Ah, autumn.
The onset of fall means crunching leaves underfoot just for fun and finally breaking out all our favorite sweaters, but those aren’t the only great things about this colorful time of year! Fall also means fall activities, and fall activities mean fun date ideas to try.
Whether you have a new boo (um, hello cuffing season), a long-time partner or are happily single and just want an excuse to have a friend date, here are some ideas to give a go before winter starts setting in.
Decorate Non-Spooky Pumpkins
Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean the pumpkin-fueled fun has to be. Most places, including grocery stores, will have real and fake pumpkins on sale or clearance after Halloween. That means you can scoop a couple for super cheap, grab your paintbrushes or even just a solid set of sharpies and get creative with the fall designs.
You could do something cute for your upcoming Thanks(or Friends-)giving or just turn yours into a cute version of your partner’s face. Basically, the options are endless.
(via Shutterstock)
Go Apple or Pumpkin Picking
There’s a reason apple and pumpkin picking shows up on literally every fall date list. You both get to wander through a scenic orchard or patch, take way too many cute pics together and bond over who can find the best produce. It’s playful, with a hint of competition, and keeps the conversation flowing.
And, since you can’t pick apples or pumpkins in July, the date feels extra special and time-sensitive. Many farms also have bonus activities, such as hayrides, cider donuts to munch on and corn mazes, creating the perfect backdrop for fall magic.
Also read about: Instagram Captions for Every Pumpkin-Related Pic You Post This Fall
Have a Fall Picnic
Because the sun now sets a whole lot earlier, you can have a sunset picnic and still have plenty of time left in the evening to make it home by your curfew. Grab a blanket, stop by the store for some autumnal snacks and set up in a nearby park—just remember to bring blankets for those ever-dropping temperatures.
Take a Scenic Fall Hike
Nature is never more beautiful than in the autumn season, and a scenic hike is the perfect excuse to soak it all in. Whether you’re chasing majestic views of changing leaves or just enjoying a quiet trail together, this kind of date can be equal parts relaxing and refreshing as you let the scenery do the heavy lifting.
Fall is our favorite time for hikes because the crisp air and fiery leaves create an unmatched aesthetic. You don’t need to make fancy plans or have a big budget when the world is that stunning. It’s also a great way to talk without the pressure of constant eye contact, which can make deeper conversations feel way more natural.
Go Leaf-Hunting
If you live somewhere that experiences a true fall and all the changing leaves that come along with it, take advantage and go hunting for the best leaves. You can twist this in a few ways: Drive or walk around town and look for the trees with the prettiest leaves, go on a hike and see who can find the crunchiest leaves or head to one of your front yards and collect leaves into a giant pile for jumping into.
(via Shutterstock)
Also read about: 20 Colorful and Nostalgic Instagram Captions for Every Autumn Leaf Peeping Photo
Explore a Corn Maze or Haunted House
If you and your date are more about thrills than chills, a corn maze or haunted house is where it’s at when Halloween gets closer. Getting lost together, screaming at jump scares and racing to find an exit is such an exhilarating way to break the ice and forge bonds (bonus points if you get to hold hands “for safety.”)
These events only show up once a year, creating the opportunity for adventure without being a huge commitment. They naturally push you to team up and communicate, giving you both a crash course on how you vibe together.
Volunteer
Is there a cuter date idea than one that involves doing some good while you’re at it? The start of fall means that a lot of people are going to be struggling with homelessness and hunger worse than ever before. Do some research and look for soup kitchens, food drives, homeless shelters or toy collections near you that are in need of volunteers and coordinate a time when you both can go in together.
The experience will bring you closer to your date while also helping a good cause, and that’s something even sweeter than all the pumpkin pie you’ll be digging into on Thanksgiving.
Host a Cozy Movie Marathon
If the weather where you live has already gotten a little unfriendly for outdoor activities, bring the fall fun indoors with a full-on movie marathon. It’s the perfect weather for bingeing movies, and you can even get creative making some themed treats to accompany you both on the couch.
The best part is that if you’re still early into dating or straight-up single, you can invite other friends and couples to this get-together.
(via Shutterstock)
And if the thought of fall bringing on cuffing season alone has you stressed, don’t worry. We’ve got everything you need to survive cuffing season covered. Just click HERE for your easy guide.
