The St. Louis Fall Bucket List for Busy Families
Little Ways to Slow Down + Soak Up the Season)
Fall in St. Louis has officially arrived 🍂
Theis Farms pumpkin patch opens September 27 (mark your calendars for pumpkins + cider donuts 🎃). Kaldi’s just dropped their Spiced Cold Brew Latte if that’s your thing ☕️. And this weekend is the Great Balloon Race in Forest Park — one of my absolute favorite STL traditions 🎈.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for pumpkins, lattes (or hot chocolate for me), and balloon magic.
But if you’re anything like me, your calendar is already full — school drop-offs, soccer games, work meetings, and a carpool group text that never stops. It’s so easy to let this season fly by without actually slowing down to enjoy it.
That’s why I put together this busy-family-approved STL Fall Bucket List — simple, cozy ideas that make the season feel special without adding to your mental load.
🍎 Apple + Pumpkin Picking
Fall isn’t complete without at least one trip to the farm.
Eckert’s in Belleville is our go-to for apple picking, hayrides, and yes — warm cider donuts.
For pumpkins, we love Thies Farm (opening Sept 27!) — perfect for snapping that annual family photo surrounded by mums and corn stalks.
🍂 Leaf-Peeping Walks & Drives
Peak leaf season is magic in STL.
Take a slow Saturday stroll through Tower Grove Park or Forest Park with hot chocolate in hand.
Or go for a Sunday drive through Ladue or Webster Groves — these tree-lined streets feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.
🕯️ Cozy Home Vibes
Put those Pumpkins out!
Bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies “just because.” Sneak one warm off the tray.
Put on your favorite music mix or Yo-Yo Ma while making dinner.
🏡 At-Home Traditions
Do a Sunday night family reset — cozy sweaters, calendar check-in, and something simple for dinner, or prep to make your week easier.
Invite neighbors over for an impromptu backyard s’mores night.
Carve pumpkins while watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
☕ Fall Treats
Grab a smoothie from Nourish or a pumpkin chai from Coma Coffee.
Pick up fresh bread from Union Loafers for an easy soup + bread Sunday dinner.
Treat yourself to a stop at a farmers market — Tower Grove’s is my favorite — for the last of the season’s produce.
🎃 Local STL Fun
Boo at the Zoo is always a hit if you’ve got little ones who love costumes.
Don’t miss the Great Balloon Race this weekend — bring a blanket and watch the sky fill with color.
Look for neighborhood festivals or Oktoberfests around town — perfect for a fall Saturday.
🎉 Little Joys to Savor
Take a walk with a friend, your husband, or just by yourself to breathe in the cool air and think straight.
Plan a cozy date night at The Alamo or a date night in after the kids go to bed.
Dream of catching waves (or plan that off-season beach trip).
🏠 If You’re House-Hunting
This is one of my favorite times of year to look at homes — the streets are so beautiful right now, and you get a true feel for a neighborhood when the leaves are falling.
If finding a new home is on your fall bucket list, let’s connect so I can keep an eye on what’s coming up and make sure you don’t miss the right one.