Fall Activities on a Budget

When my kids were little, fall was always a favorite time of the year for me. In autumn, when the heat and humidity gave way to cooler air, we were always excited to get outside and have fun.

Nowdays, fall is slightly less my friend, as I can't seem to shake the dread of the impending winter! But that just supports my efforts to make autumn fun!

Even the indoors seems cozier and more fun in the fall, and I always want to cook chili and bake something when the outside temperature drops.

With the cooler temperatures setting in soon, it's the perfect time to plan some budget friendly outdoor (and indoor!) fun, and I'm looking forward to the changing leaves that always make each day seem new.

Here are some fun fall ideas for you:

Go on a Fall Photo Shoot

Grab your camera and capture the fall colors and sights. A hike in a park will provide many beautiful sights to photograph, and a backdrop of colorful leaves will make your photos pop. Have a friend come along and take a family portrait for you.

Go For A Drive

Why not jump in the car with some snacks and take a drive somewhere new? You don't have to rush, or even have a destination, just enjoy the changing scenery. You could play car games and sing with the kids. Stop for hot chocolate on the way back. Sometimes the simplest times are the best times.

Visit Fall Festivals

This time of year you will always find lots of local festivals. Have a look online at some of the local festivals to get you started. The festivals usually have something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's music, food, crafts, or a hay ride. Check out your community calendar, and note the dates.

Go Apple Picking

This one is definitely a classic activity that gets associated with autumn, and it was always one of our favorite fall activities when my kids were little. You'll not only have a great day, but you'll have lots of apples for baking.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin picking can be a really easy and cost-effective day out for the whole family. In our area, the pumpkins are ready to be picked around the last week of September. Once you've all picked your pumpkins, start planning a pumpkin carving competition for Halloween. And don't forget to roast the seeds!

Bake!

When the temperatures get cooler, I automatically want to bake something. Have fun in the kitchen, even if you don't have any apples or pumpkin. These simple thumbprint cookies, (with no apples or pumpkin!) are a fun way to make memories in the kitchen. Or make some pumpkin muffins.

Make a Fall Craft

Try these simple stamped tumble tile coasters, and have them ready to give as Thanksgiving hostess gifts. Or make some simple crocheted scarfs to give as Christmas gifts.

Make Some Leaf Rubbings

Go find some leaves and make a leaf rubbing. To do this, take your leaf, and place it with the bottom side up onto a piece of plastic wrap. (The plastic wrap keeps it from moving around.) Place a thin piece of paper over the leaf, and rub the side of a crayon gently on the paper over the leaf. The leaf image will magically appear. (Hint: Try to find leaves that are not too dry and brittle.) Try using several crayon colors to get a more realistic effect. You'll be amazed at how beautiful the rubbings will be.

These are just a few ways to have fun this fall without spending too much. What are some of your favorite fall activities?

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