Hi Decocrated friends! It’s Morgan from The Patient Mom blog, and I am here to talk about my absolute favorite season…FALL. Soon enough, the leaves will be changing, football will be on the TV, pumpkin spice candles will be lit, and I’ll be putting the finishing touches on my seasonal décor with the Fall 2021 Decocrated Box (OMG, I can’t wait).

Fall is such a magical season. There are so many things to do and places to go that it’s important to stay organized and manage your time so you can fit it all in. So I’ve put together a Fall Family Bucket List to help keep you on track and ensure you make the most out of the months ahead.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I’m a Midwest girl (Ohio, to be exact), and if there is one thing we are known for, it’s pumpkin patches. In fact, I can think of more than five within a less than 15-minute drive from my house! So pack up your kids, partner, friends (or just yourself!) and head over to your local patch to pick out pumpkins for carving, decorating, baking, etc. Enjoy some of the pumpkin patch favorites like cider and donuts, too!

Rake/Play in Leaves

I love fall foliage! While raking leaves might not be my favorite pastime, there is something about falling backward into a huge pile of crunchy leaves that just soothes my soul. If you have kids, put them to work and let them help rake. Be sure to toss some in the air and jump around in them for some super cute (and cheap) fall photos.

Carve Jack-O-Lanterns

My husband is a party pooper and is not a fan of pumpkin carving. I, however, am not an artist, so my pumpkin usually consists of triangle eyes, a nose, and a toothy grin. Or I might attempt one of the easy designs that come with the pumpkin carving kits (does anyone else find themselves purchasing a new kit every year because they can’t find the last one?).

Bake Pumpkin Seeds

After you’re done carving your pumpkins, clean the guts off of the seeds and bake them. They make a delicious and nutritious snack. Try different seasonings to switch it up. Below are some links to some of my favorites.

Ranch Pumpkin Seeds

Cinnamon & Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Bonfires!

Nothing says fall like a backyard fire in your favorite hoodie! Put on some music and pour a glass of wine and enjoy the perfection of a fall evening.

Apple Orchard/Cider Mill

A close second to the pumpkin patch, in my book, is visiting a you-pick apple orchard. These are often (at least in my area) combined with pumpkin patches, so you can check two things off the list at once! Not only is apple picking a blast, think of all the delicious treats you can make with your load once you get home. Apple pies, apple sauce, apple fritters, candy apples, apples dipped in caramel.

A bonus is when the orchard has its own cider mill that allows you to watch and learn about the process, and then grab a gallon for the fridge at home.

Paint Pumpkins

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Grab some $2.00 pumpkins from the grocery store and some acrylic paint/brushes and paint the outside of your pumpkins. You can paint patterns, shapes (like a peace sign or monogram) or make a spooky ghost of Frankenstein. This is a great project for little kids who aren’t quite ready for carving yet.

Navigate a Corn Maze

If you are lucky enough to have a corn maze in your area, definitely check it out. It is a great date night activity and so much fun! Some places even turn their mazes into images that you can see from the sky!

Spooky Movie Night

Halloween movies are some of my favorite. From the corny campy horror flicks to the Disney Channel classics like Halloween Town; I love them all! Have a movie marathon snuggled up on the couch with your favorite chunky blanket and slippers. So cozy!

Halloween Decor Drive

Hop in the car and drive around your neighborhood and look at all of the Halloween decor displays. Some people really go all out and it’s even worth getting out of the car to check out.

Bake Pumpkin Treats

Pumpkin muffins, chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake…these are a few of my favorite fall treats!

TRICK-OR-TREAT

Duh. This is an obvious one. But I recommend making an event out of it! We have the grandparents over every year, decorate the yard, order pizza, make drinks and pass out candy! Then mom and dad can take the little one’s door to door while the grandparents man the candy bowl.

And there you have it, the best Fall Family Bucket list around! I can’t wait to start checking things of the list….I think I’ll go light my pumpkin spice candle now.