40 Romantic Fall Date Ideas That Are Too Cute Not to Try This Season
There are so many cheap (and free!) ideas on our list.
When it comes to celebrating all things fall, you might immediately gravitate toward updating your wardrobe, heading out on a leaf-peeping trip or decorating your mantel with pumpkins and colorful leaves galore. While these are all fun ways to make the most of autumn, the cooler temps also offer a great opportunity to cozy up with your significant other — both physically and emotionally. Whether you're in that getting-to-know-your-coffee-order phase or have been together for what feels like forever, there are bushels of creative fall activities that can help you reconnect and reignite the spark that keeps your relationship feeling fresh.
If you're running a little low on creativity, never fear. We've rounded up the most romantic fall date ideas to make planning a walk in the park. We've got options that will get your blood flowing for outdoorsy types (perfect for a beginning of fall date), fun indoor date ideas for those who prefer to spend cooler days at home by a roaring fire and creative concepts that work for both craft experts and those who have a hard time drawing a straight line. All you have to do is pick a date, mark your calendar and start feeling the love.
Complete a Puzzle
You make the best team, so tackling a puzzle together can help capitalize on your lockstep nature. Pick one that speaks to both of your personal interests, whether it's travel-inspired, inspirational or focused on pop culture.
RELATED: 14 of the Absolute Best Puzzles, According to Jigsaw Enthusiasts
Run a Race
Break a sweat — and prove who's the real athlete — by running a race together. To maximize that quality time, plan regular training sessions beforehand to be sure you're both ready to go on the big day.
Visit the Farmers' Market
Once you've settled on a delicious fall dinner recipe (you can't go wrong with stew or soup, by the way), head to your local farmers' market or farm stand to shop for all of the ingredients.
RELATED: 60 Tasty, Easy Fall Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Have a Spa Day
Pamper each other after a long, hectic day with face masks, massages and a relaxing hot bath. To make the experience just as good as your local spa, set the mood with a scented candle and mood-setting music. Don't forget your fluffiest robes!
Enjoy Gardening
Gardening isn't just for the spring or summer. Lean in to the season's crisp weather by planting seasonal favorites like carrots and broccoli.
RELATED: How to Plant a Fall Garden
Grab a PSL
Lean into the most "basic" element of fall — the humble Pumpkin Spice Latte. The drink has icon status for a reason; it's delicious and tastes just like autumn in a mug. Not a PSL fan? Most coffee shops have other seasonal delights to warm your tummy, and your heart.
Look at Leaves
Colorful trees are just one highlight of autumn, and if you haven't stopped to take a gander, you're seriously missing out. Grab your sweetie, bundle up for the weather and take a walk or a drive to enjoy the natural splendor.
Decorate as a Pair
Deck the halls for Halloween or just get out the fall decor, but turn it into a date instead of a chore. Stringing up lights, hanging a seasonal wreath and swapping out your tablescape or mantle decor is so much more fun with a buddy.
RELATED: 78 DIY Halloween Decoration Ideas That Are a Mix of Scary, Cute, and Everything in Between
Go Apple-Picking
If you live in the right climate, you can't beat apple-picking for a fun active date. Not only do you end up with a delicious haul, you can learn more about the different varietals and each other as you meander your way through the rows of trees.
Try a Corn Maze
Test your joint problem-solving skills by trying your hand at a corn maze. Some of them sell pumpkins and other fall fare, serve hot cider and snacks or even adult beverages, so you can make a whole day of it.
Pick Out a Pumpkin
Level up your fall decor by bringing your sweetie to pick out pumpkins. Say hello to Linus at a nearby pumpkin patch while discovering whether your date prefers a gourd only a mother pumpkin could love or likes them perfectly symmetrical.
Pack a Picnic
Just because the weather has a little bite doesn't mean you have to put away the picnic basket. Autumnal al fresco dining takes advantage of the season's signature beauty and can make a great, affordable outdoor option for a fall date.
Bake Some Tasty Treats
Apple turnovers, pumpkin pie, spiced cookies of all kinds — is anyone else getting hungry? Baking together makes a fun activity with a sweet payoff, so grab some ingredients and try a new recipe with your partner.
RELATED: 60 Easy Fall Desserts That'll Wow Your Dinner Guests
Create a Couple Costume
Even if Halloween is still weeks away (or if you missed the window!) costumes make a fun stay-at-home activity beyond that one night. Get the pets or the kiddos in on the fun and don't forget to have a photo shoot for the 'gram.
RELATED: 80 Best Couple Halloween Costumes to Prove That You're the Most Creative Duo
Check Out a Fall Carnival
Hit up a fall festival or carnival for some old-fashioned fun that's sure to get you giggling. Grab some midway treats, challenge each other to a friendly whack-a-mole competition and don't forget to swing by the petting zoo.
Go Camping
Get in touch with your outdoorsy side by taking a camping trip. Cook out over a bonfire, snuggle up in cozy sleeping bags and pick out stars to name for each other. Don't forget the s'mores fixins!
Take a Nature Walk
Lace up your walking shoes and hit a nearby nature preserve, park or hiking area to take in the scenery. There's just something about getting away from the bustle of everyday life that invites deep conversation, so even couples who have a number of years under their belt can get something out of it.
Carve Pumpkins
It’s not just for kids anymore. Carve those gourds into spooky shapes, silly faces or even intricate designs — the only limit is your imagination.
Read in Bed Together
Spend one of those cool fall mornings lazing in bed together — no devices allowed. Brew some coffee, grab the paper, a good book or a couple of magazines and take turns reading your favorite passages or eye-catching headlines aloud.
Play Cards or a Board Game
A little competition can really heat things up, if you know what we mean. Grab a deck of cards, a board game or even a video game and challenge each other to a few rounds. Make a friendly wager to raise the stakes.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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