The shift from summer to fall is magical: The weather gets cooler, our coffee orders get hotter, and the world outside changes from bright green to warm, earthy tones. Like every year, there are countless things to do this fall<\/a>, so to help you get started, we rounded up 55 ideas to make the most of the coziest season. <\/p>\n From hosting dinner parties to throwing football tailgates<\/a>, fall is the time to gather with friends and family. But it\u2019s also the season that makes us want to turn inward. Take the time to reconnect with yourself after the business of summer. Think: puzzling on rainy days, getting in the habit of gratitude journaling<\/a>, and finally trying to bake bread. These 55 things to do this fall will have you enjoying every last golden-hued second.<\/p>\n Arguably the best part of autumn is enjoying the gorgeous foliage that no other season can offer. I love a leaf-peeping walk as much as the next girl, but an underrated way to soak up the scenery is on a drive. Whether you\u2019re cruising along to a fall weekend getaway<\/a> or simply taking the long way home, watching the colors fly past as a breeze hits you from the open window is seriously special. Crank it up a notch by soundtracking the outing with a fall playlist (hello, Taylor Swift\u2019s Red<\/em> album), and picking up a pumpkin spice latte to savor along the journey.<\/p>\n With the changing seasons comes the time to swap out your closet. Buying new clothes to try the latest fall fashion trends<\/a> is fun, but even better? Scouring the racks for hidden gems at your local thrift store<\/a>. Think: cozy wool sweaters, vintage Levi\u2019s jeans, and barn jackets with corduroy collars. You never know what stylish steal could be waiting for you to come claim ownership\u2014and put your own twist on pre-loved clothes.<\/p>\n Fall is the perfect time to start a cookbook club<\/a> with your girlfriends. Here\u2019s how it works: Just like a traditional book club<\/a>, every month, you\u2019ll choose a cookbook to work from. Instead of discussing the latest read, everyone gets to flex their chef muscles. The host is in charge of the entr\u00e9e, while the remaining members take on the drinks, appetizers, and dessert. This way, the cost doesn\u2019t all fall on the host, and everyone gets to take a crack at cooking something new. For autumn, lean into seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, sage, pumpkin, and walnuts. Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy<\/a><\/em> by Teighan Gerard is an ideal inaugural pick.<\/p>\n Dressing up in Halloween costumes<\/a> is a favorite fall tradition, but honestly, I get more joy out of seeing furry friends wearing silly outfits. Yes, I\u2019m talking about a dog costume parade. Many major cities host canine costume competitions in local parks during the week of Halloween. Dress your pup to the nines and take them out to strut their stuff. Even if you don\u2019t have your own pet, attending the parade and observing all the adorable costumes is a day well spent.<\/p>\n If you want your entire house to smell like fall, a simmer pot<\/a> is arguably even better than a candle. All you have to do is fill a pot with water plus your favorite seasonal ingredients. Think apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract. As it simmers on your stove, it\u2019ll give off that mouth-watering smell of fresh-baked goods and warm tea. It\u2019s a great way to use up produce or spices that are past their prime. Plus, you can even let the ingredients cool and reuse them multiple times, so your home can smell delicious all season long.<\/p>\n Puzzling is my absolute favorite cozy weather activity. It\u2019s one of the few times my brain shuts off and is singularly focused on the task at hand: matching the various shapes and colors spread before me. Scoop up a festive fall puzzle<\/a> and wait for a rainy day to whip it out. When the time comes, slip into your coziest sweats, light a pumpkin-scented candle, pour your favorite warm beverage, and zone out.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re a die-hard football fan or just looking for a way to spice up your fall Sundays, try joining a fantasy football league (or setting one up with friends). It makes watching Sunday football even more fun, as you root for the players on your fantasy team to rack up points. Plus, most leagues have a prize for the winners, as well as a punishment for the losers\u2014meaning you can really let that competitive side shine. The NFL season is just getting started, so it\u2019s not too late to get in on the action.<\/p>\n There\u2019s something so cozy about wandering the aisles of a thrift shop<\/a> during the fall. Each shelf is filled with treasures just waiting to be uncovered. You can browse for a new lamp, a vintage side table, or just some antique trinkets that\u2019ll bring some personality into your home. Or, simply wander and admire the vintage finds around you\u2014no purchase required.<\/p>\n Although I\u2019m a year-round chili lover, nothing hits quite like chili during the fall. Turn this beloved fall meal into a little friendly competition by hosting a chili cook-off! Invite friends, family, or neighbors to join in with their signature recipe, and get cooking! The best recipe gets ultimate bragging rights (and maybe a homemade \u201cbest chili\u201d trophy).<\/p>\n READ: 24 Fall Crockpot Recipes to Cozy Up with This Season<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n If you need a fall hobby<\/a>, baking bread might be the perfect challenge for you. The smell of warm, fresh bread is so cozy and relaxing, and it\u2019ll make your meals even more delicious. Just be warned that baking bread can be difficult for beginners. It\u2019s tricky to find the perfect balance of ingredient amounts, rise time, and bake time\u2014so you might completely fail the first few bakes. But that\u2019s what makes it fun! It\u2019s a hobby where you can physically see (and taste) improvement. And if you\u2019re really up for a challenge, try channeling Taylor Swift and baking sourdough.<\/p>\n Although autumn is an exciting time for many, some of us dread that first cold breeze\u2014it means our seasonal depression<\/a> is on the way. When those sad girl autumn<\/a> feelings start to hit, try starting a gratitude journal. Even if you don\u2019t struggle with seasonal depression, it\u2019s a great way to reflect on the positive aspects of your life and a reminder to be grateful for what you have. Try working journaling into your usual routine, whether that means writing over your morning fall coffee or while unwinding before bed at night.<\/p>\n Fall is well-known as one of the most mystical, witchy, and intuitive seasons\u2014it\u2019s ghosts and magic galore. While getting your tarot cards read is a great fall activity, take it a step further and learn to read tarot cards yourself. Not only do you get to dive into learning something new, but you might also find yourself more spiritually in tune with your own heart and mind.<\/p>\n As the temperature outside begins to drop, nights in are the way to go. Plan and host a board game night<\/a> with family or friends (or both!), and enjoy each other\u2019s company over a cut-throat match of Monopoly or an entertaining round of Clue. Pair your favorite game with a spread of fall snacks, desserts, and maybe even a batch of fall cocktails<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although I already have a stash of favorite fall candles<\/a>, ready to light as soon as the temperatures drop, I\u2019ve got to admit: making my own sounds even more fun. Whether you attend a candle-making class or buy the materials to DIY them at home, playing with warm wax and fall scents is the perfect way to spend a cozy fall evening.<\/p>\n Put on your favorite cozy fall outfit<\/a>, grab some blankets, and head outside for a night of stargazing. Feeling the crisp autumn air as you look at the night sky sets the perfect fall mood. You can do some research beforehand and look into the constellations that are visible during this time of year, or find your own shapes in the sky and see how many you can make from your imagination.<\/p>\n Before you know it, snow will cover the ground, and you\u2019ll be craving walking outside in mild weather. So, seize the chance to enjoy the outdoors while you can. Whether you\u2019re tackling a challenging trail or just taking a leisurely stroll, hiking is the perfect way to soak in the beauty of fall.<\/p>\n You probably already know that we\u2019re huge Trader Joe\u2019s <\/a>fans here at The Everygirl\u2014especially when pumpkin season hits the shelves. Go for a TJ\u2019s run (or head to your fave local grocery store) and load up on pumpkin-spiced everything. Invite some friends over for a fall taste test<\/a> or pile all your seasonal favorites onto a plate for the ultimate girl dinner.<\/p>\n Giving your home a fall makeover doesn\u2019t have to mean hundreds of dollars spent at Pottery Barn or Anthropologie (though we do love their fall decor<\/a>). Instead of splurging on new decor, tap into your crafty side and try some fall or Halloween DIYs<\/a>. It\u2019s a fun and creative way to embrace the season without spending a fortune.<\/p>\n There\u2019s something about the weather getting colder that makes me want to cozy up on the couch with my favorite comfort show<\/a>. Consider this your sign to spend some of these upcoming chilly fall days binge-watching old favorites like Gilmore Girls<\/em>, Gossip Girl<\/em>, Pretty Little Liars<\/em>, or The Vampire Diaries<\/em>.<\/p>\n If you want a fall activity that\u2019ll make you feel like a kid again, visit a pumpkin patch. Many pumpkin patches are located on farms that go all-out for the fall season. So, when you\u2019re done picking the perfect pumpkin, you can go for a haunted hayrack ride, make your way through a corn maze, or keep it scare-free and buy some seasonal blooms.<\/p>\n The transition between the seasons makes the perfect time to refresh your space. Since cooler temperatures will keep you indoors more often, take this opportunity to declutter and reset<\/a>, ensuring your home is a peaceful retreat. Let go of items that no longer serve you and make room for the things you truly love (including some cute fall decor<\/a>).<\/p>\n You know those early fall days when the afternoons are still warm but the nights are just starting to cool down? That\u2019s the perfect time to have a backyard (or balcony) movie night. Choose your favorite fall or Halloween movie<\/a>, and pull out the projector or haul your TV out to the patio. Then grab some pillows and blankets, pop some popcorn, pour some wine, and enjoy an outdoor movie night in the gorgeous fall weather.<\/p>\n Apple-picking is the quintessential autumn activity. There\u2019s nothing more \u201cfall\u201d than spending the day at an apple orchard, picking your own apples, drinking hot cider<\/a>, and snacking on apple cider donuts. Just be sure to go early in the season so you get the best pick of this year\u2019s crop.<\/p>\n We all know how fleeting fall foliage<\/a> is, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t hold onto it. Next time you spot some fallen leaves, start collecting a few of the prettiest ones. To preserve them, try simple methods like pressing them in a book or using wax paper and an iron. You can use them in a fall craft or display them as seasonal decor.<\/p>\n While corn mazes serve as the setting for many horror movies<\/a>, they\u2019re not all screams and terror. Visit one in the daylight and stroll along the pathways as you attempt to find your way out. It\u2019s a sure-fire way to get into the autumn spirit<\/a>.<\/p>\n IMO, the best part about fall is the fact that it\u2019s now socially acceptable (and weather-appropriate) to eat soup for every meal. Find a cozy recipe, put on a fall movie or playlist, and cook up a pot of soup from scratch. It\u2019s a fantastic way to romanticize the season, and you get a delicious meal out of it.<\/p>\n READ:<\/strong> 40 Warm, Cozy Soup Recipes to Savor This Season<\/a><\/p>\n Even if you don\u2019t make it to a pumpkin patch this year, you can still enjoy the fun of carving jack-o-lanterns. Head to the store and grab a pumpkin or two to carve with a spooky face. For a less messy option, you can also get creative with a painted design\u2014the sky\u2019s the limit!<\/p>\n With the end of the year approaching, fall is the perfect time to reflect on your goals. Create a vision board<\/a> to set your intentions for the rest of 2025 and visualize how you want the season to unfold.<\/p>\n Haunted houses are a popular spooky season activity, and if you want even more horror, try a ghost tour. It\u2019s a unique way to learn more about your city\u2019s history while hearing the eerie tales of local hauntings.<\/p>\n A cozy knit sweater<\/a> is the epitome of fall, and instead of buying one this year, try making it yourself. If you\u2019re new to knitting, start small with scarves or blankets, and soon, you\u2019ll have a collection of cozy, handmade pieces to enjoy all season long.<\/p>\n From Oktoberfest celebrations to carnivals to Halloween festivals, there\u2019s an event for everyone this time of year. Look into local festivals in your area, or choose one within driving distance and make it into a road trip.<\/p>\n Summer might be peak travel season, but fall is arguably the better time to travel as crowds thin and prices go down. Take a long weekend and escape somewhere new\u2014you might be surprised at how many gorgeous fall destinations<\/a> are hidden just a train or car ride away.<\/p>\n A good playlist is guaranteed to put you in a fall mindset. Fill the playlist with songs that give you the feeling of fall\u2014whether it be indie, folk, or the latest pop hits. If you need some inspiration to create your own, start with this cozy-girl autumn playlist<\/a>.<\/p>\n Coziness is the ultimate theme of fall, and what could be cozier than a chill night in with the girls? Invite your friends over for the perfect girls\u2019 night in<\/a>, complete with a spa night, movie marathon, and seasonal cocktails.<\/p>\n The changing of the leaves is one of the most magical parts of fall. Depending on where you live, the leaves may start changing around you anytime between mid-September and early November. Find out the best time to see the leaves change<\/a> near you and go for a drive or a hike to check out the beauty.<\/p>\n Baking is one of the best things to do on a cozy fall day at home, and the smells that come with it are unbeatable. Take some time this fall to experiment with yummy seasonal ingredients like apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple. Might we suggest a classic fall dessert<\/a> like pumpkin bars or homemade apple cider donuts?<\/p>\n As we get deeper into fall, we start to see more gloomy weather. And you know what pairs perfectly with a rainy day at home? A movie marathon curled up on the couch with a mug of hot tea or cider. Whether you stick with a spooky Halloween theme<\/a> or rewatch some classic rom-coms<\/a> (Meg Ryan double feature, anyone?), pick your favorite streaming platform and settle in for a cozy evening.<\/p>\n Drinking on the patio is usually reserved for spring and summer, but there\u2019s nothing stopping you from going out for cocktails in the fall<\/a>. Stick with a trusted fave that feels seasonally appropriate (like an old-fashioned or a negroni), or try something fall-themed like a pumpkin spice espresso martini.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re a diehard football fan or you\u2019re just there for the vibes\u2014football games can be a fun social event for everyone. Whether you\u2019re cheering on your local high school team or tailgating at your alma mater, the food, the cute outfits, and the overall energy can\u2019t be beat.<\/p>\n READ:<\/strong> 25 Easy Tailgate Recipes to Bring to the Next Game<\/a><\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t yet decorated for fall<\/a>, you\u2019ve still got plenty of time. Add some autumn vibes to your home by lighting fall candles<\/a>, throwing cozy knits on your couch, and putting out accents like dried floral arrangements or pumpkin-inspired decor.<\/p>\n If you love all things scary, haunted-housing has got to be on your list of things to do this fall. Gather up your bravest friends and head to a haunted house, corn maze, or hayrack ride. If you all make it through to the other side, I\u2019d say you deserve some ice cream.<\/p>\n Cozying up with a good book is the perfect fall activity, but it\u2019s even better when you have someone to chat about it with. Start a book club<\/a> with your friends or look for a local book club you can join to meet other book lovers.<\/p>\n You may be too old to trick-or-treat yourself, but you can still have fun passing out candy and checking out all the costumes. If you live in a neighborhood that participates in trick-or-treat night<\/a>, go all out by donning a costume yourself, turning on some spooky music, and handing out treats.<\/p>\n Some of us have been drinking pumpkin coffee since August, so this is a judgment-free zone. Go ahead and add some pumpkin creamer to your at-home coffee, try the new seasonal Starbucks drinks<\/a>, and savor all the sweetness of pumpkin spice season.<\/p>\n Watching the game at home is just as fun\u2014if not more so\u2014than actually going to the game. The best part about watching at home is, of course, the opportunity for comfy clothes and delicious snacks. Level up your watch party by turning it into a potluck, and have all of your friends bring their favorite game day snack<\/a>.<\/p>\n Plan a throwback costume based on your favorite character from childhood, or lean into pop culture with your best Taylor Swift or Beyonc\u00e9 look. Whether you\u2019re doing a solo Halloween look<\/a>, a couples costume, or a group costume with friends, there are so many good options out there that you can start planning now.<\/p>\n Fall is the prime time to get pumpkins, butternut squash, apples, mushrooms, corn, and more from your local market. Plus, it\u2019s the best time of year for flowers like dahlias and sunflowers. Grab some to make a gorgeous fall arrangement for your kitchen table.<\/p>\n You never need an excuse to throw a dinner party<\/a>, but fall provides plenty of occasions that are perfect for hosting. Plan a dinner party for Halloween or Thanksgiving, or make it into a fun theme night like a murder mystery party.<\/p>\n The change in seasons is the perfect time to switch it up, so take this as your sign to try a new haircut<\/a> for fall. Go for a new color like cowboy copper or honey blonde, or chop your locks into a lob.<\/p>\n Not going back to school? You can still lean into that back-to-school feeling<\/a> with a little fall wardrobe refresh. Take advantage of the new collections and the best sales, and buy yourself some new pieces for fall. That capsule wardrobe<\/a> isn\u2019t going to build itself.<\/p>\n Chilly autumn nights are perfect for bonfires. Head to a local park with firepits or build a bonfire in your own backyard so you can make s\u2019mores, drink hot toddies or mulled wine, and cozy up by the fire with your friends.<\/p>\n There\u2019s something so comforting about spending an autumn day curled up under cozy blankets with a good book. There are a lot of highly anticipated books coming out this fall<\/a> that will be perfect for your next reading day.<\/p>\n It\u2019s that time of year to swap your chilled glass of ros\u00e9 for a rich glass of red. Wine tastings are a great way to try different wines and figure out which you like best. On top of that, spending the day at the winery is perfect for hanging with friends, eating charcuterie, and drinking great wines.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been waiting for the perfect moment to try that new spot, the time is now. Text your friends and make the reservation\u2014it\u2019ll be worth it. Plus, you could end up finding your new favorite restaurant.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no better day to take yourself out on a date than today. You can take yourself to dinner, go to a new coffee shop, or pick something from this list of things to do. Whatever you choose, a solo date is a perfect way to romanticize your life this fall<\/a> and enjoy some quality time by yourself.<\/p>\n ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/p>\n Emily Wise is a Virginia-based content creator with over five years of experience creating content strategies for SaaS companies. Although she spends her days in the tech world, she has spent many years as a lifestyle writer for her personal site, as well as for several publications across the web.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/p>\n As an Editor for the Home & Living category of The Everygirl, Claire writes and edits stories spanning topics like food, travel, hobbies, and decorating. During her eight years in the media industry, Claire has touched everything from fashion to relationships to celebrity interviews at magazines like People and InStyle.<\/p>\n READ CLAIRE\u2019S FULL BIO<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n1. Take a scenic, windows-down drive<\/h2>\n
2. Go thrifting for fall clothes<\/h2>\n
3. Start a cookbook club<\/h2>\n
![\"things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-cookbook-club\"](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cookbook-club-2.jpg\")
4. Attend a dog costume parade<\/h2>\n
5. Make a fall simmer pot<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-puzzle.jpg\")
6. Spend a rainy day working on a fall puzzle<\/h2>\n
8. Go antiquing<\/h2>\n
![\"chili](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-13.jpg\")
9. Host a chili cook-off<\/h2>\n
10. Bake some bread<\/h2>\n
11. Start a gratitude journal<\/h2>\n
![\"reading](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-11.jpg\")
12. Learn to read tarot cards<\/h2>\n
13. Host a board game night<\/h2>\n
14. Make your own fall candles<\/h2>\n
15. Go stargazing<\/h2>\n
![\"fall](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-12.jpg\")
16. Go for a hike<\/h2>\n
17. Buy all the fall items at the grocery store<\/h2>\n
18. Craft some DIY decorations<\/h2>\n
19. Binge-watch your favorite comfort show<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-10.jpg\")
20. Visit a pumpkin patch<\/h2>\n
21. Declutter your home<\/h2>\n
22. Host a backyard movie night<\/h2>\n
23. Go apple-picking<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-6.jpg\")
24. Collect and preserve some fall leaves<\/h2>\n
25. Visit a corn maze<\/h2>\n
26. Embrace soup season<\/h2>\n
27. Carve or decorate some pumpkins<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-8.jpg\")
28. Make a fall vision board<\/h2>\n
29. Go on a ghost tour<\/h2>\n
30. Try your hand at knitting<\/h2>\n
31. Go to a fall festival<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-4.jpg\")
32. Plan a weekend getaway<\/h2>\n
33. Create a fall playlist<\/h2>\n
34. Host a cozy girls\u2019 night in<\/h2>\n
35. Go leaf peeping<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-7.jpg\")
36. Bake a seasonal treat<\/h2>\n
37. Have a movie marathon<\/h2>\n
38. Enjoy a fall-themed cocktail<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-1.jpg\")
40. Give your home autumn vibes<\/h2>\n
41. Go to a haunted house<\/h2>\n
42. Join (or start) a book club<\/h2>\n
43. Participate in your neighborhood\u2019s trick-or-treat night<\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-9-819x1024.jpg\")
44. Drink all the pumpkin coffee<\/h2>\n
46. Plan the perfect Halloween costume<\/h2>\n
47. Spend a Saturday morning at the farmer\u2019s market<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-3.jpg\")
48. Host a dinner party<\/h2>\n
49. Change up your hair<\/h2>\n
51. Have a bonfire<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/things-to-do-fall-the-everygirl-5.jpg\")
52. Spend the day reading<\/h2>\n
53. Do a wine-tasting<\/h2>\n
54. Try a restaurant you\u2019ve been dreaming about<\/h2>\n
55. Take yourself on a date<\/h2>\n
![\"emily](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Emily-Dumas-TEG.png\")
\n <\/div>\nEmily Wise, Contributing Writer<\/h3>\n
![\"Claire](\"https:\/\/media.theeverygirl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/headshot.png\")
\n <\/div>\nClaire West, Editor\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n