There are so many seasonal-specific activities that will make this month one to remember. From harvest festivals to haunted houses, here are 40 October self-care activities you’re going to love.
From pumpkin patches to hayrides to corn mazes to apple picking, there are so many great ways to get outside and enjoy the crisp fall weather.
If you’re a thrill-seeker you’ll love Halloween events like visiting a spooky haunted house.
And there’s wine tasting and sweater shopping and baking with apples…
40 October self-care activities
- Get your annual mammogram! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Adopt, don’t shop!
- Finally master that software you’ve been meaning to learn forever, for Computer Learning Month
- Celebrate National Homemade Cookies Day and International Day for the Elderly by baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies, and dropping them at a retirement community near you (October 1)
- Eat a healthy salad loaded with kale for National Kale Day (October 2)
- October 4 is World Smile Day, so apply some whitening strips and then smile at everyone you see
- Do Something Nice on Do Something Nice Day (October 5)
- Forgive yourself for a past mistake on October 7, National Forgiveness Day
- When’s the last time you ate light-as-air angel food cake? Indulge again on October 10, National Angel Food Cake Day
- Learn about women’s equality around the world on October 11, International Day of the Girl Child
- Educate yourself on food sustainability and availability on October 16, World Food Day
- Wear Something Gaudy Day (October 17) is a great excuse to dress creatively!
- Are you reaching all of your goals and aspirations? Are you happy? October 19 is Evaluate Your Life Day
- On October 22, show off your smarts for Smart is Cool Day
- Celebrate (or make peace with) your mother-in-law on October 27, Mother In Law Day
- One of my favorite days is October 28 – Make a Difference Day. Use your time to volunteer on a worthwhile project
- Celebrate Halloween on October 31
- Go wine tasting with friends
- Visit a brewery and try out the fall-themed beers
- Fly a kite on a windy day
- Take a long walk on a beach now that the tourists are gone
- Make your own Halloween costume
- Throw a spook-tacular Halloween party
- Buy a cozy sweater that you’ll wear all season
- Get a fall-hued manicure
- Prep your garden for winter
- Move potted plants indoors for the winter
- Wash your windows to allow in as much sunlight as possible during the winter
- Go apple picking
- Bake everything you can think of using apples – pie, bread, muffins, cobbler, tarts, and more
- Design your own pumpkin face, and carve it yourself
- Roast pumpkin seeds and use them on salads
- Stock up on different types of squash at the farmer’s market, and spend all month learning the differences and how to prepare them
- Indulge in your favorite coffee treat, whether that’s pumpkin spice, gingerbread, or eggnog
- Start planning your holiday shopping now, and develop a budget so you don’t overspend
- Gift yourself a new pair of gloves and a matching scarf
- Take a Holiday crafting class and make your gifts this year
- Volunteer at a haunted house and have fun scaring people
- Go for long walks in nature and appreciate the changes you see
- Pack away summer clothes and decor, and bring out the cold-weather goods
Outdoor Self-Care Activities for October
Harvest Festivals
October is the perfect time to attend a harvest festival. You can find them in many towns and cities across the country.
At these festivals, you can enjoy pumpkin carving contests, apple cider tastings, hayrides, and more. You can also shop for locally grown produce and handmade crafts.
Winery Tours and Tastings
Many wineries offer tours and tastings during the fall harvest season.
You can learn about the winemaking process, sample different wines, and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Some wineries offer special events, such as grape stomping and live music.
Leaf Peeping Hikes
October is the perfect month for a hike or nature walk to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Many trails and parks offer scenic views of the changing leaves.
Craft Fairs and Farmers’ Markets
Take advantage of local craft fairs and farmers’ markets in the fall. Not only can you find unique, handmade items, but you can also support local businesses and farmers.
Look for handmade jewelry, cozy knitwear, and fall-themed decor.
And don’t forget to stock up on fresh produce for all your favorite fall recipes.
Pumpkin Patch Excursions
Nothing says fall like a trip to the pumpkin patch.
This is a great activity to do with friends or family.
Many pumpkin patches offer more than just pumpkins, including hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.
Indoor Self-Care Activities for October
DIY Halloween Costumes
October is the perfect time to plan your Halloween costume. Instead of buying a pre-made costume, why not get creative and make your own? You can find inspiration from your favorite movies, TV shows, or pop culture icons.
Fall-Themed Baking Sessions
Baking is a great way to get into the fall spirit. You can make all sorts of treats, from pumpkin spice cupcakes to apple pie.
Candle Making Workshops
Have you ever tried candle making? It’s a fun and relaxing activity that you can do indoors, and a lot easier than you might expect! Look for local candle-making workshops or try making candles at home with a candle-making kit.
October Environmental Self-Care Activities
Decorate for Autumn
As the leaves begin to change color, it’s time to start thinking about decorating your home for the fall season.
A few simple touches can make a big difference in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Place some autumn-themed accents to your front porch, such as pumpkins, gourds, and cornstalks. Add a festive wreath to your front door.
Inside your home, swap out your summer linens for thicker blankets, placemats, and napkins in rich autumn colors like burgundy, gold, and orange. Add some seasonal touches to your table settings with greenery, pine cones, and colorful leaves you gather from your yard.
Prep Your Garden for Winter
As the weather starts to cool down, it’s important to start preparing your garden for the winter months ahead. This includes tasks such as raking leaves, cutting back perennials, and planting bulbs for spring blooms.
One important task to tackle in the fall is to prepare your soil for the next growing season. This can be done by adding compost or other organic matter to your soil. You can also plant cover crops, such as clover or rye, to help improve soil health.
Another important task is to protect your plants from the harsh winter weather.
This can be done by adding a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help insulate them from the cold. You can also wrap delicate plants in burlap or other protective coverings.
Read More About Autumn Self-Care:
- Why Autumn is My Favorite Season: Fall Quotes and Reasons to Love the Season of Change
- Your Fall Bucket List: 101 Great Things to Do, Places to Go, and Sites to See
- November Self-Care: 25 Activities to Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Soul
- 20 Fall Date Ideas: Things to Do for Couples of All Ages
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Lori is an energetic woman in her early 60s, dedicated to living life fully through self-awareness and self-care. Inspired by her own transformative journey toward confidence, self-love, and positivity, she writes with genuine passion and authenticity.
With degrees in Psychology, Education, and Nonprofit Management, Lori’s diverse career has spanned education administration, counseling, teaching, conference planning, and the rewarding chaos of full-time motherhood. What ties these experiences together is her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.
Today, Lori focuses her energy on empowering mature women, advocating for the vital role of self-care in building confidence and joy. She firmly believes that every woman in midlife deserves to feel capable, radiant, and fulfilled. Join Lori as she shares insights and inspiration to help you live your best life!