articles

Find Your Fall Family Fun with Our ABC 'Burgh Fall Bucket List!

26 ideas for fall traditions and fun for the whole family and a free printable!

By Emily Papa & Lisa Williams, MacKID Pittsburgh Publishers September 29, 2023

Fall tends to be a great time of year many of us love because of the cooler weather, the changing trees, and the multitude of fall events that keep our weekends packed with fun.

What are your family traditions in the fall? If you're on the search for ideas to make this season special for your family, we have an alphabet of ideas for you! Want a printable version of this list? Download using the link below!


Download your 'Burgh Fall Bucket List free printable here.


Here's our 2023 ABC fall bucket list:

Apple picking. Find an orchard near you with our guide to apple pickin' in the 'Burgh!!

Bake. Apple pie is a great place to start! Take a class at Bedner's Farm & Greenhouse or visit the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

Camp. Fall is the perfect time of year for camping. Spend your day hiking under beautiful gold and red trees and cuddle close during the cool nights by a campfire. Create your own Halloween costume or let your kids do your makeup. Use #pghmackid for a chance to be featured on our social media. 

Drive. Take a scenic fall drive and find new places to explore or grab the popcorn and head to a spooky Drive-In Movie at Dependable Drive-In

Eat 'n Park Monster Mash Smiley Cookie kits. Explore a local museum. A cold or rainy fall day is the perfect time to finally explore that museum you've been meaning to take the family to see.

Fall fairs and festivals. Because they're so much fun!

Ghost stories. Pull up chairs around a backyard campfire for some spooky Halloween stories. Attend a family swim session at Goldfish Swim School.

Halloween Haunt at Urban Assault - Outdoor movie theater, haunted trail, bonfire, escape rooms, axe throwing and zombie firing range. Need we say more? 

Invite friends over for a soup or chili potluck. Everyone brings their family's favorite flavors of fall for sharing! Check out Idlewild Hallowboo.
Jump in a pile of leaves.
Kite flying. Blustery fall days are the perfect time to get out the kite. Keystone Safari Trick-or-Treating Friday & Saturday at 6pm.

Long walks. Because walking is good for you.
Moon Halloween Spooktacular & RMU Basketball Madness on October 18th from 4:30-8pm
Neighborhood movie night. Check out how to make it extra special with these fun DIY cars for kids!

Owl-O-Ween:Looking for a fun-filled Halloween adventure for the whole family? Look no further than the National Aviary’s popular Owl-O-Ween celebration October 21 - 22 from 11 am - 4 pm! Bring your little ones for a day of trick or treating, themed-crafts, and an owl meet and greet and learn amazing facts from Aviary experts! Plus, dress up in your best costume and join the Halloween parade. Festivities are included with General Admission: book tickets before they sell out: https://shop.aviary.org/#/Admission

Pumpkins! Pick them. Carve them. Cook them. Bake with them. Love them. Launch them.
Quench your thirst. OK, we had to stretch a little bit on this one ... but how about some warm apple cider with the kids? Warm it on the stove with a few sticks of cinnamon to imbue your home with the smell of fall. 

Roast marshmallows over a bonfire on a chilly night.

Scarecrow. Fun and easy family project: Take some old clothes and stuff them with hay or newspapers to make a family scarecrow as part of your Halloween decorations. Host a friendly neighborhood scarecrow competition!

Triple B Farms is Pittsburgh's Favorite Fall FUN destination. Visit triplebfarms.com for PYO schedule and Fall Fun details.
Unplug for the day. Turn off the electronics, ignore the TV, and leave the phone behind to spend a beautiful fall day completely tuned in to your family.
Visit a National Park. Did you know fourth graders and their families can visit national parks for free?
Windmill: The Windmill in Hopewell has Haunted Mini Golf 7 days a week for fun for all ages!

marks the spot! Create a fall treasure hunt for your kids with a Halloween surprise at the end!

Yawn ... spend a lazy foul-weather Saturday at home cuddling on the couch, watching movies, and maybe even curling up in bed for a lovely midday nap.

Zombie Assault at Urban Assault is sure to be a fun time for kids of all ages as they take their chances every Friday & Saturday shooting enemy zombies with GellyBalls.

Hope this list helps you find your family's ABCs of fall fun!




Looking for more local fall fun? Check out these fun articles!

Boo your neighbor boo bag boo bucket Halloween trick or treat

Macaroni KID Pittsburgh Fall Family Fun Guide Images (1) Fall Family Fun Guide