With the start of school, the beginning of fall has come at last. The long hot, sunshine-filled summer days are giving way to cool fall nights, vibrant fall leaves, cozy blankets, fireplace chats, and of course, pumpkin spice everything.
September is a month that seems to bring a bit of a lull, and it provides a time to relax, have fun, and reset before the last three months of the crazy holiday rush are upon us. However, I always seem to have the month of September slip past me without doing any of the fun fall activities that are available.
If you are looking for some inspiration for fun fall fun, here is a list of my top 10 September Bucket List Ideas.
Decorate Your Home
One of the easiest ways to get into the fall spirit is to decorate your home. Seasonal wreaths, pumpkins, gourds, candles, and other fall-themed decorations are a great way to bring fall colors and vibe indoors and make your home warm and inviting. And don't forget the outdoor decorations! If you are short on specific ideas, check out Pinterest.
A Day of Apple-Themed Activities
If you are lucky enough to live in an area that has apple orchards plan to spend a day focused on apples. Your kiddos will have fun learning how to pick apples and how to bake apple pies and other apple treats.
Bake Seasonal Treats
This is a perfect opportunity to include Grandparents and Great-Grandparents in the fun, using family recipes and teaching your kiddos how to bake and cook. Filling your home with the mouthwatering scent of seasonal treats like apple pies, caramel apples, pumpkin pies, and cinnamon rolls is a sure way to get into the fall mood. If you don't have ready access to family recipes you can find many yummy recipes for fall treats online and in cookbooks.
Host a Movie Night with Autumn-Themed Movies
It seems that there is an endless number of movies with a fall theme that will put you and your guests in the mood for fall, especially if you check out the Hallmark Channel.
It would be a perfect time to offer and enjoy pumpkin spice lattes, hot apple cider, and mulled wine, along with some fall-themed food and snacks.
Attend a Local Fall Festival
So many towns and communities have fall harvest festivals this time of year. There are so many fun activities to be found at these festivals like pumpkin decorating, hayrides, live music, food vendors and other activities that are fun for families with kiddos.
Have a Bonfire & Roast Marshmallows for S’MORES
Does anything say fall more than s'mores and a bonfire?
The cool nights that fall are known for are a perfect backdrop for you to set up a s'mores station for your family and friends with all the goodies you will need. Light your bonfire, kick back, and relax with good conversation and roasted marshmallows.
I found this cute portable s'more bar station on Amazon (which I will be getting asap) and I can't wait to have people over to have a s'mores party. https://amzn.to/4gbaPKL
We are lucky enough to have an outdoor fire pit but if you don't have one you can find indoor s'mores kits that can be used on the countertop and even on the floor if you want to have a fun indoor campout. Check out this S'MORES GALORE™ Electric Smores Maker on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3zcEcf6
Host a Chili Cook-Off
Host and organize a chili cook-off with friends and family. Have different categories that the judges can judge on such as spiciest, most creative ingredients, crowd favorite, etc. Make it fun by having a prize for the winners. You can find an amazing amount of chili cook-off supplies on Amazon including decorations, scorecards, and prizes such as this cute chef hat.
Visit a Nearby Corn Maze
Spending time with your family and friends navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze is a fun way to spend a fall afternoon. If you want to make it a competition you can split up into groups and see who can make it through the maze the fastest!
Take a Scenic Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you are up for an adventure (and are not scared of heights) enjoying the fall colors and landscape from the comfort of a hot air balloon is an experience you will never forget. Do your research and find a reputable balloon ride company, dress in layers, and don't forget your sunglasses and camera! You can find additional tips and tricks to make your hot air balloon ride go smoothly online.
Host a Board Game Night with Autumn-Themed Games
Invite friends to your home for a fun night of board games or trivia with an autumn theme. If you want to you can make it a kiddo-friendly game night or if you are in need of some grown-up time, you could make the games a bit more "grown-up" with a murder mystery game night complete with a murder mystery theme.
With kids and adults, you can never really go wrong with bingo. It's an easy and entertaining game that you can play with multiple people and it's easy enough for kiddos to participate in as well. https://amzn.to/3MREwU5
Dear Reader, I hope this list gives you some ideas for your own September Bucket List. I hope you find time to relax and reset but most of all enjoy your time, have fun, and make memories with your friends and family.
Make sure to comment and tell me what is on your September Bucket List!
Some fun ideas to start fall!
I love this! And, I love Fall, too. Thank you for reminding me to use the season to rest up for what’s to come. Wise advice.