66 Favorite Fall Activities To Plan Once Autumn Arrives
Add these ideas to your bucket list, stat!
Can you feel that crispness in the air? It's time to put on your coziest sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte and dive headfirst into the magical world of fall activities! Whether you're a seasoned leaf-peeper or a newbie to the pumpkin patch scene, we've got tons of activities to help you make the most of the season. From antiquing adventures to small town roadtrips, DIY crafts to up your fall decor game and mouthwatering baking sessions (did someone say apple pie?) using all the best fall ingredients, fall brings a host of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
We get it, fall can sometimes be a little hectic. The kids go back to school, football season is in full swing, and you've got to really start getting busy on creating the perfect Halloween costume. Amidst all the chaos, don't forget to soak it all in, because before you know it there won't be any foliage to admire or pumpkins to pick until next year. Now, get ready to fall in love with fall all over again this year with these fun activities!
Set Up an Apple Toss
Got a few apples past their prime? Use them for a fun game. Gather vintage produce baskets in assorted sizes, and designate points for each vessel. Write the game name and point assignments on green card stock. Split up the family as Team Red and Team Green, and take turns tossing to find out who is the winner.
Make Caramel Apples
No treat says "autumn" quite like a crisp caramel apple. Simply melt caramels according to the instructions on the bag. Role in peanuts, if desired.
Set the Table
Take your fall dinner party up a few festive notches with these seasonal place cards. Draw a letter on paper, then cut out and tape to an apple. Using a straight pin, lightly prick along the outside of the letter to make an outline, and then fill the letter with cloves.
Make a Flower Arrangement
Flowers aren't just for spring! This beautiful arrangement makes the most of ranunculus, dahlias, and Queen Anne's lace nestled in a basket or a wood bucket. Don't worry about perfection: Keep the arrangement loose and casual.
Visit a Small Town
Road trip to see the changing leaves in a small town you've never explored before! Two of our favorite destinations for the season? Sperryville, Virginia and Lambertville, New Jersey.
Play Tree Slab Tic-Tac-Toe
Ditch your devices the next time you head on a family camping trip and focus on the fun to be had in the world around you with this kid-friendly craft.
To make: Pick up a round wood slab and four leather strips. On the slab, form a grid (pictured at left) with the strips and secure each end with an upholstery tack. Once in the woods, gather two five-piece groupings of found objects such as small rocks and pine cones to use as game pieces.
Rethink the Salad
Leafy greens aren't the only way to eat your veggies! This perfect fall salad subs in hearty radicchio, and the pears and gorgonzola cheese are the perfect add-ons.
Cozy Up with a Good Book
The perfect definition of "me" time is a cozy nook, a warm cup of tea, and a book you can't put down. In search of new reading material? Here are Must-Have Books by Black Authors for 2023.
Create a Simple Fall Centerpiece
Stack vintage aluminum colanders to create a picture-perfect kitchen display.
To make: Cut pieces of floral foam to fit in the bottom and middle colanders. Push colanders into foam to help them stay in place. Place pumpkins around the bottom and middle colanders and completely fill the top colander. Add bittersweet sprigs throughout.
Go Antiquing
Fall is the time to cozy up your home with soulful pieces from decades past. Our guide to the 50 best small towns for antiques will help you figure out where to head.
Bust Out the Dutch Oven
It's officially stew season! Spend a lazy fall Sunday warming up in the kitchen while cooking one of our favorite soups and stews.
Head to a Country Store
Whether you're in the market for hand-woven baskets or preserved-on-site jams and jellies, we challenge you to step away from the internet and shop a charming country store instead.
Decorate Your Porch with Fall Flair
Let your neighbors know how excited you are for the season with a front porch curb appeal using all the festive fall decor—pumpkins, mums, a pretty fall wreath, and vintage finds. It will make the perfect backdrop for your family Instagram photos.
Host a Potluck
Invite friends to bring their favorite fall dishes for a casual get-together to celebrate any ol' occasion—or for no reason at all!
Spruce Up Your Tablescape with Plaid
Layer a variety of plaid fabrics and accessories on top of your farmhouse table for the perfect backdrop to your casual family dinners all season long.
Take Family Movie Night Outside
Put those extra blankets stuffed in your linen closet to good use. Hang a large white bed sheet from your fence to re-create a big screen. Make a palette on the ground with all the extra fluff, and settle in under the stars as you and your family watch these classic kids movies.
Take up Cross Stitch
Find inspiration in the monthly cross-stitch patterns that appear in Country Living and download our free templates for a year's worth of inspiration.
Update Your Wardrobe
Spiff up your fall fashion with a cute new outfit. Take this as an opportunity to clean out and organize your closet. Drop off items you haven't worn in a year to a local donation spot.
Jump in a Huge Pile of Leaves
The best way to make raking leaves less of a chore is to promise your kids a chance to dive right into the biggest pile in the yard (after which you'll need all hands on deck to pack them up into trash bags!).
Try a New Cocktail
Toast a new season with a fresh fall cocktail. We love this Grapefruit, Honey, and Rosemary Smash for its refreshing, yet rich, flavor.
Rebecca was the social media editor at CountryLiving.com and WomansDay.com.
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