2023 Fall bucket list: 50 fun activities to do this Fall
Thank you to Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation for sponsoring our annual Fall Bucket List! CCPR’s support and programming for families is one of our favorite things to shout about, from the 700+ park acres to explore, to the fun at their Monon Community Center. Discover more on their website. Also, theCityMoms use affiliate links to support our staff and work, but our opinion is never influenced. We only share items we use and love.
Fall is one of our favorite seasons and we know you don’t want to miss a moment of it either.
So to manifest those #FallVibes, we’re dropping a fall bucket list, from the moms-who-know: our CityMoms members.
Grab your PSL, favorite flannel, and let’s go!
50 fun activities to do this Fall:
Take a hike.
Our friends at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation are hosting a family evening hike on Oct. 20th at Central Park in Carmel. Register today!
Do. Not. Miss. The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House (Open Oct. 10-31).
Enjoy free admission to National Parks Service sites on National Public Lands Day, September 23rd.
Grab an apple cider slushie!
Celebrate the fall harvest with Beasley’s Orchard in Hendricks County. Hosting fall activities like apple canyons, hayrides, & corn mazes every day from Sept. 16-Oct.31.
Ghosts, goblins, and gourds galore fill the foggy forest at Newfields Harvest Nights (Open Sept. 29-Oct. 31).
Check out your local outdoor farmers’ markets before they pack up (or head inside) for the winter.
Nothing says “fall fun” like a hayride!
Break out the fall decor. (Go ahead, we know you want to.)
Pop into a fall consignment sale - our CityMoms never miss Whale of a Sale (Sept.14-17).
Find something for every craving at Garage Food Hall in downtown Indy.
Visit the THE LUME.
An immersive Indianapolis art experience, featuring Van Gogh.
Indulge in “Friday Night Lights” football at a local high school.
Shop at the Conner Prairie Apple Store for delicious caramel apples.
Buy pumpkin spice everything.
Refresh your Fall ‘fit!
Pick up cozy fleece jackets, cable-knit cardi's, and boots .
Get to a Colts football game.
Go on a scavenger hunt for fallen leaves - use this guide.
Hit the pumpkin patch. (Psst: These are our faves.)
Plan your Halloween costumes, then put them on for #21 and #25.
Dress up for the Indianapolis Zoo’s Zoo Boo, running October 5-31.
Sign up for Fall activities.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has tons of stellar seasonal programming for you and your fam!
Did someone say road trip? Here’s our list of Midwest road trips perfect for Fall break.
Visit a local nature center.
Don’t lose your head.
The annual Conner Prairie Headless Horseman returns on October 5th.
Go all out for the adults-only Brewfari at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Rake a stack of leaves -> jump in.
Remember those pumpkins we mentioned above? Carve ’em.
Host a family movie night.
Show all of the classic Halloween films. Use our EXCLUSIVE Hulu link and receive your first month for free!
Enjoy the Dia de Muertos celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum.
Catch a show with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Make a backyard campfire.
Get lost in a corn maze - or even better - find a haunted one.
Grab your date for a fun fall night out.
Need some inspo? Here are our 50 Best Date Ideas in Indianapolis.
Volunteer with the family. Here’s a list for inspo.
Grab girlfriends for candle pouring at Penn + Beech, or any of these fab friend-date ideas!
Take a day trip!
Get in on the Harvest Rye Release Celebration with Mellencamp Whiskey Co. at Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Too chilly for a hike? Try bouldering at North Mass Boulder downtown.
Pretty up that porch with mums, pumpkins, and more from a local orchard.
Play around at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
And visit the outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® before they close for the Winter!
Enjoy festive brews at your fave local brewery. We love Scarlet Lane for all of the spooky-season vibes.
Catch a show at the IRT.
Their new season kicks off in September!
Go off the beaten path at the Louisville Mega Cavern’s fully underground Zip Lines.
Visit a local orchard for apple picking, September is peak season.
Take your friends for unique fall fun – an aerial silks class with Cirque Indy!
46. Set yourself up to hit your #MomFit goals when temps drop.
47. Join the Monon Community Center and take advantage of on-site child care, indoor pools for fitness AND fun, group fitness, and more.
48. Host a family chili cook-off.
49. Check out the new permanent galleries at the Eitleljorg.
50. Craft your own signature fall bev - like mulling your own wine - with this easy recipe.
