Fall Bucket List: Fun Activities to Enjoy This Fall!

​As the air turns crisp and leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, it’s time to embrace all that fall offers. This season brings a unique charm filled with cozy moments and fun activities. To help you make the most of it, here’s a fall bucket list packed with ideas for enjoying this beautiful time of year and boosting your mental health in the process!
 
1. Put the Spirit of Thankfulness Front and Center!
This is a great opportunity to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for, and if you have children, it is an excellent teaching opportunity. Research suggests that gratitude practices reduce stress and anxiety and increase connection, both of which are healthy ways to practice mental health self-care. Try these thankfulness activities with your family!
Gratitude Journaling: Dedicate time each week to writing down things you’re thankful for. Reflect on both big and small joys. Sometimes, when life gets stressful, we forget all that we have to be thankful for, which can become toxic.
Variation: I often have families use a wipe-off board to write down things they are thankful for, especially if it is something to acknowledge in another family member for all to see.
Thank You Notes: Take a moment to write thank you notes to people who have positively impacted your life. This could be friends, family, or even colleagues or classmates. Again, we can forget those who bless us and take people for granted. A written thank you “for being there for me, making me smile, always having my back…” fosters deeper connections and a sense of belonging. Increased connections and support foster hope, healing, and healthier brain functioning!
Community Service: Volunteer at a local charity or community event. Giving back to those in need is a way to express gratitude for what you have.       
2. Go Apple Picking
There’s nothing quite like a day spent at an apple orchard. Gather your friends or family and head out to pick your own apples! Not only is it a fun outdoor activity, but it also allows you to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Once you’ve filled your basket, try making these delicious recipes:
Classic Apple Pie: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a perfect balance.
Ingredients
For the pie crust:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the apple filling:

• 6 cups (~1.4kg) peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter chunks.
   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing the mixture with a fork, until the dough just comes together.
   • Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the apple filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
   • In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
   • Add the dry mixture to the apples and toss until evenly coated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and dot the top with the butter pieces.
   • Roll out the second disk of dough to a similar size and place it over the apples. Trim the excess dough, leaving about ½ inch overhang. Tuck the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp the edges.
   • Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Egg wash and baking:
   • In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash.
   • Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
   • If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
5. Cool and serve:
   • Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. Enjoy your perfectly baked apple pie!

 
Homemade Apple Sauce: Cook peeled apples with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until soft, then mash to your desired consistency.
Ingredients
6 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
¾ cup (180ml) water or apple juice
2-4 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust based on sweetness of apples)
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice (to balance sweetness)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the apples:
Peel, core, and chop the apples into even-sized chunks.
Cook the apples:
In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, water (or apple juice), sugar (if using), lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
Simmer:
Let the apples simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and soft. If the mixture looks too dry during cooking, you can add a bit more water.
Mash or puree:
For a chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher or fork to your desired texture.
For a smoother sauce, transfer the cooked apples to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
Adjust sweetness:
Taste the applesauce and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Cool and store:
Let the applesauce cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Optional Variations:
Spiced Apple Sauce: For extra warmth, add nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon.
Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Simply omit the sugar if you prefer a more natural, unsweetened version.
 
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Spend a day choosing the perfect pumpkins for decorating your home. Many patches also offer hayrides and corn mazes, making it a fantastic outing for all ages. Having in-house pumpkin carving contests while watching the World Series or another favorite fall flick can’t be beat!
Consider trying your hand at these pumpkin-inspired recipes:

Pumpkin Soup: Sauté onions and garlic, add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and spices, then blend until smooth.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) pumpkin puree (fresh or canned; about 2 cups)
3 cups (720ml) vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup (240ml) coconut milk or heavy cream
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the onions and garlic:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the pumpkin and spices:
Stir in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). Cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Simmer with broth:
Add the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Blend until smooth:
Remove the soup from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Add cream and season:
Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream to make the soup creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and maple syrup or honey if you'd like a hint of sweetness.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serve and garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.
Optional Variations:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Herby Flavor: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during the simmering stage for an herbal twist.
Chunky Soup: If you like some texture, reserve a portion of the sautéed onions or roasted pumpkin chunks and add them back into the pureed soup. This creamy pumpkin soup is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make! Enjoy!
 
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Clean and season seeds with olive oil and your favorite spices, then roast in the oven until crispy.

3. Enjoy a Nature Hike
Take advantage of the stunning fall foliage by going for a hike. Look for scenic trails in your area that showcase the beauty of autumn. Bring along some snacks like trail mix or homemade granola bars. Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy some exercise while soaking up the season’s vibrant colors. Being outdoors and exercising is an excellent antidote to the emotional blues that can result due to the changes in the shorter days, bringing reduced lighting and cooler temperatures associated with fall.
 
4. Attend a Fall Festival
Fall festivals are a fantastic way to celebrate the season! Check out local events that feature food, crafts, and live entertainment. Many festivals include activities like hayrides, apple cider tasting, and artisan booths. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local vendors and enjoy the festive atmosphere with friends and family.
 
5. Host a Bonfire Night
As the evenings get cooler, gather around a cozy bonfire with loved ones. Set up some comfortable seating and provide blankets for warmth. Roast marshmallows for s’mores and sip on hot apple cider or mulled wine. Sharing stories and laughter around the fire is a perfect way to create lasting memories. *Be sure to consult your local fire authority for safety and potential burn bans in your area!
 
6. Create a Fall-Themed Craft
Channel your creativity with some DIY fall crafts! Here are a few ideas:
 
Autumn Leaf Wreath: Collect colorful leaves, then hot glue them to a foam or straw wreath base. Add some twine for hanging. Kids loves this activity!
Cinnamon Stick Candles: Wrap cinnamon sticks around a plain candle using twine for a seasonal touch that also adds a lovely scent.
Table Place Holders for Thanksgiving: Take the opportunity to create handmade table placeholders for your Thanksgiving dinner table. This is an especially fun activity with your kids that will make them feel like a part of the festivities! 
Pine Cone Turkey: Use pine cones and add decorations to create a fun turkey! You can use craft papers or purchase candies (your kiddos will prefer candy but you'll have to wait until closer to the holiday if you choose this option). Use hot glue for paper products and thick frosting for candies. You kiddos hands make for great tail feathers. Toothpicks can be glued to the pine cone with a name glued at the top.
7. Explore a Local Farmer’s Market
Fall is a great time to visit local farmer’s markets. Enjoy browsing through fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Mental health is directly tied to our gut health, and learning to appreciate food from the land that is fresh and diverse is a great way to support healthy digestion. Support local farmers and artisans while picking up seasonal ingredients for your next cooking adventure.
 
8. A Few More Seasonal Recipes
Fall is the perfect time to indulge in seasonal flavors. Here are some recipes to experiment with:
Butternut Squash Risotto: Can anyone say “YUM!” Sauté onions and garlic, add Arborio rice, and gradually stir in vegetable broth, adding roasted butternut squash for creaminess.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups (300g) Arborio rice
1 cup (240ml) dry white wine (optional)
4 cups (960ml) vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
2 cups (300g) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into small pieces
1 cup (240ml) water (or extra broth, if needed)
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme or sage, for garnish (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the broth:
 
Warm the vegetable or chicken broth in a saucepan over low heat. Keep it warm as you'll gradually add it to the risotto.
Cook the butternut squash:
 
In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cubed butternut squash and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften. If needed, add 1 cup of water or broth to help steam the squash.
Once the squash is tender, mash half of the pieces with a fork to create a creamy texture, while leaving the other half in chunks. Set aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic:
 
In the same pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the rice:
 
Add the Arborio rice to the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and cook for 2 minutes, lightly toasting the rice.
If using, pour in the white wine and stir constantly until it has mostly absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
Add broth gradually:
 
Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each ladle of broth to be mostly absorbed before adding more.
Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). This process will take about 18-20 minutes. You may not need all the broth, or you may need a little extra water if the rice needs more time to cook.
Combine the butternut squash and finish:
 
Once the rice is cooked to your liking, stir in the mashed and cubed butternut squash.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and butter, stirring to create a creamy consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
 
Spoon the risotto into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or sage if desired.
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
Optional Variations:
Crispy Sage: Fry some sage leaves in butter and use them as a garnish for a crispy texture.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for added protein.
Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan, or substitute it with nutritional yeast. Enjoy your creamy, savory butternut squash risotto!
 
Cranberry-Apple Crisp: Layer fresh cranberries and sliced apples in a baking dish, top with a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar, and bake until bubbly. The kids love to help with this one!
Ingredients
For the Fruit Filling:

• 4 medium apples (about 4 cups), peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (about 150g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish.
2. Prepare the fruit filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and cranberries.
   • Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
   • Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Make the crisp topping:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms clumps or crumbles.
   • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit.
4. Bake the crisp:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
   • If the topping browns too quickly, you can cover the crisp loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
5. Cool and serve:
   • Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken as it cools.
   • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Optional Variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
• Extra Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a spicier flavor. Enjoy your sweet and tangy cranberry apple Crisp!

 
9. Watch a Football Game
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy the social aspect, watching a football game is a quintessential fall activity. Attending a local game or hosting a watch party at home. Prepare some tasty game-day snacks like:
Buffalo Chicken Dip: Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheddar, then bake until bubbly. This dish can truly be “tossed together” and it’s hard to mess up, have fun!
Chili: A hearty, warm dish perfect for sharing, made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. I like to put the chili in a carved out pumpkin to serve to add to the fall vibe and the kids love it!
Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) white or navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (don’t put these in until the last 15 minutes or so as they break down and can get mushy when cooked too long!)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp chili powder (+/- depending on taste)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, diced avocado, or tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the meat:
   • Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef (or your meat alternative) to the center. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add seasonings:
   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add tomatoes and beans:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef or vegetable broth. Mix in the kidney beans and black beans.
   • Add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the chili:
   • Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If the chili becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and adjust:
   • After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder for more heat, if desired.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

Optional Variations:

• Spicy Chili: Add diced jalapeños or a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.
• Vegetarian Chili: Omit the meat and add more beans (such as pinto beans) or diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
• Thick and Hearty: Add ½ cup cornmeal or masa harina (flour made with soaked and dried corn kernals)  in the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken the chili.

 
This classic chili is perfect for cozy nights and pairs well with cornbread or rice! Enjoy!
 
10. Have a Movie Marathon
As the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time for a cozy movie marathon. Create a lineup of fall-themed films or your favorite comfort movies, and set up a comfy viewing area with blankets and pillows. Don’t forget the popcorn seasoned with your favorite spices for the ultimate cozy night in!
 
Conclusion
With so many wonderful activities to enjoy, fall is truly a magical season. Practice thankfulness and enjoy the season with your loved ones. Create your own fall bucket list and make the most of these beautiful months. What are your favorite fall activities? Remember to take some pictures and assemble a nice photo album or scrapbook to remember the season with your loved ones!

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