Something about fall just makes me want to go out and do things. I think it is the fact that it is no longer sweltering outside. I don’t do well with summer. However, fall is also a low money time for us. Summer and days off for competition in lumberjack competitions pretty well zaps our funds. For that reason, I try to find us free or cheap things to do as a family. Frugal fall family fun doesn’t have to be boring either. Here are some fun ideas to try with your family.
Jump in leaves
Maybe the grown ups want to avoid this one. Trust me on this. It isn’t as fun once you weigh more than 60 pounds. 😉 However, there isn’t anything much better than the joy of a child playing in a pile of leaves. I don’t know what it is but jumping in a pile of leaves just makes kids so happy. That happiness is contagious. Try to be grumpy when you kid is ecstatic. I dare you. 😉
Apple picking
This one may not be overly cheap. But if you limit how many apples you pick or like to can your own apple things, it can work out. I know I can expect to spend about $40-60 at the apple orchard for the three of us. That is apples, a gallon of cider, two cups of hot cider for the adults, and six donuts. So really, it isn’t too bad. If we have more children, the cost really won’t go up more than a couple dollars either. The orchard we go to has wagons pulled by tractors to get you down into the orchard. That has always been my daughter’s favorite part.
Go on a picnic
Everyone thinks of summer as the time of year to go on a picnic. I prefer fall. Between the cooler weather and the pretty scenery, it’s just much more enjoyable. Pack up the family and drive to a park or even a boat access place. You’d be surprised the pretty, public places you can find to have a picnic.
Make a game out of winter prep
I admit. This one is a bit of a stretch. But if you live in the north like I do, it can go from fall to winter over night. There can be a very short window of time in there to get the house prepped for winter. So instead of making it seem like chores, make it seem like a game. Have a wood stacking contest. See who can rake the biggest pile of leaves. Maybe make it into an entire weekend competition with different “events” with a winner at the end. Use your imagination on this one. The sky is the limit.
Make fall decorations/crafts
A quick Pinterest search shows so many fall crafts and DIY decorations. Get a few supplies together and create as a family. Even if you aren’t overly craft, try your hand at something new as a family. Maybe just drawing on pumpkins is your speed. Whatever it is, just try it!
What are some of your favorite frugal fall family fun things to do?
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