The Ultimate Family Fall Bucket List

Maybe it’s because I’m down to the last kiddo in my homeschool. Maybe it’s because my middle one will graduate from high school this year and head off to college. Maybe I’m just realizing how fleeting these days with my kids really are. I’m not exactly sure why, but I am craving family time like never before.

So, I’ve been thinking about things we can do this fall before winter sets in here in Ohio. Once winter hits, we won’t be doing much of anything outside. It’s just too darn cold. And, if we get a ton of snow again this year, I won’t venture out until April! {I wish!}

While you are here, make sure you check out Samantha’s list of Fun Fall Activities for Families – it’s a printable “calendar” you can use to keep track of the things you mark off your bucket list!

Family Fall Bucket List

This past summer, we visited a strawberry patch and picked fresh berries. It’s been years since we’ve been to the pumpkin patch. So, that is at the top of my bucket list. However, I want to find one with a corn maze, hay ride, and hot chocolate around a bonfire, too!
One item that makes our bucket list every year is jumping in a pile of leaves. Emma and I work hard to rake all the leaves in our backyard into a huge pile, and then she gets a running start before diving on it. I hope she never outgrows that!
Eat pumpkin everything! We can’t wait to eat pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin creamer in my coffee. Yum!
Make chili! This is one of my favorite things about fall. Actually, I could eat chili all year long, but we usually have it a couple times each month in the fall and winter. This year, I want to teach Isaac how to make it so he has a few basic meals he can prepare in college if he’s lucky enough to have access to a kitchen.
Eat s’mores! My neighbors have a fire pit. We love when they invite us over for s’mores. If you don’t have a fire pit {or a neighbor with one}, you can make s’mores right in your oven.
Decorate pumpkins. Actually, our bucket list used to say carve pumpkins. But, I despise carving pumpkins. I always leave that to my husband. Last year, however, I discovered all kinds of fun no-carve ideas. Emma and I painted pumpkins, and we decorated one with melted crayons. I can’t wait to sit down with her and plan our pumpkins for this year.
Find a trail and do some hiking. Last year, Isaac had a field trip at a place with covered bridges. My husband talked about how beautiful it was with the leaves changing colors. This fall, I want to visit. I want to explore the bridges, and I want to find some mild trails to explore with the family.
Candy corn! I can’t wait until candy corn is back on the shelves. I don’t need any of those fancy new flavors. Just give me some traditional candy corn to munch on. And, if I’m really going to treat myself, I’ll mix it with a handful of salted peanuts. Have you ever done that? If not, you must add that to your bucket list.
Take a bucket or bag into the woods and gather autumn treasures. Acorns, nuts, seeds, leaves, dried flowers, bark – these are just a few of the treasures you can find outside in the fall.
Hike a colorful trail. Find a family-friendly trail nearby and hike it when the leaves are at their peak. Make sure you take a bunch of pictures!
Enjoy a fall picnic! Fall is the perfect time to get outside for just about any activity. Throw some picnic food in the car and head to your favorite park or playground for some slightly frosty family time. Or you can do what I do – stop at Subway on the way for sandwiches.