Autumn is a here! And, it is the season that inspires a sense of wonder and adventure with its crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cozy vibes. As the leaves turn from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, many of us are eager to make the most of this enchanting time of year. One way to savor the beauty and charm of fall is by creating a Fall Bucket List.

Why Create a Fall Bucket List?

What is a Fall Bucket List and why should you create one? A bucket list is a collection of aspirations, dreams, and goals, which provides you with a sense of direction and purpose. It’s all about experiencing life to the fullest. Here are some tips to get started:

Set Clear Goals

Don’t just throw a bunch of things on a to-do-list. Instead, have a clear goal of what you want to accomplish this fall. Do you want to experience the beauty of nature? Do you want to try some new hobbies? No matter what it is the most important thing is to identify your goals for your list.

Be Realistic

While dreaming big is encouraged, make sure your goals are achievable within the season and your location.

Balance Your List

Create a mix of different activities if possible. You should consider including outdoor adventures, culinary delights, creative pursuits, and relaxation. I know relaxation is one of my favorite things since it is so hard to do.

Nature-Themed Items

Fall is arguably the most picturesque season, and its beauty should be front and center in your bucket list. I know it is for me. So, let’s explore ways to embrace the natural beauty of autumn:

1.Take a Scenic Drive

Explore the countryside or nearby national parks and relish the breathtaking fall foliage. Since I live in Mississippi, I don’t get to see as much of the beautiful fall foliage as some of the other people who live in the northern states. But, there are still areas of majestic beauty that I can drive by and explore. Of course, I am open to an all expense paid trip to Vermont.

2. Go Apple Picking

Visit an apple orchard and fill your basket with crisp, juicy apples. This also makes a great backdrop for those fall photo ideas.

3. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Choose the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating your home. I am fortunate enough to live close to a Pumpkin Farm. They have a whole host of events like pig racing, pumpkin picking, and rides through the haunted forest. So, be sure to add a trip to your local pumpkin patch to your list of fall bucket list ideas.

4. Hike in the Woods

Enjoy the cool air and vibrant leaves by hiking in a local forest or nature preserve. The Natchez Trace here in Mississippi offers a great spot to see the natural beauty of our state as well as explore the historical forest. You will want to check out your own local forestry commission for places to hike this fall.

5. Leaf Peeping

This one was new to me. And, until recently, I had never heard of “leaf peeping”, but hey, it’s fall. Make it work. What is leaf peeping. It’s similar to spying on your neighbors. The only difference is that you are spying on the trees in your own yard. Create a dedicated day to admire the changing colors of the leaves around you. This can be an early Sunday morning or a late evening one weekend. No matter when, find time to admire the scenes of nature around you.

6. Stargazing

I’m definitely adding this one to my list of 21 fall bucket list ideas. It’s stargazing. Since I live out in the country, it’s easy to set up a cozy spot and spend an evening stargazing under the clear autumn sky.

Culinary Adventures

Fall is a season of bountiful harvests, and there’s no shortage of delicious food and drink to enjoy. Here are some food-related ideas for your fall bucket list:

7. Enjoy some Apple Pie

This one is for those down-home cooks. Fall offers a great time for apple picking. So, what do you do with those apples? You turn them into apple pie, of course. So, put on an apron, roll up your sleeves, and bake a classic apple pie from scratch.

8. Host a Harvest Dinner

Invite friends and family for a hearty, seasonal feast. And, this doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving dinner. You can do this anytime. We enjoy a good fall dinner with our church family once a year. And, it is a fun way to connect to our neighbors and extended family.

9. Sip Pumpkin Spice Latte

Okay, coffee connoisseurs. Time to spice up that fall coffee with those autumn flavors. Try the classic fall favorite at your local coffee shop or make your own at home.

10. Make Homemade Apple Cider:

Here’s another use for those apple we picked earlier. Turn those apples into apple cider. You can brew your own apple cider or visit a local cider mill.

11.  Cook Chili

I love homemade chili. It is absolutely warm and delicious. And, it should be a part of your cozy, fall bucket list. I love heading off to my local grocery store to grab the ingredients for this chilly “sweater weather” favorite. I love making a big pot of chili so that I have enough left over for later. And, homemade chili tends to taste even better the next day.

12. Visit a Winery

Do you live near a winery? If you do, add wine tasting to your cozy, fall bucket. Again, this is another opportunity for a great fall photo shoot especially if they have a vineyard surrounded by autumn colors.

Outdoor Adventures

Fall’s pleasant weather and stunning scenery make it an ideal time for outdoor fun. Here are some outdoor activities to include on your cozy, fall bucket list:

13.  Go Camping

Set up a tent, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and fall asleep under the starry sky. You can head to your local campsite, or you can opt to host your camping trip in your own backyard. I’m all for the backyard.

14. Fly a Kite

Embrace your inner child and fly a colorful kite in the crisp fall breeze.

15. Attend a Fall Festival

Whether it’s Octoberfest or a Fall Harvest Celebration, put attending a fall festival on your cozy, fall bucket list. You can play games, enjoy fall food, and other entertainment.

16.  Go Horseback Riding

This is not one of my picks. But, it is one that many of my friends enjoy…horseback riding. Experience the beauty of fall while horseback riding on scenic trails.

Creative Craft Ideas & Other Cozy, Fall Pursuits

Fall is an inspiring season that can awaken your creativity. Add these artistic activities to your cozy, bucket list:

17. Create a Fall Scrapbook

Creating seasonal scrapbooks is my thang. So, document your fall adventures with photos, leaves, and mementos.

18.  Fall-ify Your Home with Autumn Decorations

Get crafty with DIY fall decorations. Create wreaths, napkin rings, curtains, and centerpieces with autumn prints and designs.

19. Write a Fall Gratitude Journal

Fall is the season for thanksgiving and gratitude. Each day, write down 3 or more things that you are thankful for during the season.

20. Attend a Bonfire:

Attend a bonfire event. And, if you can’t find one in your area, you can always consider creating one yourself. Invite a few  friends over for a night of storytelling and s’mores. Just be sure to follow fire safety rules.

21. Paint Pumpkins

Show off your artistic skills by decorating pumpkins. I love this one! We held a pumpkin painting contest at my school. We painted and decorated our pumpkins like book characters. And, the person or class with the best ones won.

Family and Friends Events

Sharing your fall bucket list with loved ones can make the season even more special. Here are ideas that are perfect for group activities:

22. Host a Movie Night

No matter the season a movie night is one of my favorite cozy bucket list ideas. So, definitely add this one

to your list. How do you host a movie night? Simple. Choose your favorite movie. In this

case, it would be your favorite fall-themed or Halloween movie. Invite over a few friends over. Grab a

bucket of popcorn and grab the apple cider. Choose some cozy, comfortable sitting and let the

movie night fun begin!

23. Have a Fall Picnic

A fall picnic should definitely be on your cozy, fall bucket list. Pack a picnic basket with your favorite fall foods and spices. Find the perfect spot in the park or your backyard for a picnic. Then, enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.

24. Attend a Football Game

Football and fall go hand in hand. And, trust me I know. I’m a football mom. So, a football game will certainly make my list of fall things to do. Whether at a local high school or college, enjoy the excitement of a football game while cozying up with a warm blanket and other warm outdoors gear.

25. Fall-Themed Tea Party

Okay. I’m a Southerner through and through. And, tea parties are a part of our culture. This fall why not host a tea party to celebrate the cooler weather. Be sure to plan your menu around the fall-theme. If you don’t like tea, you can always opt for lemonade or sodas instead. Grab some fall prints for your table clothes and other accessories. Head out to the spot of your choosing. Make sure that you remember to invite your friends.

26.  Volunteer Together

Give back to the community by volunteering for a fall-related charity event. And, you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to wipe this one off of your cozy, fall bucket list of ideas. Anytime is a good time to give back to the community.

27. Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Create a fall-themed scavenger hunt for your friends or family. First, choose a picturesque location such as a park, forest, or even your own backyard where the rich autumn foliage and seasonal elements can be the center of attention. Create a list of items or activities to include. Items to consider are colorful fall leaves, acorns, pumpkins, scarecrows, or even specific seasonal activities like apple picking or jumping in leaf piles. Design clues or riddles that will lead your guests to these items. Finally, assemble your guests and hand-out the lists and set a time limit. Now, ready, set, go!  Oh, and don’t forget to have a small prize for the winner to make the hunt even more rewarding.

28. Explore a Corn Maze

If there is a corn maze near you, you might want to add exploring it to your fall bucket list. So, head off to explore a corn maze with your loved ones and see who can find the exit first.

Learning and Exploration

Fall is an ideal time to learn something new or explore new places. Here are ideas to expand your knowledge and horizons:

29. Learn to Knit, Quilt, or Crochet

Take up a cozy, fall-themed craft like knitting, quilting, or crocheting. You will discover how fun it is to create gifts and other crafts for your friends and loved ones.

I have always found joy in quilting, and you will too. There is just something special about creating cozy items for your family and friends.

30. Read a Classic Novel

I am an avid reader, and the cool fall weather makes reading even more special.Choose a classic novel and read it while snuggled up with a warm blanket.

31. Attend a Fall Workshop

Sign up for a seasonal workshop or class in your area. Workshops like a cooking, pottery, or art can be wonderful for fall.

Autumn is a great time for completing a cozy, fall bucket list. So, no matter what you decide to do, you’ll create some fantastic fall memories.