75 Best End-of-Fall Activities To Do This Month

Woman looking at fall foliage over a lake

Pumpkins and football and ghosts, oh my! It’s that time of the year again. A time when the air is crisp, the leaves are changing colors and there are spooky vibes all around. It’s no wonder there are so many fun things you can do right now. Whether you’re trying to find something to do outdoors, inside your house, with a bunch of your friends, or as a couple, our list of the 75 best fall activities has got you covered.

In fact, you might think some of our suggestions are too gourd to be true, because while we did include classics—like going to a pumpkin patch—we also added tons of unique and out-of-the-box experiences! From fall-themed DIYs and food-inspired concoctions you can make at home, to magical adventures you can take with your friends and loved ones—you can’t go wrong doing anything from this list. 

So, what are you waiting on? Check out our roundup of 75 fun fall activities and new fall hobbies below! It’ll make you want to add some new autumn festivities to your calendar, give you some ideas if you’re trying to plan a special date and encourage you to try some things you might never have done before.

Best Fall Activities for Outdoors

1. Get lost in a corn maze

What’s more fall than this classic activity? It’s great for all ages and is something you can do each year with your friends, family or significant other.

2. Ride in a hot air balloon

Up, up and away! There’s nothing dreamier than being high in the sky and getting the chance to look down at all the pretty fall foliage. It’s an outdoor fall bucket list item for sure.

3. Run a turkey trot

Take part in this national tradition on the morning of Thanksgiving! It’s a fun race where participants are encouraged to wear turkey-themed costumes as they burn off some extra calories before their family’s big feast.

4. Go for a hike

Whether you hit up a trail, a national park or explore a forest nearby, you can’t go wrong with this outing. It’s a fun way to take in all of fall’s natural beauty and make some memories along the way.

5. Zipline over the trees

Calling all thrill seekers! If you’re looking for something adventurous to do, consider ziplining. You’ll get the most breathtaking view of the color-changing leaves as you soar above the canopies below you.

6. Walk through a sunflower field

This activity encourages you to wander around in a sea of yellow flowers! It’s the perfect place to take pictures, be in nature and enjoy how beautiful fall truly is.

7. Take a chilly beach stroll

The temperatures may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the beach just yet. In fact, fall is an amazing time to visit because you won’t have to deal with summer crowds. Just throw on some cozy loungewear (and maybe a thick coat) and you’ll be good to go!

8. Look into going on an alpine slide

You’ll get panoramic views (and an adrenaline rush!) as you ride down the side of a mountain on a slide going up to 25 mph. It’s an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for people who are kids at heart.

9. Decorate your porch

There are countless ways to transform your patio this year. Adding pumpkins, colorful mums, a new door mat, or a seasonal wreath, are just a few ways.

10. Enjoy a hayride

‘Tis the season to embrace this festive ride as you sit in the back of a tractor-pulled wagon and enjoy some fun at a farm. It’ll let you relax and enjoy the colorful scenery around you.

11. Take a bike ride

Take sightseeing to the next level by biking through your neighborhood or local park right before sunset. That way you’ll get some fresh air and get to experience all the stunning leaves at golden hour. It’s a win-win!

12. Go apple picking

Take advantage of the nice weather and head to an orchard. There, you can pick (and sample) all kinds of apples right off the tree. Then you can bring your fresh stash of fall fruit home with you!

Related: 50 Apple Orchard Instagram Captions for Your Next Family Trip

13. Try birdwatching

Don’t want to leave your house? No problem. You can birdwatch from the comfort of your backyard or front porch. Tip: Invest in a birdfeeder or sprinkle some seeds on the ground to attract more feathered friends this fall. Plus, find out what it means if you see a Blue Jay or spot a hawk.

14. Drive through the countryside

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to see the beautiful crimson and yellow leaves, this activity is for you! To make your drive even more fall-like, bring along some pumpkin-spiced drinks and make a fall-themed playlist you can listen to while you’re in the car.

15. Go fishing

Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, taking a fishing trip is fun no matter what your experience level is. The best part is, if you catch something, you can cook it for dinner!

Best Fall Activities for Indoors

16. Throw a bewitching dinner party

Your guests will be spellbound when they see your magical decor. Just dress your table up with a black cloth, then add maroon and purple candlesticks, some potion bottles and a deep red and mulberry-colored flower centerpiece. Finish it off by setting your table with dark-colored plates and goblets. To really top off the theme, put out a cauldron and use it for soup or punch.

The spooky vibes don't need to end on Halloween night, after all!

17. Donate some of your fall attire

Fall is the season for giving back. One simple way to do so is by going through your closet and picking out some cold-weather clothes that you can donate to a local shelter in your city.

18. DIY a football-inspired jacket

Channel your inner designer and have fun creating a football-themed jacket that you can sport to games, watch parties, tailgates and more! To start, you’ll need an oversized denim jacket, a zip-up hoodie, or a bomber jacket. Then gather things like felt, silver fringe, rhinestones, sequin football patches, number patches and letter patches, so you can make a one-of-a-kind statement piece that you can wear over and over again.

19. Have a fall-themed movie night

From classics like Hocus Pocus and Scream, to feel-good football dramas like Remember the Titans, there are endless options you can stream this fall. So, pop some popcorn, grab a soft blanket and get ready to have a spooky good time.

20. Put together a potluck

Calling all foodies! Hosting a cozy dinner with friends is just the activity for you. Have everyone bring their favorite fall dish to your house and then enjoy all the deliciousness.

21. Host a game night

Don’t let the chilly temperatures keep you from seeing your friends and loved ones this season. Instead, invite them over for a Friday game night. To make it fall-themed, play things like Halloween Pictionary and murder mystery games.

Related: 20 Fun Drinking Games for Every Occasion That Are Guaranteed to Get You Buzzed

22. DIY a fall flower arrangement

Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a pro to create a stylish flower arrangement. The trick is to cut all of the stems of your favorite fall florals at different heights. That way, you add depth to it, which creates a fuller and more professional look.

23. Feature autumn decor

Give your bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom a little makeover. It’s as easy as adding plaid pillows, fall-scented candles, pops of orange and faux pumpkins.

24. Donate a Thanksgiving basket

Help out a family in need this holiday by showing a gesture of kindness and making a Thanksgiving basket. Include items like a turkey or ham, water bottles, some canned beans, cornbread mix, instant mashed potatoes, hot chocolate packets, a gift card and more!

25. Knit a scarf

Need a new hobby? Learn how to do a basic knit stitch on YouTube so you can DIY a scarf for yourself and your loved ones.

Related: Amigurumi Is Everywhere Right Now—Here Are the Most Impressive Crochet Plushies You *Have* To See

26. Bake a pumpkin pie

There’s no denying it, fall is pumpkin pie season! You can find an amazing recipe online or use one that has been in your family for years. Either way, it’ll be a delicious way to ring in the season.

27. Make a simmer pot

What’s the secret to filling your home with autumn aromas? Whipping up a simmer pot! You can find examples on Pinterest or create one of our favorites by using the peel from an orange, three sticks of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of vanilla.

28. Roast pumpkin seeds

Don’t throw away your pumpkin seeds! Pop’em into your oven for an hour (or until they are golden brown) instead for a tasty fall snack.

29. Have a football party

With football season in full swing, turn a game into an excuse to have a party. Have everyone wear jerseys and then order in some chicken wings to munch on.

30. Decorate your mantle with fall decor

Create a chic seasonal focal point by sprucing up your mantle. You can drape an autumn garland on it, add some amber vases, choose some rustic accessories to incorporate and even hang a fall wreath on the wall above it.

Best Fall Activities for Kids

31. Read Harry Potter together

Seeing how this book series has wizards, spells and tons of mystical creatures in it, there’s no better time than fall to read it with your kids. It’ll bring a little magic to their bedtime routine and be something you can bond over together.

32. Camp in your backyard

What are you waiting on? It’s the perfect time to set up a tent in your backyard! Make it look extra magical by draping twinkle lights over it once you’re finished. Then fill it up with pillows, fuzzy blankets, games and snacks so you and your family can have a fun night sleeping under the stars.

33. Make s’mores

No matter if you sit around a bonfire and roast marshmallows, or if you do it on your stove, eating s’mores is a signature fall snack that you and your kiddos don’t want to miss out on. You can even buy some non-traditional toppings (like Reese's!) and see who can create the best unique s’more recipe.

34. Visit a pumpkin patch

Don’t skip this activity! It’s something your entire family will enjoy. Tip: Do a little research beforehand so you can find the biggest and best pumpkin patch to go to.

35. Jump into a pile of leaves

This is a must this fall! Make it extra special by surprising your kids one morning by making a giant pile of leaves that they can run and jump into.

36. Come up with a fall bucket list

To get the most out of the season, sit down with your kids and come up with a list of ten or so activities that you can all do together. Then each time you all do something, let them cross it off the list. It’ll be a fun way to get them involved!

37. Craft an artsy centerpiece

This activity may get messy, but that’s what makes it fun! Have your kids grab a few pinecones and then have them cover them in paint. While they’re still wet, encourage your kids to sprinkle glitter on them. Once they are dry, place them in a clear vase so you can use their artwork as a centerpiece this Thanksgiving.

38. Make a pumpkin snowman

Have your kids pick out three pumpkins that are slightly different sizes that they can paint white. Once they are dry, stack them on top of each other and use a glue gun to hold them in place. Make sure the top pumpkin’s stem is facing forward so that it can act as the nose. To finish off your pumpkin snowman, use acorns for its eyes, sticks for its arms, pebbles for its smile and some buttons for its eyes.

39. Decorate caramel apples

This activity is simply delicious! Buy some mini marshmallows, chopped up peanuts, tiny white chocolate morsels and sprinkles that you can separate into different bowls. Then dip them each in melted caramel and let your kids decorate them.

40. Paint hot cocoa mugs

Head to a Color Me Mine workshop and give your kiddos the chance to paint hot cocoa mugs. They’ll not only be creative, but they’ll be extra excited to bring their mug home and use it this fall.

41. DIY pumpkins

It’s no secret that carving pumpkins can be tricky, so why not decorate them instead? You can paint them, or use a hot glue gun to cover them with fake flowers or to stick on eyes, a nose and mouth.

42. Fly a kite

Thanks to the cool temperatures and gusts of wind, fall is one of the best times to fly a kite. Whether you go to a local park, a beach or fly it in your backyard, it’s an easy way to entertain your kids this fall.

43. Paint acorns

Have your kids go outside and gather a couple of handfuls of acorns. Clean them off so they have no dirt on them, then let your littles paint them different colors. Once dry, add them to a trinket bowl so they can be on display.

44. Bake fall cookies

Invest in a few fall-themed cookie cutters and let your kids help you cut out pumpkin- and leaf-shaped cookies. Once they are cool, don’t forget to decorate them with icing and sprinkles!

45. Make candy popcorn

Talk about a sweet treat! Pop some popcorn on your stovetop, then let your kids add some melted marshmallows, sprinkles, Candy Corn and M&M’s to it.

Best Fall Activities for Friends

46. Tell ghost stories around a bonfire

Keep the spooky vibes going long after Halloween. The scarier, the better! Well, at least that rule applies to this activity. It’s a great way to incorporate spookiness into your next friend get-together.

47. DIY spine-chilling milkshakes

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! To bring this sweet treat into the fall season, you’ll need eyeball candy, gummy vampire fangs, strawberry syrup, crushed-up cookies, whipped cream and whatever else you can think of for you and your friends to use to create spooky milkshakes.

48. Plan a trip to a cider mill

Talk about a prime spot for your squad to go this fall! A cider mill not only offers you pretty scenery to enjoy, but you can also chat while trying all kinds of different types of cider together.

49. Attend a football game

Channel your inner Taylor Swift and make football your new favorite sport this fall. You and your girls can coordinate your looks so you’ll all match, you can take tons of cute pics and you may even meet some new friends while you’re there to add to your group. 

Related: Taylor Swift Fans Are Losing It Over This 'Immediate Purchase' Perfect for Football Season

50. Attend a Renaissance Faire

Slip into your best medieval attire and get ready to travel back in time! There, you will encounter live music, shops, comedy skits, archery, sword fighting and one of the event’s most famous foods: turkey legs.

51. Have a sweater swap

Save some money and swap clothes with your friends this fall! Invite some of your girls to bring over a bag of sweaters they no longer want. Then, toss them all into a pile and take turns picking out your favorites. By the end of the night, you’ll all have a new wardrobe to go home with that didn’t cost you a cent.

52. Take a historical ghost tour

What better way to embrace the spookiness of the season than with a ghost tour? You’ll learn all about the mysterious legends that surround the town you’re in while visiting old buildings, cemeteries and other creepy sites.

53. Plan a costume party

Dressing up isn't just for kids, and it's not just for Halloween! That means you’re never too old to throw an epic costume party. This is a great way to reuse Halloween outfits and keep the parties going. You can even have guests vote on best dressed and give them a prize!

54. Host Friendsgiving

If you don’t live near any family, celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends! It’ll help you feel less homesick and give you a good chance to gather together, eat and show you’re grateful for each other.

Related: Add This to Your Group Chat! 100 Friendsgiving Quotes to Remind Your Buds Why You're #Blessed

55. Tailgate before a football game

Not into football? No problem. You don’t have to watch the game to partake in this activity. In fact, tailgating is mostly about being with friends and eating food, so come hungry!

56. Take a road trip

Has it always been a dream of yours to go on a road trip with your friends? Well, there’s no better time than fall! With the leaves changing and the cool weather, it’ll be movie-like.

Related: 25 Road Trip Games That Will Keep Your Passengers Entertained for Hours (We Promise!)

57. Try canoeing

Fall doesn’t mean you have to forgo all water activities. In fact, if you live near a river or lake, canoeing is a fun outing you can take with some friends where you can relax in nature and spend time together.

58. Attend an amusement park

What do you get when you combine Ferris wheels, go-karts and roller coasters with creepy monsters, witches and zombies? A haunted amusement park! It’s the best of both worlds for a fun-loving thrill seeker to go to.

59. Go pumpkin beer tasting

For this activity, you need to go to the grocery store and pick up a variety of pumpkin-flavored beers. Then, do a taste test with a couple of friends to find your shared favorite one.

60. Have a pumpkin-themed cookoff

Bring out your competitive side by challenging all your buds to a pumpkin-themed cookoff! After everyone tries each other’s food, anonymously vote on each of them to see who comes out on top. You can even print out a certificate to give to the winning chef.

Best Fall Activities for Couples

61. Take a scenic train ride

All aboard! There’s something super romantic about taking a train ride with someone you love. It’s a unique fall date idea that you’ll both always remember.

Related: Add the Rocky Mountaineer to Your Bucket List—'It Was One of the Most Scenic Trips I've Ever Taken'

62. Go on a chair lift

It may not be winter, but did you know you can purchase tickets to go up in chair lifts during the fall? That way you can get a bird’s eye view of the fall foliage. How romantic is that?

63. Visit a haunted house

One sure way to make sure your crush holds your hand is to spend a frightful evening going through a haunted house together. Once you’re through, you can laugh about the experience together on your drive. It’ll make all the scariness from the activity be worthwhile.

64. Stay the night in a tree house

Forget spending the night in a tree house during the summer, and do it during November instead. The temperature will be great or cuddling, you can sip on hot cocoa and, in some cases, you can even stargaze from bed.

65. Tour a winery

It’s true: vineyards are particularly stunning during the fall, which makes them a great date spot. It’ll be a great way to spend some quality time together while sipping on some of your favorite wines. Cheers!

66. Drive through a haunted car wash

If your town has a haunted car wash during the fall, check it out with your date before you go to dinner. They usually include things like creepy music and spooky surprises as your car is getting cleaned.

67. Have a pumpkin spice-themed night

Spice, spice, baby! If you and your date are mega fans of pumpkin spice, make a date out of it! Find places that serve different pumpkin spice-themed foods and drinks that you can drive to and try together.

68. Head to a drive-in movie theater

Lights, camera, action! Take your movie date up a notch by going to a drive-in theater. It’ll be an experience you’ll both enjoy and it isn’t super expensive.

69. Stargaze

One of the best parts about this date idea is that it’s 100 percent free. Just do a little research beforehand to make sure there will be clear skies and then pack a blanket you can both lay down on so you’ll get the best view of all the twinkly stars.

70. Have a fall photoshoot

If you’re looking for something to do with your significant other, consider booking a couple’s shoot outside. It may take a little planning, but it’ll be worth it once you get your pictures back.

71. Go horseback riding

Saddle up and trot along a scenic forest trail all while atop a horse! It’ll give you a chance to bond with your boyfriend/girlfriend while doing something special.

72. Make each other personalized "spooky baskets"

Surprise your crush with their very own boo basket! It’s probably been years since they’ve received one, so filling one up with their favorite goodies will make them feel extra loved.

73. Get cozy and watch the sunset

Cuddling up with a blanket and watching the sunset during the fall is one of the prettiest forms of natural beauty. It’s a great way to end a date night with someone you love.

74. Pack a fall picnic

Not all dates need to be fancy. A sweet park picnic with sandwiches, some homemade cookies and a stunning autumn backdrop totally creates a romantic chick flick vibe.

75. Try axe throwing

Trust us, this date idea is actually really fun! It may sound a little intimidating, but it’s easy to get the hang of. Plus, you can even make a friendly bet to see who hits the target the most.

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