100 Fall Bucket List Ideas for 2019

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As the weather starts turning and the evening starts getting darker a little earlier, there’s something that just makes my soul happy.

I throw on my favorite PJ pants, grab a cup of hot tea, and pretend it’s cold before it actually turns cold (because I live in Texas, y’all, and it just takes us a while to catch up when it comes to cold weather).

Fall is marching band and football season and big cozy blankets.

It’s watching Hocus Pocus and eating pizza.

It’s bare feet on hay bales, and freezing on Halloween night, even though you were in a t-shirt earlier that day.

Fall is the time to make memories.

One of my favorite fall memories was taking our little girl to the pumpkin patch.

She was dressed for cold weather, and it ended up being so hot.

We were all sweating and she got to run around in a t-shirt and barefoot, instead of in the cute outfit we’d brought for her.

Hey, you make do and enjoy the moment.

This year we have two little ones with us, and while the youngest doesn’t know what’s going on yet, our oldest is finally reaching a point that she does kind of “get it.”

So this year we’re making a bucket list, and while you may not be able to knock out everything on this list, I hope you find some inspiration to help you make the most of this fall for you and your family.

And before we dive into this list I just want to say one thing:

Remember to take pictures.

Time passes so quickly.

Make this a fall to remember.

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98 Fun Things to Add to Your Fall Bucket List

1) Go to the pumpkin patch and get some amazing family pictures

Is there anything cuter than family pics in a pumpkin patch?

Get out there, have fun, make memories, and play photographer for the day!

7 Tips for Great Family Pumpkin Patch Pictures by Extreme Couponing Mom

Make sure your pictures turn out wonderful by using these 7 Tips for Great Family Pumpkin Patch Pictures by Extreme Couponing Mom.

2) Let your kids play in the hay

Every little kid needs to experience what it’s like to run around barefoot in the hay.

No where to run around in the hay?

No problem!

Check out this fun sensory activity:

How to Dye Hay by Crayon Box Chronicles

Your kids will love learning How to Dye Hay by Crayon Box Chronicles, and will love playing with it even more!

Get a Bag of Hay from Amazon HERE.

3) Paint pumpkins

25 Painted Pumpkins for Kids by Non-Toy Gifts

If you need some inspiration before you pull out the paint, check out these 25 Painted Pumpkins for Kids by Non-Toy Gifts.

Help your kids paint their favorite characters to put on display!

How to Paint Pumpkins (The Right Way) by Scraplifters

If you’ve never painted a pumpkin before, read up on How to Paint Pumpkins (The Right Way) by Scraplifters.

4) Carve pumpkins

Make a family night out of carving pumpkins!

Get your Pumpkin Carving Kit from Amazon HERE.

5) Host a pumpkin carving party or contest

Get some friends together and see who can make the most creative pumpkin!

6) Let your kids finger paint a canvas outside in the nice weather

Let them use their whole bodies and encourage them to use pieces of nature to paint, such as pinecones and leaves.

7) Go on a hayride

Surrounded by friends on a bumpy trailer filled with hay hooked up to the back of an old truck, the only thing that can make it better is some good ole’ popcorn.

8) Dress up for Halloween and go trick or treating

Even if your kids are a little too young, you can still enjoy getting out for an evening walk and seeing all of the costumes!

9) Watch Hocus Pocus

Can anyone really make it through fall without watching Hocus Pocus?

This classic Halloween movie is a MUST-WATCH every fall!

Grab your copy of Hocus Pocus from Amazon HERE.

10) Watch a scary movie

Dim the lights, hide under a blanket, and prepared to be scared!

11) Go to a Halloween party

Whether it be a kid’s Halloween party or adults only, have fun dressing up and grabbing some yummy snacks.

12) Fill your home with fall smells

Use a scented candle, essential oil blends, or try some of these DIY scents. 

Fall Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes by Don’t Mess With Mama

These yummy Fall Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes by Don’t Mess With Mama will have you in the mood for fall in no time!

DIY Fall Scents for Your Home by Pastels and Macarons

If you still want those delicious fall scents without using candles or diffusers, try some of these clever DIY Fall Scents for Your Home by Pastels and Macarons.

13) Open the windows

Cleanse your soul by letting some fresh air into your home.

14) Take a walk

Whether you’re alone, with your spouse, or with your kids, taking a walk in the fall is just the best.

15) Crunch leaves

Let your inner kid reign and crunch all the leaves everywhere you walk!

16) Enjoy coffee cake for breakfast

This was always a big treat for me in my childhood, and I love associating it with fall.

17) Drink coffee, wrap up in a blanket, and read a book

Grab that book off the shelf you’ve been meaning to read for ages and get to it.

18) Eat homemade soup

There are so many incredible homemade soup recipes out there that I couldn’t even begin to put together a list for you here.

Hop over to Pinterest and go crazy!

But if you want something really cute and special, try this one out:

Roasted Garlic Sage Pesto Pumpkin Soup with Spicy Fried Pumpkin Seeds by Half-baked Harvest

Could the presentation of this Roasted Garlic Sage Pesto Pumpkin Soup with Spicy Fried Pumpkin Seeds by Half-baked Harvest be any cuter?!?

19) Cook something warm and hearty in the crockpot

Again, Pinterest is going to be your BFF in finding incredible crockpot recipes, but I’ll get you started with this classic one:

Slow Cooker Hearty Ground Beef Stew by Together As Family

Sometimes you just need a simple, hearty, warm stew at the end of a long, cold, fall day.

Throw this Slow Cooker Hearty Ground Beef Stew by Together As Family into the crockpot first thing in the morning and enjoy a delicious, warm meal for dinner. Yum!

20) Spend an evening at Starbucks alone or with friends

Take a kid-free evening to splurge a little on some coffee and a good book, or better yet, enjoy it with a few friends.

21) Rake leaves

So yes, this is yard work, but there’s something about it that can really refocus your mind on the season and calm a busy mind.

22) Cook something from scratch

Instead of going to the store and buying a can of processed food… why not try creating your own from scratch?

‘Tis the season to… cook from scratch?

Homemade Pumpkin Puree by Hey Nutrition Lady

Make up a batch (or two) of this Homemade Pumpkin Puree by Hey Nutrition Lady to freeze so that you can create delicious pumpkin recipes year-round.

23) Make apple cider

Next time you have a get-together, impress your guests with this delicious recipe:

The Pioneer Woman’s Mulled Apple Cider Recipe by Reluctant Entertainer

24) Drink hot tea

While my favorite is a mug of Bigelow Earl Grey Tea, you can’t go wrong with any flavor of hot tea.

25) Drink coffee

Cool air, hot coffee… Need I say more?

26) Sit outside when it’s raining

Leave your phone inside, and just listen to the rain.

27) Watch a movie in bed

Cuddle up in all of your favorite pillows and blankets with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy some movie time.

28) Go to a fall festival

Always a fun family activity!

29) Go to a professional pumpkin patch

These make for amazing pictures!

30) Go to a local pumpkin patch

There will likely be fewer people at a local pumpkin patch if you want to avoid the crowds.

31) Get some fresh air

Walks, painting, picnic, it doesn’t matter, just get outside!

31) Go apple picking

Then bake some apple pie!

32) Bob for apples

Looking for a Bucket? Here’s one you can use for a ton of different things, including bobbing for apples:

33) Eat a caramel apple

How to Make Gourmet Caramel Apples by Glorious Treats

If you’re into cooking, you have to try out these Gourmet Caramel Apples by Glorious Treats!

They look incredibly delicious and are sure to be a wonderful treat to add to your fall festivities!

34) Pumpkin spiced everything

Candles, coffee, muffins… and smoothies!

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie by The Real Food Dietitians

With everything else in the fall being pumpkin spiced… why not your protein smoothie?

Add this delicious Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie by The Real Food Dietitians into your daily rotation as the weather starts heading toward winter.

35) Wear your favorite sweater

There’s nothin’ better baby, do you like my sweater? 

36) Go to a football game (and cheer for the band at halftime!)

It’s just not fall if you don’t make it to a football game.

37) Decorate for Fall, Thanksgiving, and Halloween

Need some inspiration?

Check out the post below:

Beautifully Decorate Your Home for Fall by OneKindesign

38) Make a wreath for your front door

What’s your wreath personality?

Frilly and ostentatious? Or maybe… minimalist?

Head to Pinterest for inspiration or check out this minimalist DIY wreath:

DIY Fall Hoop Wreath by Simply Designing

39) Fall crafts for kids

Fall is the perfect time to sit down and make some fun crafts with your kids!

Check out the post below for some fantastic ideas.

Easy Fall Kids Crafts by Happiness is Homemade

40) Make your kid’s Halloween costume

Confession: I NEVER thought I’d be the mom to make my kid’s Halloween costumes, but last year I did.

They loved it (or at least my oldest did… the youngest was too young to know what was going on).

I loved it.

And now I’m already scoping ideas to make for this year!

Cute Halloween Costumes for Kids by Living Locurto

41) Make your own Halloween costume

Making custom homemade costumes isn’t just for the kids!

Get creative and make something fun for yourself to wear!

50+ Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes by Good Housekeeping

42) Create a family costume

What’s cuter than kids in costumes?

The whole family in a themed family costume!

Grab some inspiration here:

Family Halloween Costume Ideas by Best Products

43) Have a campfire/bonfire and roast marshmallows

A campfire and roasted marshmallows just screams fall.

Leave the phone at home and reconnect with yourself, your friends, and nature!

44) Cuddle up with someone you love

While this is amazing to do year-round, it’s just better when it’s cold outside.

45) Make a pie

Apple pie, pecan pie, apple butter pie, cranberry cheesecake pie, pumpkin pie…

Pumpkin Pie by Spoonful of Flavor

46) Wear your favorite scarf

Pull out your favorite scarf, wrap up, and take it along for the rest of your fall bucket list.

47) Enjoy some fresh local produce from your farmers market

Support your local farmers and enjoy some fresh produce by hitting up your local farmers market.

This is a great way to support your community while stocking up for all of the homemade stews, soups, and pies you’ll want to make this fall!

48) Take a bike ride

Renew your spirit with some fresh air, or gain some laughs if it’s been a while since you’ve been on a bike!

49) Visit a haunted house with friends

For those of you who think it’s fun to be scared, grab a few friends and go visit a haunted house!

50) Horseback riding

If nature is more your thing, horseback riding is the perfect way to view the gorgeous colors of fall and reconnect with nature.

51) Collect pinecones and use them for decoration

Enlist the kiddos to help you collect pinecones and turn them into beautiful decorations for your home.

Easy Pinecone Crafts by Just Bright Ideas

52) Pull out your favorite fall boots

Is it really fall if you don’t wear boots?

53) Look at the stars while curled up in a blanket

This would make for a romantic date night! 😉

54) Bake cookies and snacks

Invite your kids to help you bake some cookies!

They’ll love getting to dump and mix ingredients and spend some quality time with you.

And they’ll really love getting to eat the cookies once they’re finished!

Easy Baking Recipes for Kids by Cooking With My Kids

55) Keep a gratitude journal

What better time to start a gratitude journal than Thanksgiving season?

Start one now to get your mind and heart in the right place before Thanksgiving.

I like using a Leuchtturm 1917 journal.

Grab yours from Amazon HERE.

56) Spend some time alone and listen to the breeze

Silence your phone and reconnect with yourself.

57) Go through a corn maze

What a festive way to bring in the season!

58) Take a scenic drive

Enjoy all of the beautiful colors and sights.

59) Drink a seasonally flavored latte

Hit up your favorite coffee shop for your favorite seasonally flavored coffee.

60) Shop for Christmas gifts

‘Tis the season to start preparing for Christmas!

Get your shopping done early so you won’t be stressed after Thanksgiving.

61) Cuddle up by a fire

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, take advantage of the warmth and hygge it brings to your home.

62) Make preserves

These make for great gifts!

Homemade Fig Preserves by Flour On My Face

63) Eat Candy Corn and Mellowcreme Pumpkins

Or add them to your favorite festive dessert. Yum! 

Grab them on Amazon HERE and HERE.

64) Drink hot chocolate

Always a winner for cold weather!

Want something a little more fun than the classic hot chocolate?

Get creative with the recipes below!

Hot Chocolate Recipes by The Idea Room

65) Make popcorn balls

Popcorn balls are such a fun, yummy treat once the air starts turning cooler!

Who could resist this gooey yumminess?

Caramel Popcorn Balls by Jasper & Willow

66) Play backyard football

The perfect fall sport to play with friends.

67) Go hiking

Hike a new trail or path, enjoy the falling leaves, and take in some fresh air!

68) Visit a new park

Your kiddos will love this one!

Ask a friend and her kids to join you for a fun day in a new place!

69) Read outside

Fresh air, natural light, and a good book… what could be better?

70) Family game night

With the weather getting colder, what better way to reconnect with loved ones?

Make your own fun with these fun and hilarious DIY games!

Hilarious Thanksgiving Games by Play Party Plan

71) Game night with friends

Pick out some fun, goofy games and spend the evening laughing it up with your favorite people.

72) Make Rice Krispie treats

Make the original recipe, or make them festive!

Cute Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats by Amy’s Healthy Baking

73) Make your own scarecrow

This could be a great porch decoration or even a fun kid’s craft.

DIY Scarecrow by Burlap Kitchen

74) Make cinnamon play dough

Your kids will love the sensory experience of this delicious smelling play dough.

No Cook Natural Cinnamon Play Dough by Natural Beach Living

75) Create your own snack mix

Check out the recipes below for your snack mix inspiration, or just throw together a bunch of stuff you love!

Yum!

Snack Mix Recipes by Captain Decor

76) Pay for someone’s coffee

This is such an easy way to pay it forward with a little kindness.

Such a simple act can really make someone’s day (and it’ll make you feel great, too).

77) Donate some school supplies / Do something kind for a child

Consider taking some school supplies to your local school, donating coats and mittens, or even paying for meals for a child or two to last them through the end of the year.

These small acts of kindness may only cost you a little bit, but it could make a major difference in someone else’s life.

78) Rewatch your favorite fall show

For us that means watching The Walking Dead and Stranger Things!

Grab them on Amazon HERE and HERE.

79) Work on a puzzle that will take you several days to finish – try to do it near a window

This is an awesome way to get away from your phone, pop in your favorite Halloween movie, and enjoy the leaves falling in your own yard.

Allow the repetitiveness of finding just the perfect piece to help you slip into a calm, clear state of gratitude and contentment.

Grab this gorgeous Fall Puzzle from Amazon HERE.

80) Knit a scarf, mittens, or blanket

Fall is the perfect weather for working on cold weather projects.

Knitting is the perfect way to keep your hands busy while curled up in a blanket watching a movie.

81) Learn to knit

Don’t know how to knit?

It’s time to learn!

Sign up for you free trial for a Kindle Unlimited Membership and grab a Kindle book on how to knit!

82) Learn to crochet

Add to your repetoire of skills and learn to crochet!

It’s another fun way to keep busy while binge-watching The Walking Dead for the 12th time.

83) Read a thriller

If you’re not into watching scary movies, try reading a thriller!

I really enjoyed Final Girls by Riley Sager and Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris.

Grab your own copies of these books from Amazon HERE and HERE.

84) Stay up too late

Every now and then it’s nice to be carefree and channel your inner teenager again.

85) Go to bed too early

Am I the only one that thinks it’s kind of wonderful to go to bed by 6 pm at least once in the fall?

86) Visit the Zoo

It’s the time of year you can really enjoy spending the entire day outside looking at the animals without feeling miserably hot.

Make a special day out of it for your kids!

87) Make hand and footprint art

This is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with the kiddos.

They get to get messy with paint, you get an adorable keepsake.

Win win!

Fall Handprint Craft Ideas for Kids by Crafty Morning

88) Play dress up in Halloween costumes with your kids just for funsies

Who says Halloween costumes can only be worn on Halloween?

Have some fun with your kids by playing dress up in all your favorite costumes!

89) Roast pumpkin seeds

This is a delicious, healthy snack to add to your fall recipes or munch on by itself!

Crunchy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds by Kristine’s Kitchen

90) Have a family sleepover in the living room and watch movies

Inspired by my 2-year old and our couch sleepover recently!

Such a fun way to connect with your kids!

91) No shave November

No shaving for an entire month?

Yes, please.

Need I say more?

92) Stay in a haunted hotel overnight

Grab a girlfriend or make it a date night at a haunted hotel.

Good luck!

93) Make fall food crafts with your kids

Another great way to spend a few hours!

The best part?

You’ll end up with some yummy snacks to munch on later!

Kid’s Halloween Food Crafts by Frugal Coupon Living

94) Jump into a pile of leaves

Every kid needs the chance to jump into a big pile of leaves, and you do, too!

You are their superhero and role model, after all!

95) Cook for Thanksgiving

Whether you’re hosting your family dinner or traveling to dine with others, cook something for Thanksgiving!

Start practicing your holiday meals now (and enjoy not sharing them yet)!

96) Create your family Christmas card

Take the opportunity to take some great family photos for your annual Christmas card.

97) Read books about fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving with your kids

Reading with your child is such a wonderful and important activity, and here is why.

98) Start a gratitude jar with your kids

Help your kids cultivate a heart of gratitude by having them write down (or write down for them) something each day that they are thankful for.

Easy Thankful Jar by Sunny Day Family

99) Do some “fall cleaning”

Who says decluttering and clearing out is reserved only for Spring Cleaning?

The fall is the perfect time to host a garage sale and start clearing out plenty of space for the upcoming holidays.

Need some help decluttering?

Check out these posts:

Decluttering When You Feel Overwhelmed by Simple Quiet Mama

Don’t know where to start decluttering? Overwhelmed by the mess?

Then this post is for you.

Discover the simple steps to help you get started decluttering.

Decluttering Questions by Simple Quiet Mama

If you have a hard time figuring out what you need to keep and what you need to let go, then you need these decluttering questions.

This list will help keep you on track with your decluttering pursuits.

Toy Minimalism (AKA Decluttering the Toys) by Simple Quiet Mama

Whether you’re a minimalist or not, every child can benefit from a little toy minimalism.

Discover the benefits of clearing the kid clutter so that you can start reconnecting better with your child.

100) Start a journal

Don’t wait until New Year’s to start a journal.

The benefits of journaling all point to starting your journaling habit as soon as possible!

Need help getting started?

Check out my beginner’s guide:

Beginner’s Guide to Journaling by Simple Quiet Mama

What’s On Your Bucket List?

Double down and create your own list with your kids.

They are watching you, mama.

They’ll learn from you how to be thankful and make the most of their time this season.

Make this a fall to remember!

Take pictures, spread love, and connect with those you love.

For more fall inspiration, follow my Pinterest board: Fall

https://www.pinterest.com/simplequietmama/fall/

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What’s on your fall bucket list this year?

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