a wonderful thing to do in autumn. Sitting around a large open-air fire is a perfect way to celebrate the season. In summer, the weather is too hot to want to immerse yourself in waft of the crackling flames, but in autumn, you’ll welcome the warmth on a cool evening.

 
WIN A HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

8. Win a Halloween Costume Contest

Why not go all out this year and choose a Halloween costume worthy of winning a prize? Whether you go as a pop culture icon or incorporate your favorite pun, wow everyone with creativity.

 
GO CAMPING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

9. Go Camping

Autumn is the best time of year to go camping. The scenery is breathtaking, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and camp sights aren’t as crowded.

 
BAKE A PIE FROM SCRATCH | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

10. Bake a Pie from Scratch

Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie: fall is the time to bake (and eat) pies.

 
HOST THANKSGIVING DINNER | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

11. Host Thanksgiving Dinner

It might just be the most important meal of the year: Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole. It’s a massive undertaking but if anyone can do it, you can. Are you ready to cross “Host Thanksgiving Dinner” off of your fall bucket list?

 
GET YOUR TAROT READ | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

12. Get Your Tarot Read

With all the ghosts and witches in site, fall is the perfect time to get your tarot cards read. See a psychic and find out what’s in store for your future!

 
LEARN THE THRILLER DANCE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

13. Learn the Thriller Dance

“‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night. And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike.” We all know the lyrics to Michael Jackson’s iconic holiday anthem…but do you know the dance? Autumn is the time to bust out some moonwalks and impress your friends.

 
DRINK A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

14. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte

The pumpkin spice latte (AKA PSL) is only around for a short time each year: so get one while you can because drinking one is one of those must-do fall things everyone should have on their list.

 
GET LOST IN A CORN MAZE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

15. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

A corn maze is a maze cut out of a corn field (it’s also known as a maize maze which is a bit more of a tongue twister). Almost any pumpkin patch in America will have one as an attraction, so be sure to make your way into one…and hope you find your way out!

 
TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

16. Take a Scenic Drive

The best drives of the year are in the autumn when trees in fall colors like red, yellow, and orange tower over your car, and falling leaves line the roads and flutter in front of your windshield.

 
WATCH A HORROR MOVIE MARATHON | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

17. Watch a Horror Movie Marathon

Everyone wants to watch horror movies in October, so why stop at just one? Head to a movie theater to watch a 24-hour movie marathon or host one of your own from the comfort of your own couch.

 
SHOP AT A FARMERS MARKET | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

18. Shop at a Farmers Market

Sure, you can shop at farmers markets all summer but, in the autumn, a cornucopia of new crops emerge. Indulge in winter squash, greens, and root vegetables that just aren’t available earlier in the year.

 
GO TO A PUMPKIN FARM | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

19. Go to a Pumpkin Farm

You have to get your Halloween pumpkin somewhere but don’t settle for a grocery store, head to a pumpkin patch! Pumpkin farms spring up all fall and are a great place to not only pick up a pumpkin but also cross off other autumn bucket list items, like taking a hayride or navigating a corn maze. If you’re lucky, you might even get some cider doughnuts too.

 
DRINK BEER AT OKTOBERFEST | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

20. Drink Beer at Oktoberfest

You don’t have to fly all the way to Germany to experience Oktoberfest (though, that’s a bucket list item in itself!) — plenty of cities across the world hold celebrations of their own. So, if you can’t afford the time off or the plane ticket, there’s sure to be a celebration close to home.

 
MAKE CARAMEL APPLES | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

21. Make Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are a delicious fall treat. Sure, you can pick up some pre-made ones at the grocery store, but they will never be as satisfying as fresh ones you make yourself. Want to try? Get a caramel apple recipe here!

 
VISIT A COUNTY FAIR | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

22. Visit a County Fair

Rides, carnival games, and bbq turkey legs. Fall events like county fairs are a fun way to spend an autumnal weekend.

 
MAKE A WISH ON A TURKEY WISHBONE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

23. Make a Wish on a Turkey Wishbone

That’s what they’re there for after all.

 
WEAR COUPLES COSTUMES FOR HALLOWEEN | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

24. Wear Couples Halloween Costumes

Romeo and Juliet? Sonny and Cher? Ketchup and Mustard? What iconic couple will you be?

 
RUN A 5K | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

25. Run a 5K

5Ks abound in the cooler months (and sometimes end with a cup of hot cocoa). So, if you’re not quite ready to run a marathon, maybe try running a 5K instead.

 
GO FOR A HIKE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

26. Go for a Hike

Hiking among the changing trees is one of the best fall activities anyone can do. Whether you want to take a short, easy stroll, or do a hard, long trail, the fresh air is calling.

 
GO TAILGATING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

27. Go Tailgating

Sometimes it’s what comes before the big game that is the real fun of the day: tailgating.  So suit up in your favorite football jersey, toss around the ball, grill up some hot dogs and brats, and add this fall activity to your bucket list.

 
VISIT A HAUNTED HOUSE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

28. Visit a Haunted House

If you’re up for a spooky time, add “visit a haunted house” to your list of fun things to do in the fall season. Watch out – you never know who…or what… is hiding behind the next corner!

 
BINGE WATCH A TV SHOW | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

29. Binge Watch a TV Show

Autumn weather is perfect for practicing a little hygge: curl up on your couch with a knit blanket and a cup of tea, snuggle with your cat, and spend an afternoon discovering your new favorite program.

 
GO STARGAZING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

30. Go Stargazing

Starlight, star bright, think of all the stars you’ll see at night on a brisk day in Autumn.

 
CARVE A PUMPKIN | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

31. Carve a Pumpkin

It’s not fall without a pumpkin and every pumpkin is destined to be carved into a jack-o-lantern. On a list of fall activities, carving a pumpkin is always involved.

 
GO ON A HAYRIDE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

32. Go on a Hayride

Hayrides are an Autumn classic. Ride around on a wagon or cart pulled by a tractor filled with bails of hay and straw to sit on.  It’s one of those fun fall things to do and you can find one at any fall farm.

 
GO ON A HAYRIDE | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

33. Host a Friendsgiving

Whether you plan to celebrate twice or can’t make it home for Thanksgiving, hosting a Friendsgiving is becoming a new holiday tradition. Friendsgiving is basically the same as Thanksgiving, except you celebrate with friends instead of family and, sometimes, everyone brings a dish along. It’s a great way to show all your friends how thankful you are for them.

 
DRINK HOT APPLE CIDER | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

34. Drink Hot Apple Cider

Apple cider is found in abundance during the fall months of September, October, and November. Serve the drink hot with some spices like cinnamon and cloves and, if you desire, add a little brandy or rum for a quintessential Autumn nightcap.

 
TELL SCARY GHOST STORIES | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

35. Tell Scary Ghost Stories

There is no better time of year than autumn to tell scary ghost stories by fire, candle, or flash light.

 
HAND OUT CANDY ON HALLOWEEN | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

36. Hand Out Candy on Halloween

Sometimes handing out the candy is just as fun as going trick or treating yourself. Stock up on all your favorites, from Snickers to KitKats. You can even go the extra mile and be that house that hands out full-size candy bars.

 
GO TO A FALL FESTIVAL | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

37. Go to a Fall Festival

Fall Festivals or Harvest Festivals are family-friendly events meant to celebrate the best or the season. They might include anything you’d find at a pumpkin patch plus entertainment and food and can even pop up in places outside of the country, like in the heart of big cities.

 
HOST A CHILI COOK-OFF | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

38. Host a Chili Cook-Off

Thick soups and stews, chili among them, slow cooked on the stove or crock pot are fall culinary essentials. Think you make the best pot? Put it to the test and challenge your friends, family, or coworkers to a chili cook-off.

 
BOB FOR APPLES | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

39. Bob for Apples

What else are you going to do with all the apples you picked up at the orchard? Fill a bucket with water, float some apples in it, and see who can pick one out with their teeth: it’s a fun fall activity for kids and adults.

 
BURN FALL CANDLES | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

40. Burn Fall Candles

Sweet pumpkin spice, smoky cinnamon, and wood fire: fall is the best time to break out and burn some new scents.

 
ROAST PUMPKIN SEEDS | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

41. Roast Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re making a jack-o-lantern or a pumpkin pie, don’t waste the seeds: put them aside and roast them for a tasty, savory, snack.

 
DRESS YOUR PET IN A COSTUME | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

42. Dress Your Pet in a Costume

There’s nothing cuter than a pet dressed up in costume, whether you dress your cat as a lion, your dog as a panda, or your hamster as a cowboy. This Halloween don’t leave out your furry friend and get him a costume too.

 
PLAY TOUCH FOOTBALL | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

43. Play Touch Football

Anyone can watch football, but can you play it? Gather your friends in a park for a game of touch football!

 
MAKE S'MORES | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

44. Make S’mores

Chocolate + graham crackers + marshmallows toasted of the fire = a perfect idea for Autumn.

 
THROW A HALLOWEEN PARTY | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

45. Throw a Halloween Party

Get ready to decorate with skeletons, make eyeball ice cubes, and bake severed finger-shaped appetizers: you’re throwing a Halloween party.

 
CELEBRATE HOMECOMING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

46. Celebrate Homecoming

Whether you are a teenager in high school attending your first dance or a college alumni heading back to your alma mater, homecoming is a special time of year.

DONATE TO A FOOD BANK | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

47. Donate to a Food Bank

With Thanksgiving around the corner, fall is the time to think about others in need. Take some time to donate to a food bank or volunteer.

 
GO LEAF PEEPING | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

48. Go Leaf Peeping

What’s leaf peeping?  Leaf peeping is just another word for traveling to view and photograph the fall foliage. How many leafs will you peep this year?

 
TRAVEL TO NEW ENGLAND | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

49. Travel to New England

There is no denying it: the best time to travel to the New England states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island) is autumn.

 
BE THANKFUL | Autumn Bucket List: 50 Things to do in Fall

50. Be Thankful

You should try to be thankful for all that you have every season of the year: winter, spring, and summer included. But in Autumn, try especially hard.