I LOVE Fall. I love the crisp air, the smell, the feeling that Christmas is coming soon, hoodies, my birthday, I love it all!
Get the FREE Fall Bucket List Printable (no email required)
Every Fall I find myself making a Fall bucket list so that I take full advantage of all that Fall has to offer.
There are several activities to do with the kids, and I think Fall is the perfect season to focus on self-care because there are so many self-care things to do in the Fall.
Here is my Ultimate Fall Bucket list for the kids and for you to find time to take care of yourself. You can also check out my list of FREE things to do with kids year round.Â
The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Kids
(Scroll for self-care ideas)
1. Bonfire
Sitting by the campfire roasting marsh mellows is prefect when there is a chill in the air.
Cuddle with a blanket or a loved one and relax.
You could also bring the kids along and make s’mores. Or if you’re feeling creative, there are so many different ways to make a treat by the fire. Here are some of my favorites:
2. Apple Picking
Apple picking time!
Apple picking can be fun and relaxing. AND homemade apple pie is the best!
Kids love apple picking. I mean, they love pulling leaves off of bushes, now they can have permission. An apple orchard is a great place to take nature pictures and family pictures, or pictures of your kids!
3. Kids Fall Crafts
Fall is a great time to do crafts with kids because there are so many ideas out there. Kids love crafts and its a good time to spend quality time together. Here are some crafts and awesome crafts lists for kids.
48 Awesome Fall Crafts for Kids
4. Fall Festival
Everywhere I’ve lived there has been a Fall Festival.
Go take part in all the festivities!
There’s usually a carnival, fried foods, pumpkin patch, hay rides, donkey rides, pet farm, and more. Kids LOVE it, and it’s generally pretty cheap.
5. Pumpkin Patch
It’s weird to me that pumpkins are a big thing, but they’re everywhere in the Fall.
My kids love picking out pumpkins. I love taking pictures of them in the pumpkins and hay.
Tips for taking Great Pumpkin Patch Family Pictures
6. Pumpkin Carving
This can be fun and a lot of work, so pick a day where you have some time.
We did it with my kids last year and they didn’t want to touch the pumpkin after they saw what comes out of it. Haha.
My husband and I enjoyed carving it, and they enjoyed drawing on it and seeing it light up.
You could also just paint or color the pumpkin if your kids are too young or you don’t have enough time. I’ve also seen people download a pattern from the internet and carve out something cool.
7. Leaf Pile
Have you ever thrown yourself in a pile of leaves?
What about as an adult? It’s so fun, even if you’re not a kid. But your kids will love you if you jump in with them. Give them a rake and get them to working!
8. Bakery/Eat Fall Food
Make caramel covered apples or pumpkin cookies.
If you don’t bake, or don’t feel like baking, visit a local bakery.
I guarantee you they have pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, or apple pie and other goodies. Starbucks and McDonald’s also usually does a seasonal dessert shake or drink. The kids will love you! (or go by yourself and take time to enjoy your treat :)).
9. Nature Walk
The weather is nice, the trees are pretty, and the kids like to be outside.
Go for a walk, or to a park. Have them do a scavenger hunt, give them a list with fall items to find and have them learn about fall. You could also stop for picnic.
10. Kids Grateful Tree
Every year I try to do something that visually helps my kids be more grateful.
One year I did a grateful tree. I made a paper tree and hung it up on our wall, at their level, and everyday we would add leaves to it written with things we were grateful for. We also did it one year with sticks, the kids loved it.
The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Self-Care
11. Decorate for Fall
We often skip decorating for Fall to decorating for Christmas. Get some candles, wreath, flowers, table runner, blankets or pillows and set up your living space for Fall. Make it feel cozy, a place you love to come home too.
12. Open the Windows
It’s so nice when the weather is nice enough to open all the windows and get fresh air flowing throughout the house. Natural light, natural air, what could be better?
13. Declutter
There’s never a bad time to declutter, but in the fall you can get rid of all the summer clothes, shoes, swim and summer essentials you didn’t use.
Freeing up space is very relieving and freeing. Makes you feel more productive and in control of your life. If you’re afraid of throwing your stuff away, here are some good websites who will take your stuff.
14. Shop for Cardigans
You can’t have too many cardigans, but if it’s not your thing, go get a new hoodie or scarf.
Take advantage of the cold to splurge a little on yourself. Do a shopping trip with just you or the girls or a date! (Warning: Not to be taken as a validation for your shopping addiction). Here are some of the cutest cardigans (in my opinion.)
Cinder-Ella CardiganLearn More
Steven McQueen’s Cardigan
Learn More
15. Bake
There are some things that just taste so much better in the fall and can make your house smell so good.
Some of my favorites are pumpkin chocolate chip bread, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and homemade apple pie. Here are some more to try out:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes
16. Star Gazing
Take a blanket and some snacks and go lay out in an open field and look at the stars on a clear night.
You could even print out some constellations maps and try to find them.
Make sure to bring some hot chocolate and apple cider. This also makes a great date night.
17. Hot Chocolate/Apple Cider on the Porch
Make a nice hot class of your drink of choice, grab a blanket, a good book, or your journal, and sit on the porch. Ponder, journal, drink, and let yourself be happy. Preferably when kids are in bed and it’s quiet.
Journal Prompts and Pondering Questions:
Write 15 things you love about yourself
What are your goals?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What makes you happy? Are you doing those things? If not, how can you start?
How have you seen God in your life?
Describe your favorite childhood memory.
18. Exercise
Fall has some of the perfect weather days for a nice run or walk. Get out and enjoy nature and get your body moving.
19. Sit by the Fire
There is just something about sitting by a fire.
If you don’t have a fireplace, turn on a YouTube fire place video and turn off all the lights. It might sound lame, but it’s pretty cool. It doesn’t provide heat, but it still sets the mood. Another good time to ponder, read, or journal.
20. Fall Craft (for adults)
There are so many awesome crafts to do for Fall: Wreaths, table toppers, pillows, pictures or pumpkins.
Here are some of my favorite Fall crafts that I’ve done or always wanted to try.
21. Grateful List
Fall is the season of being grateful. Make a grateful list and count your blessings. You might be surprised by what you have. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of thanksgiving and be happier.
22. Candles
This isn’t so much as an activity as a thing to have. I love the smell of Fall.
I have some favorite candles that I light EVERYDAY and makes my house smell so good and lifts my mood. Some of my favorite scents are Candied Pecan, Apple pie or Apple cider, and warm pumpkin cookies.
Candied Pecans Candle
Learn More
Learn MoreWarm Pumpkin Cookies Candle
Learn More
23. Soup
Make some soup and sit outside. Some hot soup on a cold day is the BEST! It’s easy to eat outside with a blanket. Some of my favorite soups:
24. Photography
Fall is so pretty. Go for a drive or walk and snap pretty pictures. Be out in nature and enjoy all the pretty colors.
Take some time that isn’t rushed or scheduled every second. Open up a morning to spend a couple hours being in nature. It does wonders.
25. Girls Night Party
Host a small and SIMPLE (simple being the key word) girls night. Make a dessert and have some drinks, talk about life, sit by the fire, take a break, and relax with friends.
How to Celebrate Fall with the Girls
26. Hot Bubble Bath
A bubble bath is just not the same when it’s hot outside.
But when it’s cold, it’s like the tub calls your name. Add bath salts, candles, and bubble bath to take your bath to the next level! You can also use lavender bath bomb. Lavender promotes calmness and wellness.
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt
Learn More
Learn MoreWhat are some of your favorite Fall activities?
Get my FREE Fall Bucket List Printable (no email required)
Related: What is Self-care and why you need it as a Mom
