Old-Fashioned Things To Do This Fall
Fall is here, and it’s basically the coziest season ever. Crisp air, crunchy leaves, and warm drinks! It’s the perfect excuse to hit pause on the hustle and lean into all the feel-good, old-school vibes.
Think pumpkin patches, bonfires, apple pie, and oversized scarves. This is your sign to ditch the scroll, grab your flannel, and do something that feels real.
This list is packed with 40 old-fashioned-but-still-awesome things to do this fall.
Whether you’re into spooky movie nights, scenic drives, or making caramel apples from scratch (yes, really), there’s something here for you. So call your friends, light that candle, and let’s make this fall fun and cozy!
40 Old-Fashioned Things to Do This Fall:
1) Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Wander through rows of pumpkins in every shape and size. It’s the perfect spot for photos, picking out the ideal jack-o’-lantern, and soaking up autumn charm.
2) Bake an Apple Pie
Fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and apples. Homemade pie is a timeless fall treat that tastes even better shared.
Short on time? My hack is to buy a frozen apple pie and throw it in the oven before everyone gets there. Still tastes delicious and no one knows you didn’t make it.
3) Go on a Hayride
Hop on a hay bale and enjoy a slow ride through the countryside. It’s simple, seasonal fun with just the right touch of nostalgia.
Our local farm has hayrides around the pumpkin patch, and we look forward to it every fall.
4) Have a Bonfire
Gather around the flames with friends, blankets, and a hot drink. There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a bonfire on a cool fall night.
5) Make S’mores
Classic and delicious—toast marshmallows over an open flame and sandwich them with chocolate and graham crackers.
It never gets old.
6) Knit a Scarf
Cozy up with yarn and needles and start a handmade project. It’s relaxing, productive, and makes for a meaningful gift.
7) Carve Pumpkins
Get creative with spooky, silly, or sweet designs. Pumpkin carving is a fun, hands-on way to welcome the Halloween spirit
8) Watch a Scary Movie
Dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and queue up a classic thriller or haunted house flick. It’s spooky season, after all.
9) Take a Scenic Drive
Roll down the windows and cruise through tree-lined roads. The changing leaves are nature’s way of putting on a show.
10) Go Apple Picking
Spend a crisp afternoon at the orchard, picking fresh apples right from the tree. It’s wholesome fun, and you’ll have plenty for snacking or baking.
11) Decorate for Halloween
Bring out the cobwebs, pumpkins, and skeletons. Whether you go spooky or cute, decorating makes your home feel festive and fun.
12) Visit a Haunted House
Looking for a scare? Step into a haunted house for thrills, chills, and a little heart-pounding fun.
13) Make Hot Chocolate
Warm up with a mug of creamy hot cocoa. Bonus points for whipped cream, marshmallows, or a cinnamon stick.
14) Read a Mystery Novel
Get cozy with a good whodunit. A blanket, a warm drink, and a twisty mystery make for the perfect fall evening.
15) Go for a Hike
Lace up your boots and hit the trails. Fall hikes offer fresh air, colorful foliage, and a chance to unwind.
16) Attend a Fall Festival
From hayrides to funnel cakes, local festivals celebrate all things autumn. Check out your town’s seasonal events and join the fun.
17) Make a Gratitude List
Take a moment to reflect on the good. Jotting down what you’re thankful for is grounding and uplifting, perfect for this reflective season.
18) Try a New Soup Recipe
Warm, hearty, and comforting—fall is soup season. Try something new, like butternut squash, lentils, or a classic chicken noodle.
19) Go to a Football Game
Whether it’s high school, college, or pro, fall football brings people together. Bundle up, grab a seat, and cheer for your team.
20) Collect Colorful Leaves
Take a walk and gather the brightest leaves you can find. They make lovely crafts, table décor, or even just a pretty pile to admire.
21) Host a Game Night
Invite friends over, light a candle, and break out the board games. It’s a cozy, screen-free way to spend a fall evening.
22) Make homemade candles
Craft your own scented candles with notes like cinnamon, clove, or vanilla. They make great gifts—or keep them all for yourself.
23) Do a Puzzle
Turn on some soft music and settle into a jigsaw puzzle. It’s the perfect rainy day activity with a satisfying payoff.
24) Watch the leaves change
Slow down and take it in—trees in full color are one of fall’s simplest joys. Whether on a walk or from your window, enjoy the view.
25) Go to a Corn Maze
Get lost (on purpose!) in a cornfield maze. It’s a fun, interactive adventure for all ages.
26) Do a Fall Themed Painting
Break out the paints and capture the season’s beauty—pumpkins, leaves, or a cozy cabin scene. No need to be an artist—just enjoy the process.
27) Try a New Tea Flavor
Swap your usual brew for something autumn-inspired like chai, apple spice, or pumpkin rooibos. It’s an easy way to warm up and wind down.
28) Visit a Winery
Sip and savor the season with a visit to a local vineyard. Many offer beautiful fall views, tastings, and events.
29) Make a Fall Wreath
Use leaves, pinecones, berries, or dried oranges to craft a seasonal wreath. It’s a fun DIY project and adds a welcoming touch to your door.
30) Go Stargazing
Bundle up and head outside after dark. The clear, crisp fall skies make for excellent stargazing—don’t forget a blanket!
31) Drive Around to See Halloween Decor
Take an evening drive and check out how creative your neighbors got. From spooky to silly, Halloween lights and displays are a treat.
32) Do a Fall Photoshoot
Capture the season with golden-hour light, colorful leaves, and cozy outfits. Whether it’s with friends, family, or solo, it’s a great way to preserve memories.
33) Make Caramel Apples
Sticky, sweet, and totally nostalgic—caramel apples are a fall classic. Dip and decorate for a fun hands-on treat.
34) Try a New Craft Project
Get creative with a DIY that feels seasonal—pressed leaf art, cozy wall hangings, or even handmade cards.
Check out 30 Fun Fall Crafts for Kids
35) Write a Letter
Sit down with pen and paper and send a note to a friend or family member. It’s a thoughtful gesture that never goes out of style.
36) Learn to Knit
Even if you’re a beginner, fall is the perfect time to start a cozy knitting project. Think blankets, hats, or simple scarves.
37) Visit a Museum
Spend a cool day exploring art, history, or science indoors. Local museums are often overlooked gems.
38) Go Horseback Riding
Take a ride through golden fields or wooded trails. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors with a hint of adventure.
39) Visit a Farmer’s Market
Stock up on seasonal produce, handmade goods, and warm cider. Supporting local makers and farmers is always a win.
40) Go for a Bike Ride
Feel the crisp breeze as you pedal through tree-lined streets or countryside paths. It’s energizing, scenic, and pure autumn bliss.
40 Old-Fashioned Fall Conclusion
Fall always seems to pass by in a blink, so take the time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures the season has to offer.
Whether you’re baking a pie, going for a scenic drive, or spending an evening around the fire, these old-fashioned activities are a lovely way to make the most of autumn.
Embrace the cozy, the nostalgic, and the meaningful—because these small moments are often the ones we remember most.
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