12 REALISTIC FALL BUCKET LIST ACTIVITIES

Temps are slowly dropping and soon the leaves will be putting on a show. You know what that means, right? FALL BUCKET LIST TIME, BABY. Grab your pal, partner, or favorite tiny humans and make the most of the season with some fun, neurosparkly-approved autumn activities. We'll get ya started with realistic ideas that accommodate for sensory issues and are perfect for all ages. (We gotchu, boo.)

TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE

This one is perfect for our "outdoor adjacent" friends. You know… you like the IDEA of nature. You just like it better in a climate controlled environment, sans bugs. No problem. Find a nice stretch of highway with some scenic views, blast your favorite tunes, enjoy the gorgeous fall colors, and hey… if you're feeling adventurous, you could even roll down the windows. Whatever feels right. (Bonus points for packing your favorite road trip snacks.)

HEAD TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Spend a day supporting a local farm AND procuring the perfect pumpkin. Win win. If sensory issues are a problem, consider going at off-peak times for an experience that's a little more chill. (And a lot less peopley.)

COZY UP FOR A MOVIE NIGHT

Whether you snuggle up on the couch with your favorite snacks and comfy blankets, or set up a backyard projector for a spooky movie under the stars, you can't go wrong with a fall-themed movie night.

DIY FALL-THEMED CRAFTS

Get creative and channel that hyperfocus into fun fall projects. Need some ideas? Make leaf rubbings, paint a pumpkin, create a fall-themed sensory bottle, make a leaf garland, craft a Halloween wreath, try your hand at homemade candles, or learn to knit a cozy scarf. (Pro tip? Check that overflowing bin of craft supplies that you've collected over the years to see what you can make with stuff you already have before you ADHD out at your local craft store and buy things to start three new hobbies.)

TAKE A HIKE

Okay, this one is slightly more nature-y than the scenic drive BUT it's a great time of year to head out into the woods and enjoy the changing colors up close. This doesn't have to be strenuous, pals. Just a leisurely walk down a nature trail is totally acceptable. If you aren't in a protected area (like a state or national park), you could even collect some leaves, acorns, and pinecones to use in your fall crafting endeavors.

BAKE SOME DELICIOUS FALL TREATS

Oh my god, is there anything better than the warm, comfy-cozy scents of freshly baked treats? Whether we're talking pumpkin bread, apples crisps, caramel popcorn, cinnamon rolls, pecan pies… holy shit my mouth is watering. Where was I?? Oh! Right. No matter WHAT you're baking, getting everyone involved is a fun (delicious) way to spend an afternoon. And the more hands you have on clean-up duty, the faster you can all dig in and enjoy the spoils of your labor.

HAVE A FALL-THEMED PHOTOSHOOT

Whether you're in your backyard or you head to a local park, farm, or nature reserve, gather your people and have a mini fall photoshoot. It can be totally serious, atmospheric, and gorgeous, or you could grab some sheets and try out the hilarious ghost photoshoot trend. You choose the vibes.

GO ON A NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Jot down a list of fall-themed items (specific colored leaves, pinecones, acorns, mushrooms, flowers, moss, etc… you can Google lots of ideas), and set out to see who can find the most the fastest.

GO APPLE PICKING

Head to a local orchard and spend the afternoon picking apples, sipping cider, and enjoying some freshly baked apple treats. (We've already established how much I like and encourage freshly baked treats…)

A CORN MAZE

Challenge your people to navigate a labyrinth of corn stalks and see how long it takes you to find your way out! If it seems daunting or overwhelming, start small or go during off-peak times to avoid the crowds.

CHECK OUT A FALL FESTIVAL

Find a local fall festival and spend the day doing all the things. Hayrides, face painting, costume contests, s'mores stations, pumpkin decorating, pie eating contests, bobbing for apples… Wait. Do they still do that? Because honestly, ew. Whatever. Anyway. As I was saying. Do all the things. (Except maybe the bobbing for apples. The 'vid is on the rise again, pals, and no one wants to swap spit with strangers at a fall festival.)

THROW A BACKYARD BONFIRE NIGHT

You know… if your neighborhood is cool with that and you aren't on a fire ban. We don't want to be responsible for a forest fire. BUT IF YOU CAN…  invite all your favorite humans and end the season with a cozy bonfire night. Roast marshmallows for smores, tell spooky stories, play some tunes from your fall playlist, and enjoy the amazing company with soft blankets and plenty of places to sit.

The most important thing to remember, whether you use our list or make your own, is that this is a list of IDEAS and you are in no way obligated to hit them all. Don't put too much pressure on yourself this year, boo. Embrace the chaos. Laugh. Take the unexpected detours. The goal is never perfection. It’s connection. Bonding with our favorite people and making memories, no matter how messy and imperfect they might be.