Family Fall Bucket List that even the Southern states can enjoy!
While living in the South is a blessing, when it comes to Fall it can be harder to enjoy those autumn and Halloween festivities. It is still hot out (or at least warm), the leaves don’t change to gorgeous red, yellow and orange and finding a real pumpkin patch is dang near impossible. While we will never have the Autumn vibes of the more northern states it is still 100% possible to enjoy the season. The list below provides many ways to enjoy Fall no matter what region of the country you live in!
Go to a “Pumpkin Patch”
Even in the hotter regions where pumpkins are not as plentiful, there are many so-called “Pumpkin patches” around. I find the best ones are the farms that offer an entire day of activities, games, food and celebration! Most of the ones here even offer a tractor ride out to the fields to “pick” a pumpkin.
Carve the Pumpkins
Carve the pumpkins using a carving kit or just even free hand your favorite ghost or ghoul! *In the South carved pumpkins rot quickly so if you live in a warmer state don’t carve more than a few days out before Halloween!
Make Caramel Apples
Not only are caramel apples a fall delicacy but they are also fun to make. Add chocolate chips, candies or sprinkles and have fun making each apple unique. Of course if available in your area going Apple picking is a must! Caramel apples even make a great gift, box them up and give them to neighbors and friends!
Go on a Haunted Hayride
What is better than a little scare just before Halloween. Of course if you have younger kids make sure to vet the ride prior to going. Some cater to all ages and even offer tags kids can hold up if they are too scared and some will not be appropriate for the younger kids.
Fall Picnic
Enjoy the cooler weather (the term cooler is obviously subjective) and take your family on a picnic in the park. Fill your picnic basket with some finger foods and fill your thermos with some warm apple cider and head to the park. Play some frisbee and just enjoy the outdoors without the extreme summer heat.
Backyard Fire Pit
When the night is a little cooler nothing beats a bonfire. Gather some blankets, play some tunes, or even tell some ghost stories while watching the glow of the fire.
Fall Festival
Many cities, churches, schools and other venues often offer a fall festival! Usually with live music, games, rides and an assortment of vendors and foods festivals are bound to have something for your entire family which is of course why they are on the Fall Family Bucket List!
Go on a Ghost Tour
While Haunted houses are great, what is more terrifying than a potentially real ghost?! These tours occur in several cities throughout the US. There is bound to be one nearby.
Host a Halloween Movie Night
Invite the cousins, friends and other family over for a night of Halloween movies. Add in some themed candies/desserts, popcorn and drinks.
Find Your Way Out of a Corn Maze.
Enjoy the outdoors with a little physical and mental stamina while trying to escape the maze!
Go on a Hike
While the warmer states may not have the drastic changing of the leaves, a Hike in the fall temps is still a great way to celebrate the season. Search for the few leaves that may be changing and enjoy a breath of fresh air without the summer’s humidity.
Halloween Baking
Grab your baking sheets, mixing bowls, and spatulas and make some fall style deserts, cookies and treats! Pinterest has endless amounts of fall baking recipes.
Drive around to see Halloween Decorations
Some neighbors are the Clark Griswald of Halloween and it would be a shame not to see their decorating talents. Grab some apple cider and some popcorn while the whole family has a mini road trip. One street near our neighborhood has a competition for Halloween Decorations and it is INSANE how much they go all out!
Bob for Apples
Bobbing for apples is a great family game. It is suitable for almost all ages and brings out a little competitive spirit.
Make Your Own Decorations
From painting leaves, making ghost cutouts, to painting little red handprints, there are so many fun fall art activities for kids of all ages.
Make S’mores
A true fall delicacy. Grab some graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows and roast over a fire. You can even be a little extra and create a smore board with several varieties of chocolate, crackers and toppings!
Drive- In Movie
Cooler weather is perfect for lining the bed of a truck or back of an SUV with blankets and pillows and heading out to a drive-in theater.
Camp Out Under the Stars
Where I live it is nearly way too hot to try and camp in the summer. Not only does fall provide ideal temperatures but also makes for amazing nature views. So whether off the beaten path or in your own backyard, pitch the tent and gaze at the stars!
Check back soon for a Houston area Family Fall Bucket List with local recommendations!
