If summer is the season for flings, autumn is definitely the season for falling in love. And honestly, how could it not be? The weather is cool but not cold, the foliage is aesthetically pleasing and there’s tons of autumn-inspired activities to do. This is precisely why dating in the fall is so much fun — and these fall date ideas cover it all.
Whether you religiously drink pumpkin spice lattes or lament the end of summer whenever autumn rolls around, these fall date ideas suit all. They range from cute to spooky and are perfect for new and established relationships alike. Keep scrolling to learn more.
11 amazing fall date ideas, from cutesy to spooky
Visit a vineyard
Obviously, wine is good any time of year. A vineyard in the fall, though? Different. Straight-up magical. You get to wear a chic outfit (cozy sweater included), spend time outside while you still can and sip your way through gorgeous views with a cheese board within reach. Consider it a very productive — and valid — reason to day-drink.
Check out a beer tasting event
Not a wine person? No problem. Fall is prime brew season, which makes hitting up a beer tasting event just as good a date. You can sample pumpkin ales, amber lagers and crisp Oktoberfest-style beers without committing to a full pint. Plus, beer tastings are usually replete with warm, tasty snacks that pair well with seasonal pours. It’s a win all around. Check out local breweries, restaurants and liquor stores for upcoming tastings near you.
Go on a nature hike
If you and your partner love moving your bodies, a nature hike is the ideal fall date. You get crisp air, front-row foliage and a built-in excuse to hold hands on the steep parts. Want to make it even cuter? Pack a picnic to enjoy at a dreamy spot along the trail.
Buy, carve or decorate pumpkins
Buying, carving or decorating pumpkins isn’t a revolutionary date idea, but it’s a classic for a reason. It’s the quintessential fall activity, after all. Plus, it’s the kind of date that’ll take you from day to night: you can pick pumpkins during the day and spend the evening marking them up however you want. If you want to up the ante, try having some sort of contest, like who can carve a scarier pumpkin or paint the cutest designs on it.
Craft a fall cocktail
From PSLs to autumnal beers and more, there’s no shortage of fall-inspired drinks. If you’re in the mood for an at-home date night, tap into the autumn spirit by crafting a fall cocktail for you and your boo. Think: a pumpkin-spiced martini, a Halloween-themed drink and so forth. You’ll get to sip something new and tasty while leveling up your mixology skill, so it’s a win-win.
Go apple picking
Is apple picking the most revolutionary fall date idea? No, it’s not — but that’s the beauty of it. It’s low-stakes yet intimate. You can hold hands while you’re strolling through the orchard, sip fresh apple cider and relish in the crisp autumn breeze on your skin. Bonus points if you use the apples from your adventure to whip up something delicious later on. Candy apples or apple pie, anyone?
Indulge in a football Sunday funday
Fall equals football season and football season means Sundays are officially spoken for. Regardless of whether you live for the game or are just there for the snacks, a football Sunday funday makes for a low-key, cozy date. Cheer on your team at a sports bar, host a mini watch party at home or tailgate before kickoff. Whatever you choose, you’ll get wings, cold drinks and a very good excuse to wear your favorite jersey.
Get lost in a corn maze — after dark
Corn mazes are cute during the day. After dark, they’re a little unhinged (in the best way possible, of course). Armed with nothing but a flashlight and your partner’s questionable sense of direction, you’ll wind through towering stalks, jump at every rustle and (eventually) find your way out. It’s essentially a relationship stress test with cider doughnuts as the reward — perfect for thrill seekers with a sweet tooth. Lots of farms with corn mazes host flashlight nights, so be sure to check out local listings.
Have a scary movie night at home
A scary movie night in is a cozy way to get your spooky fix. Turn the lights down low, pile on the blankets and queue up a horror classic or that new release you haven’t wanted to watch alone. Be sure to stock up on popcorn, candy and something warm and comforting to sip on, and cuddle up close when you’re most frightened.
Host a spooky game night
If you’re looking for a laid-back option with some friendly competition, look no further. Set the mood with dim lighting, a bowl of candy and a creepy playlist, then pull out Clue, try a murder mystery game or quiz each other on Halloween trivia. The best part is that you can easily expand this idea to include other couples. Fair warning, though: “Who did it?” can turn into “Who’s cheating?” faster than you think.
Take a haunted hayride or visit a haunted house
Nothing forces you to lean on your partner for protection faster than creeping through the dark. Whether you take a haunted hayride or walk through a haunted house, you’re signing up for plenty of screams and a story you’ll retell for weeks. Make sure you wear shoes you can run in in case you need to make a hasty exit. Also, grab your tickets ahead of time since popular spots typically sell out on weekends.
