11 Fall Date Ideas to Try During the Coziest Season

Ahhh autumn! Probably the best season for romance. The sweltering months of summer are over and it finally feels like you'd want to cuddle up next to someone again. Not to mention there are apples ripe for the picking, pumpkins to carve, and a spectrum of vibrant leaves to peep. It's cool and crisp and everything smells like cinnamon. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of this time and get a little closer to your special someone?

Whether you’re brainstorming fall date ideas together or planning a surprise for your partner, let our list of ideas inspire your autumn romance. From outdoor festivities to cozy indoor activities, budget-friendly dates to splurge-y fun, we’ve got ideas for everyone.

Why It’s Important to Go On Dates With Your Partner

We don’t have to sell you on the idea of spending quality time with your partner—you’re here looking for fall dates, after all. However, it’s always nice to reiterate the importance of planning dedicated time together. Dating helps keep that romantic spark alive by reminding us why we fell in love with our partner in the first place. 

It's also a great way to let loose and forget—however briefly—about day-to-day stressors. Dating your partner also adds variety to your routine, allows you to create new memories together, and can strengthen your connection and commitment to each other.This is all true no matter how you choose to spend your dates together.

Festive Fall Date Ideas 

Ready for some fall date inspiration? Take your pick from any of these romantic ideas recommended by relationship experts. 

Nature Hike 

Autumn is arguably one of the prettiest times of the year, so it makes sense to head outdoors and soak up the foliage and great weather. Why not enjoy it with someone you love? 

“There is nothing better than slowing down with your partner and connecting plus getting those endorphins up equals creating more joy in the relationship,” says professional counselor Abbey Sangmeister, MSEd., LPC. “Hikes are a great way to explore and connect without added distractions.” 

Research local hot spots for leaf peeping, or cozy up together in a park for a picnic complete with hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte? You could even pencil in your date for around sunset to take in the vibrant colors.

Go Wine Tasting

Wine tasting isn't merely an indulgence in rich flavors; it also sets the stage for deeper connections,” says Julianna Lyddon, a certified life coach with a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. 

“Enrich the experience by posing insightful questions like, ‘If money were no object, what would be your dream job?’ or ‘What genuinely ignites joy in your heart?’” Lyddon says. “Moving beyond casual conversation, you open the opportunity for a stronger and more authentic connection.” 

Cozy Up Next to a Blazing Bonfire

Chilly evenings wrapped up in blankets around a flickering fire is pure fall magic. It also has some serious romance potential, especially if you lean on each other to warm up. Make some s’mores, clink cups, tell spooky stories, or dive into deep conversation. 

“You could make the experience meaningful by sharing childhood or life experiences that describe what fall and all of the tastes and smells mean to each of you,” suggests Rikki Dymond, a dating coach with Flirtini. “Being vulnerable is a great way to build trust and get to know your date or partner on a deeper level.” 

Or if you’re feeling the steamy vibes, you could take things up a notch by letting your evening melt into some frisky fun.

Play in the Leaves

Channel your childhood spirit by diving into a giant pile of colorful, crispy, fall-scented leaves. “It is so important to find play in our daily lives—especially as adults,” notes Sangmeister. “Good childhood fun is a great way to connect and bond. Keep some of the leaves and create some art to remember the date.” 

One 2013 study found a correlation between playing as adults and overall life satisfaction.Another found that people who play more have lower stress levels, and that they’re able to cope more healthily in their day-to-day life.

Pumpkin Carving Night

Similarly, head to the market or pumpkin patch and grab yourself some perfect pumpkins to carve or decorate. 

“Choose various sizes and shapes, then work together to carve pumpkins,” suggests mental health counselor Daniel Rinaldi, MHC, and life coach. “Brainstorm creative pumpkin carving ideas together and see whose design turns out the best. Carve your initials into the pumpkin for an extra romantic flair!”

Cook a Special Meal Together

Start this date by heading to the local farmers’ market or grocery store to gather ingredients for a season-appropriate meal cooked together. Maybe it's tasty pork chops with apples, a classic batch of chili, or stuffed acorn squash. Then, come home and whip up your meal. 

“Cooking together is the ultimate bonding experience because you work on how to communicate and come together to create something plus who doesn’t love a cozy meal,” Sangmeister says.

If it’s a meal that takes a while—like smoked meats or soup, break out some board games or connect in conversation while you wait. 

Spooky Movie Night 

Plan to spend the evening together cozied up with some tasty popcorn, festive beverages, and a Halloween movie. Go classic with an iconic thriller or keep it low-key with something a bit more campy.

“Nothing says ‘I like spending time with you’ more than cuddles and clutching each other during a scary movie,” Dymond says. The discussions around choosing the movie can also reveal a lot about each other’s tastes and preferences!

Go Apple Picking (and Bake a Tasty Pie)

Apple picking is another way to enjoy the autumn weather with your special someone, and it’s definitely a great moment for some cute photos together, too. Rinaldi says to research different orchards together (which builds communication skills) and then hand-pick the best apples together. 

“You can take a little time and research different apple varieties and their best uses, talk about your favorite apples and why you like them, and do an apple tasting together,” Rinaldi says. “Afterward, you can bake an apple pie together. When baking the pie, take turns with different tasks and share stories about your favorite fall memories or traditions.” 

Scenic Fall Drive and Picnic

One of the best parts about autumn is the changing fall foliage. Scout some of the best spots for leaf peeping within a few hours of you and head out for a fun road trip to take in the views. Rinaldi says to put on a podcast or some tunes, and to pack some fall snacks to enjoy along the way. To really enjoy your surroundings once, consider hiking through the woods, laying out a picnic spread, or dabbling in some yoga or meditation together. 

Stroll Through a Pumpkin Patch

Apple picking is a particularly festive autumn activity, and pumpkin picking is right up there, too. After all, it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins! 

“For a fun, possibly new date experience, grab your partner and go for a stroll through a pumpkin patch, picking out some cute pumpkins while you’re there,” Dymond says. “Be sure to cozy up to your date as you walk and bring some hot cocoa to warm things up!” 

Try a Couples Tarot Reading

If you’re curious about new age practices, consider having your tarot cards read together, suggests Lyddon. This feels particularly on theme throughout autumn and close to Halloween, and whether you believe in the validity of the reading or not it can spark some interesting conversations! 

And if you are a believer, then Lyddon says “This experience can offer insights into your bond's future trajectory or even help longtime partners reconnect with each other on a deeper level.”