31 Days of October: A Slow & Intentional Bucket List

Little traditions to savour the season with the people you love

Why this isn’t “just another to-do list”

October can feel busy. School routines are back, evenings creep in earlier, and there’s a steady drumbeat toward Halloween. The last thing any of us need is another overwhelming checklist.

This isn’t that.

Think of this as a gentle could-do list (as muminthemadhouse aptly describes it)— small, meaningful ideas that invite connection: with your family, your teens, your partner, your friends, your community, and even just with yourself. Some are outdoorsy and crisp; others are candlelit and cosy. Many are budget-friendly (or free). Use them as prompts, repeat your favourites, and leave the rest.

The goal isn’t to do everything. The goal is simply to feel the season.

How to use this list

Pick your rhythm. Do one a day, two each weekend, or a handful across the month.
Adapt for your people. Most activities work for families with teens, younger kids, couples, or solo moments.
Make it yours. Swap pumpkin spice for spiced apple, movie night for board games, woodland walk for coastal stroll.
Stay gentle. If a day feels full, choose the tiniest version — one candle, one chapter, one street’s stroll.

wheelbarrow on a pumpkin patch — Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels.com

31 Days of Connection-First October

Go apple picking (or buy a big bag) and bake a crumble.
Connect over choosing, peeling, stirring — and that first warm spoonful.
Visit a farmers’ market and pick one seasonal star (squash, leeks, apples) to cook with tonight.
Let one ingredient shape the whole meal.
Golden-hour walk.
Step outside just before sunset; notice how the light paints the trees.
Bake bread from scratch.
No-knead, soda bread, or a simple loaf — the scent alone feels like a hug.
Host a soup-and-bread night.
Low effort, high comfort. Invite family, friends, or just your own crew.
Write an autumn gratitude list.
Three honest things you’re grateful for right now — big or tiny.
A cosy reading evening.
Everyone chooses a book; add blankets and warm drinks.
Autumn doorway or windowscape.
Pumpkins, foraged branches, jars with tea lights — simple and welcoming.
Slow-cooker supper.
Let dinner bubble away while life happens. Eat together if you can.
Conker & acorn hunt.
Fill a bag with little treasures. Display them in a bowl or use for crafts.
Seasonal movie night.
Gilmore Girls, Harry Potter, or a cosy classic — popcorn, socks, low lights.
Country-lane drive + hot chocolate stop.
Leaf-lined roads, music on, thermos or café treat.
Make a simple seasonal craft.
Pressed leaves, a wreath, or a paper garland.
Firepit or fireplace evening.
Toast marshmallows, tell stories, and pass around a blanket.
Cook or bake with pumpkin.
Soup, risotto, muffins, or a loaf — choose one and make it together.
Board-game night.
Let everyone pick one; rotate between short rounds to keep it fun.
Journal your autumn intentions.
One page: how you want this season to feel; what you need more/less of.
Go to a harvest fair or autumn market.
Talk to growers, try something local, soak up the atmosphere.
Screen-light evening.
Switch to lamps and candles; swap scrolling for a chat, puzzle, or music.
Make an October playlist.
Cosy, moody, or slightly spooky — play it during dinner or drives.
Noticing walk.
Write down or photograph five signs of autumn you spot today.
Bake with friends or teens.
Brownies, biscuits, pumpkin bread — share half with a neighbour.
Seasonal wardrobe swap.
Pull out jumpers and scarves; donate something you no longer wear.
Stargazing or torchlit stroll.
Ten minutes under the night sky — spot a constellation or just enjoy the hush.
Dinner-for-two at home.
Candles, favourite music, simple comfort food — phones away.
Carve or paint pumpkins.
Messy, creative, brilliant. Teens can try stencils or clever themes.
Spooky scavenger hunt.
Hide clues around the house or garden; end with hot chocolate.
Decorate for Halloween (your way).
From minimal candles to full haunted-house fun — let everyone add a touch.
Make toffee apples or caramel popcorn.
Sticky, nostalgic, and perfect for a film or games night.
Halloween movie marathon.
Hocus Pocus, Casper, Addams Family, Coraline — or your own family favourites.
Halloween with gratitude.
Costumes, treats, games — and two minutes reflecting on your favourite October moments.

Tips to make it easier (and cheaper)

Choose tiny versions. One candle, one street’s stroll, one loaf.
Batch the outdoor bits. Stack apple picking, a walk, and a hot-chocolate stop into one afternoon.
Use what you have. Forage décor, repurpose jars, rotate blankets.
Share the load. Let teens plan the movie list or scavenger clues; younger kids can be “chief helpers.”

✨ Download Your Free Slow & Intentional October Calendar ✨

To make this bucket list even easier to enjoy, I’ve created a printable version you can keep on your fridge, pin to a noticeboard, or tuck into your planner. It includes the full calendar, a list version, a gentle introduction, and tips on how to use it.

Download the 31 Days of Connection-first Calendar Here 🍂

👉 Download the October Calendar Printable

October Calendar Download