Things to do in October
The leaves are crunching, the pumpkin spice is abundant, sweaters and boots abound, it must be Autumn! And right smack dab in the middle of the most wonderful time of the year is October! And what a beauty it is! The weather has cooled just enough to not be crazy hot during the days, yet the evenings haven’t quite cooled so far that you need your winter parka to stay out late. It’s the perfect weather for a fire pit, smores, mugs of pumpkin spice latte, and getting in those last bits of nature before holing up for the winter!
October is the sweet spot in the year, and there are just so many wonderful things to do in a short 31 days! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our 45 favorite things to do in October, so you don’t miss out on any of the greatness of October!
Get Outdoors
Getting outside in October feels like a dream! It’s important to get outside, fill your lungs with fresh air, and stretch your legs before the long winter months of being cooped up indoors! Consider these ideas to get yourself outside!
- Go to the Orchard: Although peak season for apples is in September, several varieties of apples are still available in early October! Check with your local orchard to see if they still have apples available! As a bonus, many orchards also have fresh cider, and play areas making them great for fall family outings!
- Pumpkin Patch: Many orchards have pumpkin patches, but some pumpkin patches stand alone! See what’s around your area, many have lots of fun family activities including hayrides and corn mazes!
- Hayride: Many orchards or pumpkin patches have hayrides, so you don’t have to go far to cross this one off the bucket list!
- Go on a Fall Hike: There’s something about crunching leaves that is quintessential Autumn! Make sure you get a chance to get outside and enjoy those crunchy leaves! Try to find a hike that has some beautiful colors to really give your eyes a treat!
- Rake Leaves: If you don’t have a big tree in your yard, find a friend or elderly neighbor and offer to help out! Rake your leaves into a big pile and jump in… there’s no age limit on jumping in leaf piles!
- Fall Foliage: Take a drive to an area nearby that has beautiful tree filled hills. Enjoy the reds, oranges, yellows, golds, browns, and greens that really can only be enjoyed during the Fall!
- Bike Ride: Fall provides the perfect weather to ride bikes! Find a fun trail nearby and bike a few miles. Bonus fun: biking through crunchy leaves!
- Friends Football: Gather your friends up for a game of touch football!
- Frisbee Golf: Find a Frisbee Golf course nearby and spend some afternoon hours perfecting your throw!
- Collect Leaves: Keep your eyes peeled for those perfect fall colored leaves. You can preserve your leaves by pressing them between book pages!
- Tailgate Party: Fall is synonymous with football season, so don’t forget to do some tailgating with friends!
- Farmer’s Market: Many Farmers Markets continue to be open into early Fall. Support your local farmers and enjoy the beautiful Fall bounty!
- Go Stargazing
- Climb a Tree
- Go Camping: The cool mornings and evenings make perfect weather for sleeping outdoors, and cooking over a fire!
- Bird Watch: Migrating birds make for great views! Find out what’s in your area and see if you can spy any birds flying through!
- Plant Bulbs for Spring: Pick some bulbs up and plant them now! You’ll thank yourself in the Spring!
Get Crafty
Rain or Shine, nothing starts creative juices flowing like the Fall weather! Feel the “Pumpk-in-spiration” and get crafting!
18. Decorate for Fall: Pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, corn stalks, leaves… try your hand at some fun fall decor! The Prudent Penny Pincher has some great ideas for Fall Decor!
19. Create Halloween costumes
20. Carve Pumpkins
21. Paint Pumpkins
22. Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder: This tutorial from One Little Project will be the perfect craft to keep your birds happy this Fall!
Warm Up the Kitchen
23. Mull some Wine: You’ll enjoy the smell all day and the wine will warm you to your toes! This recipe from Gimme Some Oven is perfect for Mulled Wine!
24. Make Caramel Apples: Start your mouth watering with this recipe from Delicious Treats for Gourmet Candy Apples! They make a great gift for the holidays as well!
25. Make Chili and Cornbread
26. Add Pumpkin spice to anything: You will not be disappointed with this Pumpkin Spice mix by Foodtasia!
27. DIY Pumpkin Puree: Learn how to make your own Pumpkin Puree from Gently Sustainable.
28. Pumpkin Cookies: Try these Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies by Averie Cooks
29. Pumpkin Bars: Mom on TimeOut has this delicious Pumpkin Bar recipe to try out!
30. Pumpkin Spice Cake: This delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe from The Coupon Project couldn’t be easier!
31. Soup, Soup, Soup: ‘tis the season! Pumpkin, Chicken Noodle, Potato, Broccoli Cheese…. All soup is good soup!
Explore Your Community
October is the perfect time to get to know your community! Check out these fun ideas for things to do around your town!
32. Take a Winery Tour
33. Visit a Brewery
34. Find a Haunted House
35. Escape from an Escape Room
36. Participate in a Trunk or Treat
37. Find a Harvest Festival
38.Enjoy Oktoberfest
39. Sip some Hard Cider
40. Search for a Hot Air Balloon Launch
Snuggle Up
Of course, even the weather in October doesn’t always cooperate, but it can still be the perfect time to cozy up with a blanket and hang out inside. When you’re stuck indoors, check out these fun things to do!
41. Watch Scary Movies
42. Read Goosebumps
43. Burn a Candle
44. Mull some Hot Cider with Cinnamon Sticks
45. Drink Pumpkin Spice Coffee or Cocoa
46. Snuggle with a pet or a loved one
Conclusion
Don’t let this October slip away without hitting a few of these great things to do in October! Get outside, enjoy the weather, sights, sounds, and smells of the Fall! Thank us later for all the fun you had!
