The season of pumpkin spice lattes and haunted houses is among us, and while I love fall, I had some major post-summer depression. To curb it, I tried to get myself pumped for festive fall activities. So I thought to myself, hey, why not bless other people’s lives with a fall bucket list?
The weather is still bearable in the fall, so may as well get out there and enjoy it while it lasts. Soon enough, we’ll all be in hibernation for the winter (not that being in a blanket burrito is a bad thing.) I’m here to the rescue with some amazing fall ideas!
1. Visit a pumpkin patch.
If you’re looking for the next place for your perfect Instagram opportunity, look no further. Pumpkin patches are super pretty and fun, and you can go home with a pumpkin! The two popular ones I’ve been to in the GTA are Forsythe Family Farms and Whittamore’s Farm, but there are lots of other farms to visit in Ontario.
2. Visit an apple orchard.
I am beyond excited to tick this one off, as I’ve never been to an apple orchard before. However, I’ve heard amazing things about them and they’re probably just as Instagrammable as the aforementioned pumpkin patches. A few I know of in the GTA are Pine Farms Orchard, Applewood Farm Winery, and JC Agri Orchards.
3. Go to a haunted house.
Whether you choose to go to the artificial haunted houses at Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt, or an actual haunted house like the Casa Loma, this is a must on a fall bucket list. I’m a bit high strung so I always freak out at haunted houses, but I love them anyways!
4. Dedicate a day to festive baking.
Last year I wrote an article on how to use up old pumpkin purée when baking and I still refer to it when I want to bake some pumpkin-themed goods. It’s a great activity for when the weather is chilly, and best of all, you get to eat what you make.
5. Check out a corn maze.
They have corn mazes at Halloween Haunt and at select pumpkin patches, and they’re a great way to have some kid-level fun. Who doesn’t love getting completely lost in a sketchy corn maze?
6. Do a haunted walk.
Similar to haunted houses but as a guided tour, haunted walks can be insanely creepy. I’ve never done one but I’m dying to (pun intended). Sometimes they take you through graveyards, sometimes just haunted streets. Or are they really haunted? Go find out.
7. Have a horror movie marathon.
Horror movies aren’t for everybody, but I love them. New ones always come out around Halloween but sometimes nothing beats sitting at home under the blankets and covering your eyes with a pillow while watching some terrifying movies. Or just watch like, The Nightmare Before Christmas if you’re a scaredy cat.
8. Go on a hay ride!
I am so jealous of all the little kids that get to shamelessly participate in hay rides, so I declare hay rides an all ages event! These are usually offered at pumpkin patches and fall fests.
9. Read a spooky book by the fire.
Honestly, the idea of curling up in leggings and a cozy sweater with thick socks by the fire is already ideal. Throw a scary Stephen King or other creepy novel in there and a cup of apple spice tea and I’m in heaven. Try it some time, seriously!
10. Jump in a pile of leaves.
Jumping into a big pile of leaves is such a classic childhood pastime. Relive you childhood this fall; you know you want to!
11. Drink hot apple cider on the front porch.
Trust me, it’s absolutely lovely.
12. Truly enjoy Thanksgiving
Not just for the delicious food we all know we’re going to stuff our faces with, but for the actual reason behind Thanksgiving. Make a gratitude jar or a list of blessings. Tell people you’re thankful for them. A little kindness can go a very long way.
That’s certainly enough fall activity to keep me busy for the next couple months. I hope you all have a lovely, pumpkin spice-filled fall with tons of yummy treats and warm sweaters!