*Disclosure: I wrote something VERY similar for the Towne Post Magazine that you can find here*
The leaves are changing and the time has come to grab your pumpkin spice latte (if you like that kind of drink), pull out those cozy sweaters and scarves and sink right into Fall. With fall having a great mix of hot and cold weather, getting outside is a must! Enjoy time outside exploring during the day and then grab a blanket and get cozy by the fire at night. Here’s a few old favorites and maybe some new ideas for that fall bucket list of yours.
FALL BUCKET LIST
*Scroll to the end for a printable bucket list*
Apple Picking
One of the best parts of fall is all the apples! Apple everything! And pumpkin too but we will get to that later. Head over to your local Apple orchard – we love Tuttles & Stuckey Farms here in Indianapolis – and have fun picking apples as a family. While there, enjoy some ice cold Apple cider and maybe even some Apple cider donuts! Then take your pickings home to make your own applesauce, Apple pie, or Apple crumble!
Corn Mazes
Corn mazes are all the rage these days. They keep getting bigger, better, and more creative! Maybe you like the scary ones, but the ones that you can get lost in for hours without being scared half to death are just fine too! Wondering whether you are getting out or not is terrifying enough. If you take kids, keep them close or maybe grab a megaphone before you go just in case one gets loose in the maze. However you like your corn mazes, this is a great fall activity to do as a family. Look up a museum or farm nearby to see what they have to offer! We love to try out Conner Prairie’s & Piney Acres around town. This is for sure one to check off the Fall Bucket List.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
The crisp fall weather is great for exploring and why not add a little challenge to it! Print off a great fall scavenger hunt list, pack some snacks, and pick your favorite trail to search on. One list for the family will do just fine, but take pictures with your finds to make it a little more fun! Maybe even make this a yearly tradition and put all the photos together in a memory book. Click here to see the Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable that I made just for you! It’s perfect for preschool and elementary age kiddos — if you need something harder there are TONS outs there!
Make Pumpkin Everything
Just like the apples, it’s that time of year to make pumpkin everything too! And a fall bucket list wouldn’t be complete without making something pumpkin flavored! Pies, lattes, rolls, muffins, and don’t forget those pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin is basically the biggest theme of fall foods and when this time of year rolls around, there’s no limit to the things you can make with pumpkin. Have fun with it! You might try these adorable Pumpkin Rice Crispy Treats!
Decorate Pumpkins
Another fall must-do is to decorate pumpkins. Head to your favorite pumpkin patch and pick a few different sized pumpkins. Look for ones that are unique shapes and have crazy markings. Bring them home and have at it. Get creative with carving, painting, or even hammering in accessories. My little is totally into hitting golf tees into the pumpkins! It’s easy, fun, and you can put in some really cute designs!
Go Geocaching
Have you ever been geocaching? If you don’t already know what this is, you are in for a real treat. It’s like treasure hunting, but close to home and while the treasure might just be documenting your name on a tiny piece of paper and putting it back, this is fun for everyone! You’ll find yourself laying on the ground looking under bridges, rocks, trees, benches… treasures are hidden everywhere! Download a geocaching app like Geocaching Treasure Hunt and begin your hunt. This is just something fun to do that’s a little different and still a good time for the whole family. And sometimes there are hidden gems really close to home!
Fall Scavenger Hunt Printable LMMBlog Fall Bucket List Printable LMMBLOG
Go Hiking
Spring and summer are not the only times to hike. Fall is actually ideal with it’s cooler temperatures. Grab the fam, layer up for early mornings and later afternoons with a sweatshirt you can tie around your waist when you get warm! Then pick a state park (or local park too — We recently checked out Flat Fork Creek and it was perfect!) to adventure in together. Take in the gorgeous changing scenery while enjoying a little outdoor exercise too! Pick a trail and you are off!
Sit Around the Campfire
What’s a more fun way to stay warm on a cool fall evening than with a fire? Add some wood to your campfire and sit out this fall roasting marshmallows and creating unique versions of s’mores. Add to your evening around the fire by telling ghost stories while wrapped in blankets by the fire. Or if you are like our family, have your mother hide and jump out to scare the kiddos!
Fall Foliage Drives
The leaves on the trees in the fall are just the best and while there are some locations that may have more vibrant colors than others, there’s still an amazing amount of beauty to be found in the trees this time of year! There are so many beautiful spots in the Midwest with trees that will look like they are on fire! Challenge yourself and keep a count of how many different colors you can find!
Be Thankful
Lastly, start your very own thankful jar. Pick how often you want to write down things you are thankful for. Maybe try doing this every day for the month of September or October and the you can pull them out and read them for Thanksgiving. Write down events, memories, or even small treats you enjoyed. It’s a sweet and easy way to remind yourself that it’s a wonderful life and enjoy the little things.
And make sure to check all these things off your bucket list! Print one out Your Fall Bucket List here or make your own! Hopefully this gives you a great starting place of fall activities to try with your family. Take in as much as you can and have a great, safe, and fun-filled fall!
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