Fall is just around the corner and family gatherings will be in full swing. In Miami, this translates to cooler temps and less humidity (aka less frizziness) and all the seasonal staples you’ll find at our local shops (read: pumpkin everything). I love this time of year, so I’ve made a bucket list to make sure we all enjoy this season to the fullest.
Here are 7 things to add to your fall bucket list this year:
All Things Nature
Since it won’t be THAT hot, we will definitely hit the parks and trails. From hiking at Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve to enjoying the fluttering butterflies and colorful flora and fauna at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, this is the perfect time of year to head to all the magical places that are right in our backyard.
Fall Festivals
Navigating a corn maze, zipping across the field on a hayride, picking out a pumpkin to bring home, good old-fashioned games, and lots of Instagrammable photo ops are just a few of the fun things you’ll find at upcoming fall and harvest festivals.
Visiting a Farm
Taking a trip to a farm is one of my favorite things to do all year round. But there’s something special about visiting a farm during the fall. Some of our favorites include plenty of horseback riding, petting and feeding the animals, yummy strawberry shakes with fresh seasonal berries, and some of the best cinnamon rolls in town.
Decorating Your Home
Last year, I bought some metallic paint, and we painted a few craft pumpkins. We played around with the colors and designs and got creative with this project. Then we used them to decorate our entry table. I’m planning to do that again this year. In addition to arts and craft projects, you can decorate your mantle or front door with all things autumn, create a fall tablescape for your dining room, or add some Halloween décor that’s perfect for the season.
Planning a Picnic
Grab a blanket, a basket, and bring your favorite foods along. You can create your own sandwiches or a charcuterie board with a few cheeses, meats, crackers, fruit, and an apricot or fig spread — or grab some ready-made delights on the way. Don’t forget the drinks and sweet treats. We love having picnics at Matheson Hammock Park or Deering Estate because the views are amazing and there’s plenty of space to run around and enjoy some quality family time.
Cooking Up Something With the Kids
During quarantine, my girls and I started baking quite a bit, but we haven’t been doing it as often this year. The latest trend in kids’ birthday parties seems to be cooking classes and my oldest daughter has already attended two of these events. She hasn’t stopped talking about it and she’s excited to cook or bake something here at home. There are so many delicious options for fall — from apple pie and sweet cornbread to pumpkin ravioli and butternut squash mac and cheese, the options are endless. Make a list, go grocery shopping, and set aside an afternoon to cook something with your kids.
Camping In Your Own Backyard
Pitch a tent in your backyard, play some games, share stories, watch a movie, sing songs, or read a book with a flashlight. A bonfire is another way to entertain the kids and if they get to roast marshmallows or make s’mores, even better!
And don’t forget, this is the season of Thanksgiving, so take time to give thanks for all our blessings. Perhaps you do this by praying together, using journaling prompts, or simply writing one thing you’re thankful for each day on a small piece of paper and placing it inside a jar. Then you can read all the notes on Thanksgiving Day.
You can also host a Friendsgiving dinner with your closest friends. This will give you an opportunity to get together with friends who are like family during the busy holiday season. Make it a potluck so everyone contributes a dish of their choice.
Now it’s your turn! What are some of the things on your fall bucket list this year?
Updated September 2023
