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. Fall activities were a favorite.
These days, 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, it’s the perfect time to plan some budget friendly outdoor (and indoor) fun, and I’m looking forward to more changing leaves that always make each day seem new.
Here are Some Fall Fun Ideas on a Budget:
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.
Go for a Scenic 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 scarves to give as Christmas gifts.
These are just a few ways to have fun this fall without spending too much. What are some of your favorite fall activities?
Linking to:
SITS Sharefest, Thursday Favorite Things, Claire Justine, Everything Fall at Shoestring Elegance, Creative Jewish Mom, Artsy Fartsy Mama, Home Stories A to Z, Creative Muster, My Girlish Whims, Shiplap and Shells, Create with Joy, Gingersnap Crafts, Fluster Buster, Happiness is Homemade, Thursday Favorite Things, Ridgehaven Homestead, Life as a Leo Wife, Esme Salon, Keeping it Real, A Pinch of Joy, My Random Musings, Mostly Blogging, Tuesday Turn About, Wonderful Wednesday, Fluster Buster, French Ethereal, Funtastic Friday, Shabby Art Boutique, Life and Linda, Try It, Like It
All of my favorite things! Love the photo walk idea, always.
Yes, the best time of year for it!
What a sweet little list! I love all the ideas. Living in Florida, we don't experience much of a Fall. The temperatures usually drop a little from the 90's and 100's of Summer to about 80's and 90's, but the humidity levels still make it hard to feel like Fall is here. I do very much enjoy when we take trips up North in the Fall, and seeing all that Fall really is – true beauty.
Alexandra
EyeLoveKnots.com
Thank you! Here in Missouri, sometimes fall is mostly summer, and then, bam it's suddenly cold! We do always have the pretty leaves though. The older I get, the more I just want sun and warmth, so Florida is very appealing to me!
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!
I hope you have a lovely week too, Marilyn!
Great ideas Pam – congrats for being featured at Inspire Me Monday #401 at Create With Joy! 🙂
Oh, thanks so much for the feature! That makes my day!
Our Menaka has chosen your post to be featured on the next Blogger's Pit Stop. Well done.
Kathleen
Thank you!! That makes me happy!
Aww just nice pictures, love seeing the fall leaves!!
Thanks, Karren! Some of these are older and are some of my favorite fall pictures!
Thanks so much for the inspiration! I'm definitely doing leaf rubbings. Looks like fun. Thanks for linking to Everything Fall. Please come back and link again. We're open through October. Best wishes. Linda and Theresa
Thanks for hosting the party! I'm glad you liked the ideas!
What a great list of fall activities Pam. I really enjoyed all the pictures. Pinned. I'm so glad you shared this with us at Charming Homes and Gardens.
Thanks so much, Kim!
Hitting up the orchard and pumpkin patch are two of my favorite things to do in the fall – so much fun!
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin
Can't wait to try some of these with my grandkids!
That's awesome, Michele! Enjoy!
Congratulations, you will be featured on the upcoming Senior Salon post, Monday Oct 18th as one of the top three bloggers. Thank you for your support and participation.
Thanks so much, Esme! I appreciate it!
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing on Happiness is Homemade at LifeasaLEOWife.com!
Niki – Life as a LEO Wife
Thank you – I appreciate the party!
Fall is my favorite time of year. Here the colors are amazing and there are so many wonderful things to do. Even driving around for errands can be a trip through a beautiful scenic painting of colored trees.
Very true. The colors of this season are amazing.
These are great ideas to enjoy fall on a budget.
visiting today from SSPS #284 #37
Thanks so much, Paula!
Great ideas for some fall fun. Thanks so much for sharing at Love Your Creativity.
Thanks, Linda! And, thanks for hosting.