51+ Fun Fall Activities for Teens and Families (2026)

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Finding fun things to do that involve the whole family can become a challenge when you have a mix of teens and younger kids. I’ve created a list of fall activities for teens, but many of these activities would also work well for the entire family. I’ve also included a printable fall bucket list for teens!

FREE Printable Fall Bucket List for Teens!

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Get ahead for winter break by bookmarking our related post: Winter Activities for Teens and Families.

If you’d like some specifically Halloween activities for your teens, I’ve got a post on that too. While you’re here, you might want to grab a copy of our FREE family Christmas bucket list as well. Our Christmas bucket list post has over 60 ideas. You’re welcome!😊

Fall – the perfect time for fun!

We live near Salem, Oregon, and fall is probably my favorite time of year here in the Pacific Northwest. The cooler temperatures give me a great reason to cozy up by the fire with a good book and hot chocolate. 

As the leaves change color and local farms wrap up harvesting, there are so many fun activities to enjoy. In this list, I’ve included indoor ideas and outdoor activities, and some of our family’s personal favorites. 

@dinkumtribe Fall colors are my favorite! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #fallcolors #oregonfall #oregonfallcolor #autumnleaves #autumncolor #autumncolours #octobermood #octobertiktok #mapleleaves ♬ original sound – UGC Creator

Note: links to specific activities are for the Willamette Valley, Oregon region, but they will also give great ideas that you can search for in your own area.

Outdoor Fall Activities Teens Will Love

1. Corn Maze

This is one of our teens’ favorite outdoor fall activities. Many of the pumpkin patches in our area also offer corn mazes. Make a family day of your pumpkin patch visit by also trying to complete the corn maze.

FYI: Some little kids (and even teens who struggle with anxiety) may find corn mazes to be panic-inducing, so check with your kids first before planning this activity.

@dinkumtribe Is there anything more fun than hide and seek in a corn maze? Baby Bison thinks not! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #cornmazefun #cornmazerun #cornmazes #lostinacornmaze #cornmaize #cornmazesarefun #happykidshappyparents #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #pnwfamilyfun #oregonfamilyouting #oregonfamilyadventures ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel

2. U-pick Apple Orchard

Kids of all ages, as well as teens, can often find lots of fun at a local orchard. We went apple picking last September, and our kids enjoyed trying different varieties of apples right off the tree. Of course we had to bring some home to make caramel apples too!

@dinkumtribe Apple blaster was so much fun for our kids! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #appleblaster #appleblasting #fallactivities #autumnactivities #fallharvest2022 #harvestfun #oregonfarm #oregonfarmer #oregonorchards #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #familytraveltiktoker #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelblogger #familytravelvlogger #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Another One Bites The Dust – Remastered 2011 – Queen

Even if you aren’t allowed to pick your own apples, a visit to the apple orchard often includes hay rides, cider tastings and other fall fun.

3. Amusement Park fall festival

I lived in Southern California for much of my life, and every major amusement park had a Harvest Festival or Halloween Fright night.

Note that the Fright Nights in Southern California are not for the faint of heart. People in scary costumes (think horror films like the Blair Witch Project or Friday the 13th) wander these events to scare the attendees! Not every teen wants that.

But if your teens love a good scare, check your favorite park website to see if they are doing a fall event.

4. Music concerts, autumn parades, or fall festivals

Local cities often host fall or autumn events on weekends in areas where the weather is still mild enough to do so. Check your city’s events page to see if they are having a Halloween parade or some fun music concerts in the fall.

5. Local Fall Festival Volunteering

Volunteering at a local fall festival can be a fun way for teens to connect with the community while soaking up the spirit of the season. Plus, festivals often have great food, music, and activities to enjoy during breaks.

Your teen can help with ticketing, setting up booths, or assisting vendors, giving them a range of experiences. These responsibilities teach organization and customer service skills – instant resume builder!

Volunteering can also provide opportunities to meet local leaders and make community connections.

6. Go for a bike ride or try mountain biking

Fall is often the best season to explore bike trails. Trails are less crowded, and the cooler weather makes the experience much more pleasant. You’re also likely to spot more wildlife.

Many cities offer autumn biking events as well, often themed around special fall locations like vineyards or local farms.

7. Participate in a 5K, 10K or Fun Run for a local charity

For teens who love to give back, a charity run might be a great fall activity. You can work together to train and fundraise, then participate in the event. Both the physical activity and the joy of supporting a favorite charity are great ways to boost a teen’s mental health.

8. Take a scenic drive to see the fall colors

Less crowds and beautiful colors makes autumn the best season to visit lots of state parks and national parks. You can check our National Parks cheat sheet to learn which of the most popular national parks are best in the fall.

9. Play some pickup football or soccer as a family, or with friends

Get outdoors for some fun family time tossing around a football (or kicking it, depending on which version you prefer). Or have your teen invite some friends over and set up some teams. Go to a local park or even in your backyard and play outside together!

10. Jump in a pile of leaves

You may think your teen is too old for jumping in leaf piles, but I guarantee they aren’t! If you don’t have lots of leaves in your own backyard, you could offer to rake a neighbor’s leaves as a service project. 

11. Have hot dogs or s’mores around a bonfire (or fire pit)

We love having hot dogs roasted over the fire, and our backyard fire pit is perfect for cooler fall evenings. It allows for slower meals and lots of time chatting or laughing together. Follow up with s’mores afterwards for a fun fall activity.

If you don’t have a fire pit, check out your local park, or head to a beach that allows for fires.

12. Check out a local pumpkin patch

A visit to the pumpkin patch might seem more like a little kid activity, but many pumpkin patches now aim to be a family fun destination for all ages. Our local youth group took the teens to Bauman Farms last fall, and the teens had a blast all day long. 

13. Do a fall scavenger hunt

An urban nature scavenger hunt invites teens to slow down and notice seasonal changes they might otherwise miss. Put your teen’s phone to work by giving them a photo scavenger hunt!

Create lists with items like “a red maple leaf” or “a squirrel gathering nuts” based on the local neighborhood. Have them go out with a group of friends and compete to see who can find the most items on the list.

14. Attend a football home game at the local high school

I’m not a football fan (because I grew up in a country where football was played with a black and white round ball). However, I loved attending my first football game at my university, and it’s a beloved fall tradition in many places. The excitement is hard to understand unless you’ve been there.

Many teens love an excuse to get excited and cheer for someone, so this can be a great activity, especially if you know someone on the home team!

15. Go stargazing on a crisp fall night

The coldest nights are also usually the clearest nights for enjoying the night sky. Fall can be a great time of year to stargaze, or check out the moon. Bring out some blankets and a thermos of hot cocoa, and enjoy a chat with your teen.

Teens are often more talkative at night, so this can be the perfect way to connect.

@dinkumtribe Parenting teens requires patience and a commitment to sleepless nights- oh wait, just like every other stage of parenting!😆 #parentingteenboys #parentingteenagershumor #parentingteentips #parentingteensandtweens ♬ Creative – Smile

16. Go on a camping trip

Depending on the weather in your area, camping may still be great in the fall. It’s also a good time to camp at national parks that are open, because it’s shoulder season. 

17. Go for a nature walk to collect items to bring inside for fall decor

I was skeptical of this idea when I first saw it— everything is dying in the fall, right? However, even empty boughs and dry seed pods can be artfully arranged to bring some of the season’s bounty indoors. Teens may love the opportunity to decorate parts of the home in this way.

@dinkumtribe Our kids love putting together bouquets to put around the house! #fallbouquet #autumnbouquet #autumnbouquets #fallvibes🍂 #fallvibes2022 #autumnvibes #autumnaesthetic #wildflowerseason #wildflowerseason #teencrafts @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe ♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89

18. Visit a pioneer cemetery or graveyard for photos

My oldest daughter loves old cemeteries, and they are the perfect place for some fall photos! Dress up in fall outfits, or even Halloween costumes – just remember to be respectful of the graves.

@dinkumtribe For more fun fall activities for teens, check out our free printable! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #fallfun #halloweenfunwithkids #halloweenteens #autumnactivities #autumnactivity #halloweenactivities #halloweenactivity #pioneercemetery #spookyfun #halloweenwithkids ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound

19. Yoga in the great outdoors

Practicing yoga outdoors offers older kids and teens a peaceful way to ground themselves and connect with nature. The cooler fall weather is invigorating, and the colorful surroundings add visual calm.

Find calm, beautiful spaces with autumn foliage to practice outdoor yoga. Look for flat, safe ground to set up mats. You’ll want to dress in comfortable, breathable layers that can be adjusted as temperatures fluctuate.

If you’re not sure where to start, look up some YouTube yoga instruction for outdoor fall practices.

20. Set up bird feeders

If birds have a regular source of food, they will continue to visit all through the fall and winter. Teens may love having a bird feeder outside their window!

21. Hunting season

If your family is a hunting family or knows someone who is, many teens enjoy learning hunting skills. Even if they don’t enjoy the actual hunting, teens may enjoy quality time with a caring adult who loves to hunt.

22. Gardening together

Fall is a great time to transplant and to put in bulbs that bloom in spring. Get your teen involved in planning for spring color and enjoy that crisp fall air.

23. Go foraging for mushrooms or other edibles

Fall is a great time to find mushrooms and other seasonal fall foods in the wild. Your local park or nature preserve may offer classes to help with identifying edible varieties. NOTE: Never eat any mushrooms unless you have professional training to identify them, as some are toxic.

24. Fall hiking

Autumn is an ideal time for hiking in many places because the cooler fall weather means fewer crowds. You’ll also get to experience nature’s glory as the season changes. We took an October hike at Trillium Lake last year, and it was one of our family’s favorite hikes ever!

Favorite fall activities for teens indoors

1. Fall themed escape room

Escape rooms with an autumn or Halloween theme would be a great activity especially for older teens and adults.  You can purchase a kit like the one pictured below, or download one for use at home.

Teens may enjoy creating their own escape room adventure and sharing it with their friends.

2. Make pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, or other fall treats

It’s a task to make a pumpkin pie from scratch, but many teens are ready to try more complicated recipes like this. Fall is a great time of year to be baking, since the weather is often cooler and the oven’s heat won’t be a problem like it is in the summertime.

Let your teen invite a few friends over, get some baking supplies and a recipe, and have at it! One of my favorite fall recipes is this Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread, which I spread with cream cheese icing – SO YUMMY!

3. Go to an autumn Paint night

Paint nights allow you to paint fun themed artwork with all the supplies and instructions included. It would make a great parent-teen activity to do together.

If there’s not a local place offering paint nights, you can find a YouTube tutorial or use an online site to create your own at home.

4. Participate in a daily photo challenge

This is one of the easiest and most fun ways to help your teens learn to be creators on social media, rather than simply consumers. Challenge them to a daily photo challenge, or join one of many online challenges and share with others who are also participating.

Suggest themes like “favorite leaf,” “cozy outfit,” or “sunset colors” to inspire focused photography. This helps your teen develop an artistic eye and storytelling through images.

5. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank

Soup kitchens sometimes have a lower age limit, but usually teens are permitted to volunteer. Serving others in need can be an enjoyable experience for teens, who sometimes struggle to see outside their own troubles.

Having the opportunity to help others in this way can really boost a teen’s self-esteem as well as contributing to the community.

6. Create a hot apple cider bar (non-alcoholic)

Making hot apple cider drinks is a twist on a classic fall activity for teens. It’s a fun way to learn about flavors, cooking techniques, and festive presentation.

Start with this basic hot cider recipe. Combine apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices simmered gently for 10 minutes. Once they’ve tried it, encourage your teen to try additions like ginger, vanilla, or even a splash of cranberry juice.

Invite some friends over for a tasting where teens can compare homemade variations and vote for their favorite recipes. Create a cider bar and include autumn-themed mugs, with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or apple slices for garnishes.

Check Pinterest for even ideas for apple cider toppings and snacks, or a mulled apple cider bar.

7. Make apple pie (or have an apple pie tasting)

It’s fun to get some different varieties of apples and make pies to see how the apple variety makes a difference to the taste and texture. Or get some slices from different bakeries and see which kind you like best— a Dutch apple crumb pie, or a traditional double crust, or apple cobbler?

8. Experiment with pumpkin spice-scented candles or potpourri

One great way to welcome autumn is with traditional spice smells. Your teen can buy a few different scents, or create his/ her own!

Here’s a super simple stovetop potpourri: drop a couple of cinnamon sticks, a dozen cloves, and a whole sliced orange into a small saucepan and simmer on low heat. Add water as needed to keep the liquid over the top of the spices and orange. This lasts about a week before it needs to be replaced.

To make your own fall-scented candles, mix pumpkin spice fragrance oils with soy wax. Making candles lets teens play with aroma layering. It’s also a great way to practice patience and precision.

9. Make crafts from fall leaves

Transforming colorful autumn leaves into art is a creative way for teens to connect with nature. From leaf rubbings to pressed leaf collages, there are infinite possibilities for fun fall crafts. Here’s a few simple ones to get you started:

• Leaf Pressing: Collect leaves and flowers and press them between heavy books to preserve their shapes and colors – or use a flower press. Pressed leaves can be framed or used in scrapbooking.
• Leaf Rubbing Art: Place leaves under paper and gently rub with crayons or pencils to reveal their patterns. It’s easy, mess-free, and perfect for all skill levels.

• Leaf Stamping: Use paint to coat leaves and stamp designs onto paper or fabric. Teens can experiment with layering colors for unique effects.
• Nature Collages: Combine leaves with twigs, acorns, and dried flowers to make rich textured collages.
• Leaf Mandalas: Arrange leaves symmetrically in mandala patterns on canvas or cardboard.

Teens who love art can find inspiration on Pinterest for beautiful crafts or artwork. It also provides good opportunities for teens and younger siblings to enjoy doing art together.

10. Attend fall festivals like Oktoberfest or Day of the Dead

I live near Mt. Angel, the ultimate venue for Oktoberfest here in Oregon. Our teens absolutely love visiting O’fest with their friends!

There are similar harvest events held in many other cities across the country. Obviously the teens won’t be trying any brews, but the other traditional German foods and cultural activities are amazing.

Attending Day of the Dead, Oktoberfest, or other harvest events is a good way for teens to engage in traditions from other cultures. 

11. Pumpkin Spice DIY Beauty Creations

Fall is the perfect time of year to try some DIY beauty products with a pumpkin spice twist. Teens can create their own scented scrubs, masks, and balms with warm, cozy fall flavors. They also make great gifts!

Here are three easy mixes to try:

• Homemade Pumpkin Scrub: Blend pumpkin puree with brown sugar and coconut oil to make an exfoliating scrub.
• Spiced Lip Balm: Use beeswax, shea butter, and a hint of cinnamon essential oil to craft a soothing lip balm.
• Pumpkin Face Mask: Mix pumpkin with honey and yogurt for a nourishing, hydrating mask.

12. Visit food trucks

Food trucks often have unique or fusion foods available, and adventurous teens will enjoy exploring different taste combinations.

Oregon has so many amazing food truck spots, and many other cities around the country have started create gathering places for food trucks as well.

13. Create a fall charcuterie board or autumn snack board

Who doesn’t love a beautifully presented snack board?! Since our teens are often grazing for snacks, this is a new favorite idea we do with different themes. Your teens may love helping to design a fun snack-erie or charcuterie board!

14. Vintage thrift shopping adventure

Vintage thrift shopping is a great opportunity for teens to express their personality through fall-inspired fashion finds. The excitement of refreshing your wardrobe while making sustainable choices appeals to many environmentally-conscious teens.

Here’s a few tips to make the most of thrift store shopping.

• Focus on Fall Colors: Look for earthy colors like rust, mustard, and forest green that evoke autumn. These colors mix and match well for multiple outfit combinations.
• Check Fabric and Fit: Help your teens carefully examine pre-owned clothes, and try them on if possible.
• Get Creative: Encourage your teens to try new combinations and go for a mix of old and new styles.

15. Visit a spooky haunted house

Again, know your teens for this activity, and make sure you know exactly what kind of experience the haunted house is offering. Some teens who struggle with anxiety should not go to a haunted house. Other teens love scary stuff.

16. Create a thankful tree

We did this for many years, and our family still makes time for a thankful pumpkin. Practicing gratitude regularly is an antidote for depression, and can help you connect better as a family.

Your teen may love having her own thankful tree in her room, or you can collaborate on a family thankful tree.

17. Ghost stories!

Tell some ghost stories around a fire pit, or in your living room with the lights off, or by candlelight. Collect spooky tales from books, family lore, or creative writing beforehand – Edgar Allan Poe or Gothic tales can be good ideas.

Arrange seats close to the fire with cozy blankets and low lighting to create a mysterious atmosphere.

18. Hang out in a hot tub together

I got this tip from a friend of mine who raised three boys. She said that the best conversations she and her husband had with her boys were often while they were hanging out in the hot tub. Teens tend to relax and become more communicative after dark, or when their face is hidden by dim lighting. 

19. Pumpkin carving contest

Our teens love creating more complex pumpkin designs now that they are older. Invite a few friends over and let them compete to see who can make the most unique or intricate design.

Teens could also work with their younger siblings to create some fun jack-o-lanterns.

20. Create some fun or scary costumes together

My husband did this last year with our daughter, and she got so many compliments for her centipede costume! It wasn’t expensive, but it was huge and took some time to create. Worth it for the quality time my husband and daughter spent on it together!

@dinkumtribe The most epic costume last Halloween- a giant centipede! #halloweencostumeidea #halloweencostume2021 #besthalloweencostume #besthalloweenever #halloweenisforeveryone #costumeideasforteen #teenhalloweencostume #teenhalloween #familyhalloween @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe ♬ This Is Halloween – Hairy & Scary Creatures

21. Sample candy corn, or use it for educational activities

Candy corn science is a thing, and teens will love the opportunity to try some experiments. Pinterest has a wealth of ideas for things to do with candy corn.

22. Watch movies with an autumn theme

Hosting a cozy autumn-themed movie marathon gives teens a fun way to inspire fall vibes without leaving the house. Think warm blankets, hot drinks, and movies that inspire nostalgia or spooky thrills.

There are plenty of movies that have a fall theme. Some great options for teens are Remember the Titans, Rudy, Penelope, October Sky and Little Women. Or check out mysteries like Knives Out, Murder on the Orient Express, and other Agatha Christie-based movies – perfect for a spooky night!

23. Watch a favorite Halloween movie with popcorn and hot drinks

Our favorites are Hotel Transylvania, Arsenic and Old Lace (with Cary Grant, of course!) and the Addams Family (with Angelica Huston). Don’t discount the monster classics like black and white Dracula or The Mummy— they are classics for a reason! Our teens love hanging out and watching movies with Mom and Dad. 

24. Make a scarecrow for the front yard, or a wreath for the front door

Teens love to be entrusted with a task and given free rein to explore. I have often handed my girls decorating supplies and left them to set up for a birthday or event— they always do way more than I expected, and it gives them a way to contribute. Frequently they receive compliments on their work, and that’s another self-esteem boost. 

25. Create an autumn mood playlist

Have your teen compile autumn-inspired background music for fall ambiance. We really enjoy letting our teens find fun new music for our seasonal family activities.

Playlist creation can also be a collaborative teen project – our girls often work together to create a list between them and their friends.

26. Enjoy a pumpkin spice latte

Sure it’s cliché, but if your teens enjoy the flavor of pumpkin spice lattes, definitely go enjoy one together at your local coffee shop! Better yet, take a walk there and enjoy the autumn weather and changing leaves along the way.

27. Celebrate a random holiday

Fall has plenty of traditional holidays, but sometimes you need a random day of fun. If you’re looking for that unique idea, try celebrating one of these fun holidays with your teens:

September

• Cheese Pizza Day (September 5) – order pizza, or create your own at home.
• Teddy Bear Day (September 9)
• Roald Dahl Day (September 13) – watch Matilda, Wonka, or James and the Giant Peach, or read one of his hilarious children’s books (I personally love The Twits, but my teen daughters adore Esio Trot).
• Guacamole Day (September 16)
• International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19)
• Hobbit Day (September 22) – watch The Hobbit movies and have hobbit food.
• Comic Book Day (September 25)
• Astronomy Day (September 27) – try stargazing, or visit a planetarium.

October

• International Coffee Day (October 1)
• World Smile Day (October 3) – make it a competition to smile at as many people as possible and see who gets the most smiles back!
• Mad Hatter Day (October 6)
• Pierogi Day (October 8)
• It’s My Party Day (October 11) – have a party for no particular reason.😊
• I Love Lucy Day (October 15) – have a marathon of watching reruns, or compete to see who can make the best I Love Lucy costume.
• International Sloth Day (October 20)
• Howl at the Moon Day and Night (October 26)

November

• Sandwich Day (November 3) – experiment with some new and unusual sandwich fillings.
• Men Make Dinner Day (November 6)
• Tongue Twister Day (November 8)
• Origami Day (November 11) – watch some YouTube tutorials and learn to make creative shapes for gifts or exchanging with friends.
• Take a Hike Day (November 17)
• Use Less Stuff Day (November 20)
• Cake Day (November 26) – bake a cake together and decorate it.

Make some plans!

I hope these fun ideas will spark your imagination and help you have the most fun fall season with your teen ever! Share your best fall activities for teens in the comments.

You may also enjoy these posts:

• Halloween Activities for Teens
• Pumpkin Patches in Salem, Oregon
• Pumpkin Patches in Vancouver, Washington
• Fall Festivals in Portland, Oregon
• Christmas Party ideas for teens and tweens

© Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2022. Updated July 2025.

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