This post: Fall Bucket List: 20 Fun Things to Do with Your Teen Weekend
It’s fall! Time for s’mores by the bonfire, hoodies at the pumpkin patch, spooky haunted houses and warm apple cider at fall festivals!
Sure, our kids might be tweens and teens now, but they’re definitely not too old for fall fun! And, don’t let their “too cool for mom and dad” fool you – they really do want to hang out with you! In fact, a recent survey found that 67% of teenagers actually wish they could spend MORE time with their parents! Who knew, right!?
So, if you’re looking for fun ways to bond with your not-so-little goblin this weekend and get in a few ghoulish laughs, add a few of the fun activities we’ve rounded up to your fall bucket list. (Even if your teen turns you down… keep asking! They might just surprise you!)
Fall Bucket List: 20 Fun Things to Do With Your Teen this Weekend
Head to a Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patches aren’t just pumpkin patches anymore. Many have a ton of other fun things to do like hayrides, marshmallow roasting, and silly pig racing – all with plenty of fall sunshine and scenery!
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
For some crazy family fun and a chance to work together as a team, pack up the car and head to the nearest corn maze and get completely lost!
Go to a Spooky Haunted House
For a frightfully fun time, do a little research and find the spookiest haunted house you can find near you. Trust me on this one, kids just love seeing their parents completely freaked out. Here’s a list of the 50 scariest haunted houses in America!
Have a Pumpkin Carving Contest
On a chilly fall night, nothing is more fun than rounding up a few pumpkins and hosting a family and friends pumpkin carving contest. Be sure to add in a few tasty snacks and fun music to get everyone in the Halloween “spirit!” Here are a few cool pumpkin carving ideas to get your creative juices flowing: 53 Cool Pumpkin Carving Ideas
Enjoy the Day at an Amusement Park
Now that the weather has cooled off a bit, head to an amusement park for a full day (or an evening) filled with thrills, family fun and plenty of junk food teens love.
Go Apple Pickin’ at a Local Orchard
For a relaxing and stress-free day in the fall sunshine, head to a local orchard and pick some delicious apples. Then, when you head home, try your hand at a few easy fall-inspired apple recipes!
Make Caramel Apples
Most teens are basically eating machines, but did you know most love to cook and bake too? It’s true! This caramel apple recipe is a delicious way to spend a few quality hours with your teen! Get the recipe HERE: Million Moments Creepy Candy Carmel Apples
Tailgate at a High School or College Football Game
Nothing screams fall more than high school and collegiate football! Round up your favorite tailgate recipes and head to your nearest stadium for a fun afternoon with the fam while rootin’ for your favorite team!
Go on a Fall Scenic Hike
Help your teen get away from it all – school, stress, their phone, and the pressure of life – by strolling through a forest that’s bursting with color. Nothing refreshes the soul more than crisp air and the sound of nature.
Spend a Relaxing Weekend in a Log Cabin
Take your family back to a simpler, less hectic time where you can reconnect, talk, laugh and enjoy each other’s company without constant distractions. A weekend in a log cabin is the perfect remedy to de-stress and unwind.
Have a Backyard Bonfire with S’mores
Round up a few marshmallows, some chocolate and graham crackers, and get the bonfire cracklin’ on a crisp fall night – it’s time to make s’mores! Be sure to share a few ghostly stories to really set the mood!
Go to a County Fair or Fall Festival
Falls festivals and county fairs – the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your teen! Don’t forget to ride the Ferris Wheel, hop on a bumper car, and indulge in delicious (and sometimes crazy) food like funnel cake, corn dogs and fried pickles!
Hit the Trails on a Family Bike Ride
When was the last time you went on a bike ride with your kids? It’s time to inflate the tires, fill up the water bottles and head out on the nearest bike trail. It’s free and fun!
Throw a Halloween Party
Despite what your teen says, they’re definitely not too old for Halloween! Let them throw a Halloween bash with their friends complete with spook-tacular drinks, plenty of ghoulish snacks, and party decorations. Get the recipe HERE: Mummy Jalapeno Poppers
Do a Fun Fall Craft
Girls, especially, love crafts! Let your daughter choose a fun fall-inspired craft and enjoy quality time with her planning, shopping and making something from scratch. To make these adorable sweater pumpkins click HERE: Ideas & Products
Go on a Spooky Ghost Tour
Ghosts and goblins, spooks and screams! Our kids love all that scary stuff, so jump on board and get scared with them! Plus, the hidden benefit is you get to cling to them under the pretense that you’re scared… even if you’re not! Who’s being sneaky now?
Toast Pumpkin Seeds
I’ve never met a teenager who doesn’t love toasted pumpkin seeds. Once you’ve tried a few of these recipes you might just find that the hassle of carving the pumpkin was definitely worth it! Try a recipe your kids might fancy like cinnamon sugar or garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds. To try the recipe shown click HERE: The BEST Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Go on a Camping Trip
Step away from the hustle and bustle of life, stare up at the stars on a chilly fall evening and listen to the sound of a crackling fire in the backdrop. Ahhh nature… it has a way of bringing us back home.
Run for a Cause
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the perfect time to remind your teen about the importance of giving back. Whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen, provide blankets for the homeless or run for a great cause, show your kids what’s really important.
Go for a Scenic Drive
Grab the family and just go… anywhere where the leaves are brilliant and the chilly fall air fills your lungs! Stop along the way for some warm cider and apple strudel or sprawl out on a blanket with your favorite picnic food.
This Fall let us relish in the moments that become lasting memories in our hearts … quality time with our family, a hug, hearty laughter, the warmth of a fire, the brilliance of the leaves, chilly air and festive traditions that bring us closer to those we hold dear.