65 Fun Fall Activities to Try This Year, Including Apple Picking
Think outside the pumpkin patch.
Ah yes, fall. It's that time of year when there’s a chill (and a new woodsy aroma) in the air, the leaves are changing color, the supermarket is packed with pumpkin spice-flavored products, and Halloween decorations are popping up everywhere.
So, why not make the most of that perfect temperate weather and the festive spirit? There's no shortage of fun fall activities to try—both indoors and outdoors. On more pleasant days, the sky's the limit. Take the kids to the orchard or an autumn festival near you to admire the foliage, get lost in a corn maze, and pick out a pumpkin to carve or a bushel of apples to take home to whip up a delicious fall dessert. Or bring the entertainment to your own backyard and host a fall harvest party complete with s'mores, fall-inspired cocktails, and a crackling fire pit.
On days when it seems like winter is beginning to creep in and you'd rather cozy up inside, hunker down with your favorite pumpkin-scented candle, a soft throw blanket, and one of the year's best books. Or couples can enjoy date night from the comfort of their couch with a classic Halloween movie, a fall flick, or a special dinner at home or a restaurant. You could even DIY a gorgeous fall wreath to spruce up your porch or front door for the season. You could sit in a local park and write a fall-inspired poem, or start some leisurely Thanksgiving shopping early (before the pressure sets in).
The bottom line: As long as you have this list of undeniably fun fall activities for toddlers, couples, friends, yourself, and the entire family handy, you'll never be bored. In fact, you may not want the season to end.
Visit a farmers' market
Though it may seem like a summer activity, there's no shortage of delicious fresh produce at your local farmers' market in the fall. Look for gourds of all kinds to add to your seasonal decor. Farmers’ markets rotate out produce seasonally, which means you can find unique and tasty picks in the fall to add to your roasts and desserts: look for things like Jerusalem artichokes, cranberries, figs, pomegranates, and of course, apples and (yep) pumpkins.
Eat apple cider doughnuts
Warm apple cider doughnuts are one of the fall's greatest culinary delights—and they can be found everywhere from the pumpkin patch to the farmers' market to the local harvest festival. And if you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen? You can even make your own, no frying required.
Make mulled wine
This European delight is easy to make (just simmer red wine with warm spices and a hint of citrus), tastes great, keeps you warm and cozy, and makes your whole house smell like fall. Win-win-win-win.
Stay at a romantic bed-and-breakfast
Turn your activity into a full weekend by booking a room at a bed and breakfast nestled in an autumnal epicenter, like Vermont or Maine. You can spend the weekend hiking, lounging, and enjoying seasonal meals prepared by someone else.
Take a scenic train ride
One of the best ways to peep the changing leaves? From the comfort of a train. The East Coast has plenty of active railways that wind through gorgeous fall landscapes. Try Amtrak from New York City to the bustling art community in Hudson, New York. Or hop aboard the Ethan Allen Express in Vermont.
Make homemade candy apples
So many of fall's greatest delights trigger memories of childhood nostalgia. Indulge in the old-school treat of candy apples by making your own, with a variety of yummy toppings. Alternatively, these chocolate turtle apple slices are always a hit.
Host an apple pie bake-off
Classic apple pie is synonymous with fall. Get your competitive juices flowing (and make the kitchen smell delicious) by having a friendly pie bake-off with friends. Need some inspo? Check out these fall desserts, apple pie included.
Jump in a pile of leaves
Embrace your inner kid by diving into a massive pile of leaves. Or make a game of it with family or friends by hiding "treasure" and turning it into a scavenger hunt. Just be sure to, er, shower afterward if any dogs enjoy your yard, and check for bugs.
Rent a boat for the afternoon
Taking to the seas (or rivers or oceans) is a great way to leaf peep from a fresh angle. No vessel? No problem. You can rent one from Boatsetter, which connects you to local boat owners so you can take their craft for a spin for the day (with or without a captain—your choice). And don't worry, insurance is included with the price of your rental.
Host a chili cook-off
Everybody has a chili recipe they swear by. Put yours to the test by hosting friends for a rollicking chili cook-off, grading entries on things like presentation, smell, creativity, and—of course—best tasting.
Read ghost stories by the fire
Gather 'round the fire with your close friends and tell your scariest ghost stories (bonus points if you swear they're true). Whether you get shrieks of delight or fear, a good time is sure to be had by all.
Attend a scavenger hunt
Attend or host your own scavenger hunt. The pumpkin patch, the apple orchard, or even your own backyard are all perfect locations for a fun fall scavenger hunt. Make printouts of your items (or buy a pre-made version for kids and toddlers), and be sure to have a treat ready for the winner!
Go horseback riding
Saddle up! From the top of a horse is one of the best ways to enjoy fall's stunning foliage, gently trotting through autumnal leaves and following trails through woods and over streams.
Run a fall 5K
Autumn's cooler weather makes it an ideal time for a fun run. Sign up for a fall 5K or a Turkey Trot—the perfect way to get moving before that big Thanksgiving dinner.
Make pumpkin art
Who says jack-o'-lanterns get to have all the fun? Swap pumpkin carving for something a little more toddler-friendly by using crafts like paint, glitter, glue, or felt instead.
Roast s'mores
Sometimes it's the simplest pastimes that create the best memories. Gather your family or friends around the campfire for good company and s'mores. Don't have access to a fire? Get creative by using your kitchen stove (or even a candle) to roast marshmallows.
Create an autumn wreath
Sure, you could buy a fall wreath—or you could spend a little time flexing your creative muscles to make something custom. Peep these DIY wreaths, then visit your local craft store for all the items necessary to make a stunning wall or door hanging.
Make a fall display
Create a beautiful fall harvest crop display for your home with just a few simple items: autumn vegetables like miniature pumpkins, corn, and gourds, leaves, autumn flowers like mums, and a decorative tray to display everything on.
Make pumpkin soup
Enjoy fall's favorite vegetable by making a delicious, creamy, homemade batch of pumpkin soup. Jazz it up with additions like bacon, curry, lentils, apples, or even miso.
...or any other favorite soup
Not a fan of pumpkin? Any hearty soup is the perfect companion to a crisp fall night, so cozy up to a bowl of chicken noodle, tortilla, roasted butternut squash, baked potato, black bean, French onion, or split pea soup. If you love grilled cheese and tomato soup, consider taking the classic combination to the next level with this recipe for chipotle tomato soup and a truffled goat cheese and fried green tomato panini, courtesy of Oprah's chef.
Nadine Jolie Courtney is a lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Town & Country, Robb Report, and Angeleno; a graduate of Barnard College, her fourth book, All-American Muslim Girl, was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2019. She lives in Santa Monica, California, where she posts too many photos of her daughter on Instagram.
Jane Burnett is an Assistant Editor at Oprah Daily, where she writes a variety of lifestyle content for the editorial team. She's a journalist with a pop culture sweet tooth—when she isn't catching up on celebrity news, she's usually listening to a podcast! Jane was previously an on-air reporter in local news, and worked at Thrive Global, Ladders News, and Reuters. She also interned at CNBC through the Emma Bowen Foundation, and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
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