Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Families

T-minus one week until it’s officially fall and I’m here for it! If you need some ideas on a fun fall bucket list for families, I’ve got you covered!

This list isn’t too ambitious (I promise!) but is full of a mix of traditions and activities and a couple of things to make. Hopefully, you can find something fun to add to your fall bucket list!

Our 2019 Fall Bucket List

Hit the Pumpkin Patch

Ok, this one is not original but it is a MUST with kids. Ya gotta get the pumpkins for the next string of events…

Carve Pumpkins

Stick with me here… 😉 we carve our pumpkins, vs painting them or decorating some other way. Pro tip: save a BIG box and have the kids scoop out the guys while in the box. Saves pumpkin from getting everywhere. I save the guts because I love to…

Roast Pumpkin Seeds

I don’t have a go-to recipe I repeat year after year but it’s always some variation of olive oil, salt, a little spice – here’s a basic tutorial!

Friendsgiving

Ditch the kids for a night and have a potluck with friends to celebrate Friendsgiving. Chris and I have celebrated Friendsgivings with friends throughout the years and they’ve gotten much tamer but still so much fun.

Have a Bonfire

Pretty basic but always a hit on a chilly night. Warm up apple cider, do s’mores, just hang around the bonfire. Mostly for older kids – we’ll probably skip this one this year because Emmy is 2 and that sounds like a disaster.

Go on a Fall Hike

Nothing is better than spending time outside when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. Locally in STL we love to take the kids to hike at Powder Valley and Castlewood.

Try a Fall Nail Color

Yes… this will require me to deviate from my usual Funny Bunny by OPI, but it’s always fun to switch up the nails for fall. Malaga Wine by OPI is a fall fave :).

Matching Halloween PJs

Yes, I’m that mom who still buys Halloween PJs for her kids. This year I bought these for the girls but Emmy recently decided she’s scared of the pumpkins so… ?‍♀️. I’ve bought these every year for Cooper (girl version here) – and here’s another cute version for girls.

Make a Thankful Pumpkin for the Kids

This idea is 100% not my own (thanks, Pinterest) but I’m going to dedicate a pumpkin for each child and every (other) day we’ll write something they’re thankful for on the pumpkin. I think it’ll be a fun (funny) way to witness and share gratitude for the kids.

Go to a Blues Game

The Blues won the Stanley Cup this year (insert annoying WOOHOO here) – and my big kids are dying to get to a game this fall. Also hoping for some Cardinals playoff baseball ;).

Make Fire Cider

I have a recipe for this coming soon but if you haven’t heard of Fire Cider, it’s an amped up version of apple cider vinegar that’s supposed to ward off cold & flu, boost energy, keep sinuses clear – basically magic. Because I’m pregnant, I *really* don’t want to get sick this season so I’m making a batch now to start drinking in a few weeks! More to come… ;).

See Frozen II

This is only a 2019 item but I’m pretty sure Emmy’s favorite fall activity will be seeing Frozen II in theaters. A must on our to-do list.

Outdoor Movie Night

We have a projector and when the weather gets cool and the sun starts setting earlier, one of my favorite fall activities is having an outdoor movie night.

Farmer’s Market

Wherever you are, visiting the Farmer’s Market in the fall is always a great trip but in St. Louis, Kirkwood’s Farmer’s Market is AWESOME for kids.

Hit a Hayride

Coop’s preschool does a hayride with s’mores and a bonfire afterward and it’s a fun way to get involved with other preschool parents. Check your local parks & rec departments to see if they allow hayride rentals – locally here’s a link for St. Louis hayrides through St. Louis County :).

Plan the Class Halloween Party

This won’t be for everyone but I signed up to chair Quinn’s elementary school Halloween Class Party. I honestly don’t have a solid plan besides doing about 4-5 stations that the kids rotate between in small groups – probably 2 game stations, a craft station, a snack station, annd something I have yet to figure out. More to come on this ;).

Trunk or Treat

We have two Trunk or Treats this year and I really do love them! A fun way to get to know other school families. Always on the hunt for cute, easy ways to decorate the trunk, too, so if you have any leave them in the comments!

Train Ride

When I asked Chris what his favorite fall family activity was, he immediately answered – train ride. We take the Amtrak to Washington, MO for a little day trip every year when the leaves turn and it’s a fun little family day. Here’s an article with when the fall leaves are supposed to turn here in STL.

Apple Picking

Hitting the orchard is always a fun day… unless it’s really hot and then it’s just a lot of whining and sweating with fruit around. Locally we go to Eckert’s Millstadt and the selection and experience is always good.

Drink Pumpkin Spice Something

I’m not a huge PSL fan but I have totally fallen in love (ha, get it?) with Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice herbal tea. If you don’t have a TJ’s near you, there are still some available on Amazon – linked here.

Make Chili or Soup

I am SO ready for chili season – this is my go-to recipe – zero spice so it’s kid-friendly but definitely not a traditional chili. I’m also on the hunt for any slow cooker soup recipes so if you have a favorite, please leave it in the comments!

Decorate for Fall

Add some pumpkins, switch up your home’s accessories with autumn shades, add a fall candle or two.

More Fall Fun Ideas

I’m teaming up with a few of my favorite ladies who are also sharing their fall bucket lists!

Lindsay & Carley @ The Babbling Blondes // Raquel @ Raquel Frisella // Kristin @ Growing Up Gill

Did I forget anything? What’s on your fall bucket list this year?