Whip out your boots, flannel and chunky sweaters, grab a pumpkin spice latte and jump in a pile of crinkly leaves, fall is coming! The possibilities for family fun and opportunities to host fall themed get togethers are endless. Here are some of our favorite fall bucket list items for free (or cheap):
1. Get lost in a corn maze
This is one of our favorite things to do every year. And many farms do 1 combo ticket for the corn maze admission as well as pumpkin patch, hayride, etc. (See activity #2 below). To find a corn maze near you, check out this website: https://www.cornmazesamerica.com/directory.php
CHEAP. (Usually $10-15 per older kid or adult ticket, kids 2 and under free.)
2. Visit a pumpkin patch and take a hayride.
It is so fun for kiddos to pick out their own pumpkin straight from the patch, plus many pumpkin patches also offer hayrides, a corn maze and even petting zoos with your admission. Check out this website (click your state then search by county) to find pumpkin patches near you: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org.
FREE or CHEAP. Usually $10-15 per older kid or adult ticket, kids 2 and under free for pumpkin patches that include a corn maze hayride, petting zoo, etc. Other pumpkin patches without these amenities are often free.
3. Host a family and friends pumpkin carving night.
After you pick out your pumpkin, you know you’ll need a good design to carve. Invite your friends and family over to carve pumpkins together. Spread out a tarp or newspaper on a hardwood, tile (or otherwise easily cleanable floor) and have everyone BYO pumpkin and carving kit. Once all is said and carved, line all the pumpkins up and hold a contest. Have a small goody bag of pumpkin muffins, little chocolates, fuzzy socks and a small candle for the winner of best pumpkin design.
- Here is a top-rated all-inclusive carving kit.
- Here is a tutorial with some printables for a pumpkin design we love: https://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2013/10/21/diy-calligraphy-pumpkins/.
- Search pinterest and you’ll find a plethora of printables, templates and pumpkin carving inspiration.
- If you don’t love to carve, try your hand at a painted or decoupage’d pumpkin. Here are a couple designs we think are so fun: https://www.sincerelysarad.com/unique-ways-to-decorate-pumpkins/?m=
- Or these cool thumbtack pumpkins: https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/make-it/pumpkin-challenge-quick-and-easy-thumbtack-pumpkin.
FREE.
4. Pick some apples or muscadines.
Besides being delicious, this is a really cool way for kids to get involved in knowing where their food came from. They get the fun experience of picking the produce and then eating it right then and there or transforming it by incorporating it into baking or cooking. Apples don’t originate at the grocery store = teachable moment. To find U-pick orchards and patches near you, check out this website (click on your state then search by county) http://www.pickyourown.org.
FREE. (Many are free except the price of the produce.)
5. Host a baking party.
Grab your kiddos or a couple friends, get in the kitchen and bake all the fall things. Kids can help with measuring, stirring and pouring – just leave anything knife, oven or stovetop related to the adults. Have a few friends over for a DIY baking party where everyone brings their own recipe and ingredients and you supply the apple cider and a fall movie playing in the background. This pumpkin bread and these brownies are a few of our favorite things. Or use your apples and bake some apple desserts. Like these mini pies.
FREE. (Except for your baking ingredients.)
6. Build a firepit right in your own backyard.
Here is our tutorial for how to build an amazing party-starting firepit in just 1-2 hours and for under $75. The kids can get involved in helping dig out the space, spraying the paver base with the hose and dumping pebbles. Once the firepit is built, have them wander the yard with a bucket or basket collecting sticks, leaves and pine cones for kindling. Even our 16 month old loves to “help” by picking up pinecones. It’s really sweet and makes him feel so important.
CHEAP.
7. Host a s’mores party.
All you really need for traditional s’mores are marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers and a set of top-rated ‘mallow roasting sticks. But here are few fun ways to take your s’mores party over the top:
- Have your friends over for an easy chili dinner beforehand. When the sun sets, head out to the firepit for s’more action.
- Create a cozy drink bar featuring apple cider, hot cocoa, decaf coffee, homemade pumpkin spice lattes if you’re feeling extra festive (and basic) and some mixers for a fun cocktail bar if you’re into that (try our homemade bitters recipe to make a mean Old-Fashioned or Manhattan).
- Create gourmet s’more options: Try swapping the chocolate bar for a couple andes mints, a york peppermint patty or a peanut butter cup. Or add a drizzle of peanut butter or salted caramel for a fun twist.
FREE. (Except for your s’mores supplies.)
8. Decorate your home for fall.
Check out our easy DIY tutorials (coming soon) for super cheap and stylish fall decor ideas. There’s nothing to get you in the mood for fall like the little touches of pumpkins, fall wreaths, burlap and sheaves of wheat everywhere you look in your own home.
CHEAP or FREE. (If you repurpose items you already have.)
9. Buy local.
Support local farmers and enjoy delicious, locally grown fall produce by shopping at your local farmers market. Check out this website and click on your state to find options by county http://www.localfarmmarkets.org.
FREE. (Except for what you buy.)
10. Check for DIY workshops at your local Home Depot.
Go here, enter your zip code and choose your neighborhood Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#change_store. Make sure to verify which are appropriate for children if you’re planning to bring the kiddos along. Workshops and classes vary depending on your store but here are a few fun ones coming up in September and October:
- How to build a S’mores Station (perfect prep for your s’mores party).
- Building a seasonal decor door hanger.
- Kids class: Building a model Fireboat (to celebrate fire safety month).
- More practical classes like how to install wall tile, faucets and smoke alarms
FREE. (In most cases.)
11. Fall Festival.
The crisp chill of the fall air, face painting, carnival rides, sweet treats, games for the kiddos and maybe even a livestock competition or two. Fall festivals, state fairs and the like set a playful tone for the season. For fall festivals in Atlanta: https://www.atlanta.net/events/festivals/fall/. For country livings picks of the 22 best fall festivals across America: https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/g2588/best-fall-festivals/.
CHEAP.
12. Pack a picnic and go for a family hike.
What better way to enjoy the fall leaves than up close and personal while hiking through the forest? To plan your next hike, check out https://www.trails.com/hiking. Click on your state and from there you can search within a certain area or search by distance, whether the hikes are dog friendly, kid friendly, include waterfalls and a whole bunch of other criteria.
FREE. Other than the cost of your picnic lunch, gas to drive to the trailhead and parking (in some instances).
13. Jump in a pile of leaves.
Your leaf raking chores may take a little longer, but give your kids a rake and let them help you. Your yard gets raked AND the kids are entertained for hours. This one is a total win-win.
FREE.
14. Thrift!
Check out your local thrift store for fabulous fall finds on the cheap. You may have to dig through a little more, but for a fraction of the price, it’s worth it. Plus it’s kind of like a scavenger hunt for the kids. Give them an item to find and I’m sure you’ll be amazed at how focused they are until they find what you’re looking for. You can find good quality fall decor (some items may require new life with a coat of spray paint) and cute fall sweaters, boots, flannel shirts, etc. that are in good shape.
CHEAP.
15. Take a relaxing bath.
Pour yourself a cup of tea (this is our favorite), apple cider or hot cocoa, put some relaxing music on, grab your favorite book and light an autumn leaves candle / plug in your wax warmer with a pumpkin spice wax melt / diffuse some fall scented essential oils.
Our go-to for essential oils is Edens Garden. After doing lots of research, it seems that this is the brand of choice for many certified aromatherapists, it consistently gets great reviews, it’s most cost effective than many of the big name brands, but still pure essential oils without fillers. And, bonus, you can buy these oils on Amazon.
This wireless bluetooth speaker is our favorite – amazing sound quality, great battery life and great reviews for longevity. This baby got us through labor at home and at the hospital, has provided tunes on the beach and the lake and even allowed us to play road trip jams even though our cars don’t have a way to connect our phones (old school, baby!). Austin has a weird thing about sound quality…don’t get me started…
FREE.
