61 Best Fall Activities to Celebrate the Season
Make the most of crisp fall days with these festive ideas for kids, couples and the entire family.
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Sure, summer is cool but hear us out: fall wins every time. The air is crisp and cool enough for a cute little jacket instead of feeling like the inside of a mouth, the leaves are a riot of color that just begs you to take a picture and pumpkin spice is everywhere, from your coffee cup to your pet's treats. Don't even get us started on all the pies, apple treats and other fall desserts you could ever want.
But if you're still waxing nostalgic for the pool parties and backyard barbecues that are the hallmarks of sweaty season, we've got plenty of fun fall activities to help you fall in love with autumn. From festive outdoor adventures that would make an adorable date activity for couples (hello, leaf-peeping!) to cozy indoor activities for kids that will be fun for the whole family, fall has something for everyone. If you're looking for the ultimate fall bucket list to check off this season, we've got the best autumn must-dos right here.
You're missing out if you've never hit up a local pumpkin patch or fall festival, where you can take in all the beautiful foliage, sip on apple cider and meander through a corn maze. Once the weather starts to drive colder-blooded folks indoors, it's time to cuddle up inside with your favorite fall candle, a cozy blanket and the perfect fall movie on Netflix. If you're more of a crafty type, host a pie bake-off with friends or DIY some fall crafts that can later double as decor. Whatever activity you pick, don't forget to wear your coziest sweater and leaf the brainstorming to us.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
The best way to take in the changing leaves? On a fall foliage train ride, of course! There’s nothing more magical than riding a choo-choo through the gorgeous autumn landscape — especially since that means nobody has to watch the road instead of the view out the window.
RELATED: The 10 Best Train Trips in the U.S. for Stunning Scenery and Family Fun
Cozy Up by the Fireplace
When the colder months come calling, there's nothing cozier than sitting by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, a soft blanket and a great book. Looking for an absorbing new read? We've got the best new fall books of the season right here.
Tour a Winery
Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit a winery — not only are the vineyards especially beautiful this time of year, you can also experience the excitement of the fall harvest and bring some of the goods home for yourself.
Host a Potluck
Get a group together for a Friendsgiving potluck, complete with everyone's best homemade fall recipes. Make sure to coordinate with your crew ahead of time so you don't end up with six different dishes of mashed potatoes and no stuffing.
RELATED: 60 Tasty, Easy Fall Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Volunteer at a Food Bank
It's the season of giving! With the holidays approaching, many charities may need extra volunteers, and fall is a great time to give back to your community by volunteering at a food bank or soup kitchen. Call ahead to make sure they aren't already booked up with helping hands.
Attend a Fall Festival
If you're looking for the ultimate fall experience, there's no better place to celebrate the season than a nearby fall or harvest festival. Take in the scenery, hang out with the scarecrows and don't forget to pick out a pumpkin or a cute craft to take home!
Light a Fall Candle
Is there anything that gets you in the fall mood more than a nice scented candle? Grab a soft blanket and a book, then cozy up with your favorite fall-scented candle. We're partial to pumpkin spice, ourselves.
Get ahead on your holiday shopping
The hectic holiday season will be here before you know it, so why not relieve some of that stress and start coming up with some gift ideas for everyone on your list. You'll thank us when everyone else is panicking and you're already done.
Carve a Pumpkin
Forget the basic Jack-O-Lantern face and carve something gourd-geous this season. Get creative with the best pumpkin carving ideas — like this super-fun "candy land" pumpkin dressed up with everything from gum drops to candy corn.
Go Apple Picking
Head to the nearest orchard for a fun day of apple picking. The best part is that you'll be able to take home some fresh apples to turn into delicious, fall-flavored recipes.
Make Caramel Apples
Caramel apples might just be the quintessential fall treat and they're easier to make at home than you might think. For extra fun, set up a dip-your-own caramel apple bar complete with yummy toppings like chopped Reese's Pieces.
Have a Backyard Bonfire
For a cozy night full of fun, gather 'round the fire to warm up, swap ghost stories and spend some quality time with family and friends. Don't forget the cozy blankets and yummy s'mores!
Indulge in Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice season is finally here! Enjoying a classic PSL or two is a must, of course, but for an extra decadent homemade treat, this heavenly pumpkin spice cake will make jaws drop and mouths water as soon as you bring it out.
Have a Fall Photoshoot
There's no denying that autumn is the prettiest season of all — which means you should definitely take full advantage of the scenery with some great fall photos with the family.
RELATED: 100 Best Fall Instagram Captions for All Your Gorgeous Autumn Photos
Go Horseback Riding
Saddle up! If you're looking for a fun way to spend a fall afternoon, you'll love trotting along the forest trails atop a horse — which also gives you a great fall foliage vantage point.
Tailgate at a Football Game
Autumn also means football season, which means it's time to cheer on your favorite team at a fun tailgate party. Don't forget your favorite football foods to get ready for the big win!
Go to a Petting Zoo
If you're heading to a fall festival or your local farm, don't forget to say hello to the cute goats, ponies and more at the petting zoo!
Get Spooked at a Haunted House
It's spooky season! If you're feeling brave this Halloween, head to a haunted house to get into the spirit of the season. Better yet, make your own home the spookiest spot on the block with some awesome outdoor Halloween decorations.
Have a Chili Cook-Off
There's no better way to kickstart fall than with a warm bowl of chili, but it's even greater if you're hosting a fun chili cook-off with your friends and family.
RELATED: 40 Super Easy Chili Recipes That Are Perfect for Cold Winter Days
Run a Fall 5K
Autumn's crisp air and cooler temperatures make for the perfect weather to go on a run, which means it's also a great time to sign up for that marathon you've been meaning to run for years.
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