It’s officially fall, which means cozy pumpkin season has begun! Everyone loved the post I did where I shared 35+ free or low-cost activities to try this summer, so I’m back again with another list but this time I’m sharing all the fun (and cheap!) activities you can enjoy this fall.
If you didn’t know I have two Budget Girl communities over on Facebook, one is my Budget Club, which is a group of people sharing their budgeting wins and getting support when needed from like-minded people on their money journey. I also have the Budget Girl Facebook page, where you’ll find all the latest updates on all things BG and you can share your two cents on topics that might end up in a blog post, just like this one!
Now let’s get into all the fun you can have this fall season with these wallet-friendly activities!
1. Host a potluck
Create a theme or let everyone choose what part of the meal they want to bring. Either way, getting your friends and family together to share a meal is always a pleasant and cost-effective way to spend an evening.
2. Go apple picking
I have to be honest, this is not my first choice when it comes to fall activities (I always end up with a rotten one) but I know lots of people that love to go apple picking as a cheap outdoor activity that’s great for all ages.
3. Make a trip to the pumpkin patch
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about being in a field of pumpkins and deciding which one will be the best to carve, roast seeds, or bake with.
4. Try navigating through a corn-maze
5. Embrace sweater weather
If you live in a cooler climate then bring out those warm clothes and while you’re at it do a quick clear out of anything in your wardrobe that doesn’t fit or spark joy anymore. And then sell those unwanted items on Poshmark to put money back in your pocket.
6. Try making a PSL at home
Instead of going to Starbucks, be your own barista at home and make a homemade pumpkin spice latte (try it with real pumpkin to make it extra delicious!).
7. Go to a craft fair
Even if you don’t buy anything it’s always fun to browse what local artists and artisans are offering and maybe it’ll inspire you to do some crafting at home!
8. Go for a walk/hike
There’s something magical about being on a trail or in a forest full of trees changing colors.
9. Get cozy at an outdoor movie theatre
Look up if there are any outdoor theatres in your area. Be sure to pack blankets and a thermos of your favorite drink for this colder activity.
10. Spend an afternoon picking out books at the library
Fall is one of the best seasons to curl up with a good book. So head to the library to borrow a book or three for free.
11. Bake anything and everything with pumpkin
Pumpkins are an incredibly versatile vegetable because you can make a variety of both savory and sweet dishes with them. Even their seeds can be roasted to make a yummy, crunchy snack.
12. Go to a farmer’s market
Strolling through a farmer’s market and grabbing a few seasonal fruits and veggies is a fun local activity that also gives back to your community.
13. Go to a bonfire
Who else loves the smell of a wood fire burning?
14. Host a Halloween movie marathon
Whether you like a horror flick or prefer a Disney classic like Hocus Pocus, there’s a Halloween movie to suit everyone’s taste.
15. Go all out for football season
Even if you’re not much of a sports fan, there are always game-day snacks to get excited about.
16. DIY your Halloween Costume
Break out your sewing machine or fabric glue and get creative putting together a costume that will be one of a kind.
17. Learn a new soup, stew, or crockpot recipe
Crockpot recipes like my Cheap & Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup are the perfect way to warm you up and the leftovers make for great lunches!
18. Go camping
Since it’s no longer high-season for camping you can expect quieter sceneries and a different experience from the hotter months.
19. Take a stroll to crunch some autumn leaves
20. Host a pumpkin carving contest
Set a timer and maybe some silly rules for your friends and family to see who can carve the best pumpkin.
21. Enjoy a hot cup of your favorite beverage
22. Get crafty by making fall decor
Go foraging in your local forest and park and make some centerpieces for your dining or coffee table.
23. Do some yard work
24. Visit a farm
Visit the petting zoo or hop on a hail bail ride at your local farm for some fall fun.
25. Have a fall-themed photoshoot
Whether you have something big to announce or you just want to capture some memories with your friends or family head outside to snap some pictures amongst the colorful trees.
26. Go thrifting
I love going thrifting to find home decor, clothes, and everything in between!
27. Prepare for Thanksgiving
Start budgeting and making your guest list for this big celebration. Check out this post on how to save money on holiday dinners.
28. Trick or treat with the kids in your life
29. Knit a scarf, socks, or mittens
Take up knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, or embroidery for a new cozy hobby.
30. Get a headstart on your Christmas list
Make things less stressful for yourself by starting to make a list and keeping an eye on sale days.
31. Check the progress on your new year’s goals
32. Make your home smell like fall
Either break out your favorite candles and diffuser blends or make your own with a few tools and ingredients.
33. Run a 5k race
Run for a cause or just to prove to yourself that you can go the distance.
34. Make an autumn wreath for your front door
35. Explore the Norwegian tradition of hygge
Hygge is the danish word for the Norwegian tradition of embracing a cozy lifestyle aka lighting your favorite candles, reading by a fire, or snuggling under a blanket.
36. Celebrate Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a German folk festival that lasts two weeks and includes beer, food, and dancing. Check out if they’re are any Oktoberfests in your area to join in on the fun!
37. Try making apple cider
38. Visit your local brewery or winery
39. Visit a National Park for free on Veterans Day
Did you know that you can visit a National Park on certain days of the year? Head out on Veterans Day to catch the last day to enter free of charge.
40. Spend a rainy day doing puzzles, reading, and baking
Throw the fireplace channel on your TV and snuggle down to the sound of rain to rest and recharge.
I’d love to know what are some things on your to-do list this fall. Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to join my Facebook groups to always stay up to date on all things Budget Girl!
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