60 Fun Fall Bucket List Ideas for Adults

As you wrap up your bucket list of summer things to do, you must be ready to make this your most memorable autumn yet! Here are a bunch of fun, cozy, and totally doable fall bucket list ideas — whether you want to get outdoors, cook something delicious, or simply enjoy life’s small moments. (Bonus: You don’t have to spend a ton of money to do most of them!).

If you want spooky bucket list ideas, check out my Halloween Bucket List: 105 Fun Activities & Things to Do with over 100 things to do!

Things to do this Autumn

Outdoor Fall Adventures

There’s just something about fall that makes me want to be outside. The air finally cools off (no more melting makeup or sticky sunscreen!), and the world turns into this cozy palette of golds and reds that makes every walk feel magical.

• Take a fall foliage drive. 
• Visit an apple orchard and pick your own apples.
• Go on a nature walk and collect colorful leaves.
• Take a cozy hayride through a pumpkin patch.
• Hike a trail during peak foliage season.
• Explore a corn maze (and try not to get lost!).
• Take a scenic train ride through fall landscapes.
• Spend a day at a harvest festival.
• Visit a sunflower field before the blooms fade.
• Jump into a pile of leaves.
• Go horseback riding through colorful trails.
• Take a bike ride through scenic fall routes.
• Plant fall flowers like mums and pansies.
• Tailgate at a football game.
• Journal under a big tree.

Fall Foodie Things to Do

Can we all agree that fall is basically an excuse to eat and drink cozy things? Everything smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples — and I’m not mad about it. Cooking and baking become events this time of year, and there’s nothing better than having your house filled with the scent of something bubbling away in the oven.

• Make Rice Krispie treats for a nostalgic snack (here’s the original recipe!).
• Bake an apple pie from scratch (the smell alone is worth it!).
• Make your own hot apple cider or mulled wine.
• Roast chestnuts in the oven or over an open fire.
• Try a pumpkin spice recipe that’s not a latte (like muffins or pancakes).
• Make caramel apples with your favorite toppings.
• Have a chili cook-off with friends.
• Visit a local farmers’ market and grab seasonal veggies.
• Host a cozy dinner party with comfort foods.
• Go wine tasting at a harvest event.
• Try baking pumpkin bread — and eat it warm with butter (trust me!).
• Roast pumpkin seeds for a fall snack.
• DIY your own pumpkin spice latte (PS: you can get a great recipe at Inspired Taste).
• Create an autumn-inspired cocktail.
• Have a cozy wine and cheese night.

Cozy & Creative Indoors

There’s something magical about spending a quiet fall afternoon getting cozy and creative inside while the weather does its thing outside. Candles flickering, a blanket on your lap, a cup of tea (or glass of red wine!) in hand — this is peak comfy season.

• Decorate your home with pumpkins, leaves, and candles.
• Knit or crochet something (even if it’s just a wonky scarf!).
• Read a classic fall book (think Anne of Green Gables or Jane Eyre).
• Have a cozy movie marathon (Hocus Pocus, anyone?).
• Write a gratitude list with a cup of tea. Need ideas? Here’s 100 Things to Be Thankful For Today
• Create a fall playlist with your favorite mellow songs.
• Try a DIY fall craft with pinecones or acorns.
• Light a seasonal candle and take a bubble bath.
• Redecorate your porch with pumpkins and mums.
• Have a board game night by the fireplace (see my Board Game Bucket List for ideas!).
• Decorate your mantle for autumn.
• Make a scarecrow for your yard or porch.
• Take your Christmas card photo early, then get a cute photo card templates on Shutterfly or Minted.
• Throw a murder mystery party.
• Freshen up your wardrobe for fall, especially with cute fall boots.

Festive Fall Fun

I love how every weekend seems to have something festive happening — pumpkin patches, haunted houses, harvest fairs, and community events that bring people together. So grab a friend, put on your coziest sweater, and go celebrate the season in style.

• Visit a haunted house or ghost tour.
• Carve (or paint!) pumpkins.
• Go to a fall or harvest festival.
• Dress up for Halloween (even if it’s just for fun at home).
• Host a bonfire night with s’mores.
• Attend a local fair or community event.
• Try a spooky escape room.
• Make a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
• Watch scary movies with popcorn and blankets.
• Make your own costume or fall wreath.
• Participate in a Halloween costume contest
• Celebrate Oktoberfest (even locally!).
• Throw a Friendsgiving with your closest friends.
• Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• Shop Black Friday sales (online counts!).

Mindful Moments & Simple Joys

Amid all the pumpkin patches and cider tastings, don’t forget to slow down. Fall is such a grounding season — a time to reflect, be grateful, and soak in life’s little pleasures. This is your reminder that “doing nothing” can absolutely be on your bucket list too. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the quiet ones.

• Take a “gratitude walk” and mentally list what you’re thankful for.
• Spend a morning journaling with a pumpkin spice latte.
• Have a “do nothing” cozy day in pajamas.
• Sit by a fire pit and watch the stars.
• Take a weekend getaway to a mountain cabin.
• Do a random act of kindness for a neighbor.
• Wake up early to watch the sunrise on a crisp morning.
• Collect leaves and press them into a notebook
• Make a fall photo album or scrapbook.
• Unplug for an afternoon and just enjoy the stillness.
• Have a fall picnic in the park.
• Stay at a quaint bed-and-breakfast.

You don’t need to check off every single thing on this list — even a handful will make this season feel special. My advice? Choose one or two ideas a week, and let yourself be fully present while doing them.

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