Embrace Cozy Season with Fall Picnic Date Ideas

Summer is over and it’s time to say goodbye to some of our favorite sunny activities for the next few months. Beach days, outdoor water sports, picnics… Or maybe not. 

We’ve all seen the classic rom-com fall montages, right? They hold hands and skip through orchards while perfectly shaped fall leaves gracefully flutter to the ground—pure bliss. Well, just like in the movies, for all the romantics at heart, fall offers the perfect backdrop for memorable dates. And what better way to kick it off than with a classic fall picnic? 

We’ve gathered a whole bunch of fall picnic date ideas from seasoned Bumble daters to inspire your next date, whether it’s the first or the fifteenth. Grab your blankets and picnic baskets (or just a tote bag, we’re not fancy) and check out these romantic picnic plans and tips that you can try out with your next Bumble connection.

Step one for planning an amazing fall picnic date is finding the right location. Luckily, fall grants you a range of breathtaking options. Whether you opt for a lakeside escape, a hillside in the country, or a hidden gem in your local town, fall won’t let you down and is sure to create a romantic ambiance that can elevate your picnic from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Name a season better for apple picking. We’ll wait…

As the apple orchards begin to burst with ripe fruit, filling your basket with the season’s juiciest pickings is sure to get the mood going. If you’re keen to try this date, always find an orchard that’s open to the public, or ask permission from the landowner before setting up your picnic. 

For the ultimate orchard picnic date, find a cozy spot, spread out your blanket, and enjoy a picnic featuring your favorite apple-inspired dishes. From classic apple pies to cider and cheese pairings, it’s a low-cost but high-reward choice for a picnic. 

Bumble dater Amanda, 24, said: “There’s something incredibly romantic about being surrounded by the sweet scent of ripe apples and the lovely colors of the trees. It really is the perfect setting for a fall-themed picnic.”

As the sun sets earlier and the evenings get cooler, fireside picnics are a lovely way to get to know your Bumble date. “There’s something magical about the glow of a fire in the middle of fall. It feels like you’re in your own little bubble, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life,” says Leanne, 33. 

Choose a location with ready-to-go fire pits or bring your own portable fire bowl (if the location allows this, of course). Local campsites with day passes or open access are usually a good place to set up, but always check with the local authority or landowner before you go. 

You can roast marshmallows, make s’mores, gaze up at the stars, and enjoy the fire’s warmth with your date—don’t forget to pack your blankets for extra comfort and snuggling. Spend some uninterrupted time together and let the flickering flames and the sound of wood crackling set the stage for intimate conversations.

While the location is crucial for setting the mood, what’s a picnic without food? Selecting the right food and drinks is equally important to make your fall picnic one for a social-worthy snap. Fall is a season well-known for its delicious, rich, and comforting flavors, and your choice of picnic fare can elevate your date.

We love the fresh, seasonal ingredients that are around at this time of year, perfect for your fall picnic date. Craft a menu inspired by fall flavors, using ingredients such as pumpkins, apples, squash, and spices. 

If you’ve got a flask that’ll keep everything warm, you could start with a velvety seasonal soup like pumpkin or spiced lentil. Pair it with a delicious sandwich for dipping (we love cheese here), or add a twist with some thinly sliced apples or a sprinkling of nuts for a delicious crunch. For dessert, stick with the theme and pack a fruit pie. And, of course, don’t forget the apple cider (hot, if you can), or visit your favorite coffee shop on your way for a classic pumpkin spiced latte or hazelnut hot chocolate.

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your fall picnic, consider creating a sophisticated charcuterie and snacking spread. Grab your favorite wooden cutting board and pack your cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fresh bread for a visually stunning and mouth-watering centerpiece. Pair your board with your favorite drinks, and think about complementing the fall flavors of your charcuterie. For dessert, bring along a box of assorted chocolates or a selection of your favorite fruits such as apples and grapes, which could work well with the cheeses we mentioned earlier, too.

So you have the location and your picnic treats down, but it’s often the extra touches that can totally transform your fall outing into a romantic adventure for two.

For those of you who live in one of the colder states, it may be a good idea to consider packing a warm and soft blanket or two for you and your date to snuggle up under. While the days may be warm, evenings can bring a little chill that’ll only enhance the cozy feeling that comes with planning a fall picnic.

For an extra layer of ‘awwww’, bring along a portable speaker and curate a playlist of both of your favorite fall songs. Think soft melodies, acoustic guitars, and gentle vocals to provide the perfect backing track for your date. For those of you planning a romantic first date, it helps take the edge off any awkward silences (though we hope there won’t be any).

If you’re lucky enough to plan your date on a night with a clear sky, try a little stargazing with your date. There’s no need for a telescope (although by all means, bring one if you have one!). Simply lay back, enjoy the night sky, and get into some heartfelt conversations.

So with a little help from us and our incredible Bumble daters, you have everything you need to plan the perfect fall picnic date. It’s simple—with the right location, delectable food and drinks, and a touch of thoughtfulness, you can create an unforgettable date that truly captures the essence of fall. Remember, dating is supposed to be fun, so enjoy the process of planning and while the seasons change, we’ll always be here to keep you updated on fun new ways to keep that connection going.