Autumn Bucket List—101 Things To Do In Autumn!
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Today, we’re embracing the enchanting magic of autumn with a comprehensive list of 101 Things To Do In Autumn—the ultimate autumn bucket list!
Ah, the crisp air, pumpkin spice lattes, and the joy of seeing leaves in a myriad of colors—what’s not to love?
So grab your coziest blanket and a hot cup of mulled apple cider; let’s dive right in!
And hey, don’t forget, I’ve got a free printable list of all these fun activities waiting for you at the end of this post.
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101 Things To Do In Autumn
Autumn is the season that offers a feast for the senses.
The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin wafts through the air.
The earthy, multi-colored palette of the leaves transitions from green to shades of amber, red, and gold.
And let’s not forget the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your boots as you take an evening walk.
Autumn Bucket List
It’s a season that invites us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures around us.
There’s also something so nostalgically beautiful about autumn.
It’s like Mother Nature’s gentle reminder that change can be good, even beautiful.
Beyond the aesthetics, autumn is filled with traditions and opportunities for cozy activities, whether you’re a fan of the spooky season or a lover of everything pumpkin-spiced.
So, why not make the most of this fall by trying something new or revisiting old favorites?
This list of things to do in autumn offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re into indoor coziness or outdoor adventures.
You’ll find a mix of free activities, budget-friendly options, and a few that might be a splurge, like travel or going to special events or attractions.
We’ve aimed to keep the list globally relevant, so most (if not all) should tickle your fancy regardless of where you’re reading from.
Shoutout to my readers in the Southern Hemisphere—we know it’s not fall for you right now—come back in March, maybe?!
And for those looking for Halloween-specific ideas, we have 101 Things To Do For Halloween too!
Things To Do In The Fall
Let’s jump into our extensive list of autumn activities!
Remember, there’s a free printable list of all these activities at the end of the post, so don’t miss out.
1. Go Fruit Picking
A quintessential autumn activity. Check online for local farms where you can spend a day picking apples, pears, or even pumpkins. It’s an outdoor excursion that’s as educational as it is fun.
2. Decorate Your Home with Autumnal Flair
Autumn is a season that screams warm, inviting decor—seasonal flowers, a tiered tray, comfy cushions, and throws.
Don’t forget those Scented Candles or Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts to envelope all your senses.
Our Hygge post was written with winter in mind, but many of the ideas work in the fall too.
3. Make an Autumn Wreath
Crafting an Autumn Wreath is like bottling up the essence of fall and displaying it on your front door. If you’re not crafty, you can always buy a pretty fall wreath instead.
4. Bake an Apple Pie
Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of a Homemade Apple Pie baking in the oven? Take advantage of the season’s fresh apples and let that sweet scent fill your home.
5. Update Your Wardrobe for Autumn
Whether it’s a small budget-friendly change like a new hat or gloves or a more significant investment like a new pair of boots or a coat, autumn is the perfect time for a wardrobe refresh. Don’t forget to check out thrift stores and charity shops; you might find some hidden treasures!
6. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte
What’s autumn without a pumpkin spice latte? If you can’t make it to a coffee shop, use our Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe to make one at home.
7. Walk and Crunch Through Fallen Leaves
It’s one of the simple joys of autumn! Stroll through your neighborhood or local park and enjoy that satisfying crunch beneath your feet.
8. Go to a Harvest Festival
Check online for local events and mark your calendar for a harvest festival. There’s usually food, crafts, and fun activities for kids. It’s a community gathering that celebrates the bounty of the season.
9. Collect Pine Cones
This simple activity is surprisingly satisfying. Collect pine cones on your next nature walk and use them in crafts or as rustic home decor.
10. Make Blackberry and Apple Jam
Pair the tartness of freshly picked blackberries with the sweetness of apples in homemade Blackberry and Apple Jam. It’s a pantry staple that can be used in numerous ways!
11. Take Pretty Autumnal Photographs
Capture the beauty of the season with your camera or smartphone. Whether it’s the golden hues of fallen leaves or a spooky Halloween setup, these snapshots make great keepsakes.
12. Drink Warm Apple Cider
A cup of warm apple cider is like a hug for your soul. Enjoy it while reading a book or while sitting around a fire pit. Try our Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider with Maple Whipped Cream.
13. Roast Marshmallows or Make S’Mores
There’s something comforting about toasting marshmallows on an open fire. Add some chocolate and graham crackers (use Digestives in the UK) to make S’Mores if you’re up for it!
14. Snuggle Up Around a Fire Pit or Campfire
Nothing says autumn quite like a cozy evening spent around a fire pit or campfire. Share stories, cook food, and enjoy the warmth—10 Things to Do Around a Campfire.
15. Donate to a Local Food Bank
As the season of harvest and Thanksgiving, autumn is a great time to give back. Consider donating non-perishable food items to a local food bank.
16. Visit a Corn Maze
Get lost and have fun finding your way out of a corn maze. Many local farms offer this classic fall activity or check online for your local corn maze.
17. Go on a Toadstool Hunt
Fascinated by fungi? Go on a toadstool hunt! Remember to read up on safety tips before venturing out, as not all mushrooms are friendly.
18. Collect Conkers/Buckeyes or Acorns
Take a leisurely walk and collect some conkers (horse chestnuts), buckeyes, or acorns. They make for lovely seasonal decor or even a game of conkers!
19. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
What’s more autumnal than a pumpkin patch? Find one online, pick the perfect pumpkin, and perhaps take some adorable photos while at it.
20. Leaf Rubbings With Crayons
Here’s a craft that’s great for kids and adults alike. Place a leaf under a sheet of paper and rub a crayon over it to reveal a beautiful imprint. You can also use this technique with tree bark.
21. Go to a Farmer’s Market
Seasonal produce is at its finest in the fall. Visit a local farmer’s market to pick up fresh veggies, fruits, and handmade crafts.
22. Make Pumpkin Doughnuts
If you love pumpkin as much as I do, making Pumpkin Doughnuts is a must-try. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home!
23. Burn Autumn Scented Candles
Fill your home with the scents of cinnamon, clove, and apple. Light some autumn-scented candles and let the aromatherapy begin.
24. Make Munchkin Pumpkin Tealight Holders
This adorable craft involves hollowing out mini pumpkins and placing tealights in them. Perfect for a cozy evening in!
25. Go on a Scenic Drive
Hit the road and take in the gorgeous changing leaves and other sights that only autumn can offer.
26. Make Spiced Apple Loaf
Baking a Spiced Apple Loaf fills your home with delicious smells and offers a tasty treat to enjoy.
27. Walk Along the River
Find a local river, stream, lake, or pond and enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds as you take a refreshing walk.
28. Make Granola
Whip up a batch of Homemade Granola, perhaps adding some autumn flavors like cinnamon and dried apple.
29. Watch a Seasonal Movie
There are several classic autumn movies. Some of our favorites include When Harry Met Sally, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Good Will Hunting.
Choose a film that feels like fall, and settle in for a cozy movie night—don’t forget the popcorn! Try our Pumpkin Spice Latte Popcorn Mix or Apple Pie Spice Popcorn with Bourbon Sugar Pecans.
30. Make Chili
Chili is the ultimate comfort food as the weather starts to cool. Make a big pot for multiple meals or to share with friends and family. Try one of our Chili Recipes.
31. Make Soup in the Slow Cooker
Soup made in a slow cooker is hassle-free and perfect for those crisp autumn evenings.
32. Have an Autumn Picnic
Pack a picnic basket with some fall treats and picnic in a park surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves.
33. Make Caramel Apples
Making Caramel Apples is fun, and you get a delicious treat as a reward!
34. Make a Pumpkin Craft
There are countless ways to Craft with Pumpkins, from painting to carving to decorating with them.
35. Make Pumpkin Juice
Get your wizarding vibe on with homemade Copycat Pumpkin Juice. Our version of this iconic Harry Potter drink is like the one you can buy at Universal Orlando.
36. Do an Autumn Clean and Dust Away the Cobwebs!
Start the season fresh with a thorough cleaning of your home, making space for new seasonal decor.
37. Make Some Corn Bread
Corn Bread is a comforting side dish that is perfect for autumn meals like chili and stew.
38. Bake a Spiced Pumpkin and Walnut Tea Loaf
Fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of this Spiced Pumpkin and Walnut Tea Loaf, perfect for teatime.
39. Make Tissue Paper Flowers
Craft some Tissue Paper Flowers in autumn colors to brighten your living space.
40. Forage for Blackberries
Look for local spots to forage for blackberries; they’re delicious and free!
41. Visit a Farm
Check online for your local farm—they are particularly fun to visit in the fall, offering activities like hayrides and animal petting.
42. Bake Soda Bread with Blackberries and Apple
Combine your foraged blackberries with apples for our Soda Bread with Blackberries and Apple recipe.
43. Rake the Leaves in Your Garden
This chore can actually be quite satisfying, and you’ll make your garden look neat and tidy for the season.
44. Donate Old Clothes to a Local Charity
As you update your autumn wardrobe, donate your gently used items to those who could use them. Alternatively, sell them online using apps like Vinted.
45. Walk Along the Beach
Beaches in autumn have quiet beauty and are less crowded, making it the perfect time for a peaceful walk.
46. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
With the heating season approaching, ensuring your alarms are working properly is a good time.
47. Go On a Bike Ride
Take advantage of the cooler weather to go on a bike ride through scenic landscapes.
48. Go On a Nature Hike
Lace up your hiking boots and explore a local trail, taking in all the beauty of autumn.
49. Make and Stuff a Scarecrow
A homemade scarecrow serves a purpose in your garden and is a fun autumn craft.
50. Make Toffee Apple Cupcakes
These Toffee Apple Cupcakes combine the flavors of apple and toffee for a delicious autumn treat.
Phew, we’re halfway there! Don’t forget to grab your free printable at the end of this post to keep track!
51. Go Stargazing
Clear autumn nights offer a great opportunity to look up at the stars. Bring a blanket and some hot cocoa in a Thermos for added coziness!
52. Bake a Batch of Cookies
Cookies are always a good idea; seasonal flavors like cinnamon and apple can make them extra special. We have lots of delicious Cookie Recipes for you to try.
53. Do Some Autumn Crafting
Get creative, whether leaf or flower pressing or making your autumn garland! Or check out our Autumn Crafts for Adults to Make and 23+ Fantastic Fall Crafts For Seniors.
54. Snuggle Under Blankets and Read a Book
Grab your favorite book, and a soft blanket, and spend an afternoon lost in another world.
55. Cook a Stew
A hearty stew is comforting and makes the house smell fantastic. Find your new favorite in our Stew Archives.
56. Visit an Orchard
The sight of trees laden with ripe fruit is a fall spectacle not to be missed. Find a local orchard to visit—plus, you get to pick your own!
57. Knit or Crochet a Scarf
Not only will you create something useful, but the repetitive motions can be quite relaxing. Are you a beginner? Try our Simple Crochet Scarf.
58. Press Autumn Leaves and Flowers
Preserve the beauty of fall by pressing leaves and flowers for use in crafts or as bookmarks.
59. Watch the Sunrise
Cooler mornings make for stunning sunrises. Wake up early and take in the view.
60. Plant Bulbs for Spring
Your future self will thank you when these bloom in the spring! What you plant will depend on where you live in the world, but daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, snowdrops, dahlia, tulips, and begonias are common in the UK.
61. Make Plant Markers
Keep track of your produce and customize your garden with handmade Plant Markers.
62. Make Autumn Leaf Coasters
Craft seasonal Autumn Leaf Coasters using pressed leaves for a festive touch.
63. Get an Autumn Manicure
Choose warm, earthy colors to celebrate the season. Head to a nail salon, or do it yourself.
64. Build a Den in the Forest
Use branches and leaves to build a small hideaway. It’s not just for kids!
65. Play a Board Game
When the weather turns colder, it’s the perfect time for indoor activities like board games.
66. Put Feed Out for the Birds
As food becomes scarce, our feathered friends will appreciate the extra help. Research what kind of birds visit your backyard, and feed them accordingly.
67. Make a Felt Ruffle Pumpkin
Our Felt Ruffle Pumpkin craft is a cute, long-lasting alternative to carved pumpkins.
68. Visit a Nature Reserve
Search online for a local nature reserve to observe the local wildlife and changing scenery.
69. Make Salted Caramel Popcorn Apples
Salted Caramel Popcorn Apples are a yummy treat that combines two fall favorites: apples and caramel!
70. Roast and Eat Sweet Chestnuts
They’re a seasonal treat that also offers the fun of foraging. Always consult an expert before consuming anything you have foraged.
71. Snuggle in Front of a Roaring Fire
Need I say more?
72. Watch Fireworks
In the UK, Guy Fawkes, AKA Bonfire Night, AKA Firework Night, falls on the 5th of November and is an autumn tradition for many. Check online for any local fireworks shows where you can watch in safety.
73. Carve a Pumpkin
An obvious autumn activity but a fun one nonetheless! Carving a pumpkin using one or two of our 100+ Pumpkin Carving Patterns is a great way to celebrate fall and Halloween.
74. Watch the Sunset
It’s just as beautiful as the sunrise but doesn’t require waking up early!
75. Go Bird Watching
See which birds are passing through your area during their autumn migrations. Local reservoirs or nature reserves are a great place to start. A pair of binoculars and a guidebook are helpful to own.
76. Visit a Museum
Cooler weather offers a great excuse to enjoy some culture indoors. Check your local tourist information center for places to visit.
77. Go for Sunday Brunch
Indulge in a hearty autumn brunch featuring seasonal produce.
78. Climb a Tree
Because you’re never too old for some tree-climbing fun!
79. Fly a Kite
Take advantage of those gusty autumn winds to send a kite soaring. It goes without saying that you need to sing the song from Mary Poppins
“Let’s go fly a kite up to the highest height! Let’s go fly a kite and send it soaring!”
80. Bake a Pumpkin Pie
It’s not fall without Pumpkin Pie, is it? Our recipe is tried and true and over 30 years old!
81. Collect Colorful Fallen Leaves
They make great decorations or craft supplies!
82. Binge Watch Your Favourite Show
Make it a cozy marathon with blankets and snacks. Our favorite for the season is Gilmore Girls and the residents of Stars Hollow!
83. Make Some Art With Nature
Leaves, twigs, and acorns can be used to make some seriously creative art pieces.
84. Tell Spooky Stories Around a Campfire
With Halloween around the corner, some spooky stories will set the mood.
85. Throw a Halloween Party
Costumes, candy, and good company—what more could you ask for? Here’s our guide for throwing a super Easy Halloween Party!
86. Make a Rhubarb & Apple Crumble
Rhubarb & Apple Crumble is tangy, sweet, and oh-so comforting.
87. Go to an Oktoberfest
Beer, brats, and a lot of fun are waiting for you! And if you can make it to one, bring it to you with our Bratwurst Skillet with Apples and Vegetables.
88. Watch a Scary Movie
Or a Not-So Scary Movie. Pick your poison depending on your scare tolerance.
89. Make Halloween Cupcakes
Halloween Cupcakes can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.
90. Write an Autumn Poem or Haiku
Capture the essence of the season in a few carefully chosen words.
91. Build an Indoor Fort
Use sheets, cushions, and fairy lights to build your perfect cozy hideaway.
92. Knit a Caterpillar Draught Excluder
Keep the cold out in the cutest way possible with a Caterpillar Draught Excluder
93. Paint Story Stones
Tell storytales in a new way by Painting Story Stones to represent different story elements. Our tutorial tells the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
94. Make Glitter Glue Spider Webs
Making Glitter Glue Spider Webs is simple, fun, and just a little bit spooky!
95. Visit a Vineyard or Microbrewery
Tour a Local Vineyard or Microbrewery and perhaps enjoy some tastings!
96. Make a warming curry
Spicy and rich curries are perfect for cooler weather. Here are 10+ Curry Recipes for you to try.
97. Jump and Splash in Rain Puddles
Channel your inner child and just have fun! Don’t forget your wellie boots/rain boots/gum boots!
98. Make Spiderweb Cookies
Our Spiderweb Cookies are not only delicious but also look amazing.
99. Buy New Stationery
Perhaps even start a Bullet Journal to keep track of all these activities!
100. Cook a Pumpkin Recipe
Whether it’s a pie, soup, or muffins, pumpkin is a star of the season, so put them to great use in some Pumpkin Recipes.
101. Be thankful, and Have Fun!
Last but not least, why not write a list of 101 things you’re thankful for this season?
And there you have it! Your ultimate autumn bucket list.
Don’t forget to download your free printable list of all these activities at the end of this post.
May your autumn be as vibrant as the foliage!
Free Printable Things To Do In Autumn Checklist
There is a printable to go with this Autumn To-Do list. It is an exclusive printable for Members of The Pumpkin Patch.
If you are already a member, just sign into the Member Area to download it! If you forgot how, you can fill in your details below, which will be resent to you.
IMPORTANT: You will need to confirm your email (thems the internet rules, I’m afraid!) – whether you are a brand new seedling or an established pumpkin in the patch! So please don’t forget to do so, or you’ll miss out on your free printables!