Ultimate Fall Bucket List

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use one of my affiliate links to make a travel booking. Full disclosure policy here.

Are you looking for fall bucket list ideas? You’re in the right place!

Fall is such an atmospheric time of year. The temperature drops, the air gets crisper, and the leaves start changing to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. This season also brings celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving, fun autumn traditions, delicious fall flavors, and an overall sense of coziness.

Creating a fall bucket list can help you make the most out of the season. Whether you want to indulge in classic fall traditions close to home or explore amazing fall destinations around the world, I’ve put together this list of fall bucket list ideas to give you plenty of inspiration for things to do this season.

Here’s a look at the best ideas for your fall bucket list:

At Home

Looking for fall bucket list ideas you can do at home? I’ve got plenty of ideas for you! If you want to sprinkle some fall fun into your daily routine, these are simple and easy activities to try. Many of these at-home fall bucket list ideas are free, or at least very inexpensive, but will still create amazing memories.

Make your own pumpkin spice latte.
Go for a walk and collect pretty fall leaves.
Have a bonfire and make s’mores.
Decorate your home for Halloween.
Carve or decorate a pumpkin.
Jump into a big pile of fall leaves.
Have a Halloween movie marathon.
Buy a fall-scented candle.
Make a homemade fall soup, like butternut squash soup.
Try a new cozy hobby like knitting.
Make candied or caramel apples.
Host a Halloween party.
Dress up your pets for Halloween.
Make a DIY fall wreath with dried leaves.
Bake a pumpkin pie.
Give out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
Host a Friendsgiving dinner.
Make a list of everything you’re thankful for.
Have a cozy board game night.
Make homemade chili.
Create a fall floral arrangement.
Find a new book series to binge-read.
Make your own apple cider.
Create a Halloween playlist.
Try mooncakes, a Chinese treat enjoyed during autumn.
Make a bird feeder.
Bundle up and have a stargazing night.
Paint sugar skulls for Día de Muertos.
Buy discounted Halloween candy on November 1.
Make a DIY Thanksgiving table centerpiece.

Local

There are also plenty of local activities you can add to your fall bucket list. Many of these activities and experiences are also free or inexpensive. Even if you don’t live somewhere that experiences a true “fall” season, you can still get into the fall spirit by trying many of these fall-themed activities in your local area.

Go for a hike in the fall foliage.
Visit a pumpkin patch and find a pumpkin to take home with you.
Go apple picking.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at a local event.
Take a weekend trip to a cottage in the woods.
Get spooked at a haunted house.
Take a hayride.
Go to a Halloween event at a nearby theme park.
Attend a fall festival.
Go on a long drive to see the fall foliage.
Stock up on seasonal produce at the farmer’s market.
Go thrift shopping for cozy sweaters.
Participate in a Halloween costume contest.
Go to a corn maze.
Join a seasonal cooking contest like a chili cook-off or pie bake-off.
Check out a local brewery.
Find the best apple cider doughnuts near you.
Go to the local fair or carnival.
Attend a football game or a football tailgate.
Try axe-throwing.
Go camping somewhere with beautiful fall foliage.
Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Participate in a Turkey Trot or other seasonal running/walking event.
Shop for home goods at an antique market.
Attend a local Diwali celebration.
Visit a local winery during the grape harvest season.
Try a farm-to-table restaurant.
Buy a new book from a cozy local bookstore.
Take a scenic bike ride through autumn trails.
Go for an evening walk in a historic cemetery.

Travel

Fall is a great time to travel. Many destinations that are hot, crowded, and expensive during the summer are best visited during the “shoulder season” of fall when the weather is cool, crowds are gone, and prices have dropped. There are also many destinations with beautiful fall foliage or unique fall festivals.

Go on a fall foliage road trip in New England.
Travel to Oaxaca, Mexico to celebrate Día de Muertos.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Travel to Salem, Massachusetts in October.
See hot air balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October.
Explore the Bordeaux wine region of France.
Attend the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand in November.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for fall foliage.
Travel to a festive destination for Halloween.
Road trip along the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada.
See the fall foliage in Kyoto, Japan.
Soak in the thermal baths of Budapest, Hungary.
Travel to the Rocky Mountains for fall foliage.
Visit Tuscany, Italy for the grape harvest season.
See fall foliage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Take a ghost tour to learn about a destination’s spooky legends.
See the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in New York.
Experience the magic of Prague, Czech Republic.
Enjoy fall foliage in the Ozarks region of Arkansas.
Visit Transylvania, Romania to tour Dracula’s Castle.
Take a scenic train ride to see fall foliage.
Explore the Scottish Highlands.
Go for a fall river cruise along the Danube River.
Visit wineries in California’s Napa Valley.
Go to Lake Bled, Slovenia for a fairytale autumn wonderland.
Road trip along the Romantic Road in Bavaria, Germany.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in China or Hong Kong.
Visit Maine for lobster festivals and fall foliage.
Travel to New Orleans, Louisiana for haunted history.
See fall foliage in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Fall Bucket List Ideas

This guide showed you the best fall bucket list ideas.

Fall is personally one of my favorite times of year, because I love the cooler weather and fall foliage, Halloween is my second favorite holiday after Christmas, and I celebrate my birthday in the fall!

It’s just a great time of year, and creating a fall bucket list will help you make the most of the season and try new things, whether at home, locally, or while traveling. Hopefully this list gave you plenty of ideas.

I hope you have a great fall season ahead!

Related Guides: