Best Fall Date Ideas for Autumn 2018

From pumpkin patches to warm cups of apple cider, autumn is without a doubt the coziest season of the year. The rich colors and smells of autumn set the scene for unforgettable and romantic dates, making it the perfect season for both old and new love. And while the weather is starting to cool, you can still embark on many outdoor dates before winter approaches. Whether it’s making new memories over a cup of hot cider or carving pumpkins, this season is great for picturesque dates. No matter if you’re on a budget or just want to stay at home, we have plenty of fun autumn date ideas for that perfect date.

Date ideas for a first date

When it comes time to pick the first date, you should choose something that’s relaxing but still lets them know you’re interested. If it’s too low-key, your date might think you’re just looking for friendship or a platonic relationship. Once you warm up to someone and find out if the feelings are mutual, you should take your date somewhere more romantic.

Go to a boutique bakery

Nothing says autumn more than a piece of warm apple crisp or pumpkin pie. Inviting someone to have a quick bite and a drink at a local boutique bakery is sure to give them the hint you’re interested. Going to a bakery is more low-key, and it doesn’t come with as much pressure as eating at a fancy restaurant. Not to mention, you can’t go wrong with a hot cup of coffee and a scrumptious fall-inspired dessert.

While this is a great idea for couples on a first date or who’ve been together for some time, it makes an ideal first date because you aren’t tied down as long as a dinner. Starting out with a casual activity means things can be a bit lighter to start out. If things aren’t going as planned, it’s much easier to end the date.

Attend Oktoberfest

Another laid-back date idea is to visit Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is a traditional German folk festival that starts in mid-September and lasts till the first week in October. Many cities around the country have their own versions of Oktoberfest, where you can enjoy delicious bratwurst, pretzels, and most importantly, Bavarian beer.

Although Oktoberfest isn’t your typical first date, it’s still the perfect place to show off your personality in a stress-free environment. After breaking the ice a bit at this German-inspired festival, you can then plan for a more serious date the next time around.

For when you want to act like a kid

Ah, to be a kid again. There’s no better way to relive your childhood experiences than to do it with someone you love. From carving pumpkins to jumping in piles of leaves, everyone has special childhood memories that they hold close to their heart. Even though you’re grown up now, you don’t have to say goodbye to the activities you once loved in the good old days.

Visit a corn maze

Getting stuck in a corn maze isn’t just for kids, it’s for adults too. Running around a tall corn maze proves to be a great couple of bonding experience because you have to work together to find your way. Corn mazes aren’t just for midwestern folk; there’s also a handful of mazes scattered along the east and west coasts. Since a corn maze won’t take the whole day (unless you can’t find your way out), you can talk over a warm cup of hot chocolate afterward.

Collect fallen leaves

There’s no doubt that ones’ childhood isn’t complete without collecting fallen leaves in October and November. With hundreds of different leaf shapes and shades of color, collecting leaves will keep you entertained for hours on end. Now you might be thinking, “What am I supposed to do with all these leaves?” The leaves don’t have to go into the trash. You can use them in many do-it-yourself crafts ranging from leaf mobiles to wall art. You don’t have to be a nature junkie to enjoy this activity; in fact, anyone that appreciates the uniqueness of this charming season will find very enjoyable.

For when you’re on a budget

Fortunately, there are many autumn dates that won’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, some fall date ideas are more frugal than summer and spring outings. Even if you choose a budget-friendly date, you’ll still enjoy the charm and beauty that autumn brings. Don’t settle for eating frozen pizza or watching Netflix at home. Take advantage of this magnificent season before winter comes, and get out there with someone special.

Carve pumpkins

If you’re short on cash, carving pumpkins is an affordable and creative idea for couples of all ages. A pumpkin at your run-of-the-mill superstore costs less than $5, and you can pick up carving tools and candles at the dollar store. Carving pumpkins can be great fun, and you can actually turn it into a competition. Post a picture of both of your pumpkins on social media and reward a small prize to whoever received the most votes.

For those who lack artistic abilities or just need some help coming up with a design idea, you can check out 53 of the best pumpkin carving ideas. To get more for your money, you can also lightly salt and butter the seeds and then bake them in the oven for 45 minutes. Not only will you end the date with two festive pumpkins, but you can also munch on a bowl of salty pumpkin seeds at the end of the date.

Go on a hayride

Almost every pumpkin patch or apple orchard has a hayride that will take you on a small journey across the scenic fall landscape. You can easily find hayrides for less than $10 per person, and it’s a fun way to snuggle up close and take in all the colors of autumn. A warm cup of apple cider or a caramel apple is the perfect way to end these nostalgic trailer rides. Make sure to bring something warm to wear (or even a blanket), because being out in the open can get chilly during the fall!

When you’re with a crowd

Are you looking to plan a memorable double date or a group outing with your significant other and a group of friends? There are plenty of autumn activities that the whole group can enjoy.

Go to a haunted house

Visiting a haunted house with a group of people helps bring down the scare factor. If you’re easily frightened, you can conceal yourself in the middle of your pack of friends. Haunted houses usually open up the first week in October and close after Halloween. From haunted forests to movie-inspired haunted houses, you’ll experience a whole new level of horror. Lastly, haunted houses are a great way to find out how well your significant other handles a good scare.

Celebrate Día de Los Muertos

Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday that honors the dead. You don’t have to be in Mexico to celebrate this Mexican tradition. Hundreds of cities across the United States have Día de Los Muertos celebrations where you can see traditional Mexican art, listen to music, and taste some traditional cuisines served during the festivities. When you go to a Día de Los Muertos festival with a group, everyone can experience this cultural event first-hand. A handful of the festivals in the United States are pretty similar to what you’ll find in Mexico.

Date ideas for when you want to stay in

When the temperature starts to drop, sometimes you just want to stay inside and snuggle underneath a warm blanket. The good news is, you can partake in autumn traditions without even leaving the house. So, when sweater weather starts to hit, bundle up and consider a comfy date for two.

Make homemade apple cider

Colder weather paired with crisp apples only means one thing: apple cider. You don’t have to travel to the apple orchard for some delicious cider, either. With a bag of apples, cinnamon, and a few other common ingredients, you can make a batch of fresh apple cider in under two hours. Making homemade activity is fun and creative activity to bring in the fall. It’s easy to make with a date, and you won’t find apple cider at the store that compares to homemade cider.

Watch a scary movie

If you’re in the mood for a fright but don’t want to visit a haunted house, a scary movie makes for a good autumn date. When Halloween is near, tons of TV stations play scary movies all day long. Cuddling under a blanket, sipping on warm hot chocolate, and watching a scary movie is the perfect way to spend a Sunday night. For those who absolutely hate scary movies, you can always settle for an action movie or a comedy.

Go on a memorable date this autumn

No matter what you decide to do this fall, you’ll be certain to make unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Remember, autumn is your last opportunity to explore the outdoors and enjoy seasonal foods before winter comes knocking at the door. When winter hits, you’ll have to change your plans and plan a date for the cold weather. With the endless of different dates you can go on this fall, there’s something to suit every couple.