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Fall Bucket List | 30 BEST Things to Do in the Fall

Make this fall unforgettable with these 30 best things to do in the fall that are perfect for your fall bucket list.

Fall Bucket List

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The fire’s crackling, you’re curled up with a good book, and you’ve have a warm pumpkin spice latte sitting on the table next to you.

As they say, it’s fall ya’ll.

It’s time to embrace those cozy vibes and do all the autumn things we all love so much (even if they’re #basic).

Whether it’s going apple picking or visiting the farmer’s market, this fall bucket list has all the best things to do in the fall that you won’t want to miss.

Keep reading to start planning your most epic fall season now!

Fall Bucket List

Fall Bucket List | 30 BEST Things to Do in The Fall

1. Go Apple Picking

Is it really fall if you didn’t go apple picking at least once?

There are so many tasty fall desserts that utilize this fruit, and there’s no better way to get your hands on them than picking them right off the tree yourself.

If you want to be especially environmentally conscious this year, make sure to bring a couple of your own bags to store your apples in as you wander from row to row exploring the different varieties of this delicious, seasonally appropriate fruit.

2. Make Homemade Doughnuts

If there’s one thing we love about fall, it’s undoubtably the food.

From sweet to savory and everything in between, isn’t fall food the best of all the seasons?

Try something new in the kitchen this fall by learning how to make homemade doughnuts.

You’d be surprised at how easy it can be — so easy you might just find yourself making this sweet treat time and time again!

3. Host a Halloween Party

Get into the spooky spirit this year by hosting a Halloween party.

Everyone loves a good costume party equipped with plenty of candy, a killer playlist, and maybe even a creepy movie to wrap up the evening.

If you have extra space and really want to take things to the next level, you could even create your very own haunted house to entertain your guests.

This was always a huge hit at the Halloween parties we would throw at our house when I was a kid.

4. Do a Fall Bath & Body Works Haul

There’s nothing like updating your home with the latest seasonal scents from Bath & Body Works.

We think fall is by far the best season when it comes to new scents for candles, body products, etc. from this retailer.

From ‘Marshmallow Fireside’ to ‘Apple Weather’, stocking up on the autumn collection is one of our favorite things to do during the fall.

P.S. No, this is not sponsored. We just actually love shopping here this time of year (maybe a little too much!).

5. Test Pie Recipes

Now is the time to break out with the pie pans and hone your baking skills.

Not only does baking during the fall just hit different, but it’s the perfect opportunity to test out and refine new recipes before the holiday season.

If you want to go the extra mile with your pie making skills, make sure to grab some mini pie pans.

While there’s no real difference between personal pies and a regular pie, we just can’t deny the cuteness of the miniature version which will undoubtedly set your entertaining skills apart from the crowd.

6. Decorate Your Space

Is there any better season to decorate for than fall?

While some might argue the winter holidays rule all, we think that decorating for fall is by far the best.

Cinnamon wreaths, fall throws, and colorful table cloths make such a difference this time of year and totally breathe new life into a space during the cozy season.

7. Go Hiking

Embrace the change of the season with a fall hiking trip.

You’ll love the colorful scenery and will enjoy being outdoors in the cooler weather.

Make sure to pack your camera too, as this is the best time of year to grab some nature shots!

8. Carve Pumpkins & Roast Pumpkin Seeds

‘Tis the fall season for pumpkin carving!

Head down to the pumpkin patch to pick your favorite pumpkin in person and get your creative juices flowing.

Make sure you have all the tools you need ahead of time, along with some battery powered candles so you can show off your designs right away.

Don’t forget to keep the seeds as you clean out your pumpkin either, so you can roast them and enjoy this classic fall snack.

9. Light a Fall Candle

What’s the cozy season without a few candles?

Get out all your favorite fall scents to really set the mood this season in your home.

10. Make Homemade Apple Cider

Get into an autumn state of mind with a mug of homemade apple cider this season.

While stovetop apple cider is always a hit, our personal favorite recipes are those made for an Instant Pot or Crockpot (and if you haven’t tried Instant Pot yet, you need to run).

You can’t go wrong with these simple and low maintenance recipes for a crowd this fall season.

11. “Boo” Someone

If you live or grew up in a neighborhood, you’ve likely experienced being “booed” by someone at least once in your life.

For those of you who are not familiar with the tradition though, you can easily take part in this fun, seasonal practice by putting together a small goodie bag for a few neighbors.

Simply leave the treats on your neighbor’s doorstep with a friendly note instructing them to pass on the favor.

This is usually an anonymous surprise, but you can certainly sign off on your treat bag if you prefer.

Either way, it’s an incredibly fun way to surprise your neighbors and get a chain of kind deeds going during the autumn season.

12. Host a Baking Party

Combine two of your favorite things this fall — your besties and baked goods.

Have each guest come prepared with their own fall recipe, and enjoy an evening of relaxation cooking up your favorite fall themed sweet treats.

It’s the perfect excuse to get everyone together this season, while also swapping recipes and meeting your seasonal sugar quota!

13. Go to a Festival

Thanks to the changing of the leaves, fall is popular time for local festivals.

Hop onto your city’s website and scout out some of the best festivals you’d like to attend this season.

You won’t regret putting this on your fall bucket list this year.

14. Have a Fall Photoshoot

Celebrate the season and take advantage of the natural scenery by having a fall photoshoot.

There’s endless possibilities this time of year, whether you’re looking to create a wholesome family shoot or set up a spooky halloween shot.

15. Go on a Haunted Hayride

What better way to embrace the spirit of Halloween than by going on a haunted hayride?

If there aren’t any hayrides in your area, try searching for haunted houses instead.

There’s bound to be at least a few spooky attractions no matter where you live to keep you entertained (and scared) this October.

16. Visit the Farmer’s Market

Support local growers by visiting the farmer’s market this fall.

There’s no better addition to your favorite fall eats than some fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies.

17. Go for a Walk

Take in the brisk fall air by going for a walk this season.

Whether you’re taking a stroll through your neighborhood or venturing out to the park, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy the beautiful outdoors (especially if you live on the east coast, where it will soon be snowing!).

18. Perfect Your Fall Makeup Routine

With each new season comes a new opportunity for a fresh look.

Perfect your fall makeup routine by experimenting with all the latest fall beauty releases, and trying the best of the viral makeup trends this season.

Or if you prefer a classic fall look, just get your hands on a fall toned eyeshadow palette and work that smokey eye.

19. Have a Movie Night

Keep it cozy with a chill fall movie night.

Whether you prefer the latest horror film or something more family friendly, this is the ideal way to spend an evening this season.

If you’re looking to take things to the next level, consider investing in an outdoor movie setup for an extra special evening enjoying both the fall weather and your favorite films.

This is a fall bucket list item you won’t soon forget!

20. Take a Weekend Trip

There’s no better time than the fall to book a weekend trip.

It’s the best time of year to catch the changing scenery, and there are so many amazing destinations to choose from.

Some of our favorite fall destinations include the Catskills (read our guide on 8 Things to Do in the Hudson Valley here), Saratoga Springs (see the 12 Most Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs NY), and the 1000 Islands (full travel guide located here), to name just a few in New York.

21. Take a New Workout Class

Get active this fall by taking a new workout class.

You may just find a new hobby in the process of getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new!

22. Make Caramel Apples

Another fall favorite is of course caramel apples.

Head to the orchard to pick your lot yourself, and then follow up with an easy at-home caramel apple kit for a delicious seasonal treat.

It’s just one of those fall activities you have to try!

23. Have a Bonfire

Who doesn’t love a fall bonfire?

Keep warm this season by having an outdoor fire where you can actually it thanks to the cooler weather.

24. Read a Book

There’s no better season than fall to curl up with a good book.

If you’re someone that has a hard time choosing what to read next though, we love Book of the Month Club.

This subscription service offers you a selection of one of five popular new releases each month for only $15.

Extra books after your first are only $10, making this a great deal for hardcover novels.

I’ve found so many great books I never would have picked up on my own through BOTM, and even I purchased a subscription for my mom for her birthday last year…it’s just that good!

25. Visit a Corn Maze

Another classic fall activity, try testing your logic skills at a corn maze this season.

It’s a fun way to get out with friends and spend an evening outdoors.

For those that are extra competitive, you can even form teams to see who can finish the maze first.

26. Do a Fall Cleaning

I’ll admit, organization Tik Tok has me some type of way…

Take the time this season to do a fall cleaning and reorganization of your space.

While it’s not one of the most exciting things to do in the fall or to put on your fall bucket list, it is something that’s totally worth it when you’re done.

I personally am looking forward to organizing our pantry this fall with classy glass containers and labels for a clean and organized aesthetic.

It’s a big project I can’t wait to tackle!

27. Watch a Scary Movie

Did you really celebrate halloween if you didn’t watch at least one horror movie during the month of October?

Gather up your friends for an evening of creepy films that will really make it feel like fall.

28. Make Homemade Soup

Every year there’s a fixation on pumpkin spice season, but what about the fact that it’s also now soup season?

Get out your favorite fall soup recipes, and start cooking.

Whether you enjoy spending time in the kitchen or not, you’re going to love having this comfort food on the menu.

29. Do Something Outside

There’s no better season to do something outside than during the fall.

It’s not to hot, yet not too cold, plus the scenery is simply awe-inspiring.

Whether you’re picking pumpkins or going for a hike, make sure you plan some outdoor fall activities for this fall.

30. Write a Book

Did you know that the month of November is National Novel Writing Month?

If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, the fall is perfect opportunity to make it happen.

Make sure to check out NaNoWriMo’s official website for all kinds of support and tips for writing your novel this November.

From experienced writer to newbie novelist, this is a fun and rewarding challenge you won’t want to miss this season.

What’s on your fall bucket list this year? What are your favorite things to do in the fall?

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Holly Habeck

Holly is a millennial travel and lifestyle writer based in New York. With ten years of experience in digital publishing and photography starting with her work writing for College Fashionista and Her Campus at Ithaca College, Holly has been featured in publications such as Southern Living and Lonely Planet. She enjoys sharing her travel expertise as well as lifestyle inspiration in categories such as home décor, DIY beauty, and fashion. More importantly though, Holly is a true Hufflepuff, and her Starbucks order forever remains a grande Iced Sweet Cream Cold Brew. When she's not writing or editing photos for this site, you can find her reading anything in the Sarah J. Maas universe or cuddling with her chihuahua x pomeranian pup Pixie.