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I don’t think that I fully appreciated the amazing things that fall has to offer until I was much older in life, after I became a parent. I’ve always known people who were obsessed with the season, praising pumpkin spice EVERYTHING and dying with excitement waiting to decorate their homes for the season of gourds, cornstalks and, of course, pumpkins! It always seemed a bit over the top to me. What can I say? I guess I saw the fall as the time when school started. I was busy with extracurricular activities and didn’t really have the time to sit back and soak in the gloriousness of fall.

But I can tell you, now I get it!

I’m just as fall obsessed as the people I used to think were a bit over the top! I adore apple picking with my family, meandering through rows of apple trees. I love taking pictures of my kids in a vibrant field of sunflowers! I love trying new hearty soup recipes and making pumpkin pancakes for breakfast! I honestly can’t get enough of roasting marshmallows on a bonfire, cozy socks, visiting orchards and going on autumn hikes to see the fall foliage. It now feels like the season of comfort and cozy if you ask me.

Even if you’re on the fence about fall…

This post will inspire you to get out (or stay in!) and enjoy the beautiful season of fall with these fun family activities!

A final note: When creating this list, I did try to keep this unique time of social distancing in mind. While I am usually on the lookout for fall festivals and fairs to enjoy with my family, these items are not on my list. This year I don’t know that festivals will be going on or that I will feel comfortable attending them. So, this Fall Bucket List contains family activities that can be done in a safe, socially distanced way. Make informed decisions and use your own judgment to decide what you feel comfortable with. And please, have fun!

THE Ultimate Fall Bucket ListFall Activities for Your Family!

  1. Go apple picking
  2. Make apple pie – Check out my post on “How to Get Kids in the Kitchen!” It is possible and oh so rewarding!
  3. Can apple sauce
  4. Create a hay maze at home
  5. Visit a corn maze
  6. Plant mums
  7. Buy gourds to let your kids explore
  8. Visit a pumpkin patch
  9. Paint pumpkins
  10. Hammer golf tees into a pumpkin
  11. Carve a pumpkin and let kids explore “pumpkin guts”
  12. Make pumpkin pie from scratch
  13. Roast pumpkin seeds
  14. Color pumpkin seeds for art –“Name Activity with Colorful Pumpkin Seeds” a post by Fun-a-Day
  15. Jump in a giant leaf pile
  16. Build a bonfire and roast marshmallows
  17. Make caramel apples – dip them in chocolate and roll in peanuts for some added deliciousness!
  18. Go on a hike to see the fall foliage
  19. Make art with leaves – Autumn Leaf Butterflies and Dragon Flies from “One Little Project at a Time”
  20. Use dried corn to make print art – rolling the cob through paint
  21. Visit a farm
  22. Go camping
  23. Go through wardrobe and donate what no longer fits
  24. Plan for Christmas – Check out my post “DIY Christmas Gifts for Kids to Make and Give this Holiday Season” You’ll find inspiration for kids activities that double as amazing gifts to give this holiday season! Homemade gifts are the best!
  25. Take fall-themed family pictures
  26. Watch It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or read the book It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
  27. Have a family game night with snacks – Our family favorite games are DEFINITELY Kids Picture Charades and Kids Sequence ! Fun for the whole family!
  28. Play football with family in the backyard
  29. Make hot apple cider in the crockpot
  30. Go on a picnic in the park
  31. Go on a hayride
  32. Make fall minestrone soup – Oh my goodness, yum!
  33. Get books about the change in seasons from the library
  34. Do a fall-themed scavenger hunt
  35. Go to a drive-in movie
  36. Have a make-your-own pizza night
  37. Make a “no sew” blanket
  38. Make a fall wreath to display
  39. Make a Thankful Tree to add to throughout the season
  40. Make cinnamon play dough
  41. Paint rocks and hide them around your neighborhood using this rock painting kit or acrylic paint and a sealer
  42. Take a family bike ride
  43. Make apple print paintings
  44. Decorate your front porch – use pumpkins and corn stalks!
  45. Take a trip to the zoo
  46. Donate toys
  47. Wear cozy socks
  48. Make chili with cornbread
  49. Cook a meal for another family
  50. Make cinnamon rolls
  51. Visit your local Farmers Market
  52. Buy sunflowers or visit a sunflower patch
  53. Make Candy Corn Popcorn
  54. Outdoor Movie Night – socially distanced with friends!
  55. Put plastic film on windows – my kids actually love helping with this by using the hairdryer and playing with the backing on the tape that comes in the kits. Putting the plastic film on the windows helps the windows to be more energy efficient in the winter, but you have to put it up when it’s still warm. Definitely worth putting on your list!
  56. Create Christmas wish lists
  57. Make butternut squash soup
  58. Cuddle under a cozy blanket
  59. Make your own Halloween costumes
  60. Celebrate the harvest
  61. Learn a little about homesteading and the pioneers
  62. Write happy, “I’m Thankful for you!” notes to your friends
  63. Bring a fresh baked dessert to a neighbor
  64. Read together outside
  65. Rake leaves for a neighbor or family member
  66. Go horseback riding
  67. Make pumpkin pancakes – These are THE BEST pumpkin pancakes! My daughter is always asking for them and I am happy to oblige!
  68. Do fall cleaning
  69. Make a blanket fort
  70. Collect pinecones            
  71. Make a pinecone wreath with painted pinecones
  72. Collect leaves to do crayon rubbings
  73. Make granola or trail mix
  74. Fly a kite
  75. UNPLUG for 24 hours!

If you couldn’t tell, I really do love fall! This season of change and appreciation is a great time to re-center our perspectives. It’s a time for fun family activities and spending time together. Fall is a time to practice being thankful and appreciating the simple things in life like nature and the harvest of delicious food. Take time to be outdoors and take time to care for the people around you. We could all use help from time to time. Use this wonderful season to teach our kids about generosity and the joy that comes from the little things in life.

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Hope you have a fantastic fall with your family enjoying these fall-themed activities! Happy fall y’all!