Is it just me, or does summer vacation start with ambitious plans of nostalgic 1990s style summer fun activities and end with kids who’ve forgotten how to tie their shoes while setting a new world record for consecutive days of dirty hair and cups of Goldfish?

If you’re nodding so hard your neck hurts, welcome to the club. 

Let’s be real: summer parenting without a plan is like grocery shopping while hungry. It’s inevitably chaotic, potentially expensive, and you somehow end up with things nobody actually needs. (Looking at you, Costco impulse-purchased blow-up water slide.)

After years of summer survival mode (which often consisted of me hiding in my room, eating ranch cornnuts, scrolling Instagram while wondering if screen time limits are really that important) I’ve found something that works with both big and little kids. So today, I’m sharing a sanity-saving tool with you: THE WEEKLY SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR YOUR KIDS.

Not just any schedule, mind you. A flexible, simple, realistic summer routine that gives your kids the structure they benefit from while preserving your sanity. It’s also great for summer babysitters! It takes the pressure off them entertaining the kids all day and guarantees the kids won’t have endless screentime. 

Why Your Kids (and You) Actually NEED a Weekly Summer Schedule

Before we dive into these game-changing templates, let’s talk about why unstructured summer chaos isn’t actually the carefree childhood experience we think it is.

Kids thrive on knowing what comes next. This is especially true if you have a neurodivergent kiddo. It’s like how you feel when your favorite bakery closes unexpectedly – disoriented, betrayed, and suddenly unable to function as a normal human being. (I’m still mourning you, Pearl Snap Kolaches. ) 

Research shows that kids with some structure during the summer months…

• Retain more academic skills (bye-bye, summer slide!)
• Experience less anxiety (fewer meltdowns = less gray hair)
• Develop better independence (hallelujah!)
• Spend less time glued to screens (so long self-imposed guilt trips)

Plus, a good daily schedule means you’ll stop hearing “What are we doing today?” every 3.7 minutes, which honestly is reason enough for me.

That’s why I’ve sketched out a basic, daily summer schedule that you can tailor to your family’s wake-up time. It’s divided into 5 blocks that can be adjusted to fit your family’s needs. It’s just enough structure to give your summer some predictability and routine without making you feel tied down to the clock. If you’re a Type B like me, this one’s for you!!!

So let’s jump into the schedule!

Block 1: Rise and Shine

First up in our daily summer schedule for kids is the morning routine block. Because how the day starts pretty much determines the trajectory of the afternoon and evening. 

First 1- 1.5 Hours of the Day: Morning Routine

• Rise and Shine: Feed the pets, breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, etc.
• Morning Chores: 20ish minutes of age-appropriate responsibilities 

I REALLY enjoy a slow morning routine, as do my girls. Sitting, reading, and drinking coffee in the morning is probably my favorite activity of the day. So I’ve included plenty of time for that. Let the kids enjoy a slow morning, too. Just because there are chores to do doesn’t mean there isn’t time to first enjoy a slow breakfast and play with the kitties before scooping poop out of  the litter box. 

Pro tips:

• Create a visual checklist for younger kids with pictures of each task.
• For tweens and teens, resist the urge to wake them before 9 AM unless absolutely necessary. The hormone-fueled creatures need their beauty sleep and trust me, NO ONE wants to deal with a sleep-deprived 13-year-old. If you don’t believe me, I’ll loan you mine for a day. 

Block 2: Move Yo Body

Next up: Move your body and play. Those video games and iPad screens will win unless we set the expectation to get outdoors and move around.

I planned this block for early in the day because I live in Texas, and we are literally dying outdoors by 10 am. If this block needs to wait until evening when the summer sun isn’t melting you alive, then alter accordingly. But you’d be surprised how well a sprinkler and some lemonade can keep the kiddos cool and comfy outdoors. 

1.5 Hours: Get Moving!

• Outdoor play, bike rides, sports, yard games, playground, walk the dog, etc.
• Wet Wednesday Special: Water play activities, swimming, etc. 
• Field Trip Friday: Museums, splash pads, water parks, the movies, the skating rink, etc. Beat the heat and have fun all day!

An outdoor block is non-negotiable, no matter the time of day you plan it. The science is clear: physical activity improves focus, mood, and cognitive function. Sunshine gives you all that vitamin D you need for a healthy immune system. Time in nature boosts mood and reduces stress for EVERYONE. This block is for you, too, grownups! 

Block 3: Brain Time (That’s Actually Fun!)

There’s no need to separate “learning time” from “creative time. They’re two sides of the same developmental coin. The goal is to make this fun, so the kids have no idea their brains are working. It’s like hiding vegetables in brownies. You can fill this block with arts and crafts and other activities from your summer bucket list.

Theming your days gives kids something specific and novel to look forward to while providing the predictability that their developing brains love. Plus, it makes it a lot easer on you to plan! Win, win for everyone.

1.5 Hours: Brain and Create Time:

• Make-it Monday: Extended craft, art project, or DIY Building project. (I love Kiwi Kits for this! My dad has been doing these with all the grands, and it’s been a great bonding and creative activity that’s minimal prep.)
• Try-It Tuesday: Learn about something new, then try it! (think recipes, art techniques, gardening, coding, sewing skills, etc.)
• Wordy Wednesday: Reading adventure day! This is a great time to head to your local library or used bookstore. Join a reading challenge at your local library, Half Price Books, Barnes and Noble. You can find a full list from Money Saving Mom. You can also incorporate language-based games for older kiddos, like Scrabble, Bananagrams, Scattergories, etc. 
• Thoughtful Thursday: Community service planning and creation (create cards, make a meal for someone, etc). Social-emotional learning is just as important as skills learning. Having a specific time each week to focus on this is integral to growing emotionally-healthy humans. 
• Field Trip Friday: Need I say more? If you’ve got littles, you might want to start wrapping it up, and heading back home for the next block. (My favorite!)

Block 4: The Afternoon Sanity Recoup

It’s time for lunch and a mandatory decompression time (aka nap time). Besides morning coffee time, this might be my favorite block of the day. Also known as iced coffee hour.

1+ Hours: Refuel and Recoup

• Lunch (pro tip: let the big kids make it and clean up!)
• Rest/Quiet time (for EVERYONE)

Eat a quick lunch and relish some rest time. If your kiddos are past the napping stage, encourage them to do some quiet activities wherever you prefer.

This is when I choose to pull out the screen time. If I want some guaranteed quiet to read a book or get some writing done, I know I’ll get fewer interruptions if they can watch a movie or play some Roblox. But you do you, and what’s best for your family.

Block 5: Free Play with Friends

If you’re lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with kids or can easily rotate play dates with friends, then this block that combines socializing with free play is easy and so good for kids’ develpment. 

2+ Hours: Free Play and Social Time

• Unstructured indoor or outdoor play with minimal parental helicoptering (ahem)
• Friend time (playdates, neighborhood activities, etc.)
• Solo hobby exploration

This is where the real childhood memories happen. Remember running through sprinklers with neighborhood kids until dinner? Making mud pies in the backyard? Recording cassette tapes full of your own original songs? (Just me?) This is that block. It’s a non-negotiable, magical time when kids can let loose their creativity, learn negotiation skills, conflict resolution, and creative problem-solving.

Putting It All Together (Without Losing Your Mind)

Now for the moment of truth: how to implement this schedule without becoming the summer drill sergeant your children will complain about to their future therapists.

1. Print it out and display it prominently

Stick on the refrigerator, not buried in a drawer of good intentions next to the Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown DVD your postpartum self bought back in 2010. 

2. Use verbal or visual cues for transitions

Maybe it’s a timer, or silly song or dance that signals “It’s time for the next thing!”

This doesn’t have to be hard and fast. If your ADHD kid is hyperfocused on a science project, if it’s possible, let them finish. But if it’s absolutely necessary to transition, don’t just spring it on them and exepct them to obey immediately. As a mom of a kid who STRUGGLES with transitions, I give multiple heads-ups, especially if we have to leave the house at a specific time or are expecting company.

And be sure to offer praise when they do transition well. It’s something to celebrate! 

3. Build in flexibility

This is a FRAMEWORK, not prison. The best summer schedule is one that is realistic. Some days you’ll nail every block. Other days, you’ll abandon ship by 10 AM and have a movie marathon. Both are fine! I’m naturally a fly by the seat of my pants kind of person, so adhering to a summer daily routine is TOUGH for me. I have to give myself some grace and know that it’s not always gonna happen, and that’s totally ok. 

If you don’t want to start full-out, maybe just have 2 days a week of schedule and the leave the rest open to whatever. You know yourself and your kids best, so do what works. 

4. Prep the day before

Make a Michaels order for those craft supplies, pack bags for outings, and generally become the overnight summer fairy your post-late-night Netflix marathon zombie self will thank you for. 

5. Lower your standards considerably

That Pinterest craft will not look like the picture, no sirree.  Your zoo field trip in the 95 degree heat might will likely end with ice cream bribes. Your child might take pool baths 8 days in a row. IT’S ALL FINE.

The real goal here isn’t perfect summer productivity. It’s finding the balance between structure and freedom where kids thrive, and parents maintain just enough sanity to make it to mid-August.

Remember, the most important thing isn’t checking every box on the schedule. It’s being present enough to notice when your kid makes up a ridiculous new dance move, builds something amazing with sticks in the backyard, or suddenly wants to tell you about their elaborate fantasy world while helping with dinner prep. Above all else, it’s minimizing the screentime and encouraging kids to experience the world and use their imaginations.

What summer scheduling hacks have saved YOUR family? Drop them in the comments because we’re all in the sweaty, popsicle-stained trenches together!

The post Free Printable Weekly Summer Schedule For Parents (and Babysitters) Who Are Done With The Chaos appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Christmas bucket list – three words that simultaneously fill me with Pinterest-worthy dreams and mild panic as I picture myself hot-gluing candy canes to wreaths at midnight while covered in glitter. But here’s the thing: amid the chaos of this magical month, having a list of possible memory-making moments actually helps me slow down and savor the season instead of watching it fly by in a blur of gift-wrapping and sugar cookies.

Listen, this isn’t about adding more “must-dos” to your already overflowing plate (because heaven knows we’re all one class party signup away from a complete tinsel-covered meltdown). Instead, think of this as your permission slip to pick and choose the joy-sparking activities that work for your actual, real-life family. Whether you’re the mom who has her advent activities color-coded by mid-November, or you’re still finding Halloween candy in your coat pockets (no judgment here), I’ve got 59 Christmas bucket list ideas to help you make this December feel a little more magical and a lot less frantic.

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Festive and Crafty Christmas Bucket List Ideas

Because nothing says it’s the holiday season like a light dusting of glitter on every surface of your home, right? These decorating and craft ideas range from “Pinterest-perfect possible” to “at least we tried!”

Decorate your Christmas tree as a family

As much as you’d like to take this over (just me??) it’s even more special to have the whole family involved. Pro tip: Lower your expectations and embrace the ridiculousness of a bare bottom third of your tree. Just accept defeat now instead of battling your toddler or cat all freaking month. 

Make paper snowflakes for window decorations

Let the Queen of Christmas Crafts herself show you how to create some gorgeous snowflakes. Warning: You will find paper scraps until Valentine’s Day. Worth it.

Create a holiday wreath using natural materials

Channel your inner crafty goddess and raid your backyard for supplies. Pine cones, twigs, and maybe that missing soccer sock – it’s all fair game.

String popcorn, dried oranges, or cranberry garlands

A classic Christmas activity that teaches patience, hand-eye coordination, and why we shouldn’t eat decorations. Ask me how I know.

Build a gingerbread house from scratch

Or grab a kit from Target. Both count, and only one might save your sanity.

Create handmade Christmas cards

Because nothing says “I care” like glitter-covered fingerprints and slightly wonky drawings of reindeer.

Make salt dough ornaments

Create memories and backup Christmas gifts all at once. Win-win!

Design a festive table centerpiece

Think fir branches, pinecones, glass ornaments, and candles. You could also add some cranberries or dried oranges for a pop of natural color. Bonus points if it survives until the actual Christmas dinner.

Make paper chain decorations

Simple enough for toddlers, satisfying enough for teens who pretend they’re too cool for crafts.

Create an advent calendar with daily activities

One my favorite ways to countdown to Christmas morning! Mix in easy wins like “drink hot cocoa”  or “watch Elf” with your more ambitious plans and surprises. Trust me on this one.

Outdoor Christmas Bucket List Ideas

Let’s be honest – December is more magical when we’re not all cooped up inside watching the walls close in. Here’s how to embrace the great outdoors, even when your fingers are questioning your life choices.

Quick note: Some of these depend on actual winter weather cooperating. No promises there, Mother Nature has her own agenda, especially here in Texas.

Build a snowman

Or a snow blob. Or a snow turtle. Or a wanna-be shaving cream snowman. Whatever speaks to your artistic soul and the actual snow conditions you’re working with.

Go sledding

Nothing brings out the kid in all of us like hurtling down a snow-covered hill on a piece of plastic while questioning all our life choices. You can even find some man-made snow hills around the holidays, so us southerners can experience a little snow magic, too.

Take a winter nature walk and collect pinecones

Free decor and built-in entertainment. Plus, it’s educational if anyone asks.

Make snow angels

The perfect excuse to lie down outside and take a mom break. I mean, make memories.

Have a family snowball fight

Remember: alliances will be formed and broken, and someone will definitely cry. Possibly you.

Go ice skating

Hold hands, laugh together, and try not to think about how many people have fallen here before you.

Create winter bird feeders

Because being kind to our feathered friends totally makes up for forgetting to move the Elf three nights in a row. Try this easy DIY bird feeder project with the kids. 

Take a nighttime walk to look at neighborhood lights

Wrap up warm and get into the holiday spirit with some festive Christmas lights. Hot chocolate in travel mugs required. Bonus points for wearing pajamas under your coats.

Take family photos in matching winter outfits

Yes, we’re that family now. Embrace it. And fake that festive Christmas cheer if you have to. 

Go on a winter scavenger hunt

Turn “I’m cold” into “I found it!” with a list of winter treasures to discover.

Kitchen Adventure Christmas Bucket List Ideas

The kitchen is where some of December’s best memories are made. It’s also where you’ll find sprinkles in July, but that’s part of the charm.

Bake Christmas cookies

Start with good intentions of following Great-Grandma’s sugar cookie recipe and end up embracing the beauty of break-and-bake. Either way, memories are made.

Make hot chocolate from scratch

Because sometimes we need to remind ourselves why we usually buy the packets.

Host a family cookie-decorating party

Turn on your favorite holiday playlist and bake the night away. Prepare to find icing in places you didn’t know existed. The photos will be worth it.

Try a new holiday recipe from another culture

Expand those horizons. Think Hungarian Beigli, Greek Koulourakia, Danish Brunkager, or South African Malva Pudding. Your kids might even surprise you and try some. 

Make peppermint bark

The easiest impressive-looking treat you’ll ever make. Don’t tell anyone how simple it is.

Make mulled apple cider (for the grown-ups)

Your house will smell amazing, and you’ll feel like a colonial-era domestic goddess. 

Prepare homemade gifts from the kitchen

Nothing says love like slightly burnt caramel wrapped in cellophane. All jokes aside, a tub of homemade Chex mix or puppy chow might be the key to my heart. 

Create a holiday trail mix

Mix Christmas M&Ms, white chocolate chips,  holiday-shaped pretzels, dried cranberries, and whatever else your heart desires. 

Make homemade eggnog (also for the grown-ups)

If you think you hate eggnog, you’ve never had a good ol’ spiked eggnog cocktail. Brandy will be your new bestie. 

Have a holiday pizza-making night

Red sauce and green peppers count as Christmas colors, right? To make it extra festive for the kiddos, try these adorable Christmas tree pizzas!

Christmas Bucket List Ideas that Spread Joy

December gives us so many chances to show our kids that giving truly is better than receiving (even if they don’t totally believe us yet).

Shovel snow for elderly neighbors

Build muscles and good karma all at once.

Donate toys to a local charity

The perfect opportunity to teach giving while secretly decluttering before the new toy tsunami hits.

Volunteer at a local food bank

Nothing puts “we have nothing to eat” complaints in perspective quite like this. It’s important to teach our kids empathy and generosity towards the less fortunate in our communities. 

Make care packages for homeless shelters

Teaching compassion one gallon-sized bag at a time. Care package item ideas include socks, water bottles, granola bars, crackers, wipes, toiletries like toothpaste and toothbrushes, hygiene products like soap and deodorant, protein bars, jerky, first aid supplies, blankets, and clothing items like shirts and underwear

Write letters to soldiers overseas

Because everyone deserves a little holiday cheer, especially those far from home. If you’re not sure how to get started, DoingGoodTogether.org makes it easy.

Participate in a giving tree program

Shop for someone else’s Christmas wishes and watch your kids’ hearts grow three sizes. You can find a Salvation Army Angel Tree near you or check with local schools, YMCAs and community centers, as they’ll often have their own giving tree program. 

Collect coats for a winter clothing drive

Marie Kondo your closets for a cause. Just make sure it’s clean and in good condition. 

Bring treats to local first responders

Thank the people who work while we celebrate. 

Carol at a nursing home

What you lack in pitch, make up for in enthusiasm. You can also ask if you can bring small goodie bags for the residents. This might be the sweetest memory you make all year. 

Host a neighborhood hot chocolate stand for charity

Like a lemonade stand, but with more marshmallows. Donate the profits to your favorite charity. 

Host a Christmas party for your friends or family

Who better to show some Christmas love to than the people who mean the most to you? Make it stress-free opt for takeout or catering. 

Cozy Indoor Christmas Bucket List Ideas

Sometimes the best December moments happen when we’re all piled on the couch in matching pajamas (that we totally didn’t buy just for the ‘gram).

Have a Christmas movie marathon

Make a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Again.

Read holiday stories while snuggled by the fire

Or the space heater. Think outside the box. The little ones won’t care 

Create a holiday music playlist

Create a roundup of the best classic carols with modern hits (Yes, Ariana! No, Wham!) and share your playlist with the family. You’ll be listening to your favorite Christmas songs all month. 

Do holiday-themed puzzles

Test your family’s patience and spatial awareness all at once. 

Have an indoor camping night with twinkle lights

All the fun of camping, none of the cold. 

Create a family holiday time capsule

Future you will thank present you for this one. You can download my printable holiday time capsule activity and use it each year. It’s a simple and fun way to document your kids’ growth throughout the years. 

Build a blanket fort for storytime

Because everything is more magical in a fort, hang some twinkle lights, bring the oversized pillows and blankets, and get cozy for some quality time together. 

Play board games in pajamas

Spend an evening playing board games in your coziest robe and slippers. Monopoly might end in tears, but at least you’re comfy. 

Have a holiday dance party

Shake off the winter blues and work off some cookie calories. Expect eye rolls from the teenagers. 

Extra Special Christmas Bucket List Ideas

Yes, these require actual pants and possibly combing hair, but they’re worth it.

Attend a Christmas tree lighting

From little towns to big cities, a Christmas tree lighting is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season. 

See Santa

Capture the magic, or the terror, or both. All make great memories. 

Attend a local holiday parade

Bundle up, bring hot chocolate, and wave at every single float

Drive through holiday light displays

The perfect activity for when you want to be festive but also antisocial.

Watch a live holiday performance

Whether it’s a professional production of the Nutcracker Ballet or your kid’s school play where they forget all their lines, it’s all magic.

Stay at a hotel decorated for Christmas

Recreate your own Home Alone experience this December complete with overpriced room service and gangster movies. 

Ride a North Pole train

All aboard the Polar Express! Don your jammies and book a holiday train ride near you!

Attend a Christmas market

Ditch the big box stores and Amazon this year. Shop small and support the local artisans in your community. You’ll find one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers and gifts for everyone on your list. 

Host a family New Year’s Eve countdown party

Who says midnight has to be at 12? Netflix has countdown videos for every time zone.

Wrapping Up: 55 Christmas Bucket List Ideas

• Keep it simple – You don’t need to do all 55 things. Pick what works for your family and ignore the rest.
• Be flexible – Sometimes the best memories come from when plans go hilariously wrong.
• Document the chaos – Take pictures, even of the mess-ups, especially of the mess-ups.
• Remember your “why” – This list isn’t about creating perfect moments; it’s about being present with your people.

So there you have it, friends – your permission slip to make this Christmas season your own kind of special with our Christmas bucket list ideas. Whether you tackle five activities or fifty, remember that the real magic isn’t in checking things off a list; it’s in those little moments when you look around at your beautiful, chaotic family and remember why it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go vacuum up some glitter. Again.

The post 59 Festive Christmas Bucket List Ideas: Holly Jolly December Activities (Plus Free Printables!) appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Hey there, awesome teens and cool parents!

Fall is knocking on our door, and you know what that means – it’s time to swap those flip-flops for fuzzy socks and trade in beach days for pumpkin-spiced everything. But before you go thinking fall is all about raking leaves and back-to-school blues, hold onto your flannel shirts, because I’ve got news for you!

We’re about to dive into the ultimate fall bucket list that’ll make you wish autumn lasted all year long. I’m talking 65 ideas so fun, so fabulous, and so fall-tastic that you’ll be racing to tick them off faster than you can say “apple cider donut.”

Whether you’re a teen looking to make this fall your best one yet, or a parent trying to keep up with your too-cool-for-school kiddo, this list has something for everyone. We’re talking cozy nights, spooky thrills, tasty treats, and memory-making moments that’ll have you falling head over heels for fall.

So, grab your favorite oversized sweater, curl up with a mug of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into this cornucopia of autumn awesomeness with our fall bucket list ideas for teens and families. 

Free Printable Fall Bucket List

Get your free printable with all 67 fall bucket list ideas for teens and families right here! We also included a blank bucket list, so you can customize your own fall bucket list with your favorite autumn activities.

Fun Fall Activities

From fall outings to arts and crafts to fall-themed food, we’ve got 67 fun fall bucket list ideas for teens and families to keep you busy the entire fall season!

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Gather your friends and head to a local pumpkin patch for all the fun fall activities they offer. Pick a pumpkin to bring home. 

2. Go Apple Picking

Visit a local orchard and fill your baskets with crisp, juicy apples. Bonus points if you turn your harvest into a delicious homemade apple pie or cider!

3. Take a Fall Hike

Enjoy the outdoors and scenery this fall with a hike. Choose a hike that suits your fitness level and bring a friend or family member along. 

4. Decorate Your Room for Fall

Transform your space into an autumn wonderland with fairy lights, cozy blankets, and pumpkin-scented candles. It’s like a warm hug for your room!

5. Have a Pumpkin Carving Party

Invite friends over for a pumpkin carving extravaganza. Award prizes for the spookiest, funniest, and most creative designs. 

6. Try a New Fall-Themed Recipe

Whip up some pumpkin spice cookies, butternut squash soup, or caramel apples. Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious autumn adventure.

7. Go on a Fall Foliage Drive

Hop in the car and cruise through the countryside to admire the colorful changing leaves. Don’t forget to take plenty of Instagram-worthy pics!

8. Host a Halloween Movie Marathon

Line up classic spooky flicks like “Hocus Pocus” and “Ghostbusters.” Snuggle up with friends, popcorn, and candy for a frightfully fun night in.

9. Create Fall-Themed Art

Get crafty with autumn-inspired paintings, leaf rubbings, or pinecone decorations. Let your creativity flow!

10. Go Stargazing on a Clear Fall Night

Grab a cozy blanket and head outside to marvel at the stars. The crisp air makes for perfect stargazing conditions – you might even spot a shooting star!

11. Visit a Corn Maze

Get lost (in a fun way!) in a twisting, turning corn maze. Bring friends and see who can find their way out first – it’s a-maize-ing!

12. Try Fall Nail Art

Pull out that fall-colored nail polish and invite your friends over to do nails. Try these tutorials for easy and adorable fall nail designs!

13. Make Caramel Apples

Dip crisp apples in gooey caramel and roll them in your favorite toppings. It’s a sticky, sweet adventure your taste buds will love!

14. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of fall items to find – colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones. Hit the park or woods and see who can check off their list first!

15. Host a Chili Cook-Off

Invite friends to bring their best chili recipes. Vote on the tastiest, spiciest, and most creative. Don’t forget the cornbread!

16. Create a Thankful Tree

Cut leaf shapes from colored paper, write what you’re grateful for, and hang them on branches. Watch your gratitude grow all season!

17. Have a Backyard Camping Night

Set up tents, roast hot dogs, and tell not-too-scary stories under the stars. It’s all the fun of camping without leaving home!

18. Make Fall Wreaths

Create a fall wreath for your bedroom door. I love this simple, frugal wreath idea using a wire coat hanger and fabric scraps!

19. Go Thrift Shopping for Fall Finds

Hunt for cozy sweaters, unique Halloween costume pieces, or fall decor at local thrift stores. It’s like a treasure hunt with awesome prizes!

20. Build a Blanket Fort

Construct the coziest hideout ever using blankets, pillows, and furniture. Add some twinkle lights or battery lanterns. It’s the perfect spot for reading, watching movies, snacking, or chilling.

21. Do a Fall Themed Puzzle

Choose a Halloween or fall-themed puzzle. It’s a relaxing way to spend an autumn evening while you watch your favorite fall movie. 

22. Have a Pumpkin Spice Taste Test

Gather all the pumpkin spice-flavored treats you can find. Rate and review each one – who knew there were so many ways to spice things up?

23. Go on a Ghost Tour

Find a local haunted history tour in your area. Learn spooky stories about your town while getting some fresh fall air – if you dare!

24. Make a Fall-Themed Music Playlist

Curate the ultimate autumn soundtrack. Include cozy tunes, Halloween classics, and songs with “fall” or “autumn” in the title.

25. Have a Leaf-Raking Race

Turn yard work into a competition! Split into teams and see who can rake the biggest pile of leaves the fastest. Winner gets hot chocolate!

26. Create DIY Fall Candles

Melt wax, add autumn-inspired scents like cinnamon or apple, and pour into simple mason jars, as seen in this tutorial. These make great gifts for teachers, neighbors, etc. 

27. Go Geocaching

Download a geocaching app and hunt for hidden treasures in your area. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt with a techy twist!

28. Host a Backyard Bonfire

Grab the hotdogs, marshmallows, and all your friends. A backyard bonfire around the firepit is the perfect way to spend a chilly fall evening. 

29. Make Leaf Crowns

Channel your inner forest fairy by creating gorgeous crowns from fallen leaves. Who needs a tiara when you’ve got nature’s bling?

30. Host a Board Game Marathon

As the weather gets cooler, stay in and have an epic board game tournament. Crown the Board Game Champion of Fall!

31. Create a Fall Photo Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of fall-themed items to photograph – a red leaf, a pumpkin, someone in a scarf. Share your pics and see who captured fall’s essence best!

32. Have a Pie-Baking Contest

Gather friends for a delicious competition. Apple, pumpkin, pecan – may the best pie win! Don’t forget to sample every single one (it’s only fair).

33. Go on a Hayride

Find a local farm offering hayrides. Bump along on a tractor-pulled wagon, enjoying the crisp air and beautiful scenery. It’s the ultimate fall experience!

34. Make Autumn Leaf Suncatchers

With an embroidery hoop, colorful fall leaves, and some wax paper, you can create a beautiful autumn leaf suncatcher.  Hang your creation in a window to catch the golden fall sunlight.

35. Have a Cozy Book Club Meeting

Pick a spooky or autumn-themed book, grab some blankets and hot drinks, and discuss the story with friends. It’s the perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon!

36. Set Up a Warm Apple Cider Bar

Get some jugs of apple cider and some of your favorite add-ins and toppings like caramel sauce, cinnamon, red hots, whipped cream, and more. Invite your friends over to share!

37. Go Pumpkin Bowling

Set up toilet paper roll “pins” and use small pumpkins as bowling balls. It’s a hilariously gourd time for the whole family!

38. Have a Fall-Themed Photoshoot

Grab your friends, don your coziest fall outfits, and head to a scenic spot for an autumn photoshoot. Leaves make the best confetti!

39. Make Leaf Pressing Bookmarks

Collect pretty leaves, press them between heavy books, and turn them into unique bookmarks. They’re perfect for marking your place in that spooky fall read!

40. Host a Halloween Costume Swap

Invite friends to bring old costumes and swap them. It’s eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, and you might find the perfect outfit for this year’s festivities!

41. Create Spooky Shadow Puppets

Use a flashlight and your hands (or cut-out shapes) to create eerie shadows on the wall. Tell scary stories to go with your creations!

42. Go on a Fall Flavor Ice Cream Tour

Visit local ice cream shops and try their seasonal flavors. Pumpkin, apple pie, cinnamon – rate them all and crown your fall flavor champion!

43. Make a Thankful Jar

Decorate a jar and fill it with notes about what you’re grateful for. Read them on Thanksgiving for an extra dose of gratitude.

44. Have a Fall-Themed Movie Quote Challenge

Watch classic autumn and Halloween movies, then challenge friends to a quote-off. Whoever guesses the most movie quotes correctly wins!

45. Create Pinecone Bird Feeders

Coat pinecones in peanut butter and birdseed, then hang them outside. Watch as feathered friends flock to your fall feast!

46. Go on a Ghost Story Writing Spree

Gather friends for a spooky story-writing session. Start a story and pass it around, each person adding a section. The results are sure to be terrifyingly hilarious!

47. Make Leaf-Print Bags or T-Shirts

Use fabric paint to stamp fall leaves onto canvas bags or plain t-shirts. You’ll have a wearable masterpiece that captures the colors of the season!

48. Host a Harvest Moon Viewing Party

Check when the harvest moon will appear, then gather friends for a moonlit picnic. Don’t forget to make a wish on the big, beautiful moon!

49. Create a Fall Bucket List Time Capsule

Write down your fall memories and favorite moments from your bucket list adventures. Seal them in a container to open next autumn!

50. Have a Caramel Apple Decorating Party

Provide apples, caramel, and tons of toppings. See who can create the most outrageous (and delicious) caramel apple masterpiece!

51. Create a Festive Fall Tablescape

Gather pinecones, mini pumpkins, and fall leaves to design a beautiful autumn centerpiece. Your dinner table will look magazine-worthy!

52. Have a Pumpkin Seed Roasting Contest

Save those seeds from your carved pumpkins! Experiment with different seasonings and see who can create the tastiest roasted pumpkin seeds.

53. Go on a Fall Foliage Bike Ride

Pedal through your neighborhood or a nearby trail to enjoy the colorful leaves. Don’t forget to pack a thermos of warm apple cider for pit stops!

54. Host a Football Game Watch Party

Fall is for football and that includes all the snacks! Invite your friends over for the game and ask everyone to bring their favorite game day food.

55. Host a Flannel Friday Party

Invite friends over for a cozy gathering where flannel is the dress code. Award prizes for the most creative or comfiest outfits!

56. Create Fall-Scented Play Dough

Playdough isn’t just for kids. Mix up some homemade play dough with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. It’s a fun craft that smells amazing – just don’t eat it!

57. Have a Fall-Themed Karaoke Night

Belt out autumn-inspired tunes like “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire or “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood. Don’t forget the apple cider mocktails!

58. Make Leaf Mandalas

Collect leaves of different shapes and colors, then arrange them in beautiful circular mandala patterns. It’s like nature’s own art therapy!

59. Go on a Fall Farmers Market Adventure

Visit your local farmers market and challenge yourself to make a meal using only seasonal fall produce. Bonus points for finding the weirdest-looking gourd!

60. Create Spooky Silhouette Jars

Grab some mason jars, Halloween-colored tissue paper, black construction paper, Mod Podge, and some glitter if you dare.  These creepy-cool decorations are perfect for Halloween!

61. Have a Fall-Themed Bake-Off

Challenge your friends to create the most delicious and creative fall-themed baked goods. Pumpkin rolls, apple turnovers, cinnamon cookies – let your imagination run wild!

62. Paint Pumpkins

Create aesthetically pleasing pumpkins with some acrylic paint pens and stencils. These beautifully patterned pumpkins will create some decor all fall. 

63. Go on a Fall Camping Trip

Pack up your coziest gear and head to a nearby campground. Enjoy crisp air, stunning foliage, and s’mores around the campfire.

64. Go Apple-Picking

If you’re lucky enough to have an apple orchard near you, see if they offer pick-your-own apples. It’s a fun way to enjoy the fresh flavors of fall!

65. Host a Truck or Treat Booth

Find a local trunk or treat and volunteer! Pick a theme, create props, and costumes, and enjoy passing out candy to all the little trick-or-treaters.  It’s one of my favorite fall activities!

66. Visit a Haunted House

If you enjoy being scared, you can’t forget this favorite fall activity. Haunted houses are a classic fall activity you have to try at least once.

67. Volunteer at a Fall Festival

Fall festivals are such a classic fall activity. Communities, churches, and schools often host these events and are looking for volunteers. It’s the perfect way for teens to enjoy the fall season while giving back to the community.

Wrapping Up: 67 Fall Bucket List Ideas for Teens and Families

Well, there you have it, folks – 65 fantabulous ways to fall head over heels for fall! Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast, a leaf-jumping champion, or just someone who loves to cozy up with a good book and a warm blanket, this list has something for everyone.

Remember, the real magic of fall isn’t just in the changing leaves or the taste of apple cider (though let’s be real, those are pretty awesome). It’s in the memories you make, the laughter you share, and the cozy moments you create with friends and family.

So, grab your plaid shirt, lace up those boots, and get ready to tackle this list like it’s the last pile of leaves on your lawn. Mix and match these ideas, put your own spin on them, or use them as inspiration to create your own fall traditions. There’s no wrong way to autumn – except maybe wearing flip-flops in November, but hey, you do you!

And parents, don’t think for a second that you’re too old for this list. Trust me, nothing will make you feel young again quite like face-planting into a pile of leaves or getting lost in a corn maze. Plus, your teens might actually think you’re cool for once (no promises, though).

As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, remember that fall is just a season – but with this round up of fall bucket list ideas for teens and families, you can make it legendary. So go forth, be basic, be bold, and most importantly, have a blast!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a pumpkin spice latte and a leaf pile that’s just begging to be jumped in. Happy fall, y’all!

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