Family-Friendly Northeast Ohio Fall Bucket List

I’m not sure where the idea of a bucket list came from, but I’ve been doing it for a few years now and it’s become a fun family tradition.

My bucket lists are an ever-growing to-do list of family fun activities to complete in one particular season. (I typically do a summer bucket list and a winter/holiday list). I start it ahead of the season and continue adding to it every time I see something of interest. I make sure to include a variety of activities.

Having it all in one place has been helpful in accomplishing so many more things than we typically would. And who doesn’t appreciate the satisfaction of checking completed items off of a list? Prior to the bucket lists, ideas were kept in my head, written on a calendar, saved as a screenshot or a Facebook event. Now when a friend recommends an awesome place to visit, I don’t just say “we need to check that out some day” — I immediately jot it down on the list. When I see a website about a promising excursion I’d like to try, it gets included, as well. No more “I’ve always wanted to go there” or “I keep forgetting about that place” because it’s now front and center.

Another benefit to the bucket list is that when we find ourselves with some free time, there’s no need to go searching for something to do, or try to think of somewhere to go. We just pull out the list and pick our adventure of the day. I like to keep mine in my notes app on my phone, but I also have written it on paper to hang on the refrigerator. My daughter has fun helping to make the lists and track our progress.

My lists often include many things I know we’d do anyway — I want to make sure we can feel good about accomplishing as many things as we can! I’ve recently begun my fall fun list! What else should I add?