The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Families (25 Ideas)

When the air gets crisp, I am the happiest version of myself. Fall is hands-down my favorite season, and I think it’s the perfect time to get outside and get active with your family.

That’s why I put together this fall bucket list for families — a big, fun list of ideas to help you soak up every bit of the season together. So get your pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider, strap on your tall boots, layer on your favorite cozy cardigan, and let’s get out there!

Grab a copy of this list (or my free printable version below!) and start checking off your favorites.

25 Fun Fall Bucket List Ideas for Kids and Families

These are great ways to soak in all of the fun of the fall season with your children. Use this printable fall fun bucket list to give you ideas to check off together. And you can add some of your own personalized and local ideas to it as well!

Outdoor Adventures & Nature

1. Go hiking on a local trail. Use good old Google to find one near you — many are stroller-friendly with short out-and-back options. There’s no place like the woods to soak up fall’s splendor.
2. Try geocaching. It’s such a fun way to explore your neighborhood or somewhere new. Use a geocaching app to find hidden treasures, fill out the log book, and tuck it back in its spot.
3. Go on a nature scavenger hunt at a park, on a trail, or right in your neighborhood. Grab my printable to make it extra easy!
4. Catch leaves before they hit the ground — most caught in 5 minutes wins!
5. Turn your leaf haul into this sweet preschool leaf craft.
6. Rake leaves. Jump in the pile. Repeat.
7. Plant a mum or fall bulbs together that’ll bloom in spring.

Classic Fall Traditions

8. Visit a pumpkin patch.
9. Go apple-picking. This is one of our family’s very favorite fall traditions — great way to move, learn a little about agriculture, and walk away with a delicious snack.
10. Make apple cider together at a press. It’s such a cool activity to do as a family, year after year.
11. Navigate a corn maze — take turns being leader and followers.
12. Help decorate the house for Halloween. Let the kids pick out pumpkins, gourds, and one new decoration each.
13. Paint pumpkins or dress them up with this easy fall sticker set.
14. Visit the zoo. Cooler weather means fewer crowds and happier animals. We’re big fans of our membership to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo — worth a visit if you’re in the Midwest!

Games & Active Play

15. Bike a trail and take in the foliage. Our kids have all loved this Balance Bike for early riding and we’ve used a trailer like this to pull little ones for longer rides.
16. Play frisbee at a park or college campus.
17. Toss the football back and forth in the yard.
18. Visit a new-to-you park or playground — fall is often the best time to explore one.
19. Do a family 5K or fun run. Just check that it’s family-friendly, and if your kids are small, bring your jogging stroller.

Sports & Community Events

20. Go to a high school or college football game.
21. Do an urban scavenger hunt downtown using this fun guide!

Cozy Treats & Nights In

22. Whip up a tasty fall treat like these Rolo Fall Candies.
23. Host a bonfire and make s’mores with friends.
24. Make pumpkin pancakes together for a cozy weekend breakfast.
25. Have a fall movie marathon. When our kids were little, it was Curious George: A Halloween Boofest and Coco. Now we’ve graduated to Harry Potter and Halloweentown. Add popcorn and candy for full theater vibes.

FAQs About Fall Family Activities

What can you do in the fall with kids?

Really, what NOT can you do in the fall with kids? This is a great season for enjoying the outdoors with your little ones and creating fun memories and traditions. I’d just avoid anything overly scary (Haunted Houses are out till they’re teens for us!). Around us there are tons of local festivals and activities. Join a local facebook group or ask a fellow mom at the library how they’re filling their fall with fun activities for their children.

What are some free fall activities for families?

• Hiking
• Family fall movie night
• Bike riding
• Leaf raking
• Leaf catching
• Scavenger hunts
• Leaf crafts/rubbings

How do you make a fall bucket list with kids?

At the start of the fall season (sometime after Labor Day) we chat over dinner about our favorite fall things. What are “can’t miss” activities we should add to our family bucket list. I’m often surprised by the things they mention (apple cider! bonfires! raking leaves!) and the things they leave of (pricey “farm/market experiences”). Let each child pick one non-negotiable bucket list item. (Within reason–Disney World is not an option–at least in our house!) Then you can create your own bucket list or use the one I have, if you prefer!

What’s a good fall activity for toddlers?

Toddlers make all fall activities more exciting! Pumpkin doughnut tasting, pumpkin patches, apple picking, any thing where they can run around outside. Also low-stakes or low-cost activities are great–so you can always bail without regrets if you need to nap.

But truly pack snacks and a couple busy hands activities and everything can be a toddler activity. (See pic above of us bringing our 17 month old to a college football game!)

Grab Your Free Fall Bucket List Printable

Hold the image below on your phone to save this as an image. Or sign up for the vibrant tribe email list and get it as a FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF HERE! (Check your welcome email after subscribing for the link!)

More Seasonal Family Fun You’ll Love

• 30 Date Night Ideas for a Vibrant Marriage
• Your Children Will Remember the Memories, Not the Mess
• 30 Fun Christmas Activities for Families
• Christ-Centered Easter Activities for Kids

What are some of your favorite fall activities?