Holidays & Entertaining Entertaining Seasonal Events 33 Fun Things You Can Still Do This Fall (Even During a Pandemic) COVID-19 doesn’t have to stop you from savoring autumn safely. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on August 18, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Nothing about 2020 has been what anyone expected, and this fall will be no exception. As we did in spring and summer, we’ll have to come up with new things to do in fall—fortunately, it was easy to find great spring activities and fun things to do in the summer during COVID-19. While you’ll probably still get to savor pumpkin spice latte season and snuggle in your coziest sweater, some typical things to do in the fall—like cheering with the crowd at football games or hosting Halloween parties—may be off-limits during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep everyone safer. Getty Images But just because we’re staying closer to home (and holding our loved ones closer) right now doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the very best things that fall has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do this fall, whether you’re social distancing, staying at home, or trying to keep activities outdoors, so we can keep celebrating the season—even if it’s an autumn like we’ve never seen before. Fun things to do in the fall during COVID-19 01 of 33 Go apple picking (socially distanced, of course) 02 of 33 Take a hike 03 of 33 Drink (spiked?) hot apple cider 04 of 33 Take a drive to check out the changing leaves 05 of 33 Make a big pot of chili 06 of 33 Carve or decorate pumpkins 07 of 33 Enjoy pumpkin spice everything 08 of 33 Write down what you’re thankful for 09 of 33 Bake an apple or pumpkin pie 10 of 33 Trade in your sandals for a cute pair of boots 11 of 33 DIY a cool Halloween costume (and then do a family photoshoot) 12 of 33 Get everyone some fun back-to-school notebooks and supplies 13 of 33 Pick out a new cozy sweater 14 of 33 Make caramel apples 15 of 33 Savor cider doughnuts 16 of 33 Enjoy some homemade soup with a grilled cheese 17 of 33 Plant bulbs for your spring garden 18 of 33 Learn to knit 19 of 33 Create a fall-themed wreath 20 of 33 Snuggle under a cozy blanket with a cup of tea and a good book 21 of 33 Rake together a pile of leaves—then leap into it 22 of 33 Deck your halls (and your yard) with a little spooky decor 23 of 33 Enjoy a faux tailgate in your driveway 24 of 33 Make snickerdoodles 25 of 33 Make a delicious beef stew 26 of 33 Get a head start on your holiday shopping 27 of 33 Boo your neighbors by sneaking little treats to their doorstep 28 of 33 Watch all the old Halloween TV specials 29 of 33 Have a marathon of Halloween movies on Netflix 30 of 33 Vote! 31 of 33 Adorn your table with gourds 32 of 33 Collect the prettiest fall leaves and preserve them 33 of 33 Gather with loved ones (in person, if it’s safe, or virtually) to give thanks Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit