Looking for fall things to do while the weather's crisp and the foliage is at its peak? Consider this checklist of fall activities the ultimate way to make the most of autumn.

CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

By Maggie Seaver | Updated September 07, 2021

From enjoying Mother Nature's simple pleasures (hello, leaf-peeping and bird watching) to planning the perfect fall trip with friends (winery tour, anyone?), here are our favorite fall activities for kids, families, and couples, plus tons of things to do with friends or on your own this fall.

Outdoor Fall Activities 

Checklist

• Go apple picking

   

• Get lost in a corn maze

 

• Take a leaf-peeping road trip

 

• Play a game of touch football

 

• Go for a hike

 

• Collect colorful fall leaves

 

• Rent a cabin in the mountains

 

• Plant bulbs in your garden for next spring

 

• Run a race

 

• Visit a pumpkin patch and pick pumpkins

   

• Pitch a tent in the backyard for a "camping" adventure

 

• Watch geese flying south for the winter

 

• Head to the farmers market for yummy items such as winter squash and Brussels sprouts

 

Fall Activities for Kids and Toddlers 

Checklist

• Visit a petting zoo

 

• Make a pinecone bird feeder

 

• Go on a nature scavenger hunt in the backyard: acorns, pinecones, orange leaves, oh my!

 

• Attend a fall festival

 

• Have a fall picnic

   

• Write down what you're thankful for

 

• Make a scarecrow

 

• Gather up leaves into a big pile, jump in, play, repeat

 

• Collect colorful leaves and press them into an album

 

• Take a bike ride

 

• Make s'mores

 

• Set up your own bobbing-for-apples station with a bin of water and lots of fruit

 

• Help craft your kid's (or your own) Halloween costume

 

• Eat candy apples or make your own

 

• Carve your own pumpkins

 

• Bake pumpkin bread together for breakfast

Fall Activities to Do With Friends 

Checklist

• Tailgate at your local football game

 

• Tour a winery

 

• Host a potluck Friendsgiving dinner

   

• Spend a day antiquing

 

• Take a weekend road trip

 

• Spend the day at a nearby brewery

 

• Go on a bike ride to admire the fall foliage

 

• Host a cozy wine and cheese night

 

• Take a ghost tour or visit an old cemetery

 

• Spend the day at an amusement park (this is great to do with kids, too!)

 

• Throw a Halloween party complete with a costume contest

 

• Make a big batch of chili and host football Sunday at your house

Indoor Fall Activities 

Checklist

• Dig up your sweaters from storage and donate any you don't think you'll wear

 

• Learn to knit

 

• Bake an apple or pumpkin pie

 

• Start Christmas shopping

 

• Drink hot spiced apple cider by the fireplace

 

• Make butternut squash soup

Fall Activities for Couples 

Checklist

• Get spooked in a haunted house

 

• Celebrate Oktoberfest at home with beer and sausages

 

• Re-watch your favorite scary movies leading up to Halloween

 

• Give out candy to trick or treaters all dressed up in your own costumes

 

• Cook a cozy fall meal: Think roasted vegetables or a hearty stew

 

• Have an cider and doughnut date at a local apple farm or farmers market

 

• Make your own mulled wine

 

• Grab a blanket and go stargazing

Nostalgic Fall Activities 

Checklist

• Eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (and remember those crisp, fall school days)

 

• Buy something from a bake sale

 

• Borrow a book from the library

 

• Make Rice Krispie treats

 

• Buy a new notebook

 

• Climb a tree