Family outside pumpkin picking

Fall Fun on a Budget

Oct 15, 2024

Celebrating the turn of the season doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few creative tips and tricks, you can enjoy a festive-packed season while keeping to a tight budget. Keep reading to discover fun and affordable activities this fall - you can stick to a budget without missing out.

Number 1Host a Spooky Movie Night

Spooky doesn’t have to mean scary. Whether you love scary movies or prefer family-friendly films filled with magic, movie nights are the perfect way to celebrate the season while keeping to a tight budget.

Many TV stations and streaming services play fall- and Halloween-themed movies during the fall months. So, check the schedule or check the services you already have to find flicks you can watch at no extra cost.

Throw a bunch of pillows and blankets on the sofa or spread them out on the floor and queue up your favorite spooky—or not-so-spooky—movie. Pop some popcorn, throw candy corn in a bowl, fill mugs with apple cider, dim the lights, and cozy up to watch a movie with your favorite people.

If you are struggling to stay on budget, invite your friends and family to bring fall-themed snacks to share. Or host a baking night beforehand; guests can each bring an ingredient to make a festive treat, such as pumpkin bread.

Number 2Adventure Outdoors for Fall Activities

Exploring the outdoors is a great way to experience fall while maintaining a tight budget. Add these budget-friendly outdoor adventures to your fall bucket list:

  • Visit a pumpkin patch.
  • Carve pumpkins.
  • Go apple picking.
  • Hike or bike amidst the fall foliage.
  • Make a picnic and read under a tree with your favorite fall book.
  • Go camping, stargaze, and make s’mores over a bonfire.
  • Get lost in a corn maze.
  • Search out yards decorated for fall and visit as many as you can.

Explore your local area to find seasonal treats such as apple cider donuts or pumpkin pie.

Number 3Find Free Events and Attractions

Local magazines, newspapers, and websites are usually filled with free events or attractions. Browse these resources and join email newsletters to discover free fall events that are happening near you.

What kind of events can you hope to find? This will depend on where you live, but museums and nature centers tend to host themed craft nights or special talks about “creatures” such as bats or rats. These are educational and fun, which is perfect for children or adults who are kids at heart. Many towns also hold local fall festivals.

Number 4Decorate Using Budget-Friendly Tips

Nothing puts you in a fall mindset more than transforming your space to reflect the season. Imagine a warm color palette of oranges and browns washing over your home, changing the atmosphere just as leaves change from green to hues of yellow, orange, and red. Use this change as inspiration, focusing on fall colors and seasonal decor. Don’t worry; you don’t have to spend much to completely transform the feel of your space.

How can you save while still making a big impact? Think about focusing on a few key pieces in each room rather than filling your home with every piece of seasonal decor you see. Decorating is about creating an ambiance, and this can be achieved with a few simple changes, such as changing your tablecloth or draping a plaid blanket at the end of your couch or bed.

Pick a color scheme rich with fall hues such as browns, oranges, yellows, or creams. Replace harsh lights in your house with warm, amber-colored bulbs. Bring out your candles and light them for extra ambiance. Look for scented candles with notes of cinnamon, orange, or vanilla. Add touches of nature, such as pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves.

Rather than spending a lot of money on these items, plan a fun outing to your local thrift or dollar store and see what fall treasures you can find. Many of these stores switch out their merchandise as the seasons change. Or consider borrowing from friends or family. Make a fun activity out of it by inviting friends over to trade decorations. Have your friends bring seasonal decor they no longer use so others can swap out decorations for something “new.”

Number 5DIY Fall-Themed Crafts

Save even more money by DIY-ing crafts that can double as seasonal decor. Grab your partner, some friends, or your kids, and plan a fun night of crafting. Listen to fall-inspired tunes as you craft the night away. Use supplies you have on hand or spend a few dollars on affordable supplies such as craft paints and brushes.

Need some inspiration? Try these affordable crafts:

  • Paint pumpkins instead of carving them. They last longer, so you only need a few pumpkins for the whole season.
  • Melt down old candles and use the wax to paint mushrooms, fall leaves, ghosts, pumpkins, or other autumn-inspired images on candlesticks.
  • Collect fall leaves and turn them into bookmarks or a fall wreath.
  • Learn to crochet by watching YouTube tutorials and make fall scarves, beanies, or blankets.

The ideas are nearly endless. Brainstorm with friends or look online and in magazines for more inspiration.

With these tips, enjoy the fall season without compromising on finances or festivities!

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