October is probably my favorite month to make little plans for.
There are so many easy things to do with kids this time of year, like picking pumpkins, making Halloween crafts, baking something yummy, watching Halloween movies, or just getting outside to enjoy the cooler weather and changing leaves together.
So I put together an October bucket list for kids with some of our favorite fall and Halloween activities. Some are little things you can do on a random afternoon, while others make a fun weekend activity or family tradition.
You definitely don't need to do all 20. Pick a few that sound fun and make a little more room for the magic of October. 🧡
October Bucket List
☐ Pick pumpkins at a pumpkin patch
☐ Make caramel apples
☐ Have a cozy Halloween movie night
☐ Go on a fall walk and look at the changing leaves
☐ Make Halloween decorations
☐ Bake pumpkin bread or another favorite fall treat
☐ Have a Halloween dance party
☐ Read Halloween books before bed
☐ Paint or decorate pumpkins
☐ Visit a local fall festival
☐ Make a simple Halloween craft
☐ Have a spooky snack night
☐ Wear Halloween pajamas
☐ Go for a drive to see Halloween decorations
☐ Make a Halloween countdown
☐ Have a bonfire and make s’mores
☐ Pick out Halloween costumes
☐ Have a family game night
☐ Make Halloween treats for a neighbor or friend
☐ Have a little Halloween celebration at home
A Few Simple October Ideas
You don't have to plan something big every weekend to make October feel special.
A few simple fall activities for kids can be enough. Take a walk after dinner, let the kids help make cookies, put on Halloween pajamas a little earlier than usual, or have a movie night in the living room.
I think those are the things I love most about this time of year — having little traditions to look forward to without making everything into a big production.
And if you don't check every single thing off your October bucket list, that's okay too.
Maybe you'll make it to the pumpkin patch but skip the fall festival. Maybe your Halloween movie night turns into everyone eating popcorn on the couch and falling asleep halfway through.
It still counts.
Here's to a month full of little fall moments, messy crafts, too much Halloween candy, and making childhood feel a little more magical. 🧡
Want a printable version? I made an October Halloween Bucket List you can print and keep somewhere you'll see it all month.
