Fall Fun on a Dime: 16 Affordable Activities to Enjoy the Autumn Season Without Breaking the Bank

Steve Cummings

Fall

Fall is here, and that means the leaves are changing colors, the weather has started to cool down, and it is time to enjoy the outdoors. With the economy up and down and inflation still pretty high, looking at ways to enjoy the fall weather while on a budget is best. 

Here are 16 great fall activities that can be done cheaply. 

1. Apple Picking

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The fall weather is the perfect time to wear fall clothing, go out with your partner or family, and pick some apples. Apple orchids are pretty cheap to visit, and you can make a fantastic day out of pictures, picking, and even eating some apple doughnuts after the picking is done. 

2. Chili Cook-Off

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With the cooler weather coming, it is time to warm up the soups and chilis to stay warm. So why not gather the neighborhood together, some friends, or even get the church roped in to have a fun Chili cook-off? The weather is perfect for getting those crockpots warmed up and feeling full tasting all the great chili people have prepared. 

3. Camping

family camping
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With much cooler weather, it could be the perfect time to go camping. In the summertime, the heat can be a bit much for camping. As the weather is cooling down in October, you can go camping, explore nature, and even make some lovely fires. 

4. Hiking

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, USA
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If you are more of an adventurous type, then hiking could be your activity for the Fall. Maybe drive up to the mountains and see the colors of the leaves change, feature through some trails, and come back to relax on the couch. The cooler weather makes hiking a much more enjoyable activity. 

5. Tailgate or Potluck During Football Games At Home

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Football tailgating is so much fun with games, food, and drinks. The thrill of cheering on your team as you gather with fellow fans is peak fall weather activity. To make it an even cheaper or thrifty version, you can have a tailgate at home as your team may be off to an away game. People can come over, bring food, and have fun, and you can enjoy the game from a comfy couch, watching your team on the big screen. It may not beat the live atmosphere, but you will be saving money. 

6. Carving Jack -O-Lanterns

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One of the most fun fall activities you can enjoy is carving pumpkins. Once you pick out that perfect pumpkin, you can spend the day carving it right in time for Halloween.

7. Have Fun Around a Fire Pit

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The cooler weather means time for a bonfire or light up the fire pit. The sun is setting earlier, the weather is more relaxed, and it is a great time to have a fire pit and sit around sharing stories, eating food, and enjoying the glow. 

8. Roast Some Marshmallows

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If you have a fire going in the backyard or someone else's yard, roasting marshmallows could be your cheap fall activity. The mushiness of the marshmallow and the feel of when it touches chocolate and graham crackers. There cannot be a better feeling as it touches your tongue. 

9. Go For a Sunday Drive

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You may want to jump into your car and take a peaceful drive around as the leaves turn colors. Pumpkin patches are popping out, corn mazes appear, plus the plentiful fall decorations on people's homes have started to appear. A Sunday drive is a relaxing and cheap activity for the Fall.

10. Jump Into a Pile of Leaves

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As the leaves fall, a different type of yard work comes into play. Now, it is time to rake those leaves into piles and dispose of them. Before getting rid of the leaves, you can create massive piles and take the opportunity to jump in them. Reminiscing back to childhood when jumping into a pile of leaves was one of the most fun activities during the Fall. 

11. Navigate a Corn Maze

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With the season changes come the opportunities to create mazes with corn. Many people will venture out to see a corn maze, get lost in one, and have a fun story to tell afterward. Take a trip to visit a corn maze and create beautiful memories. 

12. Host a Costume Party

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Halloween comes around once a year, and it is a great time to be creative and even host a party. If you are looking for a fall activity that can be done cheaply, hosting a costume party can be a thing to do. People will dress up, bring food, and have fun. Why not invite your friends and family to enjoy this fun fall activity together?

13. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

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Fall comes with the incredible colors of red, yellow, and orange. The leaves are turning colors, and the town's pumpkin patches are popping up. You can take a drive with your family and visit a pumpkin patch. Then, those pumpkins will have numerous uses, such as making a jack-o-lantern, roasting the seeds, and using it as decoration.

14. Cuddle Up for a Movie Night

movie night

As the nights get longer and the weather cools down, watching a movie a night snuggled under some blankets could be that perfect cheap fall activity. All you need is popcorn and a good movie to enjoy this fall season.

15. Celebrate Oktoberfest With Your Favorite Brews

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Oktoberfest is famous in Munich, but you can make your own Oktoberfest at home. Invite some friends over and ask them to bring some of their favorite brews and enjoy a night of enjoying a cold one with friends. 

16. Go Camping in Your Backyard

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Not everyone is into camping in the woods or mountains, but the backyard can perfectly escape the house. Pitch a tent in the backyard, make a fire, roast some marshmallows, and sleep under the stars. This fall activity is perfect for almost all ages. 

Great Outdoors: Why Family Camping is the Best Way to Bond and Unplug

family camping
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If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to spend quality time away from screens, family camping is the answer. Camping allows you to escape your typical responsibilities of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and create unforgettable moments with your kids. But camping also requires some preparation and planning.

Great Outdoors: Why Family Camping is the Best Way to Bond and Unplug

11 U.S. Beach Camping Destinations Perfect For a Waterfront Getaway

beach camping

Beach camping is a unique way to experience the beauty and tranquility of our waterways. Many national seashores and state parks in the United States offer beach camping opportunities, allowing you to escape from your busy schedule and get back to the basics. You can wake up to waves crashing on the shore and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the sea. And with access to activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking, beach camping makes for the perfect outdoor getaway. 

11 U.S. Beach Camping Destinations Perfect For a Waterfront Getaway

11 Surprising Ways to Save Money You Never Knew About!

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As costs of gone up, many of us are looking for ways to save money. It can be challenging to find things that save money. Eating at home, cutting the cable, and driving less are things we may already be doing, but here is a list of some surprising ways to save money. Some of these you may have never heard about. 

11 Surprising Ways to Save Money You Never Knew About!

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