Little Walnut Cottage

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Autumn is the perfect season to slow down, savor cozy moments, and make lasting memories. From crisp morning walks and pumpkin patches to warm drinks and comfort foods, a fall bucket list is a fun way to celebrate everything this colorful season has to offer. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fall activities, cozy indoor ideas, or ways to enjoy the outdoors, this list is full of inspiration to help you make the most of autumn. Be sure to get your free printable fall bucket list to hang on your fridge or cupboard!

It’s that time, ya’ll. The days are getting a teeny bit shorter, there’s a hint of chilly morning air, and the air is slightly less suffocating. That’s right. Fall is here!

I love summer. I love sunshine and backyard barbecues, pool parties, and beach vacations. But ya know what comes with all of those fun things? Mosquitos, gnats, sunburns, and heat so oppressive it curls up inside of you and whispers, “You’ll never be comfortable again.”

Maybe it’s not like that where you live, but I live in the south. Which is great, except in August, when the only hope we can cling to is the promise that fall will arrive just as it has every year since the dawn of time.

The trouble with fall is sometimes it comes and goes so quickly, I’m left scratching my head and wondering, “Where did the time go? I didn’t even get to enjoy the pretty leaves!”

I love the idea of taking a lovely autumn trip to a mountainous cabin where there’s nothing to do but bask in the fall foliage in a beautiful cable knit sweater, but I have two babies, a full to-do list, and no possibility of a fall getaway.

So, do we scrap our fall dreams and knuckle through until Christmas? Absolute not!

I’ve put together twelve cozy, family-friendly fall activities we can do over the next couple of months that will cost us little to nothing. Because the seasons aren’t about consumerism or travel (although I’d take that cabin getaway in a heartbeat), they’re about slowing down and basking in what the good Lord has given us.

I’ve also put together a pretty fall bucket list printable for us so we can check everything off as we go. That way, when December knocks at our door, we can look at all of the fun autumn things we did and remember:

1. What a lovely season it was.
2. That we actually did slow down and enjoy it!

Plus, I know y’all love a pretty printable as much as I do.

(See, Dad, it’s not just me.)

Fall Bucket List Ideas

1. Wear a Cozy Sweater

There’s something magical about pulling on a sweater for the first time that season, which is why we put it at the top of the fall bucket list. You’ve been wearing tank tops and shorts for months, sweating endlessly, and then, you feel just enough of a chill in the air to think… “Is it time?”

The answer to that is almost always no. Even a day that starts in the 50s can hit 80-degree temperatures in September. But if you’re like me, you’ll put that sweater on anyway. For a moment, you’ll feel like everything is going to be ok.

Then 11:00 hits, and you’re wondering what in the world you were thinking.

But, because this isn’t your first rodeo, you’ll take it off and wear the tank top you so wisely wore underneath, and everything will be ok.

Fall is a wonderful time to go thrifting for a gently-loved cozy sweater or invest in a new one made with natural fibers for a fall outfit that will last you for years to come. Whatever you choose, be sure to grab a lovely autumn photo and cross it off your fall bucket list!

2. Take a Scenic Walk

Walking is one of those beautiful, family-friendly fall activities that people of all ages can enjoy. It doesn’t cost a dime, and it’s the perfect fall bucket list activity to get everyone out in the sunshine and away from their looming to-do list.

There’s no better time to take a scenic walk than when those first signs of fall appear!

When the temperature drops, we walk our street almost every night. We pack the kids up in a wagon and go on our merry way, spotting deer, dilapidated barns, and fall foliage along the way.

If you don’t live in an area safe for walking, check out your local parks or nature reserves. Be sure to take a camera and a warm drink for the optimal fall family activity.

3. Pick a Pumpkin

Ahhhh pumpkins. Whether you plan to carve it, bake it, or look at it until it turns to mush outside your door, you absolutely must pick a pumpkin for it to officially be autumn. It’s on the fall bucket list, so you can’t ignore it!

If you are one of those clever green-thumb people who planted a garden in the spring, you might not have to walk further than your backyard for a pumpkin. Maybe you, like me, really did let last year’s pumpkin turn to mush, toss it into the woods, and now you have a Jumanji-style vine growing right outside. Hooray!

If not, you can scurry your way to the closest pumpkin patch, farmer’s market, or grocery store for your pumpkin.

4. Sip a Fall Latte

I have a confession to make (I do a lot of confessing around here): I don’t like coffee.

It’s gross, and I’m wound up enough by little ones to add caffeine.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a fall latte!

If you’re looking for a caffeine-free fall latte, try swapping out coffee for Teecino herbal tea, a delicious herbal coffee alternative. Teecino has a naturally rich, roasted flavor that tastes a lot like coffee but is made from herbs, fruits, and grains instead of beans. Brew it strong, then add steamed milk, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for the ultimate cozy drink. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a fall latte at home—all the warmth and comfort of the season, without the caffeine crash, jitters, or questionable creamer ingredients.

Check out our Healthy Latte recipe for step-by-step instructions!

5. Make a Fall Cider

While you’re at the pumpkin patch or taking a scenic fall walk, you must have a steaming cup of fall cider! Apple cider tends to steal the cider show (for obvious reasons), but have you ever tried a cranberry cider? It’s on the fall bucket list, so you must give it a try!

Cranberry cider is a delicious twist on traditional apple cider. While classic apple cider relies only on apples for sweetness, cranberry cider combines tart cranberries with apple cider or juice, then simmers with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel for a festive flavor. The result is a holiday drink that’s just as cozy and spiced as apple cider, but with a brighter, tangier taste. If you’re looking for a fall or Christmas drink recipe that feels seasonal yet a little different, cranberry cider is the perfect alternative to serve at gatherings.

Imagine sipping this while wearing your favorite boots, cozy sweater, and chatting with a friend about how blessed we are to live in a world with Octobers.

6. Make a Cozy Soup

There are two camps of women when fall rolls around. There are the Pumpkin Spice Girlies and the Soup Season Girlies.

I come from a strong heritage of Soup Season Girlies. You can be both, but you can’t be neither. It’s the law. And it’s on the fall bucket list.

Soup is a cozy comfort food everyone can get around. It’s warm, flavorful, and it fills all the nooks and crannies of your belly in a way that says, “Everything is going to be ok.”

One of my favorite fall soup recipes is our Healthy Potato Soup. It’s packed with lean protein from turkey sausage and nourishing bone broth, and you can add a little (or a lot) of parmesan on top for extra gooey goodness. Our Healthy Chicken Soup with Bone Broth and Coconut Milk is another family favorite here at the cottage! Pair either with our Soft Honey Sourdough Loaf, and you have a cozy fall meal that will bring everyone together.

7. Take a Family Photo

Fall is one of the best times of year to capture family memories—the colorful leaves and golden light make every picture look magical. Plus, it’s cool enough to gather everyone together without sweating through your Sunday best!

A pumpkin patch is a fun and festive backdrop, especially if you want a playful vibe with kids. For something more scenic, head to a parkway overlook or local trail when the leaves are at their peak for breathtaking fall foliage in the background. If you’d rather have someone else behind the camera, many photographers offer affordable fall mini sessions, which are short, styled photo shoots designed to give you a handful of beautiful seasonal portraits. No matter which option you choose, a family photo in the fall makes for a keepsake you’ll treasure—and it’s perfect for holiday cards!

8. Fall Movie Night

When I was growing up, Harry Potter was an integral part of our lives. I knew the chances of a Hogwarts letter arriving on my 11th birthday were slim, but don’t think I didn’t check the mailbox that day with a glimmer of hope in my chest.

Back then, my dad would say, “It’s time for a Harry Potter movie” when the weather cooled down. I didn’t understand. I was down to watch Harry Potter, whether it was 100 degrees or 10.

I’m still that way, but now the longing for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a little stronger when the weather is below 60 degrees.

Few things feel cozier than a crisp evening spent curled up with blankets, snacks, and your favorite fall movies. A fall movie night is the perfect family-friendly fall activity you can do at home. Here are some classic options to add to your watchlist:

• Hocus Pocus – a Halloween favorite full of magic, mischief, and nostalgia.
• Halloweentown – lighthearted fun that’s perfect for the whole family.
• You’ve Got Mail – a romantic classic set against the golden backdrops of New York in autumn.
• Practical Magic – cozy cottage vibes with a touch of witchy charm.
• Harry Potter Series – nothing says fall like cozy castles, pumpkin pasties, and wizarding adventures.
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – timeless and family-friendly, with all the charm of a classic cartoon.

Set the mood with a few candles, a warm drink like cider or hot chocolate, and plenty of blankets for the ultimate cozy movie night. Don’t forget to check it off your fall bucket list!

9. Have a Bonfire

If I held any kind of elected office, I would decree bonfires as the official fall activity of planet Earth. Bonfires might be the coziest get-together you can host this time of year, and it might also be the easiest. Since the event is centered around an outdoor fire, you don’t have to worry about cleaning your house. Score!

Try not to overthink hosting a bonfire. I’ve been to fancy bonfires with twinkle lights, Adirondack chairs, and soft music played through surround sound speakers, and bonfires in a cow field with a mixture of cardboard boxes and scrap wood ignited with lighter fluid. Both were awesome. All you need is a plan for the fire (fire pit, scrap wood, split logs), cozy drinks, and a few friends.

10. Read a Cozy Book

It’s hard to read in the summer because there are gardens to tend (or slowly kill), grass to mow, and weeds to pick. But fall is different. There’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket, a warm drink, and a good book on a crisp autumn day. The garden has met its inevitable end, the grass doesn’t grow so fast, and the weeds, well, they’ll be there next year, won’t they?

Now’s the time to focus on a good book. Here are six cozy reads to make your fall evenings extra special:

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – Experience the magic of Hogwarts in the fall, with pumpkin pasties, candlelit feasts, and enchanted adventures. Perfect for fans of fantasy and whimsical worlds.
2. A Heart So Haunted by Hollie Nelson – A gothic romance full of atmosphere and intrigue, ideal for curling up on a chilly autumn night with a cup of tea.
3. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – Follow Anne’s adventures through the changing seasons in Avonlea, celebrating imagination, friendship, and the beauty of fall.
4. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – A layered, atmospheric story spanning generations; perfect for a cozy reading nook on a quiet autumn afternoon.
5. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – A timeless tale of discovery, friendship, and the restorative magic of nature—ideal for a reflective fall day.
6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Full of warmth, family bonds, and nostalgic charm, this classic is perfect for savoring under a blanket with a mug of cider.

11. Go Thrifting

You can thrift any time of year, but there’s something special about doing it in the fall. Some girls dream about strolling through Target with a pumpkin spice latte and an hour to kill. I’d rather have that same hour, a Teecino latte, and a trip to Goodwill.

Why? Because it’s like a treasure hunt, minus the suspenseful Goonies music.

You never know what you’re going to find at the thrift stores! You could find your new favorite sweater, Winnie the Pooh bookends (my best thrift find ever), a vintage board game, or an antique toy perfect for your child’s Christmas. You just never know!

Plus, a lot of people donate fall decorations this time of year so you could find the perfect happy scarecrow or fall centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Here are ten fallish items to look for during your trip to the thrift store:

1. Cozy Sweaters & Cardigans – Chunky knits, cable-knit, or vintage wool sweaters perfect for layering.

2. Plaid Flannel Shirts – Classic fall staple in autumn colors like red, orange, or mustard.

3. Blankets & Throws – Soft, warm, or rustic-looking blankets to snuggle under during cooler nights and bonfires.

4. Autumn Decor – Pumpkins, lanterns, candle holders, or rustic signs with fall motifs.

5. Mugs & Teacups – Cute or quirky designs for sipping hot cider, cocoa, or herbal teas.

6. Boots & Fall Shoes – Ankle boots, loafers, or cozy slippers for seasonal style.

7. Scarves & Hats – Plaid, cable-knit, or earthy-toned accessories to complete your fall look.

8. Vintage Jackets & Coats – Denim, leather, or wool coats in warm autumn tones.

9. Baskets & Rustic Storage – Perfect for holding fall decorations, cozy blankets, or seasonal fruit.

10. Cookware & Serving Pieces – Harvest-themed plates, bowls, or mugs to make fall meals feel extra cozy.

12. Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is a classic fall activity that’s perfect for the whole family. Wander through orchards with crisp autumn air, colorful leaves underfoot, and thrifted baskets in hand as you search for the perfect apples. Whether you’re picking for baking pies, making homemade cider, or just snacking straight from the tree, the experience is full of Hallmark-worthy seasonal charm.

Many orchards also offer hayrides, petting zoos, or pumpkin patches, making it a fun outing that captures the essence of fall. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a family photo!

13. Wear Your Favorite Boots

Fall is the perfect time to break out your favorite boots, whether they’re cozy ankle boots, classic riding boots, or rugged lace-ups. Pair them with your favorite sweaters, scarves, and flannel shirts for a classic autumn look- and feel. Wearing your boots isn’t just about style—it’s about stepping into the season with comfort, warmth, and a little seasonal flair as you explore pumpkin patches, scenic trails, or weekend markets.

When your book crunches that first autumn leaf, a little bit of magic will shiver up your spine, and you’ll know fall is here.

14. Bake a Pie

There’s a scene in the movie Radio where Radio and the football coach are sitting in a diner, and the waitress asks which flavor of pie they want. Radio answers “Both,” with a look on his face like “Why would you make me choose?”

That’s how I feel about pie, and that’s why it’s on the fall bucket list.

Pie is something everyone can get behind, and they are so fun to make! Invite your little ones to help you measure spices, stir fillings, and roll out the crust. If you don’t have a favorite pie recipe, I hope you’ll check out our Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie with Sourdough Discard Crust. And even if you do have a favorite… well, give this one a try anyway because the spiced pecan bottom will enrich your life.

How to Create Your Own Fall Bucket List

A fall bucket list is all about slowing down, celebrating the season, and making lasting memories, so don’t confine yourself to the activities on this list. Start by thinking about the activities that bring you and your family joy—whether it’s cozying up with a book, baking autumn treats, or spending time outdoors. Make a mix of simple, everyday pleasures (like sipping a warm latte or taking a scenic walk) and special outings (like apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, or hosting a bonfire).

Be sure to download our free printable fall bucket list so you can check everything off as you go! You can also involve family or friends, making it a shared tradition that grows each year. Keep it flexible and fun—fall is all about enjoying the season at your own pace, so your bucket list should reflect what makes autumn meaningful to you.

It’s all about the Family-Friendly Fall Activities

I hope this fall bucket list gets you thinking about simple ways to enjoy fall with your friends and family. My goal in writing this was to help us be intentional with our time and not let the season slip by unenjoyed. I hope you’ll print out this printable and check off the family-friendly fall activities as you go, then look back in December and think of all the fun memories you made.

Which fall bucket list item will you try first? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Check out these fall baking Idease: