62 Fun Fall Activities on a Budget To Enjoy With Your Friends This Fall

Fall is a season that brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors, making it a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor activities as a family.

Autumn comes with an abundance of fall-themed activities to enjoy outdoors. Find out how to enjoy the crisp, cool days of fall with cheap fall activities for families like hikes, hayrides, and more while on a budget.

62 Fall Activities on a Budget

1. Go on a Nature Hike

Enjoy the beautiful autumn weather by taking a hike in the great outdoors. Experience the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp air on your skin, and the sounds of wildlife. Take in the natural beauty around you and embrace the season.

2. Have a Fall Picnic

Take your meal outside and soak up the sun while enjoying a delicious spread. Pack seasonal favorites like apple cider, pumpkin muffins, and warm soups in thermoses. Spread out a cozy blanket, and you’re all set.

3. Go Pick Pumpkins

Visit a local pumpkin patch or farm to select the perfect pumpkins for carving, decorating, or cooking. Take advantage of the many opportunities to enjoy fall, like corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos.

4. Carve Jack-o’-Lanterns

Gather friends and family for a fun night of pumpkin carving. Pick a selection of pumpkins, let your creativity run wild and create your own unique jack-o’-lanterns.

5. Visit an Apple Orchard

Fall is apple season, so why not pick some fresh, juicy apples? Enjoy the fresh produce, and then try out some apple recipes like apple pie, apple butter, or apple crisp.

6. Create an Outdoor Obstacle Course

Set up a fun and challenging outdoor obstacle course in your yard or the park. Use items like cones, tires, or rope to create your course and compete with friends.

7. Spend Time Around the Fire Pit

Start up the fire pit and spend cozy evenings around the fire with friends and family. Share stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the warmth of the fire.

8. Tailgate From Home

Even if you can’t tailgate at the stadium, you can still enjoy all the fanfare from the comfort of your own home. Cook up some classic tailgating foods like hot dogs, chili, and burgers and root for your favorite team.

9. Make Apple Cobbler

Try your hand at a classic fall dessert and bake a delicious apple cobbler. Incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg for a mouth-watering flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

10. Pop Popcorn on the Stove

Forgo the microwave and create a homemade popcorn snack. Add some melted butter and sea salt for a delicious snack that everyone will love. Hot popcorn is the perfect snack for a cozy fall evening at home.

11. Roast Pumpkin Seeds

After you finish carving your jack-o’-lanterns, don’t forget to save and clean the seeds. Roast them with spices like garlic or chili powder for a crunchy and savory snack.

12. Watch a Favorite Fall Movie

Cozy up on the couch with friends and family and enjoy a classic fall movie like Hocus Pocus or Harry Potter. You can also check out some spooky movies that will help you get in the mood for Halloween.

13. Roast Marshmallows

Gather around the fire pit and roast marshmallows for some delicious s’mores. The gooey dessert is a fall classic that everyone will enjoy.

14. Drink Hot Chocolate

As the temperatures cool down, warm up with a mug of hot chocolate. Add a dollop of whipped cream or even some marshmallows for an extra treat.

15. Go for a Sunday Drive

Enjoy a leisurely Sunday drive and take in the beauty of fall. Find a scenic route and take your time admiring the changing fall leaves and stunning views.

16. Camp Out in Your Backyard

Enjoy the great outdoors without traveling far from home. Pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars.

17. Take Up Bird-Watching

With the cooler weather comes the migration of birds, making it the perfect time to take up bird-watching. Bring binoculars and enjoy nature up close.

18. Jump Into a Pile of Leaves

A symbol of childhood memories, this classic fall activity exudes happiness, freedom, and excitement. The crisp rustling sound of leaves along with the sweet smell in the air will transport you back to the timeless moments of childhood.

19. Take a Bike Ride Over the Weekend

Fall is the perfect time to explore the outdoors on a leisurely bike ride. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning autumn scenery, crisp air, and refreshing exercise.

20. Head Outside to Stargaze

There is no better time than fall to experience the beauty of the night sky. Clear skies, cool breezes, and bright stars will help you relax and connect with the vastness and wonders of the universe.

21. Break Out Your Sweaters and Scarves

Break out your cozy sweaters and scarves as the weather starts to turn crisp. These staples will keep you warm while also making a fashion statement.

22. Wear Your Plaids and Flannels

Plaid and flannel shirts are a hit during the fall season for a reason: they are effortless and stylish. Mix and match them with your outfits to create a relaxed and rustic aesthetic.

23. Host a Harvest Dinner Party

Get your friends and family together for a homey and delicious harvest dinner party. Don’t forget to decorate your space with fall-inspired décor, and set the mood by incorporating candlelight, acoustic playlists, and, of course, crisp apple cider.

24. Add Cozy Décor to Your Home

Embrace the season by incorporating cozy décor into your home. Think chunky-knit blankets, plush throw pillows, and pumpkin- or cinnamon-scented candles.

25. Binge Watch the New Fall Lineup (Or an Old Favorite)

Fall is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite TV shows and movies inside the comfort of your home. Snuggle up on the couch with a hot beverage and get ready to enjoy the new fall lineup or an old favorite.

26. Head To A Drive-In Movie Theater

Rewind to the nostalgic ambiance of a drive-in movie theater while enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. Perfect for an outdoor date or a family-friendly activity.

27. Host a Cozy Wine and Cheese Night

Gather your closest friends together for a cozy wine and cheese night. Pair your wine with seasonal cheeses, apple slices, roasted nuts, and charcuterie for a delightful evening.

28. Collect Leaves and Pinecones

Take a stroll and collect colorful leaves and pinecones to put into festive vases around your home.

29. Eat All the Halloween Candy

During the fall season, Halloween candy is a must! Indulge in your favorite sweets without the guilt, as this is the only time of the year they are available.

30. Make Halloween Costumes

Knock yourself out with new ideas and create some exclusive homemade Halloween costumes that are cheaper and personalized.

31. Bake Cookies

Enjoy the fall weather by baking and indulging in warm, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven cookies. Think pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or caramel flavors.

32. Go on a Hayride

Take in the beautiful scenery and the crisp autumn air on a fun-filled hayride perfect for a family outing or a romantic date.

33. Pitch a Tent in Your Backyard

Do something adventurous and unique by pitching a tent in your backyard. Unwind and spend the night under the stars with your loved ones.

34. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Test your skills and puzzle-solving abilities by getting lost in a corn maze. This fun fall activity is a favorite for all ages.

35. Make a Scarecrow

This fun and easy DIY craft will add a festive touch to your yard or garden. Gather some straw, old clothes, and other accessories to create the perfect friendly scarecrow.

36. Make Candy Apples

Turn a classic fall dessert into a fun family project. With some caramel, sugar, and apples, everyone will have a delicious treat!

37. Play a Game of Football

Gear up and challenge your family and friends to a classic game of football in the backyard or local park.

38. Buy Gourds at the Farmer’s Market

Visit the local farmers’ market and pick up some colorful gourds to decorate your home with an autumnal vibe.

39. Make a Backyard Bonfire

As the nights begin to turn cooler, celebrate the season by spending time around a backyard bonfire with loved ones. You can make smores as you cuddle in blankets near the warm bonfire.

40. Eat a Cider Doughnut

Treat yourself to warm and delicious cider doughnuts; a favorite fall treat that no one can resist!

41. Make a Batch of Mulled Wine

Get cozy with a comforting cup of warm and aromatic mulled wine. This easy recipe will make you forget about the cold.

42. Toast Pumpkin Seeds

After carving pumpkins, don’t throw away the seeds! Toasted pumpkin seeds make for a healthy and crunchy snack.

43. Bake a Pumpkin Pie

A classic and aromatic pumpkin pie is a must-have during the fall season. Perfect for a cozy night in with your loved ones.

44. Dust Your Coffee in Pumpkin Spice

Love PSL? Make your own pumpkin spice latte at home! Start your day off right with a warm latte dusted with pumpkin spice. This aroma will fill your home with comfort and warmth.

45. Eat Soup for Lunch

As the weather cools down, warm up with a hearty bowl of soup for lunch. It’s perfect for cozy days in or packed for an outdoor adventure.

Related: 25 Best Easy Soup Recipes

46. List the Things You’re Thankful For

Take a moment this fall to reflect on what you are thankful for. Write down your gratitude list and make it a part of your fall routine.

47. Curl Up with a Great Cozy Book

Take advantage of the mood of the season and lose yourself in a great book. Curl up under a soft blanket and sip on hot cocoa while enjoying quality time with yourself.

Curling up with a great cozy book is a great fall activity that allows you to enjoy the benefits of reading, such as getting lost in captivating stories, expanding your imagination, and finding comfort in the warmth of words without breaking the bank.

48. Make a Fall Bucket List

Embrace the fall season by creating a list of all the fun activities you want to do before winter arrives, and make a fall bucket list! It’ll help you stay motivated and enjoy the season to the fullest. It’s a great way to have a list of fun fall activities handy for whenever you need to think of something to do with your kids!

49. Skip the Gym in Favor of Daily Runs in the Brisk Morning Air

Swap your gym membership for a morning jog outside to enjoy the refreshing and cool autumn air.

50. Rake a Giant Pile of Leaves

Get out and rake crunchy leaves into a giant pile and let the inner child in you out as you jump onto the mound of leaves.

51. Take a Hike

Take a perfect opportunity to bond with nature, breathe in the cool air, and admire the vibrant colors of the autumn season on a refreshing hike.

52. Watch the Sunset

Take delight in the stunning and cozy view of the setting sun. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

53. Plant a Fall Garden

Enjoy your green fingers and make the most of the fall season by planting a garden full of colorful fall flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

54. Tour a Haunted House

Get spooky and indulge in the Halloween craze by visiting a haunted house. Perfect for thrill-seekers!

55. Go to a Harvest Festival or a Fall Festival

Many towns host a harvest festival (or a Fall Festival) in the autumn, so be sure to check it out if one is near you (although it may be worth it to travel a bit just to join one). Harvest festivals are traditionally a time for a community to get together and celebrate.

56. Candy Corn Tissue Paper Activity

Have some fun with the kids as you take on the challenge of crafting colorful candy corn tissue paper.

57. Sponge Paint Sensory Tree

Get crafty and make a unique sensory tree with sponge painting. Engaging with the senses will keep it interactive and exciting.

58. Create a Fall Scavenger Hunt

Keep your kids entertained with a fun fall scavenger hunt, finding and collecting things like leaves, pine cones, acorns and twigs.

Print one out here: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

59. Go Leaf Peeping (And Take Photos)

The season of changing colors calls for exploring and capturing the beauty of nature. Go leaf peeping and take stunning photos of the vibrant autumn colors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

60. Take a Fall Picture

This may be cliche, but who cares? Take a beautiful photo (by yourself, with family, or with friends) wearing cozy fall sweaters with gorgeous fall foliage as a background. Then you can share it on Instagram if you are so inclined or print it out and display it in your home.

61. Drink Tea

Make yourself a yummy, hot cup of tea and curl yourself up on a couch, reading a book or watching a movie. Is there anything else that conjures up such a cozy autumn feeling?

62. Make a Fall Craft

It’s the season to celebrate nature. Use the treasures, like leaves, pinecones, or sticks that you collected on your nature walk, and create a beautiful masterpiece or evoke fall colors by doing a DIY paint night or another seasonal craft.

Fall Activities on a Budget

Fall is a wonderful season for families to bond and create cherished memories together. With these fall activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy without needing to break the budget.

From outdoor activities like apple picking and hiking to indoor activities like crafting and baking, families can find endless ways to make the most of the season. Spending time together and trying new things can strengthen family relationships and help create lasting traditions.

So, whether you decide to have a cozy movie night or embark on a scavenger hunt, make sure to take advantage of all the season has to offer.

Fall only comes once a year, so make sure to soak in all the sights, smells, and activities it has to offer. With these fall activities, fall can be more than just a season; it can be a time to create treasured memories with your loved ones.

This post originally appeared on A Dime Saved.