Every fall, I search for a fun fall family bucket list… and it’s the same old classics. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and apple picking. Hear me out, I love those fall activities (and trust me, my camera roll proves it!). They are great, but this year I wanted something different.
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These are perfect fall family activities that are both simple and special. Plus, you won’t see them on every other list. If you’re raising little ones and want easy, memory-making activities that don’t cost much, this is for you. Another perk is that you don’t have to worry about the crowds with this fall bucket list.
So get cozy, pour yourself some apple cider, and check out this super unique fall family bucket list.
Don’t forget to grab your free printable at the bottom of the post.
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Totally Unique Fall Family Bucket List
1. First Frost Morning Walk
Put something fun in a to-go cup, like apple cider for the kids and a pumpkin spiced coffee for you, and enjoy a morning stroll while admiring that first sparkle on the grass. It’s simple, but it feels like the official start of fall, and I love it.
2. Fall Movie Drive-In
Load up the car with blankets, fun fall snacks, and a thermos of hot cocoa, and go to a local drive-in. Or even set up your own “backyard drive-in” with the help of a projector. Select a classic fall movie that the kids will enjoy and make it a fall family tradition.
3. Cozy View Car Picnic
Bring along your favorite thermos of soup, blankets, and the perfect fall playlist, and drive to your favorite spot in town with a pretty view.
4. Cocoa Night
Round up all your favorite hot chocolate toppings. Think whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, caramel, and whatever else your family is in the mood for. Everyone can make their own hot chocolate using their favorite toppings and give it a fancy name. Now, for the best part – a taste test. Vote on the house favorite! My kids take this very seriously- I’m pretty certain they start plotting their hot chocolate recipes way in advance.
5. Fall Dinner Night
This is one of my favorites. It is fun while also making meal prep super simple. Recruit the little ones to help make your favorite fall meals. In our house, we find fun fall recipes for Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, Warm Wednesday, Think Less Thursday, Fun Friday, Sheet Pan Saturday, and Slowcooker Sunday. If you need a little inspo, this post will help you out.
6. Meteor Shower Watch Party
The Draconids happen in early October, and the Orionids occur in late October. Prep fall drinks, spread out comfy blankets, and enjoy the watch party in your very own backyard.
7. Apple Bake Off
Calling all foodies! Collectively pick a few apple recipes you’d love to try, split them up between your family members, and see who the best baker is! The loser gets to clean up.
8. Secret Spot Sunday
Sundays are always our chill days. Pick a “secret spot” to visit every Sunday during the fall. It could be a peaceful park that is hardly crowded, a bakery with a cozy environment that you’ve been dying to try, or a scenic trail nearby. Your kids will look forward to this each week!
9. Gratitude Craft
Add some kind of gratitude craft to your bucket list this fall. Go for a walk and grab some small branches. Store them in a vase and cut out cozy fall colored leaves. Instruct each family member to write something they are thankful for on a leaf and then attach it to a branch. By the time the season is over, you will have a beautiful display. This craft doubles as a fantastic Thanksgiving decoration.
10. Family Flag Football
Fall + Football = the perfect activity for your family’s fall bucket list. Plus, it is a great excuse to get outside. Grab the kids, recruit their friends or neighbors, and enjoy a game of flag football. You could even serve hot chocolate at the end to add a little extra excitement.
Full disclosure: I mostly join for the post-game hot chocolate, but this is a great opportunity for the kids to show off their touchdown dances.
11. Soup Swap
If your kids are anything like mine, they love lending a hand in the kitchen (and tasting everything just to make sure it’s good enough). Make your favorite cozy fall soup and drop it off at a family member or a friend’s house to enjoy. You could even divide the soup into several jars and have the kids decorate labels, if you want to share it with more than one person.
12. Pumpkin Porch Storytime
This is a great one, especially for the little ones. Use your beautifully fall-decorated porch as the new storytelling spot. Think pumpkins, hay bales, and other cozy fall decor. Grab some blankets, a festive fall drink, and snuggle up while reading fall stories. Make this a weekly tradition during the season! My youngest requests to read the same pumpkin book over and over, and I do not mind one bit.
13. Golden-Hour Color Hunt
If your kids seem to have a ton of energy before bedtime, you’ll love this one! Make it a family adventure and go outside before sunset. Hand your kids a camera and have them capture pictures, including fall colors. Crimson, amber, gold, copper. Little photographers in the making!
14. Leaf Story Stones
Collect flat leaves on your next fall walk. Using a paint pen, write fall-themed words on each leaf. Here are some example words:
- Pumpkin
- Cider
- Scarecrow
Put all the leaves inside a basket, and take turns pulling a leaf out to make a silly family fall story.
15. Mystery Fall Adventure Jar
Jot down fun fall surprise activities that your family will love and store them in a jar. Each weekend, have a family member draw a slip of paper and announce your next family adventure. Here are some ideas:
- Visit a bakery and order your favorite fall treat
- Make your own fall treat
- Carve pumpkins
This time of year always flies by. When you attempt to slow it down by intentionally planning little adventures, the season becomes so much more magical. If there is one thing I learned from my kids, it is that you don’t need to plan anything extravagant. No expensive plans needed. Just cozy, simple, fun ways to make memories as a family.
I hope this fall bucket list helps make this season extra special for you and your family! Give yourself permission to skip the crowds and enjoy every activity on this list!
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