“Don’t you just love New York in the fall” – Joe Fox from You’ve Got Mail and me pretty much every day since the weather turned cooler! Fall really is one of the most magical times of the year, especially in New York. The air is crisp, the changing leaves make for a beautiful backdrop, the sweaters come out and everything just feels so cozy!
Fall is also one of the busiest times of year for me, between travel and work and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. This year I’m trying to be thoughtful and intentional, so I’m creating a bucket list to help me get the most out of my favorite season. If you’re also hoping to get the most out of this autumn, I’m sharing my fall bucket list in hopes that it will inspire and encourage you to enjoy everything fall has to offer! Whether you’re looking for fall ideas for friends, families, or solo I’ve got you covered!
FALL BUCKET LIST IDEAS
Fall Bucket List Ideas for Friends
- Plan a fall weekend getaway with friends (fall weekend trips from NYC)
- Go apple or pumpkin picking
- Plan a fall movie night (25 Halloween movies to watch with friends)
- Host a Halloween party with friends
- Plan a fall photoshoot (my favorite places to take fall pictures)
- Plan a mini leaf peeping road trip nearby
- Plan a pumpkin spice latte date with a friend or learn to make a PSL at home!
- Plan a group Halloween costume (this year my girlfriends and I are doing a Mama Mia group costume!)
- Go on a nature walk or fall hike
- Plan a fall wreath making night
- Go to a haunted house
- Hunt down the best apple cider donuts in your city
- Host a chili cook-off with friends
- Work on a festive fall puzzle with friends (this one is pretty)
- Host a football Sunday and invite everyone to bring an appetizer
- Grab your friends and hit the local bike share to cruise around town
- Host a fall game night
- Gather your friends for Friendsgiving
- Head to your local park for a fall picnic
- Have a pumpkin beer taste test, everyone brings a fall flavored beer for a blind taste test
- Plan an evening walk with friends to admire fall/Halloween decorations (bonus points for bringing along a cozy hot beverage!)
- Find a local ghost tour and enjoy a spooky evening with friends
- Host a pumpkin decorating party with friends (this botanic pumpkin decorating kit looks cute)
- Have a fall themed self care night (this pumpkin enzyme mask, these pumpkin eye patches, this pumpkin sheet mask, and this pumpkin exfoliating scrub would all be fun!)
Fall Bucket List Ideas for Adults
- Plan a fall themed cocktail making contest (think Pumpkin Pie Martini or Cranberry Aperol Spritz)
- Splurge on a fabulous fall candle (the Hotel Lobby Cabin Candle is heavenly!)
- Master the art of baking pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie (this pumpkin bread mix set would also be a great hostess gift)
- Invest in a timeless cozy sweater (my classic fall wardrobe staples)
- Host an elevated fall dinner party (these tapered candles, these little woven pumpkins, this darling Le Creuset pumpkin dish, these decorative glass pumpkins, these bud vases, or some elevated cloth napkins would all be excellent additions to a fall tablescape!)
- Decorate your home for fall (this cheeky doormat is cute)
- Buy mums from your local garden center and decorate your porch, patio, or dootstep
- Spike the apple cider (or hot cocoa!)
- Switch to pumpkin coffee for the season (and enjoy out of a pumpkin mug)
- Head to Trader Joes for the best fall flavored treats (the pumpkin croissants and butternut squash mac and cheese are amazing!)
- Visit your local farmers market to pick up some seasonal produce
- Get excited for soup season!
- Spend a fall afternoon at a winery or brewery
- If you missed the opportunity for a summer garden, you can still plant a fall garden
- Grab a book and find a cozy bar with a fireplace for a solo date
- Treat yourself to a fall colored manicure
- Go for a crisp morning walk
- Learn how to knit and knit your own scarf
- Put away your summer clothes and go through your fall/winter clothes, donate what you don’t wear anymore!
- Learn to cook your favorite comfort food
- Buy a big cozy blanket (I love this colorful tartan blanket or this faux fur throw)
- Make Halloween cookies
- Plan a romantic fall date night
- Find an opportunity to give back in your community
- Learn to make mulled wine
- Make pumpkin soup
- Treat yourself to a new fall lipstick
- Read a spooky thriller
- Go horseback riding
- Go stargazing
- Buy on-sale candy the day after Halloween
- Make a fall playlist to help set the vibe
- Pick up seasonal flowers and make a fall bouquet for yourself (or order yourself a fall floral arrangement!)
- Watch the Thanksgiving episode(s) of your favorite TV show
- Watch a fall makeup tutorial
Fall Bucket List Ideas for Families
- Attend a fall festival
- Get lost in a corn maze
- Go on a hayride
- Make caramel apples as a family (this is a great caramel apple kit)
- Take your Christmas Card photo
- Carve pumpkins and enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds
- Jump in a pile of leaves (such a simple pleasure!)
- Build a campfire and roast marshmallows
- Eat candy corn
- Have a family campout in the backyard
- Build a blanket fort
- Set up an outdoor movie night
- Read Halloween books as a family
- Go for a fall family bike ride
- Enjoy fall crafts – paint pinecones or press leaves
- Make a Thankful list
- Try your hand at facepainting
- Bob for apples
- Plan a scavenger hunt
- Plan a fall festival at home with friends and family
- Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together
- Take a moonlit stroll to see Halloween decorations
- Make homemade applesauce
- Find a local drive-in movie theater
- Find a local pet Halloween costume contest for a dose of cuteness!
- Make a pinecone bird feeder
- Have a fall family picnic
- Visit the zoo
- Draw hand turkeys for Thanksgiving