15 budget-friendly fall activities for kids and teens

As parents, we know life gets busy. However, even amid hectic schedules, one of the best gifts you can give your children is to spend time with them. A recent study revealed that when parents spend more time with their kids, children are healthier and enjoy better sleep quality. In addition, their academic performance improves significantly. 

Despite the many benefits of quality time, some hobbies can get expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost or even no-cost activities to try out this fall. As the holiday season gets closer, what better time to have fun with your family?

Affordable or free fall activities for the whole family

Looking for budget-friendly fall activities to enjoy with your kids? We got you! Here are 15 ideas to explore: 

1. Have a picnic 

Fall weather can be perfect: not too cold and not too hot. Make the most of it and go for a picnic at a nearby park. With autumn treats like pies, donuts, cider, and pumpkin lattes, it can be super fun. Plus, it's much more budget-friendly than a dinner out at a restaurant. Try preparing special treats beforehand and encouraging your kids to join in — kids love frosting. 

2. Visit an apple orchard 

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Do you live close to an orchard? If so, lucky you! Take your kids for a visit and enjoy fresh fruit and fresh air. Some orchards will allow you to pick your own apples, while others will sell them to you. Later on, you can make mouth-watering caramel apples. 

3. Make DIY Halloween costumes

Ah, Halloween. There's nothing better than dressing up and getting candy as a reward. This year, try making your own costumes. You'll be surprised what you can craft using basic materials like cardboard, foam, or old bedsheets. Plus, chances are you have some funky old hats lying around that can be repurposed. 

4. Have a painting party

Sites like Skillshare and Udemy offer cheap or free painting classes suitable for kids and grown-ups. Grab some watercolor paints, markers, or crayons, and have a painting party in the comfort of your home. 

5. Watch a popular fall movie

Most TV streaming services have new movies for the fall season. You can snack on popcorn and roasted pumpkin seeds as you enjoy a great movie indoors. Alternatively, find a projector and organize an outdoor movie night.    

6. Go to a pumpkin patch

Fall is not complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. This could be an opportunity to engage in family-friendly activities such as produce picking, cheese tasting, and outdoor games. You might even find a hay maze, an experience your kids will remember for a long time.   

7. Host a pumpkin carving contest

Now that you’ve collected a few pumpkins from the local farm, how about organizing a pumpkin carving contest? You could even invite some friends over for this one. When everyone is done, post the photos on social media and ask people to vote.   

8. Take a road trip

Go for a long drive with no agenda and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of autumn. Keep it budget-friendly by packing some drinks and snacks. And don’t forget to bring along your camera!

9. Stargaze

Grab a cup of hot chocolate, wrap up in a duvet, and enjoy a night out gazing at the stars. Teach your kids about the planets and constellations around us using the free Skyview app. That’s family fun and education all wrapped in one. 

10. Get crafty 

Want to enhance your kids’ problem-solving and motor skills? Engage them in craft activities like building a scarecrow, picking and arranging flowers, or crafting corn husk dolls. Check out Pinterest for fall-themed craft ideas. 

11. Play outdoor games

Play games with your kids while enjoying the crisp fall air. Capture the flag, pumpkin bowling, stick limbo and a scavenger hunt are some of the ideas you might want to explore. 

12. Have a bonfire

Light a bonfire and roast some marshmallows and hotdogs. This is also a good time to teach them some popular campfire songs. You could even tell stories or ask crazy questions. 

13. Camp in your backyard

No need to drive out of town to go camping — you can have a camping experience in your own backyard. All you need to do is pitch a tent and get an air mattress and a warm blanket. Grab some snacks and enjoy the night under the stars. 

14. Take a nature walk 

Visit the local park and enjoy a nature walk with your kids. While you're at it, you could collect acorns or leaves, go creek stomping, plant bulbs, or try puddle jumping. You might also want to carry along a pair of binoculars for birdwatching. 

15. Read autumn-themed books

Reading together as a family is a great way to boost your kids’ communication skills and social-emotional development. To keep it interesting, visit your local library for books on different topics such as animals, other countries, natural phenomena, and machines. And be sure to engage your kids with questions about the book you’re reading. 

Fun fall activities can fit every family’s budget

Autumn presents numerous opportunities for parents to create unforgettable memories with their children. From visiting an apple orchard to hosting a pumpkin carving contest, there’s no shortage of fun activities for the whole family. And the good news is that you can enjoy most of these activities for free or on a budget.   

In fact, your kids can pay for some of the budget-friendly fall activities using their own money earned doing chores. Greenlight offers a comprehensive guide and a list of household chores that can help guardians manage their children’s chores and allowances. Plus, you can download the Greenlight app which your kids can use to receive chore reminders and track their earnings. By encouraging your kids to spend their money on low-cost, quality experiences with the family, you're setting them up for a great financial future.