PFP: Living in SoCal has its benefits but it would be nice to see the leaves change color once in a while. Today, PF Pro contributor Kali Hawlk takes a look at all the best free activities out there to do during the fall. Personally, I think the best types of activities are the free ones and if you look hard, you will be amazed at the opportunity out there to have fun for little to no cost.
Fall is, hands down, my favorite time of year. I live in the South, and you do not know how amazing it is to simply exist outside until you have endured 90 degree heat with a gazillion percent humidity one day, and then a comfy, breezy, 70 degree, not-a-cloud-in-the-blue-sky day with zero humidity the next.
Fall is also great for the abundance of opportunities to get out and enjoy the day for cheap or entirely free. So forget about your pumpkin spice latte. (Seriously, please leave it behind. It’s not that good and doesn’t even contain pumpkin, people.) Instead, grab your friends and family and try one of my favorite frugal fall activities this season.
Hit Up Local Festivals
Festivals, fairs, arts and crafts shows — they’re everywhere this time of year and many of them don’t charge an admission if you simply want to walk around and check out what’s on display. And if you do want to pull out your wallet and spend a little money, you’ll most likely be buying from local or individual artists and vendors and receiving something unique in return.
Take a Hike
I’m a bit biased, having grown up in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, but I don’t see what could be better than walking out your front door and into the woods for an outdoor adventure. Bring a small pack and some snacks or sandwiches and hit up your local hiking trails this fall!
If you don’t live in an area with lots of trails in the wilderness, there’s nothing wrong with paved city bike paths or walks around your local park. Whatever you do, take advantage of the crisp fall air and pleasant temperatures to get yourself moving outside. Not only does this cost you nothing, it’s good for your mind and body, too!
Hide from Trick-or-Treaters
Y’all, I am not even kidding. This started out kind of sad, but now I actually look forward to this every fall.
We live in a neighborhood that’s heavily trafficked by the kiddos on Halloween. This was our first house, so our first opportunity to be on the receiving end of the candy exchange. We were so excited.
Then we went to the store to pick out bags of candy. As the broke newlyweds we were, we could not believe how much bags of candy cost. (Even $20 was a big deal to us at the time, and not something we took parting with lightly.)
We decided to skip it and simply pretend we weren’t home. We turned off all the lights, closed the blinds, and went and hid upstairs where we binged watched Netflix. And it was kinda fun!
So we became big ol’ curmudgeons who won’t spend money on candy to give to kids at Halloween and I love it.
Pick Pumpkins and Apples
What would a fall activity list be without this suggestion?
Sure, it’s cliche, but that doesn’t mean going to the pumpkin patch or apple orchards isn’t a lot of fun — and it definitely doesn’t need to cost too much.
Host a Seasonal Party
Whether you want to get dressed up in crazy costumes with your friends for Halloween or want to invite people over for a dinner party featuring some of your favorite fall dishes and drinks, this is a great time to get together and start spending time with the people you enjoy being with most.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to use the carload of pumpkins and apples you just brought home.
This may sound a little silly considering the holidays right around the corner, but getting together now gives you a chance to enjoy everyone’s company without all the stress. You’re not obligated to invite members of your family over if you don’t want to see them, and because there’s no specific occasion you might be a little more free from the usual rituals and traditions.
Don’t worry about a fancy dinner or dressing up. Have some folks over and enjoy a campfire in the backyard along with some apple cider and pecan pie.
What do you love to do during this season? What’s your favorite frugal fall activity?
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My bf and I went to upstate NY last weekend and it was stunning- we took a hike, went to an autumn festival, and an oktoberfest. The only thing we bought was gas to get there and a couple of drinks.
That sounds like a TON of fun, Stefanie!
I was just saying how much I love fall running. Not only is it beautiful, the temps are so pleasant for long runs!
Yes! Another great reason to love it. It’s so comfortable to just hang out outside the whole day.
We are from Arizona and this is our first year experience fall in the South (North Carolina!). I love it!! We’ve been to the pumpkin patch and to a few local festivals. This weekend we’re hitting up a Halloween festival (free) for our kids. We love going on drives looking at the leaves change colors, watching movies with the windows open and spending time at parks! Fall is awesome, especially here in NC!
Thanks for the list of ideas!!
That’s awesome! Glad you’re enjoying your first fall down south 🙂 The mountains in the east are a great place to be during this time of year. Have your leaves started changing colors?
I love going to the exhibition or state fair and festival! I remember before, when I was a kid, we always went to the city fair where there are lots of shows, rides and foods with a very cheap price.
Fairs are so much fun! Even just walking around and people watching (and eating fried candy bars!) is fun for me. I skip the rides because I’m a chicken, ha.
I am with you on the hiking–fall is hands down the best time of year to hike. The colors and the temperatures are perfect! We actually haven’t been able to find an orchard that doesn’t charge admission to pick a pumpkin or apples, so we’ve sadly had to skip that. But, I do enjoy walking around town with Frugal Hound and checking out everyone’s pumpkin decor!
Oh man! That stinks that there are no free-admission places around you. But I’m sure the trees up in the Northeast put on quite a show for you guys – I so want to be a leaf peeper up in New Hampshire or Vermont one year.
And yes, hiking in the fall is the best! Especially down south. Less chance of bugs, snakes, and spiders to run into 😉
Hiking is great in the fall. The colours, the cold fresh air, it just feels great. I recently got a “fit bit” to track my number of steps per day so there is extra motivation to get out there for a hike.