Finally! 18 Fall Activities That Don’t Suck for Adults

Yohoo! It’s that time of year again. The air’s crispier, the leaves are changing, and suddenly there’s an urge to do every single fall activity ever invented.

But here’s what always happens to me. I get all excited, search for “autumn activities,” and find the same old suggestions everywhere.😑 Apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes. They’re nice, but I WANT something more exciting.

So I spent way too much time finding actually fun fall activities. Some are new twists on the usual things, and others are completely different ideas that most people don’t know about.

Now, I just can’t wait to share all of them with you. Here they come…

The Only Fall Bucket List You’ll Ever Need

1. Apple picking with hard cider tasting

I used to think apple picking was just for families with kids, but then I found orchards that let you taste their hard cider afterward. Now you’re picking apples AND getting a little buzzed. (Much better deal 😂)

I’d say:

• Book weekend slots early. Cider tastings fill up fast in October
• Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• Go midweek mornings to avoid crowds and get a better apple selection

2. Adult-only haunted house crawl

I’m actually planning to try it this year. So the goal is to visit multiple haunted attractions in one night, sometimes with themed cocktails between locations.  It’s WAY more intense than family-friendly haunts and definitely more fun than you’d expect.

I’d say:

• Plan your route and buy tickets in advance
• Start early (around 7 PM) to hit 3-4 locations before they close
• Choose attractions within a reasonable driving/rideshare distance

3. Sunrise leaf peeping photography

I did this in Himachal and honestly wasn’t expecting much (Just thought I’d click a few quick photos).

But when you see those trees bursting with reds, yellows, and golden browns in that early morning light… Oh gosh! Even your phone pictures don’t do justice to the beauty.

I’d say:

• Check sunrise times and plan to arrive 30 minutes early for setup
• Bring layers. Mornings are cold but you’ll warm up once the sun rises.

4. Pumpkin carving competition with friends

My friend and I tried this last year. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen grown adults argue over whose pumpkin deserves the “Most Creative” prize while covered in pumpkin guts. 🤣

I’d say:

• Get a mix of sizes and shapes
• Create categories like “Most Creative,” “Scariest,” and “Most Likely to Win a Participation Award”

5. Pumpkin spice recipe challenges

So apparently I’ve become that person who puts pumpkin spice in everything during autumn, and honestly? I’m not even mad about it.

Challenge yourself to create the weirdest pumpkin spice combo that actually tastes good – pumpkin spice hummus was surprisingly not terrible.

I’d say:

• Have backup regular food in case your creation is inedible
• Invite friends over to be guinea pigs for your experiments 😂

6. Cranberry bog wading tours

Ik this sounds completely random but just try it once. It’s extremely therapeutic!

I’d say:

• Bring a waterproof phone case for photos
• Book in advance as most farms only offer tours on weekends

7. Bonfire dinner parties

Cooking dinner over an open fire with your friends, not just roasting marshmallows? Hands down, it’s THE BEST!

I did this in Jibhi a couple of years back right after it rained, and we ended up dancing around the fire like we were in a movie.

I’d say:

• Plan a simple menu
• Bring extra firewood and fire starters (wet wood is your enemy)
• Set up seating in a circle with blankets for when it gets cold

8. Chestnut roasting street cart hunting

This is basically a food crawl with a seasonal twist. You’re wandering around the city looking for those smoking street carts that smell like heaven, trying different vendors’ chestnuts to find your favorite.

I’d say:

• Do this in October. It’s the peak season.
• Expect to pay $3-8 per serving depending on the city

9. Glamping in fall foliage areas

It’s camping for people who want to experience nature but also need their phone charger and a real toilet. 😂

You get to wake up surrounded by those Instagram-perfect autumn colors without spending the night on a deflated air mattress wondering if that sound outside is wind or a hungry bear.

I’d say:

• Book early for peak foliage season (September-October)
• Book refundable reservations since weather can affect foliage timing

10. Acorn coffee brewing

I tried this on a whim after seeing it on some survival blog, and honestly, I was shocked that it didn’t taste like dirt. You’ll have to use nuts from your backyard or a nearby park and make them into a warm, nutty drink.

I’d say:

• Only use fresh acorns that sink in water (floaters are usually bad)

11. Fall cocktail (or mocktail) crafting

I became obsessed with this after realizing you can basically turn any fall dessert into a cocktail. Apple pie? There’s a drink for that. Pumpkin cheesecake? Yep, that too.

I’d say:

• Start with a base spirit you already like, then add seasonal flavors
• Use seasonal garnishes like cinnamon sticks, apple slices, or rosemary sprigs

12. Dawn hiking for empty trails

I’ve done tons of treks but never early morning ones (not a morning person yk 😅), and I’m planning to try this autumn because everyone says the beauty of those quiet morning hours is unreal. Plus you get the trails completely to yourself before the crowds show up.

I’d say:

• Start hiking 30-60 minutes before sunrise for the best light
• Pack coffee or tea in a thermos for the journey

13. Pie baking competitions

My last fall friend gathering was a pie competition and honestly, it brought out everyone’s inner Gordon Ramsay. You’d be amazed how competitive people get about their crust technique, but the best part is that even the “losing” pies are still delicious pies. 😋

I’d say:

• Plan for 3-4 hours of actual baking time
• Have non-baking friends be the judges to keep it fair

14. Candle-making with fall scents

Making candles feels like you’re playing with melted wax like a kid, except now you get something that makes your entire house smell like a pumpkin spice latte.

I’d say:

• Buy candle-making kits online
• Use old glass jars or buy cheap ones from thrift stores as containers

15. Haunted corn maze

Picture this: you’re lost in a corn maze in complete darkness while people in masks chase you with chainsaws. It sounds terrible, but it’s actually an incredible adrenaline rush that’ll have you laughing and screaming at the same time.

I’d say:

• Go with friends but prepare to get separated (it’s really fun)
• Most run Friday/Saturday nights only, so check schedules

16. Classic horror movie bingo nights

Horror movies are usually the same plot over and over, right? Well, now you can make a drinking game out of it. Every time someone says “let’s split up” or goes into the obviously haunted basement, you mark your bingo card and laugh instead of rolling your eyes.

I’d say:

• Create bingo cards with classic horror tropes like “cell phone has no signal” and “car won’t start”
• Pick movies that are scary-fun, not actually traumatizing

17. Fall wreath making

You think that wreaths can be just bought at Target? Nope! In fact, making your own is really soothing. You’re basically playing with pretty leaves and twigs for a few hours, and somehow you end up with something that makes your front door look amazing.

I’d say:

• Collect supplies on nature walks
• Use floral wire to attach everything (hot glue guns don’t hold up outdoors)
• Buy a basic wire wreath form from craft stores

18. Cozy reading nook building

This is your excuse to finally create that perfect reading spot you’ve been Pinterest-ing for years. Make your own little place where you can disappear with a book and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist for a few hours.

I’d say:

• Find a corner with good natural light during the day
• Add a small side table for your coffee mug and book stack
• Make it phone-free to actually focus on reading