Fall is finally here, and I’m ready to bring out the pumpkins, plant some mums, and swap my shorts for sweaters. Like many of you, I dream of a season filled with apple picking, pumpkin patches, scenic hikes, and endless cozy nights by the fire. But let’s be real: between school, sports, birthday parties, and the whirlwind of everyday life, tackling a “100 Fall Bucket List Ideas” just isn’t practical. And living in Texas, where it still feels like summer well into October, makes it even harder to dive into all things fall! 😂
A few years ago, our family decided to take a more realistic approach to fall fun by creating a simplified, personalized bucket list. Instead of trying to do it all, we focused on what matters most to us—whether it’s carving pumpkins in the backyard, having a family movie night with classic fall films, or baking our favorite apple treats. Our goal was to ensure we each had something to look forward to and truly enjoy the season without the pressure of ticking off an endless list of activities.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the fall frenzy, I’ve put together some tips on how to create your own realistic fall bucket list that fits your family’s schedule and interests. By prioritizing what feels special to you, you can make the most of the season without feeling rushed or overcommitted. Let’s embrace the cozy moments, savor the simple joys, and make this fall one to remember—without the stress!
Choosing Our Must Have Activities
I’ll admit, I used to feel like I needed to check off a long list of seasonal activities to create those perfect fall memories. One year, I took the kids to a local pumpkin patch, expecting the classic autumn experience. What I didn’t realize was that pumpkins don’t actually grow in our area of Texas. So, instead of finding a charming pumpkin field, we found a hot, dusty lot with pumpkins scattered around, and an hour-long wait just to park. With temperatures in the 90s and cranky kids, the day quickly turned into a stressful mess instead of the festive outing I had imagined.
When planning out your fall activities, it’s important to focus on what truly matters to you and your family. Start by asking yourself a few key questions: What brings me joy? What brings my kids joy? What are the traditions that I want to establish or continue? If an activity doesn’t check one of these boxes, it’s perfectly fine to skip it. Not every fall must include a visit to a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard, especially if those outings don’t bring genuine happiness or fit your lifestyle. It’s about quality, not quantity.
You can download my Realistic Fall Bucket List here!
Another practical tip is to add your bucket list items to your calendar as early as possible. As a planner by nature, I like to map out our fall activities once I have the kids’ school and sports schedules in August. By penciling in family movie nights, baking days, or simple outings early on, I can prioritize our family time. Having these plans in the calendar also makes it easier to say no to other invites that may pop up. This way, we don’t overcommit, and we keep our focus on the experiences that mean the most to us.
Ultimately, the goal is to embrace the season in a way that feels fulfilling without overwhelming an already busy schedule. By carefully selecting activities that resonate with your family, you can capture the essence of fall while keeping things manageable and enjoyable. Remember, it’s okay if your bucket list looks different from others—what matters most is that it reflects what you love and what works for your family. Let go of the pressure to do it all, and instead, savor the simple joys that make fall special for you.
Our Fall Family Bucket List Ideas
Carve or Paint Pumpkins
Let your kids pick their own pumpkins, whether that is at the pumpkin patch or at the grocery store. When my kids were little they painted, colored or added stickers to their pumpkins. Now that they are older they can help us adults carve the pumpkins.
Make Pumpkin Seeds
My whole family absolutely loves pumpkin seeds! I buy extra pumpkins every season, so that I can scoop out all the pumpkin seeds, freeze them and roasted them long after fall is over. Check out this easy roasted pumpkin seeds recipe.
Make Homemade Applesauce
My kids are applesauce addicts. So while picking apples isn't at the top of my fall bucket list, making easy homemade applesauce is! Bonus, making applesauce always makes the house smell so good.
Make Apple Crisp
I know apple pie is popular this time, but my family prefers apple crisp! Growing up, apple crisp was a staple and my kids love helping me make it. I honestly think it is much easier to make too, since you don't have to mess with pie crusts! Don't know where to start? Try this recipe out! The kids can help you make the crumb toppings. My kids love getting messy!
Jump in a Leaf Pile
Living on the Gulf Coast, we usually can't rake leaves until December but my kids couldn't care less, when the leaves fall. They love to have leaf fights and jump into the piles!
Watch a Family Halloween Movie
Hocus Pocus is our favorite Halloween movie. Other favorites this time of year are Hotel Transylvania, Monsters Inc, Ghostbusters, Casper and Coco.
Visit the Zoo
Our zoo celebrates the fall with a big event all October called Zoo Boo. There is a Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel, the merry-go-round is turned into a spooktacular Scary-Go-Round, photo ops all over the Zoo, and fall-themed enrichments for the animals. My kids love it! Check out your local zoo to see if they have have a similar event.
Visit a Corn Maze
We went to our first corn maze a few years ago and it was a blast. Find your way through a corn maze. Pro-tip, pick up a map before you head in so you can easily get out when you are ready!
Decorate for Halloween
My kids love helping me decorate the house for Halloween. We pull out favorite decorations from years past and I have my kids help me add a few new ones every year too. We are team cute Halloween, but if scary is your thing, embrace it! While we skip decorating for fall (it's too hot here to get too into fall before Halloween arrives), but this would be a fun activity for your family too.
Have a Family Game Night
My family LOVES family game night. We are super competitive and game nights are a way we can teach our kids to lose gracefully. Pull out the popcorn and snacks, invite some friends over and make the night special. Make it extra fun by having everyone can wear pjs, crazy hats or choose games that involve pumpkins, scarecrows, or other autumn symbols.
Make a Boo Basket
Never heard of a Boo Backet? It is a great way to give your kids items that they can enjoy all Halloween in one fun gift. I make one for my kids every year! Check out this guide to help with ideas!
Read Fall & Halloween Books
My kids love seasonal books! I intentionally don't keep these books out year round, so that when I do pull them out, my kids are excited to see them again. Create a new tradition and read all your favorite fall or Halloween books as a family when you first pull them all out. Check out my lists for fall kids books and Halloween kids books.
More fun ideas
- Make Leaf Art: Use leaves or acorns to create art.
- Work on a Puzzle: Pick one with a fall or Halloween theme.
- Have a Bonfire: Roast marshmallows and tell stories around a fire.
- Backyard S’mores Night: S’mores are always a hit!
- Collect Colorful Leaves: Go on a nature walk and gather leaves.
- Go to a Fall Festival: Enjoy games, rides, and fall treats.
- Go on a Nature Hike: Explore a local park or trail.
- Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Find fall items in your neighborhood or at a park.
- Create Halloween Costumes: Get crafty and make DIY costumes.
- Visit a Farmers Market: Find local fall produce like apples, squash, and maybe even some pumpkins.
- Make Caramel Apples: A sweet and sticky activity that kids love.
- Bake Pumpkin Muffins or Bread: Make something from scratch or use a box mix! Keep it easy on yourself.
- Try a New Fall Recipe: Experiment with a simple soup, stew, or baked dish that feels like fall.
- Outdoor Movie Night: Watch a fall or Halloween movie under the stars.
- Family Picnic in the Park: Enjoy a cooler evening with fall snacks and sandwiches.
- Plant Fall Flowers: Mums or pansies are great options.
- Go to a Haunted House: My kids are ready for this yet, but it will be fun when they are old enough!
- Do Fall Organizing: It is the perfect time to clean our your summer wardrobe and
- Go on a Hayride: Local farms often have a hayride included in fall festivities.
