Fall Bucket List Ideas For Kids

Fall is a magical time of year for families. The vibrant colors, crisp air, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures make it a season that kids (and moms) cherish.

I still remember last fall, when I took my little ones to a pumpkin patch. The excitement on their faces as they picked the “perfect” pumpkin was priceless.

We came home, lit a cinnamon-scented candle, and spent the afternoon carving pumpkins and sipping on warm cider.

Those moments remind me of how special these seasonal traditions are for creating lasting memories.

As the leaves change and the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to embrace the beauty of the season and make the most of family time.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cozy indoor fun, here are 15 fall bucket list ideas that will make this autumn unforgettable for you and your kids.

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Fall Bucket List Ideas For Kids

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

There’s something about the charm of a pumpkin patch that just screams fall. Let your kids pick their own pumpkins, big or small, for carving or decorating.

Many pumpkin patches also offer hayrides, petting zoos, and corn mazes. Don’t forget to bring home a few pumpkin carving kits for your afternoon of creative fun.

We love to display our pumpkins on the porch — it’s the first sign that fall has officially arrived at our house!

2. Go on a Nature Hike

Fall is the best time to get outside and enjoy the crisp, cool air. Head to your favorite trail and take in the gorgeous fall foliage.

My kids love collecting colorful leaves, acorns, and pinecones during our hikes. With a simple kids nature exploration kit, you can make it an educational adventure too.

Bring a bag for all their treasures and later use them to make seasonal crafts.

3. Make Leaf Art

After collecting all those beautiful leaves, turn them into art projects. From leaf rubbings to creating collages, the possibilities are endless.

You can even use faux leaves if you want your artwork to last longer. My kids love pressing leaves between books to preserve them, and we hang them up as natural fall decor around the house.

4. Bake Fall Treats

Nothing warms up the house like the smell of freshly baked fall goodies. We love baking pumpkin spice muffins or making caramel apples together. It’s a fun way to spend time in the kitchen, and the best part? You get to enjoy the tasty treats afterward! Plus, fall baking always seems to put everyone in a good mood.

5. Attend a Fall Festival

Local fall festivals are a great way to spend a family day out. From rides and games to food trucks and crafts, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to check your local listings, and don’t forget to grab a cozy fall sweater for those chilly evenings.

6. Go Apple Picking

Apple picking has become one of our favorite fall traditions. The kids love climbing the ladders to reach the apples, and we always end up with more than we can carry. Once you’re home, try making some homemade apple cider or apple pie together. Many orchards also have cider tastings and hayrides, adding even more fun to the day.

7. Carve or Decorate Pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is a classic fall activity, but sometimes we opt for painting them instead to avoid the mess.

Either way, the kids get to express their creativity, and I love seeing the end result. You can pick up some fun pumpkin carving stencils to help guide their designs.

Displaying our jack-o’-lanterns on the porch is a family tradition we look forward to every year.

8. Have a Bonfire

Cool fall nights are perfect for a backyard bonfire. Gather around with your family to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. We love telling stories (sometimes spooky!) while we cozy up under blankets. It’s one of the most simple yet magical parts of fall.

9. Go on a Hayride

Many farms and pumpkin patches offer hayrides as part of their fall festivities. The kids love the bumpy ride through the fields, especially when we stop to pick a pumpkin or two. Don’t forget to bring a plaid fall blanket for extra warmth!

10. Make a Scarecrow

Building a scarecrow together is a fun, hands-on project. Use old clothes, straw, and a scarecrow kit to create your fall yard decoration. My kids love giving our scarecrow a silly face and choosing outfits from their old clothes.

11. Visit a Corn Maze

Corn mazes are a must-do fall activity. There’s something about trying to find your way through the twists and turns that brings out the laughter in everyone. Some mazes even offer haunted versions for older kids or nighttime walks with flashlights. We bring along a fall lantern for added fun in the dark!

12. Collect Pinecones and Acorns

Nature walks can turn into scavenger hunts as you collect pinecones and acorns. Once you’re home, use them for fall crafts or display them in a rustic wooden bowl as a natural centerpiece.

13. Host a Costume Party

Halloween isn’t complete without a costume party! Let your kids invite their friends over and host a mini celebration with Halloween games and treats. A DIY costume kit can help your little ones create their own unique looks.

14. Play in a Pile of Leaves

Raking leaves might seem like a chore, but not when your kids are jumping into the piles! The sound of their laughter as they leap into a freshly raked pile of leaves is what fall memories are made of. Consider getting a kid-sized rake so they can help out, too!

15. Watch a Fall Movie

As the days get shorter, it’s nice to snuggle up inside with a fall-themed movie. Classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or newer favorites like Coco are perfect for family movie nights. Add some cozy blankets and fall-scented candles for the ultimate movie experience.

Conclusion

Fall is such a special time to slow down and savor family moments.

From pumpkin patches to cozy bonfires, this season offers so many opportunities to make memories.

Whether you’re hiking through colorful leaves or baking up a storm in the kitchen, these 15 activities will make your fall one to remember.

So grab those cozy sweaters, pack up the kids, and start checking off your fall bucket list today!