Discovery Point Blog
Create Your Fall Bucket List Today!
Unlike winter, fall is a season that is often gone before we’ve even realized it has arrived. Perhaps this is due to the hectic nature of the back-to-school period or the knowledge that the winter holidays are just around the corner and preparations need to be made.
This year, don’t let the fall season pass you and your family by. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy these golden days, make a bucket list of fun activities your family wants to try to get the most out of this wonderful time of year.
Not sure what kinds of activities to put on your fall bucket list? They can be as simple as taking a stroll on a rainy day or as in-depth as conducting a fall-themed family photoshoot. It all depends on what you and your kids truly love about this season and the memories you want to make together.
Here are a few ideas to help you create a bucket list you can’t wait to get started on.
- Make a pumpkin pie from scratch. Sure, it’s more complicated than buying canned pumpkin filling and a pre-made crust, but we’re betting that if your kids are involved, you’ll create some memories that last!
- Drink apple cider. Apple cider is delicious, but it feels like it’s only available in the fall. Make a point of seeking some out and enjoying this once-a-year pleasure to the fullest!
- Carve a jack-o-lantern. Whether you have an artist in the family who can carve a real caricature or you just stick to the basics, this is a fun activity that will instantly make your home feel more festive.
- Watch a Halloween movie. There are plenty of Halloween movies that are so fun to watch, and not all of them are scary. Our family-friendly favorites include Hotel Transylvania and Casper.
- Light some fall-scented candles. It’ll only take seconds to bring the warm, fuzzy feeling of fall to your home if you have the right candle. Give your kids a few to choose from, and light their favorite for a pleasantly scented evening.
- Go on a scenic drive. Before the leaves fall, take the family out on a drive to see the beautiful colors of the different trees in your area.
- Go to a fair. Will your town or community be putting on a local fair? Be sure to put it on your calendar and go!
- Buy a cozy sweater. Refresh your children’s wardrobe and go shopping for cozy sweaters. There’s no need to buy new in this case. Second-hand shops have some of the best cozy sweaters to choose from.
- Roast marshmallows. Fall is the perfect time to light a fire, roast marshmallows, and make s’mores. Tell some ghost stories around the fire and you’ll have a night to remember!
- Go apple picking. Apple picking is such a fun activity to do with children. Plus, you’ll end up with plenty of apples to use in your family’s favorite fall recipes.
- Read outside under a tree. As the temperature begins to drop, you may realize you only have a few weeks left until relaxing outdoors is a bit uncomfortable. Enjoy the sunshine and the fall colors by bringing out a blanket and a book to read to your kids under a tree.
- Take a nature hike. You can also use the last of the moderate weather to take the family hiking in your neighborhood or drive out to a local nature reserve or national park.
- Have a pumpkin-flavored-everything day. Pumpkin croissants for breakfast, roasted pumpkin for lunch, pumpkin soup for dinner, and pumpkin cupcakes for dessert? Yes, please! See how many pumpkin-flavored items your family can fit into one day.
- Do a fall family photo shoot. Have the whole family put on cozy sweaters and take some pictures together outdoors in a colorful spot. You’ll treasure them for years to come.
- Make a pinecone bird feeder. Bring all kinds of new birds to your home with this DIY bird feeder – just smear some peanut butter on a pinecone, roll it in birdseed, and hang it up outside your house.
Not sure how to decide which activities to start with? Worried your children aren’t going to agree on which activities to try first? Here are some ideas on how to choose bucket list activities.
- Use popsicle sticks. Write each activity on a popsicle stick. Place all the sticks in a jar, can or glass. When you’re ready to pick an activity, have your child pull a stick and do what’s written on it. Your children can even decorate the top of each stick and the jar they are stored in.
- Pick the number. Here are two ways to use numbers to pick your activities:
- How many numbers are on your bucket list? Place all the numbers in a hat and let someone choose which number activity you enjoy.
- Got something YOU really want to try? Pick the number and ask them to guess which number you are thinking of! The person closest gets to pick the next activity. When it’s time to do their activity, they get to pick the number and everyone else gets to guess. This way someone new is choosing the activity each time.
- Create Bingo cards. This activity is one of our favorites! It allows your children to get involved in the creation of your bucket list. Have your children create bingo cards with one activity in each square.You can pick the activity each time until there is a Bingo. Then the winner gets to pick the next activity.
With so much going on in the fall season, from easing into a new schedule to making holiday plans, sometimes it’s hard to stop and take note of what a wonderful season this is. We hope these ideas can spark your family’s imagination as you build a bucket list of enjoyable activities for this time of year.