41 Fun Fall Activities for All Ages in 2025

There are so many fabulous fall activities to embrace this autumn, that it’s difficult to know where to start. Do you love kicking through leaves? Brewing up steaming cocoa to sip while you watch a scary film? Or tucking into hearty autumn foods made from the finest fall ingredients?

Our list is full of fall activities for all ages including options for when the weather is fine and when you’d rather stay indoors. We’ve got ideas for fall crafts, fall activities for foodies and suggestions to make the most of the beautiful fall colors. Whether you’re looking for fall activities to share with kids or you’re seeking autumn date inspiration, our list will supply you with 41 top ideas for fall things to do.

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• Fun Fall Activities for Foodies
• Fun Fall Activities for Families
• Fun Fall Activities for Adults
• Outdoor Fall Activities for All Ages
• Indoor Fall Activities for All Ages

Fun Fall Activities for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

A top choice of fall activities for foodies, cooking classes near you can give you the skills to create everything from fresh croissants to a vegan feast. Or, if you’d rather learn from the comfort of your own kitchen, online cooking classes let you practice skills using your own equipment. There are lots of classes with special tips on taking the stress out of Thanksgiving too.

2. Increase Your Skills at an Online Baking Class

Baking is one of the best fall activities, whether it’s pumpkin pie, apple crisp or a show-stopping bundt cake. Expert-led online baking classes are a brilliantly interactive way to increase your practical skills and pick up some new recipes that are sure to become fall favorites.

3. Decorate Tasty Cookies to Share

What’s more welcoming than a plate of delightfully decorative iced cookies? Nothing that we can think of! Fall activities for foodies and bakers don’t get much better than online cookie decorating classes. These sessions can help you transform your cookies into miniature works of art. You’ll pick up a few secret techniques and kitchen hacks and be ready to delight your loved ones with beautiful treats throughout the holiday season.

4. Host an Autumn Bake-off

If you’re searching for fall activities that let you showcase your baking skills and meet up with friends, how about challenging your pals to a friendly bake-off competition? Have everyone make their best autumn-inspired cake or pie and take a vote on the best one. The winner gets bragging rights until your next bake off, but in reality, when you come together to sample everyone's creations, it's a win-win for all! 

If sweet fall activities aren’t your thing, how about a chili cook-off instead? Everyone claims that their recipe is the best. Plan a chili cook-off and settle it once and for all this fall. 

5. Sample Fall’s Finest at a Farmers Market

Fall is harvest time for a huge variety of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fall produce means vibrant butternut squash, colorful beetroot, spicy arugula plus fall favorites like pears, apples, pumpkins and cranberries.

All of these fresh products make hitting a local farmers market a top fall activity. Stock up on ingredients to whip up hearty soups, stews and sweet treats to make the most of this food-forward season.

6. Prepare Your Own Preserves

If you’re a passionate foodie, one of the best things to do in the fall is to make your own preserves. There’s nothing more satisfying than opening a jar of your very own, homemade cranberry or grape jelly. They also make fantastic Thanksgiving or Christmas gifts. It doesn’t just have to be jams and jellies either; perfect for toast, pancakes and even pasta, how about making a batch of homemade pumpkin butter?

Fun Fall Activities for Families

7. Campout in the Backyard 

Summer may be over but there’s still plenty of time to try out one of the best fall activities ever. Forget loading up the car; just set up camp in your backyard. Enjoy the crisp autumn air, look up at the stars and enjoy a few campfire songs. 

8. Snap Fall Family Photos 

If you’re looking for fall activities that will make you smile all year long then you can’t top a family photo session. All of that glorious fall foliage makes a stunning backdrop for a set of family snaps that you’ll treasure forever. You could hire a professional photographer or use a selfie stick to capture action shots as you kick through the leaves.

9. Make Furry Friends at a Petting Zoo

A super choice of fall activities for kids of any age, petting zoos let you interact with a variety of cute and cuddly critters (as well as the slithering and scaly kind). Many fall festivals have dedicated petting zoos but you might find that your local zoo is also running special after-dark "Petting Boo" events for Halloween.

10. Gaze at the Stars 

Break out your favorite wooly sweater and head to the backyard to enjoy clear views of the night sky. There’s lots of astronomical activity during the fall season, including the Leonid and Geminid meteor showers in November and December, which makes stargazing a top pick of fall activities for all ages.

11. Play a Game of Flag Football

Football season hots up in autumn and there are plenty of fall activities that can help you get in on the action. Set up teams in your backyard or local park for a game of flag football and see who can run to victory. You can check out the official NFL rules for flag football and don’t forget that this is a primo opportunity to engage in some leaf kicking too — possibly our favorite of all fall activities!

If you'd rather find fall activities that allow you to be a spectator rather than a player, how about heading to a tailgate party for your local pro team? This is one of the best fall party ideas — just load the trunk with your favorite tailgate foods, pack some lawn chairs and enjoy the game. 

12. Paint a Hot Chocolate Worthy Mug 

Whether you like to spend the autumn sipping hot chocolate by the fire or are looking for thoughtful Christmas gift ideas, painting your own mug is a creative and enjoyable pick among fall activities that’s great for kids and adults.

You can make your own mug by heading to a local pottery studio or paint one at home using acrylic paints. Once you’ve painted your design, bake your mug in the oven for 30 minutes at 350℉, making sure to put the mug into the oven before you switch it on. Allow the mug to cool completely, wash it in warm soapy water and it’s ready to use.

13. Decorate For Fall

Whether you’re draping cobwebs and scarifying bunting for Halloween or bringing the outdoors in with festive displays of dried fall flowers, decorating your house is a fun fall activity that everyone can get involved in. 

Try making a simple garland of paper leaves or paint acorns and pinecones for a colorful display. Kids will love getting involved in these fall activities too.

14. Roll the Dice on Family Game Night

The best fall activities are all about bringing people together and sometimes a little friendly competition can do just that. Crack out some classic board games such as Scrabble, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, get into teams and battle it out over a few sweet treats and mugs of cocoa.

If you want to put a new spin on this activity, you could try making it fall-specific. For example, try and find words in Scrabble that relate to autumn ("foliage" is worth 11 points). There are also lots of fall-themed quizzes on the internet catering to kids and adults, such as the ones at Trivia Whizz.

15. Hunt Fall Treasures on a Scavenger Hunt 

If you’re seeking imaginative fall activities, look no further than an autumn-inspired scavenger hunt. Gather up your competitors (we recommend mixing up teams of adults and kids for maximum fun) and get them to seek out a list of autumnal items. 

A few sample objects could be a five-pointed leaf, a branch shaped like a '"Y" and an acorn, but you can easily make the hunt suitable for your environment and kids' ages. Medium also has some good starter ideas for themed hunts.

16. Embrace Fall Activities From Around the World

Add a new dimension to your fall activities by exploring fall traditions from around the globe. You could head to the U.K. to try a game of conkers or copy the Provence town of Collobrières and roast chestnuts. There are hundreds of fascinating fall activities to discover which all provide an insight into how this season is celebrated internationally. 

Fun Fall Activities for Adults

17. Create a Fall Cocktail at an Online Mixology Class

Learn how to create your own signature cocktail at online mixology classes, one of the best fall activities for connoisseurs. Of course, making your own cocktails is great fun all year round, but fall flavors, like the warm spice of cinnamon and the smooth bite of ginger, make it an especially exciting activity in the fall.

During your online session, you’ll be guided by an expert mixologist who'll teach you how to balance flavors, prepare classic cocktails and invent new and exciting drink combinations. Once you know how to make your favorite cocktails, you'll be prepared to wow your family and friends when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around.

18. Head Out on a Fall Road Trip

Also one of our favorite Thanksgiving activities, no list of fall activities would be complete without a classic autumn road trip. Drive through stunning fall foliage to explore the towns close to you or head further afield for a long weekend or mini vacation.

Recommendations from CNN highlight the most picturesque routes as the nation dons its gorgeous autumn coat. Whether you're exploring near or further afield, a road trip in the fall is an experience you're unlikely to forget. 

19. Fall For a New Vintage on a Winery Tour

Autumn is an excellent time to take a winery tour. The landscape is beautiful and the grapes are just being harvested. You’ll learn about the winemaking process and have the opportunity to sample a few different types for yourself. There are also lots of wine festivals happening throughout the latter half of the year which offer a full-bodied wine experience and lots of entertaining fall activities to boot.

20. Plan a Friendsgiving Dinner

If you're hoping to enjoy fall activities with your nearest and dearest, then ideas don’t get any better than hosting a Friendsgiving. Like Thanksgiving, this is a chance to meet up with your closest pals and enjoy a meal together. A potluck-style meal works very well and for inspiration, there are plenty of Friendsgiving food ideas to make your meal memorable and delicious, from hearty mains to creative side dishes that everyone will love. 

21. Get Spooked on a Ghost Walk 

Embrace the spooky season by joining a guided ghost walk through your town to hear stories of spirits, spooks and unexplained mysteries. Ghost walks are happening all over the U.S., with Texas ranking as the most haunted state according to Forbes. 

A ghost walk is also a great pick if you’re looking for Halloween date ideas. It’s a thrilling way to explore haunted spots and uncover local legends while embracing the spooky season together.

22. Invite Your Friends to a Fall Murder Mystery Party

Looking for fall activities that let you channel your inner Sherlock Holmes? How about hosting your own murder mystery dinner party? There are lots of ready-made kits available on the internet that provide full details about characters and the crime, meaning that all you have to do is whip up a few snacks and desserts. Death by chocolate, anyone?

23. Ride the Rails on a Scenic Journey

The perfect way to enjoy the fall foliage, a scenic train ride offers uninterrupted views of the gorgeous autumn scenery. Traveling by train also means that no one has to miss out on the views while they’re driving. For maximum flexibility, you can "choo-choose" one of Amtrak’s selected routes between Virginia and Florida. The best part? Your car is transported on the train with you! 

24. Lift a Glass to Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, which is celebrated from mid to late September to the first Sunday in October, is the annual German celebration of the harvest. The longest-running U.S. Oktoberfest is held annually in La Crosse, Wisconsin but the chances are that there might be an Oktoberfest celebration happening in your local area too. If not, you can DIY your own celebration by serving up a feast of sausages and German beer to the lively sounds of oompah music.

Outdoor Fall Activities for All Ages

25. Crack a Corn Maze

Corn mazes are excellent fall activities to share with friends and family of any age. According to a panel of experts and a reader vote by USA Today, the best corn maze is in Levant, Maine, but don’t worry if you can’t get there. Many fall festivals, pumpkin patches and local farms also have corn mazes for you to try.

26. Go Pumpkin Picking

One of the best-loved fall activities, picking the perfect pumpkin is an autumn essential. Go to your nearest pumpkin patch and select a few gourds to take home for Halloween carving and fall baking. Many pumpkin patches have other activities going on too, from tractor rides to haunted houses, corn mazes, food stalls and more.

27. Visit an Orchard for Fresh Apples

Fall activities don’t get much more traditional than apple picking. Fall is the peak harvest season for many of the hundreds of types of apple grown in the U.S., so head to your local orchard to enjoy one of the most essential fall flavors. 

If you’re in the city, you can check out this Yelp guide to the top 25 apple-picking spots in the country to find one near you. Many orchards add to the experience with food and drink stalls and live music, making it a brilliant day out for the whole family. 

28. Play Pumpkin Games

Why throw your pumpkins away after Halloween when you can use them a number of really "gourd" fall activities? These include a pumpkin bean bag toss; simply cut a large hole in your pumpkin and try to throw in as many bean bags as possible. You could also add a seasonal twist to bowling by using a pumpkin as a bowling ball. We recommend enjoying this fall activity outdoors...

29. Hit the Beach

The beach is not just for the summer, it’s also a fantastic choice for budget-friendly fall activities. Cooler temperatures and shorter days mean fewer crowds, perfect if you're looking for budget-friendly but romantic fall activity ideas.

If you're unsure where to go, U.S. News' guide to the best U.S. beaches is sure to provide the perfect location. Dress warmly, pack a picnic (including a flask of hot chocolate) and enjoy the spectacle of an autumn sunset.

30. Make a Bird Feeder

As winter draws closer you can give local wildlife a helping hand by assembling a pinecone bird feeder. They’re very easy to make — simply tie a piece of twine to the top of a pinecone, slather it in peanut butter and roll in birdseed. Check out a video on One Little Project for more details and some useful tips on where to hang your finished feeder.

Fall activities such as this are ideal to share with kids. They’ll love making the bird feeders and watching every day as feathered friends stop by to tuck in.

31. Build a Backyard Bonfire 

For ultimate coziness when the mercury starts to drop you can’t beat a backyard bonfire. You can bring out your special mug and let the comforting aroma of hot cocoa keep you warm as you tell a few spooky stories. If you don’t have your own fire pit or space for a bonfire then a disposable barbecue is also a good option. It will also give you plenty of heat to make melting sweet and crunchy s'mores, perhaps the greatest fall food tradition of all!

32. Celebrate the Season at a Fall Festival

Many towns and cities host fall festivals as part of their annual fall activities. Head down to your closest one, or make it part of a weekend away, and enjoy all things autumnal. Think hayrides, tractor pulls, pumpkin carving and food stalls dishing out candy apples and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. What more could you ask for?

Indoor Fall Activities for All Ages

33. Raise a Glass of Apple Cider 

If you didn’t stock up on apple cider on your visit to your local orchard, then making your own is very straightforward. Place chopped apples and water in a heavy-bottomed pan and simmer for two hours with sugar and spice. Then, strain the mixture at least twice before enjoying it. As a bonus, your house will be filled with the aroma of warm apples and spices while you cook. 

34. Host a Haunting Halloween Fashion Show

Get into the spooky spirit with this next fall activity — a ghoulish black catwalk. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to make full costumes; kids will love creating their own masks or outfits from whatever materials you have around. Paper plates are a handy option to make quick masks, especially for younger children.

For refreshments during your show, choose a non-alcoholic Halloween punch. A ghostly iced hand floats in a vat of lychee eyeballs and gummy worms to make an enticing macabre brew.

35. Carve Jack-o’ Lanterns 

Did you know that the tradition of carving vegetables for Halloween dates back hundreds of years? Whereas turnips used to be a popular medium, pumpkins are now the number one choice for this most traditional of fall activities. 

Get creative with your carvings. Go for classic triangle eyes and jagged grins, or carve scenes of black cats, witches on broomsticks and werewolves howling at the moon. How ever you carve your pumpkin, have fun and don’t forget to roast your pumpkin seeds for a tasty fall snack.

36. Customize Candy Apples

No list of fall activities would be complete without a look at this quintessential fall treat. Super easy to make using a few of the apples you picked fresh from the orchard, candy apples are a versatile sweet snack for the whole fall season. 

To take your apples to the next level, we suggest rolling them in a selection of toppings such as crushed candy, chopped nuts and sprinkles. Kids will love getting involved and customizing their own apples.

37. Build Your Own Movie Theatre

Whether you want to line up a collection of scary films or a few fall movies, setting up your own movie theater is one of the best fall activities for the whole family. Unsure where to start? Kick off your movie marathon with "Hocus Pocus," available to stream via Disney+, then steer your broomstick through more favorites.

Give everybody a chance to vote for their favorite film to ensure nobody's left watching a movie they don't like, and be sure to make things extra comfortable. Think blankets, plenty of cushions and a selection of snacks — candy apples are an excellent option and guaranteed to prevent talking during the film.

38. Create a Terrifying Terrarium 

Making a terrarium is a brilliant choice of fall activities for families. Kids can customize their own and they can be made in any size container to suit your space, from glass baubles to mason jars. You can even make a spooky version for your Halloween decorations. 

39. Light Up Your Space With Fall Candles 

When it comes to fall activities, there’s nothing better than making your space extra cozy with a few seasonally inspired candles. Making your own is easier than you might think, too. According to Little House Living, all you need is beeswax, wicks, coconut oil and your pick of spices. Lavender, cinnamon, vanilla and pumpkin spice mix are all popular options but there are endless combinations to enjoy. 

40. Sew a Patchwork Quilt 

Some fall activities are destined to become part of the fabric of your annual traditions, such as sewing your own patchwork quilt. Deceptively easy to make even if you’re not an experienced sewer, you can use scraps of fabric to create a quilt of any size or shape.

If you're looking for fall things to do with older kids or friends, this is a great chance to get creative together. There are lots of online tutorials, such as this one from Polka Dot Chair, to help you get started.

41. Discover Tree Varieties On a Fall Walk 

Going on a nature walk is one of the most popular fall activities, but learning more about the trees and leaves you’re spotting can make it even more special. For example, did you know that, according to the U.S. Forest Service, the leaves from maple trees can turn either red or yellow depending on the individual type? Or that oak tree leaves are usually the last to change color?

Grab a handy leaf guide and head out to see how many tree varieties and natural wonders you can spot. This activity is great to share with kids and also a super option If you’re looking for laid-back fall date ideas.

The autumn season is a magical time of year, presenting a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and family and take part in exciting fall activities. Whether you want to spend a cozy night with your loved ones or head out to a fall festival, ghost walk or pumpkin patch, there is a huge selection of fun things to do in the fall. The only question is, which will you try first?

For even more activity ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.