10 Must-do Fall Activities

Crisp air, colorful leaves, and pumpkin everything. Fall is packed with things to do, whether you want to get outside or cozy up at home. The best fall activities fall into a few simple buckets: outdoor and harvest outings like pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes, and leaf peeping, cozy nights in with baking and movies, Halloween traditions, and Thanksgiving-season ways to gather with the people you love. Below you will find ideas for families, couples, and friends, plus plenty of free and low-cost options, so you can build a fall to remember no matter your budget or the weather.

Fall activities at a glance

Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide to match an activity to your day, your company, and your budget.

Note: Admission, hours, and reservations vary by location, so check with local farms and attractions before you go.

1. Search for the perfect pumpkin

Autumn would not be autumn without the spirited orange fruit that defines the month of October. There’s nothing like adventuring into a pumpkin patch to find your perfect future jack-o'-lantern. Big, small, or even green, these fruits — yes, fruits! — are one of the signature items of fall.

2. Make a jack-o'-lantern

Once you’ve plucked the best pumpkin from the patch, it’s time to get creative. Carving or painting your pumpkin is lots of fun, and it’s the ultimate way to make your house Halloween-ready. From jolly to spooky, the design options are practically endless. Carving bonus: pumpkin seeds (for eating or planting).

3. Pick a bag of fresh apples

Celebrate harvest time by picking a bag full of crisp apples. Visiting a pick-your-own farm is a refreshing experience and is one of those fall activities you can do with family and friends. You’ll make memories and have fresh fruit for days!

4. Bake a pie at home

Fall is a wonderful time for baking, and when we're talking fall baking, we're talking pies. From the iconic apple and the festive pumpkin to sweet cherry and juicy blueberry, there’s a season of flavor just waiting to be tasted.

5. Go on a leaf-peeping adventure

Whether you have a colorful view from your own backyard or have to travel to see nature’s shades of style, you will not regret scoping out some of the gorgeous fall foliage. This naturally breathtaking feature of autumn never disappoints, so do yourself a favor and make the trek to view it (or, if you're fortunate enough, plop yourself down on your porch or patio and take in the splendor.)

6. Venture through a corn maze

Getting lost in a corn maze can make for an exciting family adventure. The rush of excitement as you search for a way out is exhilarating and spooky in all the right ways.

7. Get spooked in a haunted house

It’s okay to be a scaredy-cat around Halloween time. From sneaky zombies to snickering witches, a dark haunted house provides enough thrills to leave you screaming and running the whole way home. Are you brave enough to lead the way???

8. Watch your favorite scary movie

Fall nights, especially those that creep closer to Halloween, were made for cozying up with a warm blanket — or the person next to you — and watching your favorite horror flicks. Ghosts and vampires and monsters...oh my! (Don't forget the popcorn and candy.)

9. Enjoy fall-themed foods

No doubt about it, fall is the season of flavor. From stews, soups, and chili to candied apples, fruit pies, and roasted corn — and we can't forget a warm mug of cider or steamy hot cocoa — the food during this season is unrivaled. And the pièce de résistance is the delicious Thanksgiving feast we all get to enjoy at the end of November.

10. Send gifts to loved ones

Celebrate the season by sending thoughtful gifts to your family and friends. Festive autumn gifts, ranging from colorful flower arrangements and classic centerpieces to pieces of home décor gifts and delicious food, will warm their hearts.

Apple Orchard Scented Candle

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Gourmet Autumn Dipped Strawberries™

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