Fall is many people’s favorite season, and it’s not hard to see why. The changing leaves, lower temperatures, and the return of everything pumpkin spice make it an easy time of year to love.
Autumn’s a great time to get outside, as well, since a variety of cool-weather activities becomes available during the autumn months. Check out the ideas below for budget-friendly activities you can enjoy this season.
Head to your local orchard to find the perfect Granny Smith or Honeycrisp and take in the fresh air. Afterward, turn your bounty of apples into delicious treats like apple crisps, applesauce, or apple pie.
Libraries remain one of the best ways to source your free entertainment. Nothing compares to spending a chilly fall day wrapped in a blanket while reading a book.
You can rent DVDs from the library, too, and most have current collections featuring the latest blockbusters. Ask a few friends over for a movie night and set up an outdoor projector to enjoy the fall weather while you watch.
State parks are hosts to many different trails, ideal for immersing yourself in nature while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Add to your adventure by hiking in an area you’ve never visited before. Ask friends or family members for suggestions, and consider new ways to tackle your trail – whether by bike, horse, or ATV. Just make sure to check beforehand that the trail is designated for your method of travel.
The comfortable fall weather provides the perfect time to light a fire and roast some hot dogs and marshmallows. You can play backyard games, such as cornhole, or just sit around the fire and enjoy the company of friends and family.
Want an out-of-this-world s’more? Swap the usual chocolate bar for something more adventurous, like a peanut butter cup or your favorite cookie.
Get together with your neighbors to plan a scavenger hunt for your neighborhood. You can hide everything outside, or place things in homes’ windows to make them visible from the street. Make sure to have a prize ready for whomever wins!
Incorporate fall themes into your scavenger hunt to make it even more festive. Ask people to count how many pumpkins are located on a certain street or hide the winner’s prize in an apple tree.
Get your home ready for Halloween with all the spookiest decorations. Take extra time to carve your pumpkin and try organizing a neighborhood contest to showcase the best jack o’lanterns.
Ask neighbors to vote for their favorites on social media. Offer categories such as scariest, funniest, and most artistic.
When you carve your pumpkin, save the insides and turn them into a delicious, high-protein vegan treat. Roasted pumpkin seeds are easy to make. Separate the seeds from the rest of the pumpkin, then wash the seeds and pat them dry. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet and roast on low heat until they become crispy.
To give the pumpkin seeds a new twist, try sprinkling fun seasonings on them, such as cumin or sugar and cinnamon.
One thing that will never change about fall are the leaves – and the need to rake them. After you put in the work, channel your inner child.
When you have a big pile of leaves, jump in. You’ll feel just like a kid again.
Before you jump, make sure your pile doesn’t sit on top of anything like a grate or sewer opening. Also check for sticks. You want to have fun, but safety takes priority.
Make it your family’s goal to find the best fall-flavored treats offered in your hometown. Decide on a fall-themed dish, such as anything made with apple or pumpkin.
Try turning your sampling into a Friday night tradition. You don’t have to cook, and your family will love trying new dishes.
Taking a steaming cup of coffee or tea outside on a brisk morning offers you the chance to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Make it a daily tradition and use fall coffee or tea blends to match the season.
These fall activities are not only family-friendly, but budget-friendly as well. Although many activities on our list are free, some do come with a modest cost. When you shop for these or other items, use a cash rewards credit card like our Founder’s Rewards Card to earn back some of what you spend. Visit psecu.com/founders to apply for the card if you’re a PSECU member or apply for membership and the card at the same time if you’re not.
For more ideas on how to have fun without breaking your budget, visit our blog.