25 Simple Fall Traditions to Start With Your Family This Year
There’s something about fall that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and create cozy traditions with the people we love most. From crisp mornings and colorful leaves to the smell of cinnamon in the kitchen, autumn is full of simple joys waiting to be celebrated.
If you’ve ever wanted to start new family traditions, this season is the perfect time. These ideas are easy, affordable, and designed to make memories your family will look forward to year after year.
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1. Bake Pumpkin Bread Together
Nothing says fall like the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven. Let everyone in the family help — kids can stir, sprinkle cinnamon, or lick the spoon.
2. Light Fall-Scented Candles
Create a cozy atmosphere with scents like apple cider, pumpkin spice, or warm vanilla.
Bring the season indoors with a cozy candle set or use a candle warmer to keep your home smelling like autumn all evening long.
3. Take Family Photos Outdoors
Golden fall light and colorful leaves make the perfect backdrop.
4. Decorate the Porch With Pumpkins
Simple, inexpensive pumpkins (real or faux) instantly make your home feel festive.
Welcome neighbors with a festive touch. Faux pumpkins last all season, and adding outdoor lanterns brings a warm glow to fall evenings.
5. Cozy Chili Night at Home
A pot of chili on a cool fall evening is comfort in a bowl. Set out toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cornbread and let each family member build their own.
A pot of chili on a cool fall evening is comfort in a bowl. Make it easy with a slow cooker or upgrade to a classic cast iron Dutch oven for that rustic, cozy flavor.
6. Make Caramel Apples
Messy, sticky, and absolutely delicious — perfect for kids and adults alike.
7. Have a Family Movie Night
Pick fall classics, cozy up with blankets, and make hot chocolate.
Turn an ordinary evening into a cozy tradition. Pop fresh popcorn in a popcorn maker or stream fall favorites with an Amazon Fire Stick for easy family fun.
8. Start a Thankful Jar
Every family member writes down something they’re grateful for each week and adds it to the jar. Share at Thanksgiving, or pick a time to share monthly and start a new tradition.
9. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Take photos, sip cider, and let everyone pick their own pumpkin.
10. Create a Fall Playlist
Curate cozy or upbeat songs to play while baking, driving, or decorating.
11. Go Apple Picking
If there’s an orchard nearby, make it a yearly outing — bonus: fresh apples for pies and crisps.
12. Take a Scenic Drive
Pack snacks and enjoy the fall foliage from the comfort of your car.
13. Make a Family Fall Bucket List
Write down 10 things you want to do together before the season ends and check them off as you go.
Looking for simple ways to make your home feel as cozy as these traditions? Don’t miss my free guide, The Cozy Home Reset — with six seasonal color palettes and a quick checklist to refresh your space for fall. [Get it here →]
14. Decorate the Table With Fall Colors
Use natural elements like leaves, pinecones, or mini pumpkins.
15. Cook a New Soup Each Week
Experiment with hearty soups like butternut squash, potato leek, or chicken noodle.
16. Have a Backyard Bonfire
Roast marshmallows, share stories, and stargaze on a crisp fall evening.
Few things feel more like fall than gathering around the fire. A portable fire pit keeps it safe and simple, while a set of roasting sticks makes s’mores night effortless.
17. Craft Homemade Wreaths
Use twigs, leaves, and ribbon to create a simple seasonal wreath.
18. Share Family Recipes
Pull out old cookbooks and teach your kids a favorite family dish.
19. Start a Fall Reading Night
Choose a book to read aloud together, or make Sunday evenings “quiet reading time” with blankets and cider.
20. Do a Puzzle Together
Pick a seasonal puzzle to complete over the course of the month.
21. Go on a Leaf Hunt
Take a walk together and collect colorful leaves. Press them in books or use them for crafts.
22. Try a New Fall Beverage
Think beyond pumpkin spice latte: try apple chai, maple coffee, or hot cider.
23. Play a Family Football Game
Head to the backyard or park for a friendly game (flags optional).
24. Host a Potluck With Friends
Invite neighbors or friends over and each bring a favorite fall dish.
25. End the Season With Gratitude
Wrap up autumn with a gratitude-filled family meal where everyone shares their favorite fall moments
Traditions don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Even the simplest moments can become something your family looks forward to year after year. And often, those moments feel even more special when your home reflects the warmth of the season.
To make it easy, I’ve created a free guide: The Cozy Home Reset. Inside you’ll find six seasonal color palettes and a simple checklist to refresh your home — the perfect backdrop for making memories together this fall.
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