10 Fall Bucket List Ideas for the Family

It’s officially fall, and the magic is already in the air. There’s something about this season that just feels cozy. It’s the season of apple pie, pumpkin spice, crunchy leaves beneath your feet, cinnamon sticks, crackling bonfires, and sweater weather. As the days get shorter and the nights feel a little crisper, the holidays are just around the corner. There’s so much to look forward to this season, and with summer vacation over and the kids back in school, it’s a perfect time to be more intentional with how you spend time with your family. Here are 10 fall family activities you’ll want to add to your bucket list before the season ends:

1. Apple picking

If you’re within driving distance of an apple orchard, apple picking is a must-do activity. Not only is it fun for the whole family, it’s a great way to teach little ones how fruit grows and get them to eat fresh apples. Even the pickiest kids won’t be able to resist taking a bite out of a crispy apple they’ve handpicked themselves.

2. Make apple cider

If you’ve left the apple orchard with more apples than you know what to do with, there are a ton of fall treats you can make with your kids. Apple pie is high on the list, of course, but warm cider is such a cozy drink to enjoy together on a chilly night. Recruit your littles into helping you concoct a batch of apple cider, and they’ll love tasting the delicious drink as it simmers. The biggest bonus? Your house will smell heavenly all day.

3. Have a movie night

With spooky season upon us, one of the most fun ways to get into the Halloween spirit is to watch age-appropriate Halloween movies on weekend evenings! Pop the popcorn, make a fall-themed snack tray, drag your Toki bean bags into the living room, and stream family favorites like Hocus Pocus, Coco, Addams Family Values, and Casper!

4. Picnic at the park

One of the best things about fall is the weather. The days aren’t too hot or too cold, and the air is pleasantly crisp. Before the season is over, head to your local park or favorite recreational spot outdoors for a family picnic. Our picnic blankets are water-repellent so you can stay cozy and dry  on damp grass, and they’re large enough to comfortably sit the entire family.

5. Family photoshoot

While you might snap a million photos of your kids every day, it’s nice to have some photos where you’re in the frame too. If hiring a professional photographer isn’t feasible, make it a point to get the family dressed up and take some nice photos with the help of a phone tripod and the self-timer feature. You’ll never regret taking family photos and you can use them on your holiday cards!

6. Carve pumpkins

Carving pumpkins can be a fun family tradition that everyone can take part in! Have your toddler draw their design on the pumpkin, then enlist Mom or Dad to do the carving. Your little ones can help scoop out the pumpkin guts, and even your baby can use them for sensory exploration. Scoop some into a bowl, set it down on your vegan leather Toki mat, and let them feel the slimy, sticky stuff. It’s a great sensory activity to boost language skills, and when you’re all done, you can wipe the mat clean!

7. Roast pumpkin seeds

If you’ve never roasted your own pumpkin seeds, you’re missing out on a tasty, nutritious treat. Have your toddler help you separate the seeds from the stringy pulp after you’ve carved your pumpkin (it’s a great fine motor activity!), then rinse the seeds in cold water. Simmer them in salted, boiling water for 5 minutes, drain, pat to dry, and toss them in olive oil and your favorite seasoning! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, spread the seeds on a cookie sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. They’re nutty, delicious, and full of zinc to keep you healthy during cold and flu season!

8. Make a fall-themed scavenger hunt

One great way to get everyone outside is to make a fall-themed scavenger hunt. Get specific when adding items, such as “a yellow fan-shaped leaf” if you have ginkgo trees near your home, and “a pinecone bigger than your fist” to make things a little more challenging. It’s a fun and educational activity to do over the weekend that’ll help you go screen-free!

9. DIY fall decorations for your home

Get out the paper plates, googly eyes, and finger paints! Decorating the house is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holidays, and your family can have so much fun making all the decorations this year. Go outside with your kids and collect things like pinecones, dried leaves, sticks, and more to DIY Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. Your little ones will feel so proud when they see their work hanging on the walls and on the mantel.

10. Do a seasonal toy clean-out

With the holidays coming up, there’s no better time to do a seasonal toy clean-out to declutter your kid’s room and make some space for all the new things they’ll have by the end of the year. Throw out all the the broken junk and have your child pick out everything they want to donate to charity. Let them know that the things they no longer play with will go to a good home, and they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in passing their toys on to other kids.