68 Festive Fall Activities for a Leaf Peeping 2025

Fall activities aren’t just about filling time — they’re part of what makes the season feel like fall. The cooler air, the changing leaves, even the sudden craving for pumpkin spice lattes all signal that it’s time to shift gears. According to Everyday Health, those cravings are tied to nostalgia and the comfort of tradition, not just flavor.

That’s why this is the season to lean into both change and comfort. Maybe it’s learning a new hobby, revisiting an old passion, or just enjoying the little rituals that come with autumn. However you approach it, the right fall activities turn a few short months into something memorable. We’ve pulled together plenty of ideas for fall activities, fall date ideas and even just things to do when you’re bored on an autumn day to keep you busy all season.

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• Creative Fall Activities
• Fall Activities for Adults
• Best Fall Activities for Families
• Outdoor Fall Activities
• Fun Fall Activities for Kids
• Easy Fall Activities for Preschoolers
• Fun Fall Activities at Home
• Fall Festival Activities & Games

Creative Fall Activities

1. Fall Scene Paint and Sip

Paint and sips never go out of season, but they do come into their own during the fall. This fun fall (and year-round) activity is a great way to get your creativity flowing in a relaxing, and slightly tipsy, environment. And the autumn landscapes and pumpkins give you plenty of inspiration. And the glass of wine helps keep things light. 

It’s not about perfect technique — it’s about slowing down with friends, laughing at your brushstrokes, and walking away with a memory that hangs on the wall. You can do it alone or bring some friends along to enjoy a night of art and wine. Learn to paint autumn landscapes, spooky scenes or precious pumpkins at a local paint and sip.

2. Candle-Making Class

Candle making brings the smells of the season right into your home, long after the activity is over. Scents of cinnamon, clove or even apple turn a simple project into a sensory reminder of autumn. 

At a local candle-making class, you'll learn to craft bespoke candles or seasonal décor that carry more meaning than something store-bought. 

Book a candle-making class near you and get ready to craft.

3. Make Creative Centerpieces

Do you need a fall centerpiece idea for your Thanksgiving dinner? Why not make your own? You’ll solve your problem and have a fall activity too. Use gourds, leaves, baskets, figurines, and any other fall-themed items you like to make a truly one-of-a-kind autumn centerpiece. 

It’s a simple craft that reminds you that the season is about making moments with your own hands, not just buying into the holiday rush.

4. Pressing Flowers

As gardens fade, pressing flowers not only gives you an endearing way to hold onto summer, but also a fun fall activity you can do over and over again. The process is easy, just some heavy books, parchment paper and a little patience. That kind of patience is what fall activities are all about. The result is a preserved bloom that bridges two seasons. You can even frame the pressed flowers and display them to hold onto the colors of the season.

5. Fallen Leaf Scrapbooks

Pressed leaves tell the story of fall in a way photos can’t. Why not collect some and put them in scrapbooks or frames? Simply gather some leaves and arrange them on journal pages or frame-worthy canvases. It’s a great way to really slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season.

6. Carving Pumpkins

It’s jack-o’-lantern time. Pumpkin carving is practically a rite of passage in autumn. This activity is going to take you all the way back to your own childhood traditions. Get creative, whether you're on your own or doing it with your kids, and let your pumpkin carving ideas run free. 

Light the finished jack-o’-lantern and you’ve got more than a decoration, you’ve got a DIY fall décor that’s worth taking center place once Halloween comes.

Fall Activities for Adults (parties, seasonal drinks, DIY décor)

7. Cooking Classes

If you’d love to be a better cook, take this opportunity to take a fall-themed local cooking class with warm soups, holiday meals and more. You’re not just learning how to make better meals — you’re building confidence in the kitchen and making connections with the flavors of the season. By the time family dinners roll around, you’ll have a few signature fall dinner ideas up your sleeve.

You’ll find cooking classes in Atlanta, Boston, NYC or a city near you. Or, master the best seasonal fare at home with online cooking classes. 

8. Farmers' Markets 

A trip to the farmers’ market in the fall is a reminder that food has a season. Apples, squash, root vegetables, and fresh cider taste different when they come straight from the grower. Local farmers will have their goods on display and artisans will have cheeses, jams and other delicious products to offer as well. Wandering the stalls connects you to the people who grow and make your food, and it’s an easy way to let the season shape what ends up on your table.

9. Sculpt Your Own Fall Décor

We think you’ll be pretty hard-pressed to find a more wholesome fall activity that is better suited to the season than pottery. And pottery classes are equal parts therapy and creativity. Working with clay gives you the chance to design décor that feels like you and the season. A hand-thrown vase? A pumpkin-shaped bowl? You get to make your own keepsake of the season.

Pottery classes are available in NYC, Boston, Houston or a city near you. You’ll learn everything you need to know from pottery for beginners to painting ceramics.

10. Making Cider From Scratch

Sure, you can buy apple cider from the store, but why not make it yourself? Boiling down apples with cinnamon, cloves and citrus fills the kitchen with a smell that feels like fall in a cup. It’s also one of those fall activities that turns a simple afternoon at home into something worth gathering people for. 

11. Fireside Cooking

Cooking over an open flame in the fall isn’t just about food — it’s about atmosphere. The smell of woodsmoke, the glow of the fire, and the warmth on a chilly evening make even simple foods like sausages or marshmallows taste special. It’s a reminder that dining outside can be as much about place and ritual as what’s on the plate. Bring your entire cookout menu, from goodies like sausages, sweet potatoes and other easy handheld foods to roast while spending time with your friends.

12. Seasonal Photography

Fall is one of the most photogenic times of the year. With its rich colors, softer light and seasonal backdrops like orchards or pumpkin patches, it’s easy to capture moments you’ll actually want printed. So, dust off your camera and take portraits with your friends, capture autumn nature or get creative with some unique spooky photo shoots. 

13. Harvest-Themed Feast

The food in the fall is something else, and it’s the perfect time to throw a harvest feast. Get everyone to bring a dish that celebrates seasonal produce — squashes, apples, root vegetables — and let the flavors or the season set the mood. It’s a way to celebrate abundance with friends and neighbors, much like communities have done for centuries.

14. Experiment With Stews 

Fall invites slower cooking, and a pot of stew simmering on the stove is as comforting as it gets. And as a season that inspires us to experiment, it’s time to mix up your favorite autumn ingredients to make some interesting new stews. Playing with beans, squashes, or root vegetables lets you explore the season’s flavors while filling your home with warmth. It’s less about following a recipe and more about finding a mix that feels like your version of autumn.

15. Murder Mystery Game

Murder mystery games feel made for fall, when nights grow longer and the season leans into a little suspense. Costumes, candlelight and a table of Halloween snacks create just the right setting for playful drama. A Masters of Mystery kit gives you everything you need — clues, roles, and a story to unravel. All that’s left is to gather your guests, whether it’s family around the table or friends on a festive girls' night.

Best Fall Activities for Families (day trips, traditions, apple picking)

16. Baking Fall Treats

Are any treats better than fall treats? We don’t think so. The smell of pies and cookies in the oven is part of what makes fall feel like home. Baking fall treats together isn’t just about the end result — it’s the laughter, the mess and the experience that turn it from an activity into a memory. From snickerdoodle fall cookies to apple pies, you’ve got choices.

17. Fall Festivals

When the leaves are changing and there are so many great autumn backdrops to choose from, it’s the perfect time for fall family photos. The seasonal backdrop makes even a casual snapshot feel special, and setting aside an afternoon to take them gives you a fall activity that will last after the day is done. 

18. Pumpkin Patch Trip

A pumpkin patch visit is a family ritual that never gets old. Kids love picking out pumpkins that are bigger than their heads, and parents get the photo ops that end up on the mantel. Whether you use your pumpkin haul for eating or decorating with pumpkin painting ideas, you won’t be disappointed.

19. Fall Family Photos

When the leaves are changing and there are so many great autumn backdrops to choose from, it’s the perfect time for fall family photos. Capture your family in the warm Halloween colors of autumn and hang up those photos around your home. Make them extra seasonal with props like leaves and pumpkins. 

20. Costume Making 

DIYing your Halloween costumes is always more fun than buying them if you have the time. Sorting through the fabric, glue and old clothes together is just the start of this fun fall activity. Don’t forget to let the kids help where they can, with accessories or painting or even sewing, depending on their age. And even if you don’t have any kids, making costumes still makes for some seriously fun arts and crafts for adults.

21. Spooky Haunted Houses

Haunted houses tap into the thrill of being scared in a safe way, which is why families keep going back year after year. Find spooky haunted houses in your area that are age-appropriate and you’ll have fall activities that are fun for everyone. 

22. Volunteering

While fall is often seen as a season of abundance, it’s not always the case for everyone. That’s why volunteering during the fall can be a great opportunity to teach kids empathy and that some celebrations are about more than the tradition. You could volunteer as a family at soup kitchens, animal shelters, events or even pick up trash outside. As long as you’re giving back, the activity itself isn’t important.

23. Pumpkin-Themed Food Tours

If you don’t feel like cooking, see if you can find a pumpkin-themed food tour in your city. Whether it’s lattes, pies, or savory dishes, you get to explore a city’s food scene through the lens of a single ingredient. You can even make your own DIY tour if there aren’t any options in your city. All you have to do is find pumpkin menu items around town and make a day of it.

24. Fall Picnics

Picnics aren’t just for spring and summer. The cooler air means fewer bugs, and the changing leaves provide the backdrop. So why not take advantage of the season and take your family out for a picnic and bring all of your favorite tasty fall treats? 

25. Apple Picking

Apple picking is one of those fall activities that mixes fun with function (apple pie, anyone?). Many orchards will have all different types of apples for you to pick, so mix it up or go with an apple plan in mind. You’ll walk away with produce you can bake, store or snack on. It’s a great way to connect families back to the land — something increasingly rare in everyday life. Kids will learn apples come from trees and not the supermarket.

26. Campfire Stories

What’s more autumnal than telling stories around a campfire? Both spooky stories and nice cozy autumn stories are acceptable here. Of course, you’ll also need s’mores and some hot cocoa.

Outdoor Fall Activities (hikes, hayrides, tailgating)

27. Fall Camping Trips

Most people associate camping with summer, but early fall is also a great time for camping. It’s often quieter, crisper and often more scenic. The cool nights give you an opportunity to fire up the campfire and the cooler days are perfect for hikes without the heat. It’s a great way to disconnect and let nature set the pace.

28. Watching Fall Sunsets 

Fall sunsets are far earlier than summer sunsets and while that means shorter days, it also means it’s easier to catch them (especially if you have small children with early bedtimes). Spend some time outdoors and then wait for the sun to set. Don’t forget to take a picture. Make it an annual fall activity with family or friends and save your photos from each year in a memory book.

29. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

Outdoor scavenger hunts are heaps of fun and they’re a great way to get some fresh air. Create a list of things to spot, like autumn plants, animals and bugs that you could spot in your area. Alternatively, you can just as easily do it around your neighborhood walk and look for items like Halloween decorations, pumpkins and leaf piles in yards instead.

30. Spotting Fall Animals

Take this time to try to spot local animals that are either coming out for the year or getting ready to go into hibernation. Squirrels gather acorns, deer wander closer to fields and birds migrate overhead. Watching these changes with kids helps them understand the rhythms of nature, and it’s a gentle way to slow down outdoors. Just make sure you observe them from a respectful distance.

31. Decorating for Halloween

With Halloween on the way, take this opportunity to start decorating your yard for the spooky season before the weather gets too cold. Stringing lights, setting out pumpkins or adding a touch of spookiness is fun for kids and gives neighbors something to admire. Many of our favorite fall art activities lend themselves well to Halloween decorations, so include a mix of store-bought and DIY home décor items for a totally custom Halloween lawn.

32. Viewing Changing Leaves

Leaf peeping is downright magical. No wonder it’s a popular New England fall activity. Walking or driving through areas where the trees turn gold and red feels like stepping into another world. If you’re not living somewhere where you can see the gorgeous fall colors, it might be time to take a little trip to the northeast. You won’t regret it.

33. Enjoying One Last Lake Day

Fall doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to the water right away. A warm afternoon can be perfect for one last trip to the lake. And it will be spectacularly surrounded by the colors of early fall. 

34. Gathering Nature Items

Collecting pinecones, acorns or colorful leaves can be the start of a craft project or just a simple way to engage with the outdoors. Kids especially enjoy the treasure-hunt feeling, while adults can use the finds to bring a touch of nature indoors. Remember, don’t take anything that’s on private property or anything that’s alive. 

35. Nature Walks

If camping is a bit much, go on a nature walk or hike while the weather is still nice. The cooler air, the crunch of leaves and the changing scenery create a scene you just won’t find at any other time of the year. 

36. Raking Leaves

We’re using the term “fun” liberally here, but raking leaves can be entertaining, especially for kids. Devote a few hours to raking up all of the dry and crunchy leaves around the yard. Turn it into a race, let kids dive into the piles and finish with hot cider. Chores become part of the tradition when you fold in laughter and reward.

Fun Fall Activities for Kids (crafts, games, pumpkin painting)

37. Leaf Pile Jumping

Yes, we know you worked so hard to rake up those leaves, but your kids see them as a fun fall activity. Let your little ones jump into the leaf piles, just this once. You can even have them help you rake the leaves up again later.

38. Making Masks

With Halloween approaching, it makes sense to make some masks. Full costumes might be too hard for little ones, but masks are easier. You could even start with pre-made masks or use simple materials, like paper plates, to help kids make masks from scratch. Roll out your very best Halloween painting ideas and make it a fall activity for your kids to remember this year. 

39. Making Fall Decorations

Crafting decorations with kids lets them feel part of the season. So why not have your child(ren) help make fun fall decorations? Make sure you choose something that is suitable for their age(s) and skill level(s). It can be as simple as autumn garlands or as complex as spooky ghost figurines.

40. Storytelling

Are you and your children the creative types? It’s time for some storytelling. Give everyone time to come up with their own fall-themed story. They can be spooky or funny or anywhere in between. Then have everyone gather around to listen, so it feels like an event instead of just another evening at home.

41. Cozy Fall Movies

Thinking of adding some fall activities to your staycation ideas? While a movie night may sound simple, in the fall it takes on a special kind of charm and it’s easy to pull off when you’re staycationing. Pile on blankets, pop some popcorn and queue up your family’s favorite flicks. It becomes less about the screen and more about creating a cozy ritual that kids look forward to as the days get shorter. 

42. Acorn Painting 

Gathering acorns on a walk and painting them turns a simple find into art. Once you return home, just give your kids some paint and paintbrushes and let their creativity go wild. It’s a fall activity that is more than just creating tiny keepsakes, but that’s part of the charm. 

Easy Fall Activities for Preschoolers (play-based, sensory bins, leaf collages)

43. Petting Zoos

Farms and harvest festivals often feature kid-friendly petting zoos, where little kids get to meet goats, sheep and bunnies while learning how to be gentle and caring. It’s one of those fall activities that sticks in their memory because they rarely get a chance to be that close to these little creatures. Look for petting zoos near you and bring your kids to have some fun. 

44. Painting Gourds

Sure, anyone can paint a pumpkin, but what about other gourds? Painted gourds make great decorations all the way through fall and into winter. They come in all shapes and sizes, which makes them perfect for little hands to decorate. Preschoolers can turn them into funny characters or colorful centerpieces with just some paint and imagination. 

45. Chalk Drawings

Sidewalk chalk lets kids turn anything into their canvas. And the best bit? It washes away easily. Your child can draw on the sidewalk, your driveway, the back fence or anywhere they want. And anything they want, leaves, pumpkins or even friendly ghosts can take over the driveway until the next rain clears it away.

46. Apple Stamping

Apple stamping is one of the easiest fall activities for toddlers. All you need are apples, a knife, some paint and some paper. Cut apples in half, dip them in paint and press them onto paper to see the shapes appear. 

47. Leaf and Pinecone Crafts

Leaf and pinecone crafts are simple, affordable and great for family time. Collect some leaves and pinecones during a walk, grab some paint and start getting creative together as a family. With this fun fall activity for toddlers, you may even end up with some cool fall decorations.

48. Corn Sensory Play

This is a great fall activity for toddlers, but just make sure you supervise. You don’t want small pieces being put in mouths by mistake. Fill a container with dried corn kernels and hide some other fun things in there, like small action figures. Preschoolers can scoop, pour and dig to their hearts’ content. They won’t even know they’re learning and building focus and fine motor skills at the same time.

Fun Fall Activities at Home (cozy décor, cooking, movie nights)

49. Act Out Spooky Stories

Acting out spooky tales turns storytime into a little theater production. Don’t be afraid to get silly. You can either come up with your own scary story or act out a well-known one. Kids can use puppets, costumes or just their voices to bring characters to life. And adults get in on the fun too, which makes the whole thing feel less like a performance and more like a family game.

50. Fall Decorating

Decorating at home sets the mood for the entire season. Take this opportunity to bring out the autumn candles, put up some Halloween decorations and bring those cozy throw blankets out of hibernation. It’s not about a picture-perfect setup; it’s about surrounding yourself with cues that make the season feel alive indoors.

51. Reading Cozy Fall Books

If there are no compelling fall activities that will draw you out of the house, why not get lost in an autumn-themed book? Curling up with a good book feels different when it’s paired with the chill of fall. A warm blanket and a hot drink create the kind of atmosphere that makes you slow down. It’s a quiet ritual that balances out the busier fall activities happening outside the house.

52. Fall Cleaning

Cleaning as a fall activity may not sound very fun, but if you work together with your family or friends, it can be. Clearing out closets, switching blankets, and preparing the house for colder days will make your home feel fresh. It’s also a chance to uncover forgotten keepsakes and reset your space before the busy holiday stretch.

53. Indoor Gardening

When fall comes around, it brings with it the end of the gardening season. But it doesn’t have to be the end. You can start working on your indoor garden instead. Planting basil, thyme or even microgreens is easy, and caring for them throughout the colder months helps you stay connected to the garden outside.

54. Fall-Themed Puzzles

Rainy fall afternoons are perfect for puzzles. Choosing one with autumn colors, harvest scenes or even spooky designs makes the process seasonal as well as relaxing. Working on it solo or with others brings the satisfaction of small progress that slowly builds into a complete picture.

55. Hot Cocoa Bar

If the weather outside is getting chilly, an at-home hot cocoa bar will do the trick. Marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, whipped cream — everyone gets to design their own mug. The ritual makes cold nights feel warmer and gives kids something to look forward to after a day outside. While it might feel more like a winter activity, we think it also makes a great late-fall activity. 

56. Making Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Making pumpkin pie completely from scratch is a great rainy-day fall activity, especially if you’ve already made a trip to the local pumpkin patch. Take the time to do it all, even pureeing your own pumpkin or squash.

57. Autumn Music Playlist Making

Every season has a soundtrack, and autumn deserves one of its own. Building a playlist — whether it leans toward mellow folk songs, Halloween classics, or movie scores — turns the act of listening into a seasonal ritual. Play it while cooking, reading, or decorating and the whole house takes on a fall rhythm.

58. Backyard “Camping” 

If you know that going camping may be a bit “much” for your family, try backyard camping instead. Setting up a tent in the yard feels like a grand adventure to kids, even if the house is only a few steps away. Don’t forget to roast marshmallows and truly embrace sleeping under the stars. 

Fall Festival Activities & Games (carnivals, contests, party games)

59. Fall Face Painting

Face painting doesn’t just belong on our list of fall party ideas. It’s also a great activity for fall festivals. Kids of all ages will love having cool fall-themed designs painted on their faces. The designs might wash off at the end of the day, but the photos will stick around.

60. Hayrides

Hayrides are a common New England fall activity that has since spread far and wide. Sitting on bales under a cool sky, rolling through farms or orchards, you get a front-row seat to the season. Some rides are cozy, while others add haunted twists for October nights; either way, it’s a fun fall experience.

61. Apple Bobbing

Apple bobbing is a classic fall festival game, so you don’t want to miss out. It’s messy, it’s silly and it’s always fun to watch. Leaning over a tub of water with your hands tied behind your back makes even adults laugh like kids again. It’s a game that never fails to entertain.

63. Costume Parade

Many fall festivals, especially in late October, will include a costume parade. Kids and adults alike get the spotlight as they show off costumes they’ve made or chosen. It turns Halloween into more than just door-to-door candy collecting. 

62. Corn Maze 

Few fall activities feel as classic as wandering through a corn maze. It’s lighthearted problem-solving where getting a little lost is part of the fun. And it’s not just for kids; they make a great fall group activity for adults, too.

64. Fall Photo Booth

Fall festivals and photo booths go hand in hand. Props like hay bales, pumpkins and scarecrows set the backdrop, while families have fun creating their seasonal mementos. 

65. Fall-Themed Outdoor Movie Night

Outdoor movie nights take advantage of autumn’s cool evenings before winter sets in. It's not hard to set up your own, you just need a projector, snacks and a good amount of space to set up blankets or lawn chairs. Whether the movie is spooky for Halloween or family-friendly for younger crowds, it becomes part of the festival’s charm.

66. Pumpkin Bowling

This is a super silly fall activity that’s a lot of fun. It’s bowling, but with an autumnal twist. Instead of hitting bowling pins with a bowling ball, you use a round pumpkin. The unpredictability of lopsided gourds keeps everyone laughing, and it’s a reminder that fall festivals don’t have to take themselves too seriously to create lasting joy. See if you can get a strike.

67. Fall Craft Stations

Craft stations keep little hands busy and let kids take home something they made themselves. From leaf rubbings to paper pumpkins, these projects turn the energy of a festival into something tangible. Parents get a keepsake, kids will be proud of their creations and the tradition of seasonal crafting continues.

68. Apple-Tasting Station

According to an article published on the site of the University of Illinois, there are over 7,500 different varieties of apples. And with so many varieties, tasting different apple varieties feels like sampling the season itself. From tart to sweet, crisp to soft, each bite offers something new. An apple station introduces kids to the idea that not all apples are the same, while adults might discover a variety they’ve never tried before. You might even find a new favorite apple!

Fall isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a season built on rituals, flavors, and moments that stick with us. From pumpkin carving to apple picking, these festive fall activities give you a reason to slow down, laugh a little louder and make traditions that last well beyond the cooler months. However you spend it, autumn has a way of turning the simplest days into memories worth holding onto.

For even more fun fall activities, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!