40+ Fall Activities Every Family Should Have on their Autumn Bucket Lists

Hit the lights, burn some candles, and gather in the living room to swap spooky stories. If you're having trouble thinking of your own, try reading from one of these Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books, which you can get on Amazon.

The best time to plant tulips bulbs is in the fall, about six to eight weeks before a hard frost is expected, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. After a dreary winter, you'll be greeted by a yard full of beautiful flowers come springtime.

Take advantage of the cooler weather and plan an epic camping trip with the family. Because less people camp in the fall, you'll experience lower rates and fewer crowds — not to mention less bugs, too!

Pack the family into the car and set off on a scenic drive for a fun afternoon of leaf peeping. Some of the most beautiful drives to take during the fall include a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway in California, Scenic Byway 12 in Utah, and Skyline Drive through Virginia.

There's nothing better than biting into a freshly made apple cider donut. Instead of buying them this year from your local fall festival (or, let's be real, in addition to buying them), try your hand at a homemade batch — get the recipe from Country Living!

Beat the summer crowds by visiting a national park during the fall, when the leaves are changing colors and the weather has cooled off a considerable amount. According to The Weather Channel, the parks with the most impressive fall foliage include Denali in Alaska, Glacier in Montana, and Acadia in Maine.

America is full of historical cemeteries, many of which offer guided tours through the graveyards where you can learn more about its storied — and oftentimes spooky — past. Famous U.S. graveyards include the Lone Fir Cemetery in Portland, Ore., Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Ga.

Your favorite candy companies are constantly releasing new variations on tried and true classics. Round up as many as you can find — like Reese's Peanut Butter Lover's cups and Kit-Kat Duos Mint + Dark Chocolate — and taste-test them with your kids.

Looking for a beautiful orchard or the best apples in your region? Check out this list of the best apple-picking spots around the country.

Sunflower season is here! Take your kids to a farm to see the breathtaking flowers in full bloom while you can.

Heat up the fire pit for a bonfire with the kids. They'll love cooking hot dogs or roasting marshmallows on a cool autumn day.

Pumpkins aren't just for decoration. Serve dinner in a cute carved-out mini pumpkin (using this recipe from Country Living!).

Kick off the Halloween season with a spooky visit to a nearby haunted house and get some inspiration for your Halloween party!

Use the brisk, fall wind to your advantage and take the kids out to an open field or local park to fly kites.

Put on the Disney hit Coco and use an autumn day to teach your kids about El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Get away for the weekend and escape to a cabin surrounded by nature. Sip hot cider outside and relax as the foliage falls from the trees.

Nothing passes time like a new hobby, and by Christmastime you'll be ready with plenty of beautiful homemade gifts!

Nothing feels more comforting on a fall day than a warm bowl of soup — especially when it's homemade. Check out our delicious fall soup recipes like this white bean and sausage soup.

You can go to autumn events dedicated to food, crafts, music, art — or whatever else interests your family — all over the country. Find one nearby.

Even the pickiest eaters will love homemade goodies like a caramel apple dessert pizza or these pumpkin hand pies.