I can’t believe how fast October is flying by! Between school and extracurriculars, working at Glow/photography, busy weekends, and the beautiful chaos of fall, I have reached a point where I realize there are still so many little things I want to do before Halloween hits. If you’re feeling the same, here’s a fun list of simply fall-inspired feel-good ideas to make the most of what’s left of October.
10 Things to Do Before October Ends
1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch (or Decorate with Pumpkins at Home)
Even though we have our pumpkins, we have not been to the pumpkin patch! There are actual pumpkin patches in Connecticut I want to visit. Even if you’ve already been once, it’s never too late to pick a few more pumpkins or add a festive touch to your front steps. Mini pumpkins on the mantle count too!
Bonus: Snag a few pumpkins to paint – check out this DIY Hand Print Turkey Pumpkin tradition.
2. Bake a Fall Treat with Apples or Pumpkin
Light a candle, turn on some music, and make your kitchen smell like fall. Apple crisp, pumpkin muffins, or even pumpkin macaroni and cheese — bake something festive!
3. Go on a Fall Foliage Walk
Grab a cozy sweater and head outside to soak up the last of the autumn colors. Snap some photos, collect leaves, or just enjoy the crunch underfoot.
Bonus: Use collected leaves to make a craft.
4. Plan a Cozy Fall Movie Night
Think Hocus Pocus, You’ve Got Mail, or Harry Potter – check out this ultimate list of Halloween movies. Add popcorn, hot apple cider (spiked for the adults!), and a soft blanket for the perfect evening.
5. Swap Your Summer Wardrobe for Fall Favorites
Pack away sundresses and pull out your coziest knits, jeans, and boots. Add a few new fall staples to your closet. It’s the perfect weekend mini project — and it always makes getting dressed feel fresh again.
6. Light All the Candles to Set a Fall Mood
There’s something magical about flickering light on a cool fall night. Bonus points for scents like vanilla, pumpkin spice, or apple harvest. Don’t like burning wax – buy a flameless harvest candle.
7. Plan (or Host) a Fall Gathering
It doesn’t have to be fancy — think cider and donuts on the porch, chili and cornbread with friends, or a family game night. The goal is simply to slow down and enjoy the season together.
8. Do a Quick Home Reset
Before the holidays sneak up, spend an hour decluttering a closet, organizing the entryway, or switching up your home décor. It isn’t too late to decorate for fall – especially if you’re hosting Thanksgiving. Plus, a fresh space makes everything feel calmer.
9. Treat Yourself to a Cozy Morning
Make your favorite fall drink, stay in your pajamas, and take your time with breakfast. Read, journal, or just be still — no rush, no schedule.
10. Start a Gratitude List
As we move toward November, take a few minutes each day to jot down what you’re grateful for. Encourage your kids to create a gratitude list too. It’s the simplest way to end the month with warmth and intention.
Before October slips away completely, I hope you take a little time to soak up everything you love about this cozy season. What’s still on your fall bucket list? 🍂
Wait! Before you go, check out 5 must-read October posts:
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