There is just something comforting about sweater weather, re-watching classics like Gilmore Girls, and drinking pumpkin-spiced latte during the Fall season. However, sometimes the excitement wanes, and although the leaves may change color, your daily routine feels mundane and remains the same. We often forget the nostalgia of Fall, and that’s why having the ultimate Fall Bucket List is an absolute must!
These fall activities will keep the whole family engaged, excited, and in the spirit of the coolest season yet!
What is a Bucket List?
A bucket list is a list of experiences a person hopes to accomplish within a certain amount of time. It includes ideas, inspiration, and goals that you can draw from or work towards achieving.
Pro-Tip:
Bucket Lists are meant to be fun and help you create a beautiful bonding experience. You and your family should not feel any pressure because this will create negative emotions and remove the joy from it. Adapt the list to suit you and your family; what matters most is feeling content that you have achieved something together no matter how big or small.
Fall Bucket List Ideas for Kids and Adults
Bucket lists are one of the best ways to create a roadmap of adventures to make the most of the Fall season. We have some ideas for the kids, but we haven’t forgotten about you either! Create your own Bucket List and make your own memories with our suggested fall activities for adults to make the most out of the season.
Bucket List for Kids
The kids will be so excited to learn about the seasonal activities and experiences they can look forward to. We’ve kept it simple, so feel free to adapt and make it your very own.
1. Rake leaves and take a leap in them
Bundle up and head out for some old-fashioned fun! By letting the kids rake or even pile up the leaves, it engages their fine motor skills! All that’s left to do is jump in the piles. Make sure the pile of leaves is high enough so you can see the beautiful flutter of the fall leaves.
2. Have a Fall Scavenger Hunt
This a great activity for an outside block in your school day or something to do on a less busy autumn afternoon.
3. Roast marshmallows around a campfire
The kids are sure to love this one because marshmallows are involved! You can even make some smores or tell campfire stories.
4. Make a leaf art project
One of the most magical things about fall is when leaves change color. By doing a leaf craft, you will help the kids create this association with the season. Try out this Marble Leaf Painting Activity, which is the ideal combination of seasonal bliss and sensory Play. PS: Grab a bottle of shaving cream!
5. Go Apple Picking at an Orchard
Hand-selecting apples is a charming season tradition and encourages fall festivity. If you have a local apple orchard near you, take the kids to have a special interactive experience. The apple doesn’t fall far from fun times!
6. Go on a Hike
Spend some time outdoors hiking along a trail at your local park or even just in your backyard. It’s the perfect opportunity for children to connect with nature and engage in a sensory and grounding activity, like touching grass and feeling the earth beneath their feet (unless they’re allergic)! Encourage them to collect an acorn or leaf as a keepsake.
7. Have a Fall Picnic
Imagine layering blankets, preparing a beautiful spread of seasonal fruit, and sipping on some delicious apple cider! Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Picnics are not just for the summertime. You can have a blast playing board games while picnicking during Fall. Just remember to carry your scarves and hats too!
8. Have a Fall-Movie Marathon
Don’t forget that it’s spooky season! Re-watch old classics that the kids love or introduce them to something new! Make popcorn, build a fort, and have fall days filled with fun, fear, and food. You could even let the kids wear costumes or dress up as their favorite characters.
9. Decorate the house together
There are so many special occasions to decorate for and make your home festive. From carving pumpkins to homemade crafts, you can set up a crafts corner and get the kids involved. You could even let them decorate a part of the house/classroom on their own and see what they come up with. Pro-Tip: pumpkins don’t have to be orange; have some fun crafting unique pumpkins in different colors with this Pumpkin Painting Activity.
10. Go Stargazing
The nights are darker, making it the perfect opportunity to see even more stars! You could set up a little tent and have the kids pretend that they’re going camping.
11. Read Fall themed books together
Check out these 23 Fall Books for Kids.
Bucket List for Adults
While you’re helping the kids accomplish their bucket lists, don’t forget about your personal goals. It’s important to refuel and regain your focus, energy, and drive — and there’s no better way than going through your own list of fun things to do in the Fall!
1. Curl Up With a Good Book — there is no better feeling than curling up with a good book and a hot drink. PS: Keep an eye out for Stuff Your Kindle Day on December 27th to get access to thousands of books for free!
2. Make a New Fall-themed Drink — the possibilities are endless! You can bring out your inner barista and experiment with different concoctions like hot cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple cider, or the classic pumpkin spice latte. Try out these 16 Starbucks Drinks for Kids They’ll Love! Here are some Autumn Drinks Ideas to get you started
3. Treat Yourself — you don’t need a reason! Invest in a cozy sweater that feels like a hug, or stock up on your favorite fall candle you can’t get enough of. Either way, you deserve a special treat, and believe me, you’ll want to use these all season long!
4. Change up your self-care routine — with the colder weather looming, switching up some self-care treatments is definitely worth thinking about. By doing a simple face mask or even ensuring that you have 5 minutes of your day to focus on yourself, your skin, and your sense of self, you can improve your mindset for the entire day! Light up a fall scented candle and enjoy!
5. Plan a Fall-Themed Date — whether you stay in or go out, set aside some time for you and your partner to do something together this Fall. You can even pick one of the items on the bucket list! Spending quality time together is beautiful, and nobody can argue that Fall is exceptionally romantic!
6. Make your Favorite Childhood Fall Recipe — take a trip down memory lane, bask in the aromas of your childhood and the sweet scent of your favorite childhood treat. Whether it’s baking your mom’s secret apple pie recipe, cooking your dad’s famous chili, or opting to roast pumpkin seeds, it’s sure to fill your belly and your cup!
7. Go on a Fall Foliage Adventure — One of the best parts of Fall is the changing leaves. Don’t miss a chance to drive through your city, neighborhood, or anywhere where the foilage is particularly vibrant! You could even bike ride through a beautiful area!
8. Visit your Local Farmers Market — enjoy the fresh food of the season and support local vendors. You can learn a lot about Fall by simply tasting new flavors and enjoying crafts.
9. Make a Fall Playlist — add songs on Spotify that give you warm, toasty, or even moody vibes!
10. Visit a Pumpkin Patch, corn maze, or haunted house — these themed activities can be a blast especially if you have the right company! Check out our visit to Irvine Pumpkin Patch – Tanaka Farms.
Pro-Tip:
Gentle reminder to think of your friends and family who may be spending this season alone. If you can, invite them to a dinner party or host a Friendsgiving and share in the fall festivity this November!
What are the Benefits of a Bucket list?
For kids — bucket lists are an excellent way to keep the kids busy while giving them a sense of accomplishment. When you include your kids in this Fall Bucket List, you empower them and help foster their curiosity! Introduce the bucket list in the classroom as a way to motivate students to accomplish tasks within a specified timeframe. It is a way to teach time management, planning, and execution.
For adults — Stanford University discusses the symbolic meaning of a bucket list. Essentially, it is a tangible way to assess our morality. This simple list causes us to reflect and identify what matters most to us. It also shows us what milestones we wish to achieve in our lifetime, signifying hope and future orientation. To gain more insight into what is a bucket list, check out this awesome article.
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