Fall Activities Bucket List

From pumpkin patches to cozy bonfires, discover 60 fall activities perfect for every kind of adventurer.

Attraction list · 20 titles

Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at goodhousekeeping.com.

About this

Good Housekeeping rounds up fall activities to fill the season, from outdoor adventures like foliage train rides, apple picking and hayrides to cozy indoor ideas such as fireside reading and baking pumpkin spice cake. The list spans kid-friendly outings, date ideas and solo fun, with links to related recipes and how-tos. Note that only entries 1 through 20 appear on the page, though the headline promises 60.

The list

Take a Scenic Train Ride

Ride a fall foliage train so everyone enjoys the views instead of driving.

Cozy Up by the Fireplace

Read with a blanket and cocoa by the fire as the weather chills.

Tour a Winery

Visit vineyards during harvest, with cooler temps and wine to take home.

Host a Potluck

Organize a Friendsgiving potluck; coordinate dishes so nobody duplicates recipes.

Volunteer at a Food Bank

Give back in the season of giving; call ahead to check availability.

Attend a Fall Festival

Enjoy harvest celebrations, food, scarecrows, pumpkins and take-home crafts.

Light a Fall Candle

Apple spice, pumpkin and smoky scents set a cozy autumn mood.

Get ahead on your holiday shopping

Start gift shopping early to avoid last-minute holiday stress and panic.

Carve a Pumpkin

Try creative one-of-a-kind carvings, like a candy-decorated pumpkin.

Go Apple Picking

Spend a day at an orchard, enjoy extras, and bring home fresh apples.

Make Caramel Apples

Turn picked apples into caramel treats with a dip-your-own toppings bar.

Have a Backyard Bonfire

Gather for firewood, blankets, sweaters, s'mores and ghost stories.

Indulge in Pumpkin Spice

Have a PSL and bake a decadent homemade pumpkin spice cake.

Have a Fall Photoshoot

Use crisp air and colorful leaves to finally get a family photo.

Go Horseback Riding

Take advantage of warm weather and ride forest trails for foliage views.

Tailgate at a Football Game

Celebrate football season with a tailgate party and favorite foods.

Go to a Petting Zoo

Say hello to goats, ponies and more at a farm or festival.

Get Spooked at a Haunted House

Visit a haunted house, or deck your home with outdoor Halloween decorations.

Have a Chili Cook-Off

Kick off fall with a warm bowl of chili and friendly competition.

Run a Fall 5K

Cooler weather makes autumn ideal for signing up for a race.