The cooler temps that accompany fall means you can enjoy outdoor activities without roasting in the summer heat. Unfortunately, many adults limit their fall activities to consuming pumpkin spice flavored items because they just don’t know how to celebrate the changing of the season. Thankfully, we have compiled 21 fun fall outdoor activities for adults that you can do alone or with your friends.
21 Fun Fall Outdoor Activities for Adults
1. Go to a Fall Festival
Fall is a popular time for cities and towns to have festivals, fairs, and events. These events can take place entirely outdoors or a mixture of both indoors and out. If you’re not sure how to find local events, check out social media, newspapers, and your local chamber of commerce to stay up-to-date on the happenings in your area.
2. Pick Some Apples
Apple picking is a common fall activity that can be done alone or with a group of friends. Local orchards typically offer the option of buying already picked apples or giving you a basket and letting you pick your own.
3. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Like apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch typically means you can buy already picked pumpkins or scour through the pumpkin field to find that perfect gourd. Many pumpkin farms also offer other fall-themed activities, such as hayrides, that you may be interested in.
4. Try to Get Out of a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, even adults. You can test your sense of direction while you try to find your way out of the maze. If you’re looking for something a little more scary, consider visiting a Halloween-themed corn maze.
5. Have a Bonfire
Bonfires are a great way to have a relaxing, intimate event with just a few friends, or a big fall bash with an abundance of people. Make sure, however, to check with your city to ensure bonfires are allowed for the planned date and time. Some areas have burning laws that only allow for burns to happen during certain times.
6. Take a Scenic Drive
Fall is an ideal time to take a scenic drive through your state. The changing colors of the leaves create a stunning view that anyone would enjoy. Most states have a scenic map that tells you what roads and areas to drive to view these picturesque landscapes.
7. Watch a Movie Outdoors
If you’re lucky enough to have a drive-in close by, then you can easily enjoy a movie outdoors. If not, then you can create your own outdoor movie-watching experience right in the comfort of your own backyard by setting up a screen and projector.
8. Go for a Hayride
A hayride is a classic fall activity that is offered at a wide array of farms throughout the season. Hayrides can be a relaxing ride around a farm, or a creepy yet fun Halloween experience. They are also a way to enjoy the sights and smells of the fall season without an abundance of walking.
9. Tell Scary Ghost Stories
Ghost stories are a delightfully frightful way to get into the Halloween spirit. If you’re not sure of a good story to tell, consider visiting the library and looking up the local legends in your town.
10. Have a Fall-Themed Photoshoot
The changing of the leaves makes for an ideal backdrop for outdoor photos. So it is no surprise that fall-themed photoshoots are a popular activity in autumn.
11. Take a Hike
Hiking is a wonderful way to get some exercise while also enjoying that fresh fall air. You will also be able to take in the fall scenery during your hike. Make sure to wear proper footwear, take water, and let your loved ones know what area you will be hiking in.
12. Jump in a Pile of Leaves
Why let the kids have all the fun? Rake all the leaves that have fallen into a large pile and get to jumping! You can even invite your friends as well and make a party of it. Offer some homemade apple cider or mulled wine to keep your friends hydrated while they embrace their inner kid!
13. Host an Outdoor Murder Mystery Party
Who doesn’t love a good party? And what better way to ring in the fall season than with a murder mystery party! These types of parties will have all your guests involved and excited trying to figure out who the killer is. Pair it with some fall-themed food and you’ll have an unforgettable autumn evening.
14. Attend your Local High School Football Game
Watching a football game is a fall activity that can get your heart pumping while you cheer for your favorite team. If you have a local high school nearby, consider going to one of their fall football games so you can mingle with others in your community while supporting your local athletes.
15. Have a Picnic
Take advantage of those cooler temperatures by having a picnic outdoors. You can plan the picnic at a local park, or right in your yard. To really get into the fall mood, make some fall-themed foods, such as mini pumpkin pies, apple cider, and caramel apples, to take on your picnic.
16. Go Camping
Camping isn’t just for those hot summer months, it can also be enjoyed during the fall season. Make sure to check the upcoming weather for your camping trip, and bring warm clothing in case it gets a little nippy. For those who prefer not to camp under the stairs or in a tent, consider renting a cabin for the weekend. This lets you enjoy the great outdoors without actually sleeping in it.
17. Spend the Day on the Water
Whether it is a lake, pond, or ocean, spending a crisp fall day on the water can help clear your head and get some much needed relaxation. If you or a friend don’t have a boat, no problem! Consider renting one from a local boat owner or contact your local lakes to inquire about boat rentals.
18. Check out a Sunflower Field
Fall is the season of the sunflower. These cheery plants come in a wide array of varieties but can bloom as early as July and last until the end of October. People typically visit sunflower fields for fall photoshoots. Depending on the farm, however, they may offer other outdoor activities while you’re there, such as cutting your own sunflowers.
19. Visit a Farmers Market
Just because the summer has ended doesn’t mean the farmers markets are closed for the season. In fact, many farmers markets stay open throughout the end of October to allow the farmers to sell their fall vegetables, such as gourds.
20. Forge and Collect for Homemade Fall Decor
Acorns, leaves, and branches are three common items that can be forged for, collected, and then used in your fall holiday decor or crafts. The leaves can be hung individually from the branch with fishing line to make it appear as if they are falling from the tree branch. While the acorns can be hand painted in the traditional fall colors (orange, red, brown, and yellow) and then used as fillings for centerpieces and vases.
21. Plant those Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Fall is the ideal time to plant flower bulbs that will emerge in the spring. Plants such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and irises are considered spring-blooming bulbs, and will need to be planted in September or October when the soil has cooled. Make sure to check your USDA hardiness zone to ensure the best time in the fall to plant spring-blooming bulbs.
