Certain birthdays are more important than others. At 16, you get your driver’s license, and at 18, you’re finally an adult. When you’re 21, it’s the last monumental birthday until you start marking off decades. It’s kind of a big deal.
If your birthday is just around the corner, you’re in luck. There are a ton of activities you can do on your birthday that take full advantage of the fall season. So what do these activities involve, exactly?
Check out these 21 fall-themed ideas for your birthday party so you can get excited about your big plans.
1. Make Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are one of the most popular fall treats you can make at home. Call your friends over, melt some caramel and roll your apples in it before covering them in your favorite toppings.
2. Start a Chili Cookoff
There are very few people who can say no to a bowl of chili, so start a cookoff tradition and invite as many people over to participate as possible. Anyone who can’t make chili can bring sides or appetizers.
3. Carve Pumpkins Together
Pick up a few carving kits and create jack-o’-lanterns with your family or friends on your birthday. Whoever makes the most creative pumpkin gets the first piece of birthday cake.
4. Pick Fresh Apples
Meet up with your friends at a local orchard and pick baskets of fresh apples as your birthday activity. You’ll have plenty of snacks and treats after you get back home.
5. Hike a Nearby Trail
While the weather is nice, get outside and hike a nearby trail for a great outdoor adventure. Pick one that’s just the right length, depending on how much time you want to spend in your hiking boots.
6. Host a Football Party
Fall is football season, so why not embrace it? Throw a party on a Sunday afternoon. And here’s a pro tip! Despite societal norms, you don’t need alcohol to celebrate turning 21. There’s no pressure!
7. Visit Your State Fair
Many state fairs happen during the fall, so see when yours begins and check it out for your birthday. If it seems like something you’d enjoy, make a visit and see what you can find.
8. Go to a Farmers Market
Farmers markets happen during most months of the year, but people love to go during the fall. The weather will be crisp and cool, so head out with your friends and explore local goods during the week of your birthday.
9. Eat Fall-Flavored Doughnuts
Doughnut shops of all kinds pride themselves on their fall-flavored offerings. Celebrate turning 21 by rounding up all the pumpkin, cinnamon and apple-flavored doughnuts you can find. Eat them with your friends over brunch outside on a cool morning.
10. Tour a Haunted House
There’s never a bad time to tour a haunted house during the fall. See something spooky for your birthday, whether it’s a local haunted house or a ghost tour.
11. Visit a Corn Maze
Before the cold weather settles in, farms in your area may have a corn maze set up. Grab your closest friends and race each other to find out who can get out first.
12. Pose in a Pumpkin Patch
If you haven’t been to a pumpkin patch yet this fall, use your birthday as an excuse to pose for cute Instagram photos on your birthday.
13. Run a 5k
Races are another kind of outdoor event people enjoy doing in the fall. Walk or run a 5k to support local charities and get bragging rights for finishing.
14. Make Delicious S’mores
Does anyone you know own a fire pit? Ask them to roast marshmallows and make s’mores with you for your birthday, since it’s an affordable and delicious treat for special occasions.
15. Rent Mountain Bikes
Embrace your inner adventurous spirit by renting mountain bikes with your family members or friends. Bike your way down a local trail for a bite at a small restaurant before heading back to the car.
16. Enjoy a Mountain Trip
The mountains are gorgeous in the fall. Rent a cabin and capture the view for your birthday.
17. Hold a Scary Movie Marathon
If scary movies are your passion, invite people over for a marathon until it’s midnight and officially your birthday.
18. Shop for Sweaters
Who doesn’t love getting a couple of new sweaters for fall? A shopping spree may be exactly what you need to celebrate turning 21.
19. Rent a Chocolate Fountain
Splurge on a rented chocolate fountain and dip different kinds of foods in it with all your chocolate-loving friends.
20. Bake New Recipes
If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, try your hand at new recipes that evoke the flavors of fall.
21. Go Camping
Enjoy the outdoors by scheduling a camping trip for your birthday, or make it a glamping trip by upgrading your tent with a few more modern comforts.
Get Creative and Have Fun
Whatever you choose for your birthday will be more fun than sitting at home, wishing you had plans. Try a new food, go on an adventure or attend an event in your area to have a great milestone birthday.
Author Bio:
Dylan Bartlett, aka, “The Regular Guide,” writes about the outdoors, survivalism and similar topics on his site. Check out Just a Regular Guide for more, or follow Dylan on Twitter @theregularguide for frequent updates!