Fall Bucket List 2022: 30 Activities You'll Want to Do this Autumn in NYC & At Home

Here's how to make your 2022 autumn great! This post features activities that are not only specific to NYC landmarks, but also things that can be done from the comfort of your home/area.

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1. See a Broadway Show (NYC)

I recently went to see The Lion King on Broadway and it was a fun-filled, family bonding experience. We were able to retreat from the rain in the theater and enjoy snacks as we watched the exciting performance. If you live in NYC or plan to visit, add this to your list!

2. Solve a Mystery at The MET (NYC)

There are things to do at The MET other than look at the art and go on guided tours. My new favorite things to do are scavenger hunt/escape room-style activities with festive, spooky touches, which is fitting for the season. The MET created their own Mobile Detective

Game, a "web-based application (app) that guides users of smartphones and tablets through the galleries of American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art to solve a murder mystery." The app is free and easy to pull out to spice up your visit to The MET.

The other probably more exciting option is doing The Murder At The MET Scavenger Hunt with Watson's Adventures. Here's an excerpt from the site to get a better idea of what this hunt entails:

"Fans of murder mysteries and The Da Vinci Code will enjoy this unusual adventure at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A murdered curator has left behind a cryptic trail of clues connected with secrets in works of art. As your team gathers answers about the art, you begin to piece together a sordid tale about greed, lust, pride, revenge, and treachery—all revolving around the museum’s planned multi-million-dollar purchase of a rare painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

Even if you’re not a murder mystery buff, you’ll have plenty of fun spotting unusual details in art, piecing together the story, and laughing at some of the surprising discoveries. No knowledge of the museum or its art is required—you just need sharp eyes, comfy shoes, and good teamwork."

3. Switch Clothing

The beginning of autumn is still warm, but you can start taking out and mix your lightweight fall pieces with your more neutral toned summer pieces.

4. Have an EXTRA At-Home Movie Night

You can pick a movie, get a couple of snacks and call it George at any time. That’s not what an “extra” movie night is. This is where you go all out from the home made movie tickets to the fake concession stand set up. Make a super fun night of it.

5. Themed Game Night

Game nights are great for the whole family and making it themed just adds a lil spice to things. Play games that fall into the autumn theme like Apples to Apples and Pick Your Poison.

6. Do a “Spooky” Escape Room

I’d recommend “spooky” escape rooms over haunted houses any day. They are lots of fun and more interactive. Plus, whoever you pick to go with are going to be the only people you are around. If you’ve never done an escape room, here is your sign. Pick a group of people and head to an escape room in your area. If you don’t have one near you and you are planning to take a trip somewhere that does, plan to go to one before your trip ends. If you live in NYC, here are some great escape rooms: Escape the Room NYC, BrainXcape Escape Room, Mission Escape Games.

7. Go Apple Picking

This has to be my favorite on the list. I think it’s because you can get many fall moments while doing this one activity! Depending on the time you go, you’ll be blessed with a scenic fall foliage drive on your way to the orchard. Then when you arrive, some places offer a bunch of good food and other small attractions such as hay rides. Apple picking is also great because of all the open space. You don’t have to worry about being around crowds of people. Most importantly, the apples are AMAZING (at least where I went) and they did not irritate my mouth. It’s the hand-picked apples for me!

8. From Orchard to Oven

Use the apples you picked to make a dish, snack, or drink. My go-to is Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. When I tell you it’s good, it’s GOOD. Start by making your oatmeal the way you like. As it cooks on the stove, peel and dice your apple (one apple per serving). Put another pan on the stove on medium heat and when the pan is warm, place the apples in the pan, then add maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of cornstarch or flour (both work) to thicken the syrup sauce. Once the sauce is at your desired consistency, place your apple cinnamon topping over your oatmeal and enjoy!

9. Try a Seasonal Drink other than Pumpkin Spice Latte

I know everyone goes crazy over these pumpkin flavored lattes and I’m sure they are cool and all, but I don’t like pumpkins. I recommend you try a seasonal flavor you’ve never tried before. Instead of going to Starbucks, go to a local coffee shop/café and see what they have to offer.

10. Have a Bonfire

When I think about bonfires I think about the blurry, beach, nighttime photos on Tumblr lol. Anyway, they are perfect to do in the beginning of fall when it’s warm, especially if you live on the East Coast and because they are at night, it’s a great way to unwind after a work day. Find a place and plan a bonfire with your friends or family. Be sure to bring games, snacks, and a speaker to play music.

11. Go on Long Drives with the Right Playlist

Long drives alone are great, but long drives during the fall are amazing. What makes this essential to do during this time is the foliage, so wait a little later in the season when the leaves are changing color. When it’s time, get that gas money ready and that playlist made before heading out for a long scenic drive on a sunny or partly sunny day. Where do you enjoy car rides? Why?

12. Go on a Wine Tour

Wine tours are fun and educational. You not only taste wine, but you’ll also tour vineyards and walk the rows of the season's harvests. In some cases, you’ll be able to pluck a few grapes and sample them straight from the vine. A wine tour can last anywhere from one afternoon to two weeks, and they offer other activities like golf or cooking classes between tours. At the end of the day, you can go home with a nice new bottle of wine.

13. Host a Small Halloween or Seasonal Party

This is for those that like throwing parties and events. Be the reason your loved ones get together for a fun festive night. As the host, you can be as extravagant or simple as you want and because you’re keeping it small, the party will be easier and less expensive to plan.

14. Go on a Staycation

Plan a short (or long) trip and get away with a loved one, friend(s), or by yourself. Rent a beautiful cabin or book your stay at a fall themed hotel near you. This is a great way to treat yourself and take a break from everyday life to enjoy what the season has to offer and recharge.

15. Have a Cozy Day at Home on a Rainy Day

There’s something about a rainy day that makes you want to stay in bed and get cozy. Pick a day to do just that! Put on a comfy outfit and chill. It’s okay to do nothing every once in a while.

16. Have a Fall Picnic and Take Photos

Go to an open area or park with beautiful fall foliage, bring your polaroid/camera and have a picnic!

17. Paint n' Warm Sips

This is a relaxing and creative activity that is perfect for anyone. Personally, painting outdoors is one of my favorite things to do right now. Paint alone or with friends/family while you sip hot chocolate or hot cider. You can find all the painting supplies you need for a low price at the Dollar Tree. Grab some blankets, your supplies, snacks, and play music while you paint.

18. Make Festive Cocktails

Have “cocktail night” where you experiment and make different fall and Halloween inspired alcoholic and or non-alcoholic drinks.

19. Go on a Scenic Hike

Search a highly rated hiking trail near you and go with your favorite person, other than yourself, and walk the trail. Take time to breathe, look at nature, and have good conversations. Oh! And don’t forget to bring your water. Always stay hydrated!

20. Create new Spread in Bullet Journal or Decorate Planner

Set aside time to plan for the month and/or create a fall themed spread for your bullet journal. It’s an opportunity to get organized, be creative, and make time to plan all the things on this bucket list!

21. Get Autumn Nail Set

A.K.A. treat yourself. If you get your nails done regularly, then I’m sure you already have that appointment set, but if you don’t and you can, make an appointment at a highly-rated nail salon and treat yourself to a manicure (and a pedicure if you're feeling extra good).

22. Go on an Aesthetic Bike Ride

Rent a cute bike and ride around town with a friend

23. Walk Around a Pretty Town on a Colorful Day

Pick a day where the foliage has turned various shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown. Put on a nice fit and walk around a picturesque area near you. Take the time to be present and enjoy your surroundings.

24. Have a Fall Themed Shower Routine

Light your favorite fall scented candle and gather your matching scented (or colored) products and have yourself a nice relaxing shower.

25. Read at least 1 Autumn Book

Use this as an opportunity to read (or listen to) a book that you’ve wanted to. While fantasy, spooky, and fall specific books are a great way to be festive, read whatever you want.

26. Decorate Your Space

There’s no better way to tap into the fall vibe than redecorating your space! It’s time to go into the storage bins you have in the garage or go to your favorite home store and treat yourself to all the new fall finds. You can do this as soon as you are over the summer season and ready for sweater weather. Redecorating creates excitement for the season to come and all it has to offer. Where is your favorite place to shop for fall home decor?

27. Go Candle Shopping

It's safe to say a majority of us enjoy a good candle or two. They will create the perfect ambiance to your newly redecorated space and provide a lovely aroma. Head over to your favorite candle store (or website) and treat yourself to new and classic fall scents. What are your favorite fall candle scents?

28. Create a signature scent

You can treat yourself to new perfume with warm notes for the season or you can create your own! It's a fun activity to do alone or with someone else, and no one will smell like you. Search for places in your area where you can make your own perfume, candles, and oils.

29. Visit record store

Add to your playlist in a unique way. Look up local record shops near you and spend some time listening to music and discovering new (to you) songs.

30. Dyker Heights: Halloween (NYC)

If you love halloween and lights then is for you! Dyker heights is a Brooklyn neighborhood that's home to the most over-the-top holiday decorations. It's a great chill activity that will excite your eyes.

LLB