September has arrived, and October is just around the corner, which means it’s time to swap your French vanilla iced coffees for spiced lattes and your tank tops for cozy sweaters. To celebrate this cozy season, grab a blanket and join me as we explore some of this year’s favorite autumn activities. This bucket list will help you embrace the warmth and joy of the season while balancing the transition back to school. From pumpkin carving to movie nights, I’ve gathered inspiration for all ages. Be sure to follow along with our printable list to make the most of fall!
1. Go Pumpkin Picking at Terhune Orchards
Spend the afternoon picking out pumpkins of all sizes with friends and family. Perfect for either carving or decorating! You can also visit the farm’s seasonal market for other fall goodies.
Some other similar farms in our area:
2. Host a Halloween Movie Night
Invite your friends and family for a cozy night in with spooky snacks and classic Halloween films from Hocus Pocus to 10 Things I Hate About You. Lastly, don’t forget the popcorn and hot chocolate. Have fun, and check out this fall movie list for some more viewing inspiration!
3. Enjoy Starbucks’ and Dunkin’s New Fall Drinks
I didn’t forget about you Dunkin lovers! Treat yourself to seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes or a Cinnamon Dolce Latte while reading your favorite book or catching up with friends. A full preview of the fall menus is available below:
4. Pumpkin Carving and Painting with Friends and Family
Get creative and competitive and either paint or carve your unique designs onto your pumpkins. Make it a fun competition to see who has the best creation! For inspiration and safety tips, check out the links below:
5. Visit a Haunted House
Are you as fearless as you think? Put your bravery to a test by visiting these local haunted houses or attractions. Gather some friends for a spooky night out and remember to never look back!
6. Bake Fall Treats
Spend a day baking seasonal pies, cookies, or other goodies. Share them with family or friends for added joy! Here are some recipes to get you started:
7. Go Apple Picking
Spend a day at a local orchard picking fresh apples. Enjoy the crisp air and make caramel apples or even bake an apple pie with your collection!
8. Take a Scenic Drive and Explore the Fall Foliage
Plan a road trip to nearby parks or rural areas to enjoy vibrant fall colors. Bring snacks and take breaks for a fun photoshoot—capture cute pictures of yourselves surrounded by the beautiful autumn leaves!
9. Attend a Fall Festival
Join in the festivities at a local fall festival featuring live music, food vendors, games, and seasonal activities.
Oktoberfest | Hamilton Township, NJ
Your Official Guide to New Jersey Fall Festivals | VisitNJ.org
10. Watch the Sunset Over Colorful Trees
Find a scenic spot where you can relax and enjoy the view of red and orange trees along with the illuminating sky. It’s a perfect moment to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the season with friends or family.
11. Light Candles with Fall Scents and Journal
Embrace the cozy ambiance of fall by lighting your favorite autumn-scented candles and in a comfy place to sit or lay and write thoughtful letters to friends or journal about the season. Reflect on what you’re grateful for as we get closer to the season of gratitude.
12. Create a Fall Playlist
Curate a playlist of your favorite autumn-inspired songs, from cozy acoustic tracks to the familiar sound of It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Perfect for those crisp fall days!
13. Host a Halloween-Themed Make Your Own Pizza Night
Transform boring pizza-making into a spooky night by forming your crust into fun, Halloween shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and bats. If possible, have a variety of toppings so everyone can create their own spooky designs from cheese for ghosts or olives for spider bodies.
14. Go to a Football Game
Experience the excitement of a fall football game, whether it’s high school, college, or professional. Cheer for your favorite team and enjoy classic game-day snacks with friends or family! Make it complete with football game day essentials!
15. Decorate Your Classroom or Home for Fall
Change your learning environment or personal space into a cozy autumn retreat! Use pumpkins, cutouts, and fall themed decor to bring the season indoors. In classrooms use colorful leaves, projects and seasonal posters. For your sanctuary, add cozy throw blankets, pillows, and fall scented candles for an inviting space you can’t wait to come home to.
16. Corn Mazes and Fright Fest at Six Flags
Enjoy a thrilling day at Six Flags for Fright Fest, filled with haunted attractions and spooky fun!
17. Treat Yourself to a New Fall Wardrobe or Cozy Essentials
Celebrate the new season by buying something special, like those UGG boots you’ve been eyeing, a cozy new sweater, or a fall-themed mug to sip your favorite drinks. It’s the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe or home for the season.
When fall slowly makes its way to winter, the memories you create can last forever. Whether you’ve checked off every item or found a few new favorites along the way, I hope this bucket list will bring warmth, joy, and a sense of adventure to your season. I hope you enjoy marking off these fall favorites and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures, and let me know your favorite activities so we can make next year’s bucket list even better. And remember… don’t scare the little kids—at least, not until it’s Halloween!
Boo!
