September Family Bucket List: 30 Fun Ideas (+ Free Printable)

Discover 30 fun and easy September family bucket list ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids. From apple picking to cozy at-home crafts, these activities are the perfect way to enjoy fall with your whole family. Download the free printable today!

image shows family walking outside with post title

September is here! That sweet spot between summer chaos and holiday madness, where the air starts to cool, routines return with school, and you can almost smell the pumpkin spice everywhere you go.

It’s such a great time of year to slow down, gather your whole family, and start making memories that carry you through the holiday season. But if you’re anything like me, sometimes the busy school year makes it hard to even think about planning fun activities.

That’s why I put together a FREE September Family Bucket List Printable—a simple, mom-friendly resource filled with fun ideas for kids of all ages. From apple picking and pumpkin crafts to easy at-home activities, this list will help you keep boredom at bay and soak up the best parts of fall.

📥 [Download your Free September Family Bucket List Printable here!]

✅ Why a Family Bucket List Is a Must for September

Think of it as your family’s little cheat sheet for fall fun. A bucket list makes it easy to:

Keep kids engaged (without hearing “I’m bored!” every 5 minutes).
Add fun activities without overthinking or endless Pinterest scrolling.
Build intentional family time into your schedule.
Enjoy the holiday season before the rush of October and November hits.

It’s the perfect way to balance school nights, sports practices and the desire to just slow down with your favorite people.

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.

🍂 30 Fun September Family Activities

Here’s the complete list of bucket list ideas for September so that you don’t even need to download if you don’t want to (though the printable makes it easy to hang on the fridge for the kids!).

🌳 Outdoor Adventures

Go apple picking at a local orchard.
Visit a farmers market and let the kids pick a new fall food to try.
Take a family hike and look for signs of fall (changing leaves, acorns, pine cones).
Have a backyard picnic under the warm sun before cooler weather sets in.
Try a local fall festival or fair for a great time.
Collect pine cones and use them later for crafts.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
Play in a giant pile of leaves (or toss them in the air!).
Go stargazing on a clear September night.
Visit a local pumpkin patch that opens early in the season.

🏡 At-Home Fun

Bake an apple crisp together (kids love measuring and pouring).
Make a fall simmer pot with cinnamon, apples, and cloves.
Have a Friday night family movie night with popcorn and blankets.
Set up an indoor dance party with glow sticks.
Do a puzzle together as a family.
Make homemade playdough scented with pumpkin spice.
Have a board game night.
Bake pumpkin muffins or bread.
Do a simple fall leaf rubbing art project.

🎃 Seasonal Traditions Start Here

Decorate with mini pumpkins (perfect for little hands).
Read fall-themed books together (like The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall).
Do a simple fall scavenger hunt in your yard or neighborhood.
Let kids help plan a cozy fall dinner table one night.
Celebrate the first day of fall (September 22 this year!) with hot chocolate or apple cider.
Start talking about gratitude and create a family “thankful jar.”
Take first-day-of-fall photos of your kids in the leaves.
Paint rocks in autumn colors and hide them in your neighborhood.
Light a fall-scented candle (or diffuse kid-safe oils) and read together.
Plan a cozy Sunday family breakfast with pancakes or pumpkin waffles.

✨ How to Stay Organized in September

With school drop-offs, homework, soccer, and more, September can feel like a lot. That’s why I love combining our bucket list printables with a family calendar:

Write down bucket list activities directly on your calendar so they don’t get lost.
Give kids ownership—let them pick one thing from the list each weekend.
Keep your printable in a common space like the fridge so everyone sees it daily.

Want more fun ideas for September? Don’t miss:

💛 Final Thoughts on our September Bucket List

September is a month of transition—but it’s also a great opportunity to make small, meaningful memories with your kids. Whether it’s apple picking, baking together, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these are the little things your kids will remember.

So go ahead:

📥 Download your Free September Family Bucket List Printable.
✅ Pick one activity for this week.
🍎 Start savoring the season with your entire family.

September Family Bucket List: 30 Fun Ideas (+ Free Printable)