9 Fall Date Ideas with a Twist

A little late to the party, sorry. But the chaos of the last few months snuck up on me and here we are over half way through October! This time of year is popular among couples. There are plenty more reasons to snuggle up, get cozy and chill out after a long and busy summer. After Labor Day, it’s like coming up for air. Crisp fall air. This is the perfect opportunity to carve more than just pumpkins. Carve out time quality together and get creative with date night.

I love Fall because finding things to do feels more intentional and spontaneous . There’s a leaf pile worth of local happenings, fun ideas and activities to choose from that require little to no planning ahead.

I put together a list of fall dates ideas with a twist. Some or all of these ideas are things you have already done or look forward to doing every year. But why not mix it up and a little (pumpkin) spice to your traditions? You may even have time for more than one in a day.

1. Apple picking

Twist: try a family recipe or find a new one

Definitely a fan favorite but adding a twist requires creativity. The number one rule (& really only rule) of Apple picking is get there early. Go early in the season and go early in the day. That increases your chance of the best pickings. This year, try something unique and call up Mom or Grandma for a yummy family recipe. Use the apples to make a pie, cake, crisp or sauce. If you’ve been there done that- go online and find something new to try. Come home after a morning at the orchard and spend the afternoon baking together.

2. Tailgate/Attend a football game together

Twist: Some healthy competition

Fall means football season, and there’s plenty of it to go around. For tailgates, call up your friends and plan ahead. The more the merrier. If tailgating isn’t your thing, grab a six pack and some fresh donuts on the way for a fun and laid back pregame in the parking lot with your partner. Whether you’re a football fan or not, the vibe and atmosphere on game days is a surefire way to have a great time. And some friendly competition is good for any relationship. To make things interesting, make a bet together. Loser does laundry for the rest of the week! If you need some ideas, heres a list of fun bets to make between you and your partner.

3. Dinner and Halloween movie at home

twist: create a drinking game

Low key and spooky sounds like a perfect October date night. Keep things simple and opt to stay in. Cook a favorite dinner or order in your favorite takeout. The best part is, you can do this any day of the week! Throw those basic fall pillows on the floor and cuddle on the couch together. Turn on your favorite horror flick and cozy up for extra safety during those scary scenes. As a twist, make a drinking game out of it. Make up your own rules or look online for something fun. Drink responsibility of course.

4. Go to a Harvest festival

Twist: look up the most popular fall festivals in the country

Get into the season (or in this case, end the season) with a fall festival. There are so many to choose from in and around your community. Every weekend you can easily find an event with food trucks, wine and beer, live music, local vendors, games and activities for people of all ages. The spirit of a fall fest in an instant mood booster and can be a fun and relaxing way to spend your day. Check out a local events page and find the one that fits. If you live in an area with farms, find a “down on the farm day”. Take advantage of corn mazes, hayrides, themed events and pick your own pumpkin patches. For a twist, look up some of the most popular fall festivals in the country every year. Plan a weekend trip to somewhere new with your significant other and knock something off your bucket list!

5. Head to the Pumpkin Patch

twist: BOO-ze and pizza

Here and there, pumpkins are literally everywhere! Another tradition for couples and families, going to the pumpkin patch never gets old. There is something so fun about picking my own pumpkin every year and even better yet, a simple and great opportunity to shop local. This date idea is a 2 for 1 special because afterwards you can head home to paint or carve your pumpkins together. Put a twist on your date, and have a BOO-ze and pizza night. Stop for a bottle of wine or grab a six pack (hot apple cider for a non-alcoholic alternative) and order in some pizza. (Tip: if you don’t have newspaper lying around, use the empty pizza box to place your pumpkins on before painting or carving.) Jam out to some of your favorite tunes, sip on a few drinks, and enjoy the night. Fun tip: if you opt to carve, don’t let all your hard work go to waste. Dry and season your pumpkin seeds, then place in the oven for a yummy treat.

6. Go on a scenic drive

Twist: P is for playlists and picnics

Give me all the fall views! Have you heard that quote “October is my favorite color?” Take a drive this time of year and you’ll agree. The most spontaneous option on this list, you can choose to go anywhere you want at any time of the day. Depending on where you live, you will want to have at least a few places in mind to take in the fall foliage. Check out my latest blog post on fall foliage to get a few road trip ideas. Head to that Instagram worthy overlook you’ve been meaning to check out. But if you want to just get out and take advantage of the beautiful weather, no plans can turn into some of the most memorable experiences together. For a twist, create a playlist and pack a picnic. Throw on some of your favorite driving music or surprise your partner with fun throwbacks. Stop off somewhere to enjoy lunch or plan a romantic picnic, watching the sunset together.

7. Adventure Park or Hike

Twist: make it a group date

Looking for something different to do together? Take date night to new heights and look up adventure parks in your area. How cool does zip-lining through the autumn leaves sound? A ropes course, obstacles and bridges-aerial parks are full of activities. The weather is still holding strong and the colors at tree top level make this date idea the perfect chance to spend time together outdoors. For a twist on this date, find a group of friends or another couple you haven’t seen in a bit. Make the effort to reach out and plan a fun day together, catching up.

For those who want to get outdoors but not up for a side of adrenaline, a hike is a perfect alternative. There are so many trails to explore and if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with fall foliage, this time of year is a beautiful opportunity to become immersed in Mother Nature. Use the AllTrails app to find spots close to you and use the filters to find the trails that match your experience level and interests.

8. Corn-maze

Twist: spice up your date

Enjoy a corny afternoon, strolling through a corn-maze. I don’t know if it’s just me, but this date takes me back to the middle school days. Cringe. But now that I have kids, I love this date idea for couples or families. Three tips before any corn maze trip: Use the bathroom before you go in, do not cheat, and wear old shoes. For a twist, here are a few ideas for how to spice up your corn maze date night.

1. blindfold your partner and guide them through the corn maze. Pinky promise you won’t fight!

2. Keep things spooky and find a corn maze that stays open late so you can find your way through in the dark.

3. Speaking of spicy, turn up the heat by sneaking your partner a secret love (wink wink) note half way through. See how quickly they start moving through the maze after that. (Cue the blushing)

9. Costume Party

Twist: Pick your outfits at the thrift shop

You may have outgrown trick-or-treat but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Halloween costume parties never go out of style and I say go big or go home. Find an epic couples costume, plan a group costume with friends or just decide to do your own thing, but either way, have fun with it. Attend a friend’s party, find a local bar that is having a costume night, or throw a party of your own. For a twist, and a cheaper route, head to your local thrift shop and pick out costumes for one another. Shop the aisles and meet back at the dressing room after a set time limit. If you’re the one throwing the party, tell all your guests it’s a thrift shop theme. Ask everyone to vote for their favorite costume and have silly prizes for the best dressed or create different categories of winners.

Happy Fall-idays lovebirds! If you run out of time completing some of these fall date ideas this season- fear not, there’s always next year! And remember, spending time together is what matters most of all.

Xx R