15 Cozy Fall Date Ideas That Actually Feel Seasonal

Fall is here, and you’re probably thinking the same thing I was: “What the heck are we actually supposed to do for dates now? 😅”

My girlfriend and I were stuck going to the same places we always go, while everyone else was doing these amazing autumn activities. I knew we had to do something!

So, I made a list of 15 really good fall date ideas. Some are the classic things everyone does, but with a fun twist. Others are totally different ideas you probably haven’t thought of.

Here Are 15 Fall Dates You’ll Really Want to Try

1. Pumpkin patch and carving contest

I’ve included this one because fall is actually incomplete without pumpkin carving, isn’t it?

You debate with your partner for twenty minutes about whether to go big, round, or weird-shaped. Then you get home and realize neither of you actually knows how to carve a pumpkin properly, but that is where the laughs happen. 😂

Fun Twist: Each person picks a pumpkin for the other to carve, and you have to make a design that shows their personality.

2. Outdoor movie screening with blankets

I am planning to try this soon because it sounds incredible. Many towns set up big screens in parks during fall, or you can make your own backyard theater. Cool air, warm blankets, and a good movie under the stars. What else do you even need? 😍

Fun Twist: Pick a movie neither of you has seen and make bingo cards with things that might happen in the movie.

3. Scenic drive through autumn colors

Driving around when the leaves are changing is one of my favorite things to do. You just pick a direction and go, stopping whenever something looks cool. Bring snacks and music, and do not worry about having a plan.

Fun Twist: Make surprise playlists for each other and take turns picking the music.

4. Fall foliage hiking trail

I went hiking last fall in Himachal and could not believe how beautiful everything looked. The trees turn into this crazy mix of reds, yellows, and oranges that make you stop every few minutes just to stare. Plus the weather is just perfect for walking around.

Fun Twist: Make a list of fall things to find and take pictures of together during your walk.

5. Mini golf with fall decorations

Mini golf becomes way more interesting when there are pumpkins and fake leaves all over the course. You have to putt around scarecrows and through piles of autumn decorations. Plus you get to be competitive about something completely ridiculous.

Fun Twist: Play the entire course backward, starting at hole 18 and working your way to hole 1.

6. Haunted hayride

The best part about this idea is that your date will probably grab your arm every time something scary happens.😉 The whole ride takes about twenty minutes of pure terror and laughter.

Fun Twist: Sit in the very back row and try to spot the actors hiding before they jump out at everyone else.

7. Bonfire with s’mores making

Fire, marshmallows, and chocolate… what could go wrong? Well, you will probably burn a few marshmallows and get chocolate all over your fingers, but that is actually the real fun.

Fun Twist: Have a contest to see who can make the most creative s’more using unusual ingredients like cookies or different chocolates.

8. Live music at an intimate venue

I have done this several times and it never gets old. Small venues feel so much more personal than huge concerts. The artist might even take requests or tell jokes between songs, making the whole night feel special.

Fun Twist: Write down song requests on napkins and see if the artist will play one of your suggestions.

9. Haunted corn maze

Corn mazes are already tricky, but when people start jumping out at you from the stalks? That changes everything. You will be grabbing each other and laughing nervously while trying to find your way out. The darkness makes every sound feel suspicious.

Fun Twist: Try walking through it backward or make a rule that you can only turn left.

10. Fall craft fair or artisan market

I love wandering through these because you never know what weird and wonderful things people make. You will find handmade soaps, pottery, jewelry, and art that you cannot buy anywhere else. Plus you get to watch some artists actually making their stuff right there.

Fun Twist: Set a budget of $10 each and see who can find the most interesting or useful item for that price.

11. Ghost tour or haunted house

Look, some of you will love this and some of you will hate it, but that is exactly why it works as a date. If you both end up terrified and clinging to each other, great. If you both think it is ridiculous and spend the whole time making jokes, even better. Either way, you will have stories to tell.

Fun Twist:  Challenge each other to keep a completely straight face through the scariest parts. The first person to crack a smile or jump loses and has to buy coffee afterward.

12. Stargazing on crisp clear nights

I have done this and it is incredible how many stars you can see on a clear fall night. The cool air makes everything look sharper and brighter up there.😍 We just laid on a blanket and pointed out random constellations, making up our own stories about them.

Fun Twist: Each person gets to make up their own constellation and tell a story about what it represents.

13. Pumpkin spice everything taste test

Buy every single pumpkin spice thing you can find at the store. Cookies, coffee, candy, cereal – even the weird stuff like pumpkin spice dog treats just for laughs. Then sit down and figure out which ones actually taste good and which ones are just cashing in on the trend.

Fun Twist: Do it blindfolded and try to guess what each product is before tasting or smelling it.

14. Caramel apple making with unusual flavor combinations

Why buy boring caramel apples when you can experiment at home? Get some apples, melt caramel, and start adding whatever sounds interesting. The messier it gets, the more fun you are having.

Fun Twist: Each person creates a secret flavor combination for the other to try without knowing what is in it.

15. Sunrise leaf peeping

Yes, you have to wake up early, but trust me on this one. Drive somewhere with lots of trees just as the sun is coming up and watch the light hit all those fall colors. You will have the whole place to yourself and the photos you take will make everyone jealous.

Fun Twist: Challenge each other to take the best sunrise photo using only your phones, then compare results.